Mormons, do you sometimes go overboard when answering a question concerning Mormons, Mormonism, etc.?

Question

I just answered a question with a brief yet complete answer. I then spent the next 5 minutes repeatedly clicking the Edit button and adding to it. Then the thought entered my mind about the General Conference talk last GC where someone said something about giving a brief answer, not the entire history of the church. (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the general sentiment.)
So do you find yourself giving too much information in your zeal to provide a quality honest answer and realize later that you could probably condense a two page answer down to a few well worded sentences? And if so, do you ever go back and fix it? I'm all for giving something other than a one word/yes - no answer, but I sometimes notice that my answers go from well crafted, to rambling on and on. ...kind of like this question.
Am I alone in this?

I enjoyed it immensely Dane, thanks :)


Yeah, I've thought of going back and deleting or doing a massive editing job, but while I love having the time to form my answers online, once they're said, or written in this case, it's done. I wouldn't be able to take words back if I said them, so I don't on here either.

Answer 1

I have had a plethera of expeirences pontificating profusely on questions regarding my faith, religion, and practices that could very easily have been condenced into shorter answers. I am reminded of a narrative shared with me of a friend about his first encounter regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His friend who belonged to previously mentioned church, was so excited to share his beliefs that he rambled for over an hour. What did the initial investigator remember, you might ask. He left with the idea that Mormons perform baptisms of golden plates in the temples. It wasn't until years later that this false understanding was rectified. He eventually became a member of the church and has since been an outstanding asset to his ward. But he still recalls that first impression he had that Mormons were all cookoo for cocoa puffs. I remember the talk that you refer to. It was excellent. I also remember another lesson I learned while on the mission. We should try to answer the question that should have been asked instead of the question asked. I'll admit that this might not be the venue or forum to do that, but it is noteworthy to keep in mind. An answer that rambles tends to turn the questioner off. They typically are not looking for a dissertation on the history of the church.

Answer 2

What I suggest you do: go to your Heavenly Father in prayer and ask what is true. He will answer you, through the Holy Ghost. That is the only way you will ever really know. We believe the gospel Christ taught was lost and/or changed with time. There needed to be a restoration of the fulness of the gospel. When God and Christ appeared to Joseph, they told him that all other churches were not teaching the correct doctrine. Some had parts and pieces, but not the whole gospel. That brought about the restoration. Read the Book of Mormon. Read the experience of Joseph Smith's vision... it truly is miraculous. President Hinckley said once that this (the gospel restoration) is either the biggest hoax ever, or it is the greatest miracle to ever happen in this dispensation. We encourage everyone to find out for themselves which is right. Depend upon your Heavenly Father, He will answer you. What you are feeling around your friends, is the Spirit. He testifies of truth. I know the gospel to be true and it is because I have studied, prayed and received answers to my prayers. I have also received SO many blessings because of the gospel... it truly is the greatest miracle.

Answer 3

Yes, all the time, in fact. I frequently view myself as a perfectionist, especially in the work that I produce, so I do try to make sure that every answer I give is as perfect as can be... no misspellings, proper grammar, and most importantly, correct doctrine. I put a lot of energy into answering questions on Mormonism, but sometimes I put in more or less energy, depending on the sincerity of the asker. Over time, I have also become better at condensing my answers, as I have learned that very few people will take the time to actually read a detailed, thorough answer.

Answer 4

Yeah I do it sometimes. I think a lot of it depends on my mood. If I am having an off day I tend to be a little more defensive and wanting to correct every misconception I come across. Of course I still will be a smart alleck most of the time when answering some questions no matter what mood I am in.

Answer 5

I, too, join those with long explanations of LDS doctrine. Although brevity is the soul of wit, sometimes we simply cannot leave a reply at only a sentence or two because we get caught up in the topic, holding to the objective of presenting a comprehensible answer.

Answer 6

Well my problem is somethings take more than a brief answer- at least in my mind they do. However, if I feel the answer is going to long, I usually refer them to Mormon.org or I find the subject they are asking about and refer them there. Sometimes I feel the need to correct the incorrect things people say- that always makes my answers long.

I am trying to keep them brief though and I always refer them to Mormon.org- At least I try to remember to.

Answer 7

I'll go long sometimes, but only if the person seems to have a sincere desire to know something - otherwise I get to the point.... As they taught us on our missions - answer the question - don't overwhelm them with a long answer.

You definitely aren't alone....

Answer 8

Yeah, I'm keeping the long answers for occasional journal entries and learning to tell people just where to go to look. After all, they're not helpless. They can order books, buy books, check out books, and read books (or other resource material) just the same as we can.

Answer 9

Um, YEAH...

No, you're not the only one....

On occasion someone will ask a question if something or another they've heard is true, and I'll answer something to the effect-

"In a word, yes/no..."

Then I'll go on to explain... sometimes lengthy, sometimes not....

Answer 10

I've probably done that. I just can't think of any specific instance. And yeah, if I think I made my answer too long, I go back and edit. You are not alone!