I just don't understand what is so wrong and immoral about my beliefs. The other night I was with a few people who were visiting my roommate and they had a little bit to drink (as a Mormon, I don't drink, but if my roommate wants to occasionally, I figure that is his choice and not mine) and they asked me if I wanted to drink, and I told them I didn't want to.
We went into small talk, introducing ourselves, where we were from, etc, and I told them that I was going to Utah for Christmas this year to visit relatives. When I said that, one guy got a disgusted look on his face, and said.."Are you...Mormon?" and I was hesistant to tell him that I was. Sure enough, I did tell him that I was LDS and I couldn't help but feel that I was being judged by someone I had just met.
I just don't understand. We all have different beliefs. So what if I believe in Christ a little differently than some people? All I want to be is a good person, and I try my best to be that. Why should I get judged?
2007-10-09 05:38:46 · 29 answers · asked by Dee 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
that's what i am saying...it may not make sense to YOU, but that doesn't mean that it is "unbelievable" to everyone else. That's why there are so many different religions. Because we all see things differently.
2007-10-09 05:46:09 · update #1
I understand you. Many people don't like us and for some reason they think that we are weirdos or something from another planet or whatever... but all we are is people too. The other day when I was just a few weeks convert, this guy came to my job and my cousin mentioned that I'm Mormon and 2 minutes didn't pass and the dude already gave a nasty speech on his lung about our "false" church and making fun of the Angel Moroni of the DC Temple which is visible from the highway saying that he would kick the angel and burn it. It was really offensive.. and you know what? then he invited me to his church. Yeah right, as if I want to learn to say those things he said and stuff.
You made the right choice by not drinking! don't pay attention to those dudes because you know that you are doing the right thing and you will be blessed. If I was you I would little by little, try to share the gospel with them and help them understand our beliefs better so they know that we are not weird and scary.
2007-10-09 12:46:06 · answer #1 · answered by Love Yahoo!!! wannabe a princess 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Growing up surrounded by Mormons (and being one--for the most part), I know that the LDS people can sometimes be judgmental. It's not something the church teaches, but when you have someone who tries to push their religion onto you the moment you meet them, it can be aggravating.
However, I don't see what the big problem is with their beliefs. I know more about church history than the average LDS, and there are some things that have happened that would make one question it. However, THAT HAPPENS WITH EVERY CHURCH! It's just easier to single Mormons out because it would founded more recently and in a more unbelievable way. What would people think about the Lutherans if Martin Luther claimed to have seen God? Would they think he was sniffing mushrooms too? Probably not because that was centuries ago.
At any rate, I think it's important to keep in mind, no matter what religion you are, that you do as you know is right. In the end, the greatest rewards will come from your WORKS, not from what church you were a member of.
I also think a big part of the problem (at least recently) is that with all the media attention on Warren Jeffs, people get the FLDS and the LDS churches confused. I can see why, especially for people who don't pay attention.
2007-10-10 19:01:32 · answer #2 · answered by ∞Infinity∞ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Dee,
Sorry you had to go through that. I'm sure that everyone does. I'm an atheist in Utah who grew up Mormon. My view is that we shouldn't judge someone based on what they believe...however, I think that all beliefs are fair game. I don't think anyone should be unkind because someone is a Mormon but at the same time I don't think it is wrong to talk about why I think Mormon beliefs are wrong and in some cases damaging.
I commend you for wanting to be a good person. I think that is what should distinguish people in this life. I try to judge others by what they do and how they act rather than by what belief system they claim. If you are able to think and act independent of your group according to what you believe to be the "right" way, then I say, "way to go!"
2007-10-11 15:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by jungle84025 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Utah Mormons are often naive as to how the real world works. They are sheltered in an area that is mostly Mormon, and most of those that aren't Mormon at least know more about the church than the average American. Most Utah Mormons follow a very strict interpretation of the church, probably because they figure everyone around them is Mormon, and knows how they should be acting. Utah Mormons have a much too bright and positive attitude about everything because they have never been faced with the kind of persecution that non-Utah-Mormons face on a daily basis. Most Mormons I know think Utah Mormons are extremely annoying! I agree!
2016-05-19 23:13:50 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wanting to be a good person is an admirable desire. We need more people like that. That is not something to be looked down on.
Getting looked down on because of some difference comes with the territory. You are right to agree that the LDS teaching on God is not that of the Bible. Even your president admitted at an April conference a few years ago that the God of the Bible is not that of the Mormon church.
It can be that the people you were talking to had that context in their head and were in disbelief that someone like you could exist.
2007-10-13 02:31:58 · answer #5 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not that you're Mormon that's bad.
People tend to judge and judge harshly what they don't understand. And frankly, people don't fully understand what the Mormon faith is about.
In fact, what A LOT of people know about Mormonism is that ceremonies are done in secret, it's a very straight-edge lifestyle, there are ceremonial undergarments....and, okay, I'm going to address the elephant in the room. People know that FLDS belief in polygamy. (Warren Jeffs, et al).
Look, I know that that's a small sect of what the LDS church is about, and that 99.9% of LDS members DON'T believe in it any more. The problem is the same as with the Muslim faith. A handful of extremists grab headlines, and all the sudden the religion is looked upon as bad -- even when it's not. Does that makes sense?
Anyway, My point is that you shouldn't get too worked up over it. Believe what you know to be right, and live your life the best way you know how.
2007-10-09 05:49:23 · answer #6 · answered by sylvia 6 · 7⤊ 3⤋
Don't worry about it. Just shrug it off, and just be an example to the guy. We all get judged constantly. Yeah, it isn't fair, but it happens and the only thing you can do is quietly be an example and the guy may realize mormons are alright.
2007-10-10 03:59:49 · answer #7 · answered by Sherpa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People believe some crazy things when it comes to Mormons. I've had people ask to see my Horns (and no, they weren't joking).
Most likely they don't understand what being a Mormon IS and ISN'T and he probably got some bad or warped information somewhere along the way.
Use it as an opportunity to help him understand what Mormons are all about.
2007-10-09 07:58:02 · answer #8 · answered by Ender 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
It looks like many people who have answered this question aren't giving you what you are looking for. Instead, they are seeing it as an opportunity to stand on their soapbox and preach to you, and to tell you how "wrong" you are.
There's nothing wrong with being a Mormon. I am one, and I have been for all my life. Yeah. we get viewed as being a peculiar people sometimes, and we probably always will. It comes with the territory. But just remember, above everything else, that you are trying to be a good person. "By their fruits ye shall know them". You're on the right track. Don't worry about what others think. Follow what YOU think is right. We wouldn't have so many belief systems if we didn't all interpret things differently.
Speak loudly with your actions. Continue to choose the right. Take care.
2007-10-09 06:00:24 · answer #9 · answered by Daniel 4 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I think most religions are weird, mind controling cults set out to "brain wash" as many as they can. I'm 70, so I've met a lot of people in my travels & have to say, the people of the Mormon faith were some of the nicest. Live your life as you see fit. Believe as you wish, & try not to hurt anyone. Don't let others put you down & good luck.
2007-10-09 05:47:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋