2007-03-13 05:01:59 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Organized religions, especially those with strict rules are difficult to stay faithful to. Therefor patrons can easily be persuaded to no longer go along with the church's doctrine if they read or hear about how easy or more enjoyable another religion(or no religion) is.
2007-03-13 05:10:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not so much that they're instructed not read anti-Mormon books, but that they are encouraged to read good books, which many of them don't really qualify as. Mormons are encouraged to be educated in all areas and to gain a personal knowledge of what they believe, and this may include researching other religions, but you often don't learn much about a religion by reading books by those who are against the religion and only looking to tear down someone's beliefss. I think it is more that missionaries are told not to read them, because it's a waste of time and not uplifting. If something isn't uplifting, whether it be religious or not, then no point reading it.
That being said, I have read tons of anti-Mormon books, just for entertainment, because I have had enough experiences to where I can't deny the truth of the Church. I have also studied hundreds of other religions, and I studied them by reading the actual texts of those religions, by speaking with members of those religions and putting myself in their shoes. That is really the only way to do it.
2007-03-15 05:10:58 · answer #2 · answered by straightup 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are instructed not to look at it because they contend that it is wrong. The spin doctors don't want to admit some of the teachings about Adam-God, history of the church and some other doctrines.
The good news is that you don't have to look at anti-Mormon literature to see the truth about the church. An honest study of the material that the Mormon church puts out is FAR more powerful.
2007-03-13 12:57:12 · answer #3 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are not instructed not to look at anti-Mormon information.
Many members choose not to look at it because we can better use our time reading the scriptures which are God's word and are true. Anti-mormon literature is not true and of man.
2007-03-13 12:19:38 · answer #4 · answered by whapingmon 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The same reason that pepsi doesn't want you to drink coke.
Probably because they are afraid people will be misled by false information. So basically those mormons consider their mormon relatives to be morons who can't think or discern logical arguments.
2007-03-13 05:06:38 · answer #5 · answered by Julian 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been a Mormon my whole life - 26 years - and never instructed not to look at anti-mormon material, infact, I read stuff all the time. It is interesting to me how many half-truths and falsehoods and flat out lies there are out there about the church and the doctrine. No "authority" has ever stated "Do not read that material"...we just normally don't because it's not really that uplifting or truthful and we are taught to seek those things that ARE.
We all have our agency and can make our own choices what to watch, see, do, read, whatever. Of course, the Lord has set guidelines and boundaries (such as for those who can enter the temple) and it is our choice to follow them or not.
2007-03-13 09:45:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
Why did "commie" books get burnt in the 50's? Why are christians trying to get harry potter thrown out of the public libraries? Mormon's aren't really bothering anyone other than themselves and us with the occassional inspirational crappy commercial. They did provide us with a few laughs on south park though.
2007-03-13 05:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by poseidenneptune 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you were trying to loose weight and diet, would it be a good idea to look at pictures of fast food and to visit Wendy's and McDonald's? Of course not. It would not help you maintain your goals and efforts to loose weight. Does that mean others cannot go to Wendy's? No, it just means that you are not desiring to do that yourself. It would be counter productive to your goals and desires.
Likewise, if you are wanting to keep the commandments of God, you would want to be in an environment that helps you do that. Reading scriptures, reading about the Church, praying, etc is that kind of an environment to help you meet your goals.
Its a simple concept, really.
2007-03-13 05:13:50 · answer #8 · answered by Kerry 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Probably the same reason that Muslims can't doubt or cause doubt of Allah, Koran or Mohammed. They could get excommunicated or killed.
Yes ex Mormons will also have threats made to them, if they live in a strong Mormon community.
2007-03-13 05:11:05 · answer #9 · answered by LottaLou 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Probably for the same reason you are on another anti-Mormon tirade...
Does it ever get tiring? Endlessly bashing one religion, and exhibiting bigotry that would make most klansmen blush? Just wondering.
2007-03-13 10:57:50 · answer #10 · answered by Open Heart Searchery 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋