I’m always fascinated if not entertained by reading comments from current Mormons posted on various Internet boards . A recent topic of discussion was why people leave the Mormon (LDS) church. Most commenters stated they felt that people left because Satan had gotten a hold of them. Really now? So, there are actually Mormons out there that feel that if you leave their religion, it must be because the Devil himself took over and caused you to leave. WOW. Of course there were several other reasons listed; such as the old “they must be too lazy to do all the church asks of them” and “they must want to sin” (which, remember, to a Mormon could be as innocuous as drinking coffee for Pete’s sake) and then there’s the old “someone must have offended them”. So, it couldn’t be that, say for example, I don’t know….that it's not true? “Doctrinal issues” was mentioned by those who were not active Mormons and even some of the less fanatical current members, but it was always brought around to the concept of something being wrong with the person (for not believing) not that there was or could ever be something wrong with the church or it’s doctrine. It is this type of mind set that further cements in my mind how utterly ridiculous it is to believe that there is only one way, it’s your way, and if someone doesn’t believe it there is something seriously wrong with them. When you combine that with a set of needlessly restrictive Mormon Rules and the ideology that you must do this, you must not do that, you must believe what we tell you to believe and never question it and then throw in some super secret ceremonies and make it an ultra-exclusive club (members only!) then, well… folks, that is the very definition of an extreme religion/group/organization. It is this type of extremism in the world today that causes great harm. Need I point out any examples? I didn’t think so.
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Good to meet you, Aggie.
ReplyDeleteThe hostility that religious outsiders have to face from Mormons is something, isn't it? Especially in Utah. If Mormons were treated that way, we would not hear the end of it.
When questioning the Mormon Church, my boss (who is mormon) told me I was playing with fire and that is was the devil talking. LOL!
ReplyDeletethe sad thing is this is so indoctrinated into us that as I've been contemplating leaving I have serious doubts as to whether I've done enough and at times think the spirit has left and that is why I'm feeling this way. cognitive dissonaot nce is a bitch! I can't even describe how angry I am to have been raised in such a manner that I feel unworthy for having a simple question. I am even in fear that I will be excommunicated for sharing my concerns with my husband because suggesting that someone else reads something that calls the churches "authorized" history into question is "apostasy".
ReplyDeleteI'm so angry. AGH! And for the record I have been a TBM my entire life. Both my husband and I are multi-generational members (me 6th, him 4th or 5th). I've had my 4 kids in 3.5 years and have been staying home with them forever. One of my major clues that something was not right was the fact that I want to go to school but I had serious panic attacks that my kids would somehow turn into moral degenerates if I didn't wait until everyone of them was in school.
I was in pre-school when I was little but somehow I feel that if my kids go to pre-school I am failing in my motherly duties and I will be responsible for whatever occurs (which in my mind would be complete apostasy).
It's ridiculous. I'm just so angry right now.