Anti-Mormon compulsions?

Question

Why is it that everyone that isn't LDS feels a compulsion to bash the Mormons?

a) ignorance? Do they rant and launch tirades because they don't understand what Mormonism is about?
b) afraid to explore? Are they afraid that learning about Mormonism could contaminate their own understanding?
c) something else?... (feel free to fill in the blanks)

Oh, and why do they refuse to accept our claim to be Christian?

Father K-

But what about Revelations 14:6?...

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."

Just wondering...

btw- I firmly believe that bashing doesn't work. I know I just did by quoting that passage, but it just goes to prove that any arugment that anti-Mormons bring up and support by a passage in the Bible can also be countered by another passage in the Bible.

Hm... so Host of Threads doesn't accept our claim to be Christian because of lack of information...

wow- there's a lot of misinformation in that answer!

(d'yall know how D&C 89 came about?.. yeah, it was a WOMAN who suggested it!)

Mike M- Are you the one whose been emailing with Odd Duck about the place works has in Christianity?.... Just curious.

Do you know why she and I have referneces to ducks in our names?.... maybe I'll email you about it some time.

A quote from a great answer...

If you say that a duck is white, with a wide bill and webbed feet. You would be correct (mostly) in that assumption. Although, you would leave out any duck that isn't white, which would include mallards, wood ducks, and the other species of wild ducks. What would that mean to the other ducks? Would they not be ducks because you didn't think they were ducks? Would they be platypuses in duck clothing? Nope- they would still be ducks, you just wouldn't acknowledge them as such.

It's the same with us and the way other religions perceive us. They think to be a Christian you have to believe in only X doctrine, like say the trinity. So we don't believe in the trinity. There are other churches that don't and they still call themselves Christian, but because someone "told" them that the only way you can be a Christian is to believe that one doctrine, that crosses out everyone that doesn't believe in the same things.

Tonya- You make a good point about Satan. Yes, he's real. Yes, he is a little myopic about his desire to lead us to sorrow and hell, and that he'll do anything in his power to destroy our happiness.

I actually emailed another YA user about the role Satan plays in our temple ceremony.... I basically bore my testimony of who/what Satan is.... (prideful serpent, father of lies, only desires our sorrow and misery...)

She never responded.

Answer 1

I think it's a combination of a, b, and c. At first it's probably fear. I know my Mother does not even want to hear that I went to church, let alone that our Sunday School lesson was on James. She really is afraid that by even hearing things that we have in common (concerning religious beliefs) will conaminate her own understanding.
Then there are those who hear a little of this and a little of that mixed with a lot of supposition from others who are Anti-Mormon and assume that their own limited research which comes from Anti's is true because the particular Anti has been right about so many other things.
And finally, although I feel it has the most validity is that they are being used by the devil himself. All adult converts and those about to go on a mission can remember how difficult life became just prior to baptism, or leaving for their mission. I believe it's a last ditch effort on Satan's part to try to sway us away from getting baptised and/or going on a mission. I know of people who never voice their intention to go to the temple because everytime they do something happens and they don't get to go. Maybe it's being superstitious, maybe not. But the Devil is real, and he does do stuff to slowly (at first) try to take us away from truth and light.

Answer 2

a) I've spent more time than a majority of members researching my old faith and I was an active temple recommend holding member for 35 years so I don't qualify there...
b) It was actually when I was not afraid to explore that the truth became available to me...I wasn't afraid to look at both sides of the argument and decide for myself. Doesn't seem to be that...
c) It's probably something else...like a desire to tell others about what I've discovered (most of which a typical member has never even heard of and immediately claims is false...even though the source material is pro-LDS historical documents). I want to let others know because I find it incredible that the church gives the "proper" responses to the membership who don't ever question if these responses are complete (remember we were taught in Sunday School that half the truth can still be a lie).

I'm perfectly okay with members who know everything I do and still choose to remain active...but I can't remain silent when those who only regurgitate the milk they've been fed all their life refuse to consider that there may be more to it.

I would then ask you: Why is it that so many LDS members feel a compulsion to unquestioningly defend every tenet of the faith when they don't really even "know"?

Answer 3

I don't have a problem believing that Mormons are Christians. I have a Mormon friend that is obviously Christian. She is loving, serves others, non-judgmental, etc. and she loves Jesus Christ.

I do, however, have a problem believing Joseph Smith was a true prophet. He said that God told him that certain men were called to have multiple wives. Considering the fact that God told this to no other apostle concerns me, because God doesn't change. We are supposed to judge prophets based on whether or not they tell the truth. If we believe what the apostle Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians(1 Corinthians:7:2) "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." , then we can't believe that Joseph Smith was telling the truth about that part, can we?

Too, the Mormons I know try to convince me to join them by using the verse in the Holy Bible that says, "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10:16) Jesus was talking about all of the Gentiles here, not just Mormons.

Then again, we've all experienced preachers who misinterpret something. So, the real test is this: Do Mormons believe that Joseph Smith plus Jesus Christ gets them to heaven? Or do Mormons believe that *only* Jesus Christ gets them to heaven? If they are only trusting in Jesus Christ, that makes them Christian. Peace.

Answer 4

Hey... thanks for the props on my duck analogy!!!!!

I think it's all of the above, but also they are just complacent in what they believe. They hear things, and just assume that what they are told is true. They trust their leaders, as we all should, that they will give them correct information and then don't feel it necessary to check things out for themselves.

I see it this way, if you call yourself a Christian, far be it from me to tell you otherwise. If you say you believe in Christ, that's good enough for me!!

I also don't think it's just LDS people they bash, but anyone who doesn't see things the exact same as they do. So whether it's intolerance, ignorance or something else is yet to be seen.

Answer 5

Christians get bashed just as well as mormons what bothers me is I am a Christian but the Mormons don't think thats enouph...I love Mormans for real when i was 9 months pregnant they helped me move Just volunteered and it was kewl....i just don't know why if i am saved i need to be mormon

Answer 6

Good question. I have been trying to ask some of the prominent (anti LDS) posters this the last couple of days, but have seen no answer so far.

Answer 7

I personally don't care if they "accept" me into their little band of Christians. Most of the ones that bash Mormons are so ignorant that I would not want to be associated with them anyway. Basically it just goes to show their great lack of understanding about who God is and our purpose here on earth. Most only know what they are told. And few look upon things with their mind and their heart.

Answer 8

Its not just Mormons dear its any belief that is not their own. Yes it is due to Ignorance, A fear of exploring, and a willful following of what a priest tells them to believe.

Answer 9

I don't get it either Yoda, but then again I don't need proof, just like love, it's true and it's real, but it's not something you see, it's what you feel. And if people reading this really want to know what we believe try starting with a legitimate source.
www.mormon.org
Christian - Someone who believes in Christ as their Savior.

Answer 10

JODDA Norwegian name?

Do not be afraid, remember who is in Charge among us.

Just leave it in His hand. The Living Jesus Christ

http://www.mormon.org

Remember together we can put them on the right pad.