Organized Religion & Mormon Underwear

Many of you may have heard Jeffrey last night on a radio show discussing Mormonism. He was asked by the host about his exit from Mormonism and subsequent turn toward basic Christianity. The host asked if he’d considered that after concluding that Mormonism is a false and man-made religion did he consider that maybe all religions are man-made? His response was that to a certain degree he feels they are which is why he is a “Non-institutional Christian”. I agree with this. (I know, big surprise since we married each other!) When I left Mormonism [over a decade ago] I wanted nothing more to do with “organized” religion. I am of the opinion that while there are some good and perhaps truthful things about many churches, none has the right to claim “they know it all”. Claiming to be the one true church, in my view, is a very arrogant and dangerous thing to do. Additionally, the concept of belonging to an organization that expects complete obedience of its members in every aspect of their lives is, well, just ridiculous. Basic “rules” for living are helpful; “don’t kill anyone” and “be faithful to your spouse” (10 commandments stuff) are great basic rules. But when the rules get into what kind of underwear are allowed, how many earrings are considered “appropriate” and how you can spend your free time that’s going beyond too far. I joined the Mormon church as a young woman who wanted to be around other like-minded, basically moral people. I joined because I thought Mormons, overall, adhered to the basic rules. Unfortunately, Mormons aren’t exactly forthcoming with all the “doctrine” and rules and restrictions when you join. Sure, I knew the main things like no coffee, no alcohol, etc, and while I thought those were a tad restrictive I was willing to go along with them. But once I was in the Mormon church and learned about all the additional do’s, don’ts and requirements I was shocked. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I accidentally heard about “garments” [aka the special Mormon underwear] for the first time while overhearing a conversation between two long-time members. At first I thought they were ceremonial and to be worn under clothing but over normal underwear. When it was explained that they are your underwear I was floored, especially when it was stated that women are to wear their bras on the outside of the shirt. This is just one example of the Mormon mode of operation they like to call “Milk before Meat” which loosely translates into “If we tell potential members the creepy stuff upfront they won’t join”. Talk about “non-disclosure”. This is the point about organized religion and the control they exercise over their members. Contrary to what the Mormons will try to tell people, it’s been found that the fastest growing religion is actually NO religion. It seems that among those who are believers in God, they are choosing to attend non-denominational churches without feeling the need to pick a “religion” and join, thus steering clear of the organized religions. This is religious freedom. And this is a good thing.