"You know very little if anything about our doctrine.
You are a fraud. Solely reliant on what the racist bigoted bastards that made that movie and still promote have told you."
The above was sent to me in an email by a certain "hand-tipper" in response to my calling him out on some racist, bigoted comments he had made.
More importantly, what can we do, both members and critics of the LDS faith, to keep such hate from spreading among us? Is there a way of being critical (each group of the other's views) without being hateful?
2007-09-06 22:17:09 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
(NOTE: "that movie" refers to "The Godmakers", which I still haven't seen entirely, by the way... I've been meaning to, it's just that between work, family and my calling, I really haven't found the time)
2007-09-06 22:18:37 · update #1
We can do nothing but lead by example.
I find most of what you say to be contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ but I do not worry about the opinion you form from the evidences you seek-out.
Agreement/Disagreement with civility should be the goal of all intelligent, thinking, God-fearing (God-respecting) people.
Peace to you Brother Penguin
D
P.S. -- I do not know you to be a bigot/racist, nor do I know the marital status of your parents. You are knowledgeable to a degree (as am I). I believe you are no more of a fraud than I.
d
2007-09-07 07:04:28 · answer #1 · answered by Dionysus 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with the statement.
As for the second part of your question, I say three things.
ACCEPTANCE - I just think it would help if we all tried to view things from each other's perspectives. We have to keep in mind that we are all individuals who think for ourselves, and we come to our own unique conclusions. If that conclusion for someone is the LDS church, we should respect that. If that conclusion for someone else is being a critic of the LDS church, so be it. It's all about acceptance. We shouldn't view or treat each other differently just because of our beliefs.
RESPECT - For all the faith that LDS members have, and for all the skepticism that LDS critics have, there is STILL no hardcore, indisputable evidence of who is right and who is wrong. It all comes back to our own individual interpretation of things. So why do some people turn to personal attacks? I don't know. It's disrespectful.
HONESTY - We should all make an effort to be 100% honest with ourselves and everyone else. We shouldn't distort the truths to intentionally hurt or mislead other people. To thine own self, be true. (I didn't mean to steal that quote from stormwind. I actually didn't read her answer until I submitted mine)
Acceptance, respect, and honesty.
2007-09-07 04:23:10 · answer #2 · answered by Daniel 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As a Mormon, I would not endorse that statement. I think the movie Godmakers distorts the truth. The goal is to try and scare people away from the Mormon faith.
2007-09-07 04:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, azman, you certainly are a nut-head.
No, penguin, I don't agree with all of the statement. You're not racist, and from what I know, you haven't been convicted of fraud.
You can be "bigoted" sometimes, but I wouldn't call you "a bigot." I DO know, however, that you are very well-versed in lds doctrines. Maybe as much as me or Mormon4Jesus.
2007-09-06 23:25:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Ok, I'm an exmormon, and I wouldn't suggest watching the Godmakers...it was so stupid! It was flat out wierd, and totally took everything Mormon/LDS out of context. There is a chance that it could get you to question your faith (I try to remain neutral about that), but for all the wrong reasons. It's just a flat out stupid movie!
Liesel.
2007-09-07 06:43:00 · answer #5 · answered by Liesel 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The only way for hate between the two is for people to put down their preconseved notions. Mormons, don't think ill of our anti-mormon friends, especially the ignorant ones.
Anti-Mormons, don't think you understand what is doctrine and what isn't. I am a Theologian in the LDS church I know what is doctrine and what isn't. If any Anti-Mormon or Mormon has questions concerning the doctrine of the church, let him ask me. I will answer the questions, even if it isn't to your liking.
2007-09-07 05:11:34 · answer #6 · answered by newwellness 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would not agree with that statement at all. I still think you are Norris Almighty.
As far as hate - it is only spread if we don't stop the hate with us. Don't become defensive, remain objective - remembering that others feelings regarding our religion is not always based upon facts. I remember being "taught" to hate the mormons by my Baptist minister. It was when I "accidently" stumbled upon missionaires that were teaching a friend of mine that I got involved with them. My Baptist minister taught me all about hate -- about a vengeful God that would throw sinners into the pits of hell. My Baptist minister sure did teach me how to FEAR my God. It was the LDS missioniaries that taught me to LOVE my Heavenly Father. They also taught me of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me. I still know in my heart that those missionaries spoke with the tongues of angels. I will never forget that experience.
2007-09-07 02:00:39 · answer #7 · answered by Cinthia Round house kicking VT 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would have to disagree with that statement.
Shakespeare said it eloquently in Hamlet - "This above all else, to thine own self be true..." There are those who are going to have half ideas and truths about what we as Latter-Day Saints really believe. I've come to see that there are only two opinions that truly matter in MY life - Mine and God's - after all that, everyone else can take their opinions of ME and go burn. As long as my relationship with God is good, I don't need to worry about what others say about me.
Satan would have us believe that it is natural to hate those who don't share the same beliefs as we do, but that isn't the case.
Doctrine and Covenants 121:43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; 44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of adeath.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men....
Charity - the pure love of Christ - is the only way to overcome the hatred directed at us.
I don't hate those whose opinions are different than mine, I just feel sad that we can't come to an understanding without someone bashing....
2007-09-07 03:54:18 · answer #8 · answered by Storm Duck 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Godmakers is not the best way to win friends because it hits so close to home. It is based on facts and scriptures.
The Mormons that saw this video replied with their testimony that the church is true. Based on the content of the film, we have to question the basis of such a comment.
2007-09-07 00:12:50 · answer #9 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
I think we can be civil and not call anyone names. The movie has actually been a benefit to the missionaries. When people come at them with half baked ideas, they get a chance to have a dialogue. When it bounces back at certain preachers, they stop showing it.
2007-09-07 03:09:22 · answer #10 · answered by Isolde 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋