Why do people fear what they don't know?

Question

I'm a mormon (proudly) and it is the best thing i now in this wolrd, and others that know nothing or little about us, try to destroy the happiness we've fought so hard to gain, by claiming we're devil worshippers and crazy stuff like that, which is completely INSANE because we couldn't be farther from it! Can't they just take the time to listen to what we have to say and see we only want to help? Why fear whats not to fear?

Answer 1

I'm scared to answer this question honestly because it would be reported for abuse under the "insulting other users" guideline.

I've never heard of Mormons being referred to as devil worshippers and I can agree, that would be crazy stuff which is completely INSANE but that's because the church invented the devil in the first place along with the god and the angels and the crazy stuff like that, which is completely INSANE and yet is said to be THE TRUTH by people like you.

You have a definition of "the truth" no reasonable and honest person can recognise. That makes you untrustworthy, deceitful people.

Addressing the original question, here's your answer. People are right to distrust the decietful. That you choose to call distrust 'fear' and deceitful people 'the unknown' is a twisted mindset.

Answer 2

Built in protective mechanism - instinct. The creature known as man has instincts and those instincts have made us the predominant creature on the planet. So - our instincts have been honed that what we do not know will try to hurt / eat / kill / steal from us.

As far as Mormons go - you state that ...'say and see we only want to help'. What makes you think that non-Mormons want or need your help?

I don't mean to be rude - the written word does not convey emotion. So, as it may be difficult to determine my emotions from my response, so it was with your post. But it clearly seems to me that from your post that you believe that Mormons can help non-Mormons, and almost without exception.

I am not Mormon, though I closely know many Mormon people. It discourages me when I am not allowed into a wedding ceremony (the basic part I am, but the religious part is reserved for Mormons only). That begs the question - why? What is there to hide? That secrecy creates doubts and fears in others. For me, it only creates a feeling that they believe in elitism. The same can be said for other beliefs - I've had many Mormon children tell me that when we all die, they will be on a 'higher' Heaven than I will be. They will be able to see me, I won't be able to see them. Again, since their teachings are not shared openly, it creates a sense of the unknown and people are afraid of the unknown.

I believe that the Mormon church does good things for it's flock, but with the money it spends on buildings like those it owns Oakland, California, all I see is more 'elitism.'

Most of these statements can refer to any religion that someone is not knowledgable about. Look at how many Christians treat Muslims. Look at how many Muslims treat Jews. Look at how many Jews treat Budhists. It's the same circle.

I know I likely to get flamed, but this is mostly an opinion. I don't express these as fact.

Answer 3

Define "Don't know"
In any event we are very alike believe it or not. I'm Catholic and we are called "Cultists" and "sick Mary worshipers". none of which is true. Remember what Jesus said is the greatest commandment "Love god with all your hear, all your soul and all your might" so I consider you a sister as we are all in Christ. In Cristian stores if you say Catholic you are left in a corner and avoided. I'm sure the same is true for you. I believe it is that it is the opposite than what you say in that if people don't know what it is they can make it out to be any thing they want but our faiths set guide lines and rules. Saying that this is wrong and this is right. That scares people. I am not saying that people are not afraid of what they don't know but in this case it goes the other way and they are trying to reject the truth by branding those that fallow it. I don't know much about Mormons but if a part to you Faith look at the New Testament and how the scribes and Pharisees responded to Him. That is my take on the whole situation.
look to God for guidance if you have any problems and try your youth group in you church or what ever it's called.
I'll pray for you. Good luck.
Peace
"Seemingly immortal God survive only so long as men have need of them" Frank Herbert

Answer 4

Any religion has its critics. A belief is the most powerful thing. People die for beliefs. Understand that it is not just the Mormans who have it rough. Remember ancient jews? It also seems to me that Christianity in general bears its own threats against other religions. Wiccanism is a very good example of a religion that takes many injustices and violence from other religions. No one said having a faith is easy but never lose hope and love while fighting for your beliefs even if others don't share your views.

Answer 5

This is a good question. I think that people dont want to listen because there might be a little voice in themselve saying that they could be wrong and that you could prove them wrong. people done like the unknown because they cant controll it. Humans like to controll everything that happens to them. Thats why there are wars and hatred due to religion. Sorry about all those mean people out there.
hold on
and keep believing

Answer 6

While I think Mormans are just as deluded as other cults (the rest of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, etc.), they also tend to be pretty decent people from my own experience. I've known several Mormans, and none of the ones I knew were jerks. I'm not generalizing to all Mormons, just commenting on my experience.

Answer 7

People fear what they don't know because they may expect the worst rather than the best. They also can not control the future, or future events, so they fear them.

Answer 8

Mormonism is a type of cult and cults are freaky and scary and weird.

My brother converted to Mormonism, and now his family isn't allowed in the church for his wedding. Hmmmm, now why is that?? Oh yeah, because we aren't Mormon. STUPID CULT!

Answer 9

People fear the unknown, so they negatively criticize the things they don't understand or believe in.

Answer 10

I have no idea on what the 'mormon' beliefs are....but I don't 'fear' it...Could you add more details about your religion...I'm curious on what your religion is about now.