Anti-Mormons

[john doe]

Originally Posted by OtterPop

I have to agree with the previous poster about you being rather abrasive.

I said that your answer was simplistic, not that you're a simpleton. It's not my habit to call people names, and I don't think your sarcasm contributes to the dialogue.

It's not "theory" that I intend to discuss in this thread; it's my experience of being an ex-Mormon.

Thank you. My goal is to regain the title of 'most abrasive moderator' back from Pale. I think he cheated to get the title and I aim to get it back.

As for your Theory, I still like mine better. You may not like it, but by and large, I think it's more accurate than yours.

As far as your experiences as an ex-member, I would caution you, as a moderator, to tread lightly. I suggest you read the rules of site carefully before you decide to 'expose the church for what it really is' if you wish to spend a substantial length of time here. Feel free to share your experiences, but exercise restraint would be the advice I will gladly hand out. No charge. No need to thank me, you're welcome in advance.

[OtterPop]

Originally Posted by bytor2112

Ottherpop,

Thanks for your candidness......
Why do you think "people who truly believed in Mormonism" leave?

For a lot of reasons. The most common one that people have told me, and that I've read about, is that they are unable to resolve the tension between what they've been taught in church and what they conclude is true when they've delved more deeply into Mormon history and teachings. I'm not saying that everyone who delves deeply will experience this tension or come to these conclusions, only that some people do.

For people who are true believers, this is a painful, gut-wrenching process. Many people take years to reach a decision to leave. Many people stay longer than they would want to, because Mormonism is the foundation of their family and their entire social structure.

In my own case, I left the Church for spiritual reasons, gradually and gently by God. I was led to a richer belief and a richer life outside Mormonism. You could say I was "deconverted" after having been born into Mormonism. And Moroni 10 certainly had a lot to do with it.

I appreciate your asking.

And I'd like to add that shen I stopped attending church and knew I would never return, I was the Sunday School pianist and was temple-recommend worthy. Not that being the pianist is an advanced calling -- but it is one they don't give to someone who's not there every week.

[OtterPop]

Originally Posted by john doe

As for your Theory, I still like mine better. You may not like it, but by and large, I think it's more accurate than yours.

As far as your experiences as an ex-member, I would caution you, as a moderator, to tread lightly. I suggest you read the rules of site carefully before you decide to 'expose the church for what it really is' if you wish to spend a substantial length of time here.

You, of course, are free to "like" your theory better. But I would encourage you to consider how much Mormons complain about people outside the LDS church defining Mormon doctrine and Mormon experience. Use some restraint yourself in defining the experience of ex-Mormons.

And your stereotypes of ex-Mormons notwithstanding, I have no intention of "exposing" anything. I assume that Mormons trust their own first-hand experience of their church, and anyone who wants an "expose" (sorry -- I don't know how to get the e character with the accent over it) of Mormonism can certainly find one. That's not a service I provide.

[pam]

Otterpop might I post a question to you. I am honestly wanting your input on this. For those that leave the Church...for whatever the reasons might be...why do so many continue to frequent an LDS website?

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by pam

Otterpop might a post a question to you. I am honestly wanting your input on this. For those that leave the Church...for whatever the reasons might be...why do so many continue to frequent an LDS website?

I was curious about that also....

[Misshalfway]

Originally Posted by pam

Otterpop might I post a question to you. I am honestly wanting your input on this. For those that leave the Church...for whatever the reasons might be...why do so many continue to frequent an LDS website?

I wonder this too.

[Shaliach]

Palerider,
In case you didn't notice both of your questions were answered. Perhaps it was the use of more than one syllable that made it difficult for you to notice that. Or perhaps you were just too busy being snide to notice? Nahhh...couldn't be, right? It must be a problem with me. It must be since you were so nice and posed your query in such a non-aggressive manner. Right?

When you can discuss things like a decent person I will respond in kind. Until then I'll just give you the same treatment you give others.

For the record, I am neither anti-Mormon nor an ex member. I am a current member of the church. Just in case your vitriole was based on another stupid assumption, though I suspect you don't need reason to be as you are. Frankly I refuse to address you anymore after this post. Hope you grow up. I'll pray for you.

[bytor2112]

OtterPop,

Thanks again for your comments. I am sure the reasons people leave the Church vary and I do wish you peace and happiness. My personal opinion.... and what I personally believe is true, the war that was fought in the pre-existence continues. The adversary carefully crafts a strategy to prevent as many of us as possible from returning home. For some, worldly temptations,lustful passions and vain desires lead to the path of destruction. But for others, those who find the "strait and narrow", he looks for other ways to lead them away. I think that one way is by drawing attention away from the sacred truths we learn by the power of the Holy Spirit and spreading lies mingled with truth about the early history of the Church. Trying to understand 19th century church history through 21st lenses is a real challenge, and people have been trying to tear down this work since the beginning. The doctrines of Salvation are what is important....... not so much past views or ideas or comments from early leaders.IMHO.......

[rameumptom]

I think it would be nice if everyone would calm down and speak in Christian tones.

I also think there are many reasons for people to leave the Church. At the same time, I believe all people dwell in the land of self deception, so that each of us often leads ourselves away from greater truth, as we seek something more befitting our own nature and comfort zone.

Being a member of the LDS Church does not make me comfortable. And my nature struggles against it frequently. But I have a very strong testimony of it. I've never been the pianist, since my piano skills are not up to par. However, I have held a myriad of ward and stake callings through the years, and I have to state that the Lord does work in this Church. Whether everyone experiences it, or not, is not my problem or issue. All I can do is share my own experience. And as Alma 29:8 suggests, the Spirit works within other belief systems, as well. Many find joy, peace and comfort from the Lord in many other religions. It is just my belief that a greater reward awaits those who accept the modern prophets and the priesthood ordinances that teach us the mysteries of godliness.

[bytor2112]

Are people who become in-active and live outside of church teachings for many years any different from people who become ex-mormons? Other than never officially have there names removed. Unless they actively fight against the church.