Fear God and Fear the Church!!

[Shulem]

There's absolutely nothing that could convince my mom the church isn't true. And I wouldn't have it any other way. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt she'll see my dad again. The fear we are speaking of is used to comfort the majority of religious people. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Do you?

There is nothing wrong with people having faith and belief within the doctrines of their religion, whether it be Islam, Christian, or any other variety. Religions serve a purpose and people need them. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with me telling people that there are things about their religion that they don’t need and that they should be open to the possibilities of shifting and making changes in their spiritual beliefs. In other words, I believe it’s important to question our beliefs and to consider the possibility that our faith in a particular tenet may be misplaced or simply wrong.

I think it’s important to spread the message of universal love and spirituality without mixing fear and penalties for failing to measure up to the standards given by a religious institution. Religions have been able to maintain their grip by using fear and intimidation in order to…

[Shulem]

Mormonism was originally founded upon principles of spreading fear and threatening nonbelievers with death and destruction if they refuse to bend the knee to Mormonism and submit to its authority. The Church is on record for threatening the lives of everyone who oppose Mormonism by claiming that God will come down and destroy those who disagree and publicly oppose the Church on a doctrinal and spiritual basis. Thus, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is guilty of invoking the idea that an all loving God will come down and murder those who “fight against [Mormon] Zion.” This spirit of death and destruction is alive in the Church today and the Doctrine and Covenants maintain and breathe the same threats as it has since when they were first issued for nearly 200 years. The so-called last days endlessly continue with no end in sight.

“… all who believed the new bible would see Christ within fifteen years, and all who did not would absolutely be destroyed and dam'd.”

See Mormon Think, Last Days

Fear, threats, murder, and death. THAT is foundational to prophecies of Mormonism for those who oppose the Church and reject its message.

[bill4long]

A very large percentage of people find comfort in being told what to do, by people they will probably never meet in person, so they can hopefully one day live again with their love ones in a different realm. Do religions use fear? Yes! It's the simplest and most effective way to keep people on a path that will guide them to a peaceful and comforting death because they "know" one day they'll see their loved ones on the other side.

There's absolutely nothing that could convince my mom the church isn't true. And I wouldn't have it any other way. She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt she'll see my dad again. The fear we are speaking of is used to comfort the majority of religious people. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Do you?

As John Lennon said, "whatever get's ya through the night, is all right, all right."

Humans need their pacifiers, and that's okay with me. I have a few of my own. What is not okay is liars and deceivers selling snake oil when it's obvious that they're selling snake oil, making a profit (in whatever form) from the ignorance and gullibility of their victims.

The guiding principle should be: informed consent. Believe whatever you want. Live and die by whatever religion or philosophy that gets you through the night. I couldn't care less. My beef is with the snake oil salesmen who take advantage of the ignorance of innocent victims. I don't care if we're talking about politicians, "prophets, seers, and revelators" or used car salemen. The lying liars should be resisted and exposed. Period.

--Bill

[Shulem]

I express appreciation for the Backyard Professor’s latest video presentation that demonstrates how the Church works hard in keeping people down through repentance. It’s a cycle of constant and perpetual repentance wherein members of the Church are having to go through endless cycles of never being good enough. Living in guilt and fear is part of the cycle of repetitive repentance! The repentance process of Mormonism is a painful and miserable process.

I am so grateful to be OUT of Mormonism and free from the shackles and chains by which it binds one down. How many bishops have abused young men by questioning and harassing them about masturbation? The Backyard Professor tells us that his bishop harassed him when he was only 11 years old. How utterly shameful to hear how Mormon bishops sexually harass boys and girls. This has been a long standing practice in Mormonism and it is shameful and evil.

BYP Responds to Elder Jeffrey Holland, Quorum of Twelve Apostles, 2023 Worldwide Devotional

[ZiawliShah]

I believe that everyone has the right to their faith and the freedom to express their beliefs. However, I also believe that religion should not be used as a means of power and coercion to obey. The church, as an institution, also pursues the pursuit of each person's identity and freedom of religion. I believe that fear of God or the Church should not be a reason to violate liberty and law.

[Shulem]

I believe that everyone has the right to their faith and the freedom to express their beliefs.

I agree. Everyone has the right to believe whatever they want with regard to God and life on earth.

However, I also believe that religion should not be used as a means of power and coercion to obey.

I agree. For example, there are hardline Islamic countries where power and coercion is exercised to force people to comply with religious tenets and unfair restrictions are imposed on everyone based on ideals and preferences of state religion.

The church, as an institution, also pursues the pursuit of each person's identity and freedom of religion. I believe that fear of God or the Church should not be a reason to violate liberty and law.

You’ll also agree that nobody enjoys being threatened with punishment for not living up to certain standards mandated by religious practice. More especially, nobody likes being told they will go to hell if they don’t join a certain religion and practice certain rites.

[Shulem]

THIS really upset John Dehlin and who can blame him?

Mormon Stories John Dehlin is sick of the Doctrine & Covenants God cursing and condemning people

Nobody likes to be abused.