Thoughts on Mormonism?

Question

Okay, so a little backround first: I was raised as a Mormon. Over the past few years, I realized I didn't agree with everything in the religion and don't attend church anymore. I still consider myself a Mormon (I was baptised), but an inactive one. I still support my friends and family who are strong in their beliefs, but I don't choose to live the way they do.
My question is this: What makes people (especially other Christians) harbor such a strong distaste for Mormons? Why can't these people just believe what they want and you can believe what you want? Most Mormons are well-meaning people who just want to do good for other people. All I'm asking for is a reason why you would hate a religion so much that you'd feel the need to speak such harsh words against it at the drop of a hat. Atheists are welcome to answer, but I guess my focus is on fellow Christians who seem to contradict themselves in speaking words of hate against another people, when Jesus said to love everyone...

Um... I'm aware that God never had sex... What the hell are you talking about?

I've heard that "not the same Jesus of the Bible" theory, but how can that be if Mormons use the Bible as a religious text just as much as they use the BOM? Doesn't make sense to me, buddy.

Mormons are not Christian, huh?... Okay, from now on, PLEASE for the love of all things, please get your facts straight. If you follow Jesus Christ, then you are a Christian.

Johnny R or whatever your name is, I just said I DO NOT believe everything in the religion. I just want respect for people that do because I know what it feels like. And a lot of what you claim about the religion is heresay. Again, FACTS!

I disagree with the need to be married in the temple. I'm not sure why a loving God would split up families like that. I guess I just don't understand. Also, I never was excited to wear garments - it's more fun shopping at Victoria's Secret. Which leads me to the chastity until marriage issue... I think you should wait until you find "the one", but you don't have to be married yet. I believe in donations, but I've never experienced the blessings of paying tithing. Also, I'm not sure how I feel about the three levels of Heaven... All of these things are just what I view in my life - I don't think everyone should follow my beliefs. If Mormons believe in these things, then they should hold onto it, but not look down on those of us who don't.

Answer 1

I was also raised a Mormon, then went to born-again evangelical Christianity, and am now an atheist. So I can relate very strongly to your feelings.

I agree that Jesus said to love other people (among other things, including telling his followers to kill those who didn't want to become Christians in Luke 19:27). The modern interpretation of Christianity is "love other people," so it is quite hypocritical for Christians to hate on Mormons. Or Jehova's Witnesses. Or anybody else. After all, if a Mormon believes Mormon doctrine, how does it effect the life or the faith of a Baptist or a Catholic or an Evangelical? It doesn't. It's useless and stupid to spread such hate.

I think that most other Christians say nasty things about Mormons - and make incorrect generalizations about the Mormon religion - because they don't understand it. They've been told all kinds of lies about what Mormons do and don't believe, and they choose to believe whatever they hear from their authority figures without bothering to do their own independent study on the subject,

There is a lot of crazy crap in the Mormon religion, but some of what I've seen other Chrsitians say about Mormons just makes my head spin. I have no idea where they come up with it.

On the other hand, there is a lot of crazy crap in all of Christianity, so Mormons are not alone in having a nonsensical, weird belief system.

"On many occasions, I have had missionaries come to my door to show me the error of my ways in my beliefs."

I don't know if things have changed, but when I was a Mormon missionaries were instructed to leave people alone who said that they were happy in their present belief system. Their mission was only to talk to those who *wanted* to talk to them. So just tell the Mormons that you're happy as whatever denomination you are, and they'll say "thanks, have a nice day" and leave you alone.

"And don't say "fellow christians" because mormonism is not christian."

O RLY? Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God, that he was sent to Earth to be crucified to atone for the sins of man, and that he rose from the dead and returned to Heaven (with a brief detour in America). Mormons believe that the ONLY way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, that you must ask him into your heart to be your savior and guide. So how, exactly, are they not Christians?

This right here is easily the most ignorant thing I hear about Mormons. Sheesh. If Mormons aren't Christian, then neither are you, honey.

Answer 2

Mormons are one of the few churchs that boldly say "we are right, you are not". We try not to be arrogant about it, however we do sincerly believe that Jesus Christ is at the head of our church, he chose Joseph Smith to be his prophet, and that he is the leader and the head of our church.

This doesn't make you popular when most of the other christian churches sort of have the attitude that "your church is just as true as my church".

Coupled with this is the successful missionary effort that the Mormons make. Other churches feel threatened because of the Mormons. They feel like they have to teach their followers how to "defend themselves" against the Mormons.

Mormons teach people to learn the basics and then ask God if it's true. Why do other Christians have a problem with this??? If they "knew" mormons were wrong and they knew that God answers prayers, shouldn't they welcome such prayers??? Instead they say things like "you shouldn't pray about it" or you "don't need to pray about it" because of any number of reasons. However, the fact remains that they discourage their members from asking God if the Mormon church is true or not.

I've asked God and recieved my answer. It's funny that christian churches fear this.

In any case, that's the reason why people slander the mormons and spread lies.

Answer 3

I guess you're really not asking me (cuz I'm active LDS), but I'd like to address a couple things mentioned by some of the well-meaning misinformed answerers....



The passage in Luke mentioned by gary7 is part of a parable, and therefore not meant to be taken literally. The parable, spoken by Jesus begins in verse 12......



Many of you (not just those who have answered this question, but others as well) mention that Mormon missionaries come to your door. You (collective) say that it bothers you that we "harrass" you, we try to show you the error of your ways, we... whatever. That is a 2-way street.

I've been a missionary- I know for a fact that harrassment has never converted anyone. A missionary that harrasses people is counter-productive. In the Missionary Training Center, missionaris are taught what works and what doesn't. God's truth will not and can not be taught effectively when hard feelings are involved. Hence, harrasment is NOT an effective or approved method... neither is arguing of any kind... (In a passage in the Book of Mormon, Jesus tells the people that contention is of the devil...)

I've had missionaries from other churches come to my home, and as soon as I say that I'm not interested, they leave. That's fine. They're doing what they feel is best, as was I when I was a missionary, as are those on this site who try to do the same.




Yes, we all use the same Bible (various versions), but because there are passages that could be interpreted as supporting both sides of all the issues, how can any of us know that one way is right and another isn't?


Polygamy- God gave David all that his predecessor had, including the wives and concubines... If God gave them to him, how could it be bad/wrong?...

Trinity vs not- On the one hand, Jesus says that He and the Father are one.... On the other, Jesus talks to His Father as if Father were another being... so which is it- one or three?

Salvation by grace, works or both?...In Romans 11:6 Paul says it's by grace alone, but James writes in his general epistle, 2:19 that believing isn't enough, as the devils also believe and tremble.

Book of Mormon- God's word to other followers or blasphemous addition to His only word? On the one hand, there is a warning in John's Revelation (22:19) and Deuteronomy to not add to what God has given us. On the other, Ezekiel (37:16, 19) tells us that Jehovah will take a record of the tribe of Judah and a record of the tribe of Joseph and make them one in His hand.



These are only a few of the issues that aren't clear in the Bible. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, I believe that each Christian is doing his/her best to figure out what was meant by each of the Biblical authors. Some feel that one of the Protestant churches is the way, others believe that the Born-again movement is right, others feel that Mormonism is the path for them. (Wow, this sounds oh-so familiar! Brother Joseph, what do you think?)

The only way I know of that could possibly bring understanding and light is to follow James' adivce (1:3-5)-- Get on your knees and ask God.... but even that is unreliable according to some Christians.




Babelinkin- I understand how you can be confused. Even though the LDS people believe in, love and follow Jesus Christ as we know Him, others who feel the same can't accept what we say about what we believe.

I feel the same sorrow when I see all the ugly stuff that is said by some Chrsitians to their fellow-Christians, and all I can do is shake my head and pray for their hearts to learn to love.
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone...

Answer 4

You won't get facts here from all the haters. They only know what they are told. If they even knew what the bible was all about they might have a different outlook. Mormons are about the only religion I know of where the members are actually encouraged and challenged to find out for themselves if it is true. And education is a big thing in the church, so who is more likely to actually know what is going on? Thanks for the question. Good luck in your search for the truth and have a great Thanksgiving.

Answer 5

You needless to say comprehend not something approximately Mormonism. you're saying it has a foul history yet you admit by no potential reading appropriate to the history of Mormonism. i assume you communicate approximately Mormons helping runaway slaves interior the underground railroad to be undesirable. i spotted you didnt call the e book you declare your father study, suggesting you made the entire factor up. Mormons arnt compelled to grant 10%, nor are they compelled to not drink tea and espresso. you don't get excommunicated for having a infant out of marriage. you will possibly have had to have completed something extraordinarily undesirable to get ecommunicated. I see no element in why you will possibly boost your mothers psychological well-being. seems you're a troll.

Answer 6

I don't agree with the Mormon belief, but the Mormon people I have met have been very good people. They just like to have a room full of canned food, and a suburban crammed full of kids. I respect them, and don't discuss religion. It makes for a good friendship.

Answer 7

I agree we should all believe as we wish. But, missionaries go door to door to get you away from your religion, unless LDS. So, they don't respect others views. Mormons are wonderful! I'd probably have joined them, but my husband wouldn't allow it. But we as Christians have the same motivator-Jesus Christ. We are commanded to preach/teach the gospel to every creature. We don't step on LDS toes on purpose. I have several LDS acquaintances. I love them to death! As a non-member, I even subscribe to the Ensign. Just cast off any LDS bashing and try to respect others. God will work out the rest.

Answer 8

I don't hate mormons, but i hate the fact you are being deceived

Mormons teach you shall become gods yourself

Adam and eve were told the same thing, and we know what happened from then on

if thats the sole promise of the mormon religeon then it's a blasphemy in itself

you shall become gods yourselves?

thats serpent talk,

you shall become humble and Christ like, that sounds a lot better

why the secret ceremonies, and secret handsigns?

did Christ uses them?

again this is not directed towards you, not even to mormons, i like the way you are asking questions about your faith

read Genesis again, i am sure this time you will spot the false promise and how it ties in with mormonism

problem is with mormonism and JW's it' all about how american entrepeneurs wanderd into the forest and met god,
who happened to tell them all about christ

whereas my bible says

if anyone comes along preaching another gospel let him be accursed

if this was written after islam and after JW and after mormonism then you guys can claim anachronism to the fact

but it was written before those religions and branches started, so who is right, who is wrong?


God bless,

Answer 9

You are right mormons are well meaning. They truly believe they are preaching the truth. Myself and many other Christians disagree.

Imagine this. You meet a group of people following a man. This man has the best intentions in the world and they people believe him. However you can see if they keep following him they are going to walk right over a cliff and die. Would you try and stop them? Or would you say well they believe he knows the way and he seems like a good guy so I will leave them alone and let them fall.

This is how I see mormonism. People who are well meaning and who think they are following Jesus. However they have been deceived and are about to walk right into Hell. Should I stand there and allow it or should I tell them mormonism is false come and truly serve Jesus. He will lead you to Heaven and not Hell.


EDIT: Actually Brigham Young clearly taught that he though God actually had sex with Mary.

* '' l believe the Father came down from heaven, as the Apostles said he did, and begat the Savior of the World; for He is the Only Begotten of the Father which could not have been if the Father did not actually beget him in person''. (Journal of Discourses Vol. 1 page 238)

* ''When the time came that His first-born, the Savior, should come into the world and take a tabernacle, the Father came Himself and favoured that spirit with a tabernacle instead of letting any other man do it. The Savior was begotten by the Father of His spirit, by the same Being who is the Father of our spirits, and that is all the organic difference between Jesus Christ and you and me.'' (Journal of Discourses Vol. 4 page 218)

* ''The birth of the Savior was as natural as are the births of our children ; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood--was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers'' (Journal of Discourses Vol. 8 page 115)

* ...'' The man Joseph, the husband of Mary, did not, that we know of, have more than one wife, but Mary the wife of Joseph had another husband. .....That very babe that was cradled in the manger, was begotten, not by Joseph, the husband of Mary, but by another Being. Do you inquire by whom? He was begotten by God our Heavenly Father.''(Journal of Discourses Vol. 11 page 268)

Answer 10

I think the reason why is because we believe that Mormonism has distorted the Bible and some Mormons get angry when people say that...
I know several people that are Mormons...they're really nice...except when you try to disagree with them...I think it's just that sometimes...people don't agree to disagree.