Question about LDS?

Question

I'm am moving to Salt Lake City in June and i'm very excited, however every single person I have told this too is horrified! They always ask me, "but what about the Mormons?" like they're some evil goup of people! I'm actually quite shocked! To me, that shows a great deal of ignorance and yet most of these people I have always considered fairly intelligent. What is it about Mormons that just rubs people the wrong way?

Answer 1

My experience with Mormons has been pleasant. They are honest to a fault, believe in fair treatment of all people, and obey the laws of the land. (With a few exceptions, there have been Mormon men who had more than one wife. I don't believe the church still condones it.)
The only reason some people avoid them is they have several spiritual beliefs that are quite different from mainstream Christianity. That just shows that some people aren't capable of leaving room for others to be different. And that right is what this country was founded on. Take away their right to be Mormon and soon someone will be taking away a few of your rights.

Answer 2

The Mormon religion was founded less than two hundred years ago by a man named Joseph Smith. He claimed to have received a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ and told that all churches and their creeds were an abomination. Joseph set out to impose a brand-new religion that claims to be the “only true church on earth.” The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible.
Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, instead of just one. 1) The Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.” Which verses are incorrectly translated are not always made clear 2) The Book of Mormon was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. Smith claimed it is the “most correct book” on earth, and that a person could get closer to God by following its precepts, “than by any other book.” 3) The Doctrine and Covenants is considered scripture by Mormons, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the “Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.” 4) The Pearl of the Great Price is considered by Mormons to “clarify” doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and adds its own information about the earth's creation.
Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary. They believe Jesus is a God, but that any human can also become a god.

Answer 3

We live near a large Mormon church and thus my daughter went to school with and has many friends who are Mormon. All of her friends were rather normal (if 18 year old girls can be considered that way). I think people have a problem with anything that they do not understand...be it religious beliefs, cultural beliefs. I have no problem with any single religion. What bugs me is people who say the believe or follow such and such but then do everything against why they supposedly believe in. I have to admit I did find it a little unusal that when one of my Mormon friends got married and me, the Methodist wasn't allowed to come to the ceremony but did go to the reception.
From another friend who leads a fairly "liberal" lifestyle and lives in Utah, she has run into some criticism and heavy insults from Mormons in her town outside Salt Lake City. I think anyone can make a religion hard core and intolerant toward differeing views - even us Methodists (lol)
Honestly, there was an episode on South Park about Mormons and it probably influenced alot of people's attitudes. Also, the HBO show Big Love promotes polygamy which really sets people off.
Have a great time...enjoy the scenery

Answer 4

Utah has a lot of Mormons. The people who do not like us, usually don't know much about us, so they tend to not like us. For some reason there is a group of people who like to publicly criticize all Mormons due to our beliefs, and they tend to spread partial truths out of the context of our teachings, which tends to misrepresent us.
As far as the environment here. It is very family oriented. any one who has visited here will say that. Salt Lake City and Park City are probably the most liberal areas, so even if you are still into the singles and clubbing scene, you will enjoy it here, although that seen still isn't as big anywhere in Utah as it is outside of Utah, since LDS members are advised not to drink or smoke. Utah used to be less diversified, but is now becoming mroe diversified. If you have more questions about Utah, I would love to answer them.

Answer 5

I think a lot of people are ignorant. Salt Lake City is a beautiful city. It is rich in culture and history. It is really picturesque as well, set in a mountain range..beautiful! The people in Utah are generally conservative. They don't condone abortion. They are pro-family. They eat popcorn. (really!) They are generally very friendly people and I found very welcoming.
Yes, Utah was founded on Mormon values and beliefs. I would suggest that you look into the beliefs so that you understand why things are done the way they are. Having said that, however, no one is going to baptize you Mormon without your desire to be baptized.
I lived for 5 years in Utah. It was a wonderful time for me. I enjoyed myself a great deal. Great skiing!
Have fun there!!

Answer 6

Usually, the people that dislike Mormons the most are other zealous Christians and ex-Mormons. To be honest, their beliefs are a little strange (I can say that, I attended the church for years,) but they really are no more strange than any other religions'. Most LDS are really compassionate and won't hesitate to help people in need out.
People just like to pick on anyone that doesn't believe the same way as them.

I think the biggest thing you should worry about moving to Utah is that it gets way too cold there sometimes!

Answer 7

Society says they are strange becayse they do things that they dont normally do. People think its strange to go to church every sunday and "waste your time" when in reality its not very strange at all...

Salt lake city does have a bunch fo mormons there, but you cant really tell unless there are mormon occasions there, or on sunday when people go to church. Other than that its all normal. I went there just recently for the lds gen conference.

People dont understand what they do not know

Answer 8

It usually IS because of ignorance that some people react that way. They're usually either disgruntled ex-members or people who listened to those ex-members and accepted as fact what those people said (usually on the mentality of "They used to be Mormons, so they MUST be telling the truth!") without realizing that most of it's way off-base as to what Mormon Church doctrine actually teaches. (Or they take teachings out of context, so that while the basic topic is true, it can certainly seem strange without the accompanying explanation as to WHY Mormons believe that.)

From some of your comments, I take it you've gotten to know some Mormons pretty well in your time, and well...you've seen for yourself how they act. If you hear that "But what about the Mormons?!?!" style of comment, try responding with, "Well, what about them? I've always found them to be quite intelligent."

Answer 9

I can give you my opinions, although I dont' think very many will like them.

First, there's insecurity of faith. If one is not sure that their faith is not misplaced, they will attack anyone who believes differently.

Then there's fear of the unknown. Or fear of what the anti's have saidwe are or believe. And what makes it harder for us is, that they will tell youthat "Mormons will lie to you to get you intothe church!"

Then there are those who just can't figure out whysome people are actually HAPPY in these cults! No one should be happy outside their own faith. No one can be happy if they don't believe as the other person.

I wouldn't worry about Salt Lake. While there ARE lots of Mormons, there aren't as many as it seems. Now, if you go to the smaller towns, it may be a different story.

Answer 10

Most Mormons are OK but, in Salt Lake City, Utah, there is a sect of Mormons that even other Mormons detest. This particular sect commits hate crimes against women and children. They have sick geriatric perverts (men in their sixties) who marry 5 to 10 teenage girls who are expected to breed. This particular sect commits child molestation, bigotry and other crimes that Utah police are trying to crack down on. Some of the wives are as young as 12-years-old. The girls don't get and education past fifth grade level and are mostly taught how to cook and clean and to be an obedient wife. Dr. Phil did a show about this.

P.S. This answer does NOT reflect on how Mormons are. Mormons don't commit these crimes nor do they condone these actions. This answer is in reference to "ONE PARTICULAR SECT OF MORMONS" who live in Salt Lake City, Utah.