Ok, I will start off by saying that I am LDS.
As a personal matter of interest, I like looking at questions people have on my faith. Here are a few things I have noticed:
Mormons have a tendency to tell people they're IGNORANT (yes, in CAPS like that), that they're downright wrong, and that they should "get the facts straight" before asking questions.
First, aren't they trying to "get the facts straight" by asking their questions? At least try to be respectful and understand their point of view.
People have a view that we as Mormons are excluding of others, that we thing we are always right and everyone else is always wrong about what they think of us... by calling people ignorant and insulting their intelligence, you only propogate this myth. In other words, if you have insulted someone that asked a "mormon question", YOU are the reason people think we are a cult.
2007-02-16 10:27:55 · 9 answers · asked by James, Pet Guy 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Actually, most of the anti-mormon sources that people read are from former members, and that at least half of it is based in truth.
Most of us should probably "check our sources" on the things we hear before categorically responding that it is false. For instance:
Joseph Smith did, indeed, have more than one wife. He actually had more than 30.
Temple ceremonies now are not exactly the same as temple ceremonies 150, 100, 50, or even 20 years ago. Some of what people have heard about the temple is actually based in truth (except the obvious things about sex and sacrifices in the Temple)
The Church has seen much development and change through continuing revelation, and many outsiders see this as cultish. We should be sensitive to their feelings, respond the best that we can, and admit that even the most active of Mormons do not know "everything" about God or even about the LDS faith.
2007-02-16 11:29:09 · update #1
Here is what one non-member said of the responses she has received from self-stated active LDS people:
Most of the mormons who responded proved what I already knew, that they are only respectful to their "own kind"--look at the hateful responses accusing me of being in the wrong since its impossible for a mormon to do any wrong (sarcasm). This was the most tolerant response, I wish all mormons were.
2007-02-16 11:32:08 · update #2
I agree COMPLETELY. I have posed some questions to mormons without being insulting and was told that I was ignorant just for asking! You'd think they would want to educate and set a good example to lure people in, but they would rather just insult you and turn their noses up. I admire you for admitting this about your religion.
2007-02-17 06:06:26 · answer #1 · answered by laineyette 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think we can all be defensive when something we love dearly is being attacked. It is like beating our head against a brick wall to get people to actually listen to things we really believe, not just things they "heard" or "read about" no doubt from anti material... I can see where we have a hard time and want the person to get their facts straight...
I agree though that we should not put others down or tell them they are stupid or ignorant. We are taught to be loving and kind to our neighbors. It is true there are some out there who give the church a bad name...all we can do is hope the person will not be offended and still want to know more about the church.
2007-02-16 18:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some of us get more defensive than others. Recently I answered one question with a brief and I thought a very simple, objective way, and the questioner emailed me and told me I was going to hell and I had been warned - so of course I just assumed he had asked the question to find Mormons to email and criticize. Can you blame some of us for feeling like no matter what we say, someone is going to refuse to believe even the simplest declaration? Luckily, after 10 months on this site, I am used to a huge variety of responses and have yet to hold back on virtual gummy bears for anyone (except once, I think, in jest) - of course they're free (ha ha).
2007-02-16 23:34:20 · answer #3 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am LDS also (a recent convert). I do admit that i can be defensive especially against my parents because i believe it with all my heart and they believe the lies that they hear from other people. There are so many misconceptions out there and it hurts to hear them all the time. I've heard so many myths and i don't want them to keep spreading and i wish that people would keep their facts straight. I agree though that we all shouldn't call people ignorant. Just as we are taught, we should answer patiently and politely and be understanding.
2007-02-16 18:38:56 · answer #4 · answered by 6 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mormons are people you are without say minorities ( iam not a racial or political lobbiest) The common main stream of society disprove of their faith so they are ridiculed about it on a regular basis. Put yourself in that position and you have some reasoning there.
2007-02-16 18:38:57 · answer #5 · answered by Mrdude 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I admire you for this statement and think every religion suffers from the above, not just Mormons :-)
2007-02-16 18:36:27 · answer #6 · answered by me 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
thats not why...see the Book the Kingdom of the Cults by Martin
its cuz you dont believe the TRinity or that Jesus is Immortal!
2007-02-16 18:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everyone is defensive... it is the natural human tendency to defend yourself when you are right and you know it.
2007-02-17 18:24:57 · answer #8 · answered by Beast8981 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Mormons" have one M too many.
lol
rotfl
2007-02-16 18:32:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋