What's the deal with Mormonism?

Question

A lot of people have told me that Mormons are all crazy, but the ones that I have met are pretty normal, decent people. Why do so many people hate this religion? They don't seem very harmful to me...

Answer 1

alwaysabridesmaid and plasikpunk have good answers. Many people fear what they don't know. Also, the evangelical front is exceptionally critical (often in unfounded ways; it is usually other Christian groups that spread "lies" about the church; the secular critics generally have their information square). Only those who are passionate about their own beliefs being the unique absolute truth can truly "hate" another religion. I think that this passion (not religion) is what causes wars. The same passion is seen for other principles, like politics, love, and patriotism. The answer isn't liberation from all of these things, but moderation and acceptance of diversity within them.

I don't hate other Mormons, nor do I hate the Mormon churches.

I dislike/criticize some of the doctrines and practices that were held in the past by the LDS Church (and that are still held by some smaller Mormon churches), but in our society, most members of these churches have enough of a conscience not to emphasize doctrines that degrade others or cause social disharmony, even if they believe these doctrines deep down in their hearts.

I have found a way to belong to and participate in the LDS Church (like you said, the people are normal and decent; the Church teaches good principles), even though I don't believe its primary historical claims. I get chastised up and down for it as brutally as the day is long by some fanatical believers, but I truly feel I am living the way I need to live, for myself and my family, and feel no apprehension. I am truly happy.

Answer 2

I'm sure there are as many reasons to hate, dislike, or fear the LDS and their religion. My personal thought is that a lot might be a reaction to our "aggressive" missionary program. I served my mission around Tulsa, OK. It's said to be the buckle of the BIble belt, with 4 churches on every corner. I often saw announcements from these churches for classes that taught the "truth" about Mormons, and what "they don't tell you." I think pastors and ministers get very defensive about "losing" members to other churches and do what they feel they need to, to keep them. There are also a number of people who for various reasons have a personal vendetta against the church or some of its members and try to cause as much harm as possible. Some truly do feel that our doctrines are blasphemous and are trying to "save the Mormons." There are a lot of negative publications and sources about the LDS church, and if that is all a person has to go on, then that is all they know. Like the person who wrote that we believe that Joseph Smith was the second appearance of Jesus Christ. That is completely false, but she probably read it and believed it and knows no different.

Answer 3

i opt to advise analyzing the Bible in the previous turning out to be a member of any church. If we don't understand the reality of God's words then how do we be waiting to correctly known some thing that's fake? The LDS church exchange into started with the aid of Joseph Smith, who exchange into initially into freemasonry. He did no longer understand the reality, so in accordance to him he prayed to God and then won a sparkling revelation. that is too undesirable that he did no longer get to study the Bible nevertheless, because of the fact he might have frequent that even demons can come off as angels of light. whether a "possible" holy angel have been to look to us and furnish us "a diverse (or yet another)" gospel different than the recorded reality of the Bible, we are to understand that the angel is accursed. God will never contradict His own words. The Mormon church teaches that community individuals are descendants of the Hebrews. they have been shown incorrect with genetic examine, that have shown that community individuals are descendants of Asians, no longer Hebrews. additionally, the backyard of Eden isn't located in usa. Their historic previous is fake and can be shown so, in gentle of the reality. historic and archaeological information proves that the Biblical bills handed off interior the middle East. additionally, they initially taught that the Kenites (black human beings) are sinister. They prepare that Joseph Smith exchange right into a real prophet. if so, then they reject a number of his teachings. He recommended polygamy. additionally the e book of Abraham is a counterfeit from the Egyptian e book of the ineffective. The record keeps.

Answer 4

It's probably because a lot of religions have Mormon-hating classes at their churches. A lot of bogus information is taught. I say if somebody wants to learn about Mormonism, go to the source. As for the people being normal, I know lots of Mormons too and they all seem pretty decent.

Answer 5

We have been persecuted since the beginning. The early members were murdered and burned out of their homes. People are always afraid of things which are new and different, and which they don't understand.

A lot of the anti-Mormon stuff circulating is pure lies and ridiculous lies at that. Some is just misunderstood. For example, Evangelicals are horrified at the "idea" that Mormons believe Jesus and satan are brothers. They talk incessantly about how terrible this belief is ... but in fact, they believe it too! Jesus is God's son, and God created all things, including satan, therefore satan is God's son too (as are we all) and Jesus's brother. QED. What's so shocking about that?

Most Mormons are indeed normal decent people. Not all - as with any group, there is the loony fringe, and there are always a few in the pews every Sunday who just don't get it, don't really understand what the gospel is about, and don't have a living personal relationship with Christ. But most of us do, and generally we live our religion and lead exemplary, and thus very happy, lives.

Answer 6

In my years in the military, I had the pleasure to live next door to three different Mormon families. They were great people and very good neighbors. They were very family oriented and active in the community. I suppose as in every group of people there are some bad apples. It has always amazed me that many Christians bad mouth the Mormons. Not only do the Mormon's believe in our Christain Bible including the Gospels, but they believe in their "Book of Mormons". They believe that Jesus came to earth twice, once in the Middle East like we do, but also again in South America. Why that scares many Christians, I don't know. They have just as much proof as any other religion and as much right to believe what they want as for as I'm concerned. No one knows for sure!

Answer 7

Not everybody agrees with some of the things that mormons do and that is okay coz they have the right to choose to believe it or not and not have the mormons or any other religion shove down their necks.

Answer 8

As a rule of thumb, Mormons like any other Christian sect are normal people. The problem lies that "Christians " believe Jesus has been here once, Mormons believe he returned a second time as Mr. Smith the prophet. "Christians" say "bad Mormons, you are going to hell". While Mormons say the same basic thing about "Christians". Along with that, some of the base core beliefs are different which just fuels the fire. I live in a predominantly Mormon community, ( I am not one myself), and as of yet I have not met any which eat dead bodies or throw rats at the preacher for sacrificial offering. If you do happen to find one that does these things, let me know I want to watch.

In no way am I dogging either sect, or saying one is right or wrong. I was however , in simplest terms, laying out the differences. My children attend Mormon church functions, and go to the Southern Baptis Church on Sundays. Everyone is entitled to their choice of religion.

Answer 9

Because they don't understand our beliefs, and what we stand for. They are more willing to accept what they have been told then to actually WATCH the way we live our lives.

We are pretty normal. We are somewhat different in some ways. We don't believe in the trinity. We believe in a Godhead. We don't drink, smoke, believe in premarital sex. We honor, obey and sustain the law. We serve others and our church has an outstanding humanitarian program. A lot of people are just unwilling to see the good and only want to focus on the bad things they have heard.

Answer 10

People are afraid of what they don't understand. A lot of Christians are indoctrinated that change scares them, so they fight against the Mormon church. How can they be so bad if they are so good? Doesn't make much sense and is contrary to what the gospel teaches.