Why do non-LDS Christians accuse us of being brainwashed?

Question

They say that we are brainwashed, yet it is non-LDS Christian pastors who (sometimes) use classic brainwashing techniques in their revival meetings? They say we are too afraid to leave the church even if we know it's wrong, yet they will tell their children that to leave the church is to burn in hell?

I think it's a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

to answer BLM: I was raised Methodist, and had friends who were many other denominations, in cluding Catholic. So, yes, I HAVE visited other churches.

I don't claim that all of some people are brainwashed, but, that some preachers do use classic brainwashing techniques. And some of their followers act like they are brainwashed, in that they act like they ae on drugs or something.

Also, that they DO (and I know, cause it happened to me and the kids I grew up with) tell their kids and others that to leave the church is to go to hell.

Answer 1

No I was just told that if I was not saved I would go to hell, it was a case of do I want to do it all by myself anymore, a mormon concept. I finally decided I couldn't and that doing it all by myself was casuing me to be sucidal, that I needed a savior to help me with my walk.
As for brainwashing techniquies in my fanatical SLC, UT upbringing, the God I knew (the all seeing eye from fremasondry) was a God that was known as big brother always watching us, the satan that I knew controled everyone and was after mormons and out to get us unless we could get them to convert and we must therefore stay so many feet away from them (like a restrainign order) or their evil would rub off on us. This fear might explain why I had three near death experiences. My Dad believes that he can be possessed at anytime. It seemed that most of the members in my church think they are already godlike and have godlike powers, I developed tics and a fear of going out in public for a while because of church, we were also taught to listen to only mormon music, and read only mormon books. I guess the mormons in my ward were isolationists and antisocial, not sure how they were to spread their gospel with all this antisocial behavior. I also suffered from nightmares when I was young. The church also had excuses for why they did not wear a cross and could not explaint o me what went on in the temple, this all to me was all brainwashing, that combined with the seduction of evolving into a Goddess, just kepted me locked into the church.

Answer 2

Your summary "I think it's a case of the pot calling the kettle black." hits it right on the head. Both 'parties' use 'brainwashing' techniques, but it not much different than a sales motivational meeting.

My experience in the lds church tell me it is repetition of a phrase, such as "I know the church is true" uttered by six year old, who most certainly does not 'know', plus the social pressure to 'bear your testimony'. You know who in your ward has not done so, just as you dread that certain someone who always takes 'center stage' at fast and testimony meetings.

The term "Brainwashing" is crude and a misnomer at best. "Indoctrination" is exactly the methodology used by all religions. It's up to the individual to accept it along with the other baggage that goes with it.

Answer 3

I can think of one reason.
Brainwashing is a very strong word.
Like it or not everyone is influenced by their surroundings and the things they do, the things they hear and the people they meet.
I must admit that I don't like institutions at all. I would like to think and feel for myself. We choose how we feel and how we think - that is what the Lord wanted. We all have free agency - I take advantage of that for myself.
I research my own and other's beliefs and religions etc a lot. I find it very interesting. I know that Our Church is the closest to the truest Church. If Our Church isn't true then there is no Church in my view.
One thing I find difficult is to be obedient. It is a real struggle. I am stubborn. My husband has given up on the idea of having a submissive wife and people know if they want me to do something they better not order me to do so! I know this is something I must overcome. Maybe if I was more obedient it would be so easy to brainwash me!That may have more to do with trust issues though. I understand that man has trampled the good plain and precious things of great worth. So I have to ask of the Lord and hope He will lead me. You can only fully trust in the Lord. But the Church is good for fellowship.

Answer 4

I think people in general tend to overuse the word "brainwashed".

I guess if Person A feels that what Person B believes doesn't make sense, then Person B must have been "tricked" or "deceived" into believing it.

I feel that we, as people, have the ability to think for ourselves. Some use it, some don't. But to label an entire group of people as "brainwashed" is a stretch.

I think it's narrow-minded to say that people are "brainwashed" just because they believe something different. It's also disrespectful, because it implies that the other person hasn't thought for themselves. So I try to refrain from using the word.

Answer 5

Yeah, there's a lot of name-calling when it comes to religion, especially among Christians- which is kinda sad.

With what Jesus taught, all the be nice to others, help others, etc, you'd think we'd be the nicest to others....

I don't feel that we're brainwashed. I've always been told that whatever changes come, it isn't inappropriate to pray and verify with Father whether it's right or not.

Yes, there's a certain amount of ostracism that happens when one leaves one's church- no matter the church... Duh! Leaving a church involves leaving a social group, a whole thought system, an entire community.

Answer 6

Why does it appear to bother you so much that others have exercised their right not to agree with, and even believe negative things concerning the LDS religion?

You know the truth. And I'm sure if you live that truth, others will realize the truth through your example. No, not everyone will see or accept it, but that is their agency.

Don't stress yourself out over the opinions of others. Everyone has one, and it is natural for not all of them to agree. Just be amicable to all, remain strong and follow what you believe or know, and things will fall into place.

Answer 7

It was George Romney's fault. It was about Viet Nam that we were brainwashed, not religion.

I had the freedom to chose my faith. I still do. I listen to pros and cons. Whenever the cons make a valid argument it is because they have an alternate point of view that could be just as valid as mine.

Answer 8

Because THEY are brainwashed.. when I was little I used to go to this church before joining Catholicism and I don't wanna name the church's religion, but they hit it hard against Mormons and I was scared while in their meeting, they were yelling and mentionning the hell and the Devil loud and seemed to be like driving crazy, sorry, that's how it was... That is what I call real BRAINWASHING. It was crazy!!!

Same with all the other religions that are blinded thinking that only they are gonna go to heaven and nor the Mormons, the Catholics and the others will make it to heaven, only theirs.. that is an excellent example of a true brainwashing.

Ah, and you know who are brainwashed too? these ones that think that they have a VIP God and Jesus for themselves, these ones that reffer to us Mormons and other religions like: "... my Jesus" or "...my God [insert whatever here], I don't know about yours... " Why don't they understand that there is only one God and one Jesus for us all and that we do worship that one and only God and that one and only Jesus? ... unless they made up their own God and Jesus....

Answer 9

I am an ex-Mormon. Would you be open-minded enough to visit other churches? Your church is always seeking out new members and inviting people to your church, but you NEVER visit other churches. What are you afraid of? I say you are brainwashed if you don't venture out of your church to see what is really going on in other churches. Not every church has revival meetings. If this is all you know of, then you don't know much!

Answer 10

When I left the Mormon church I was told I'm going to hell. by the family members thanks. Plus Mormons do brainwash they repeat anything. They don't talk about god. it all about Joseph Smith.