That title sounds way too serious. All I want to know is this: is it possible for the study of Mormonism to look and feel the same, regardless of your perspective as a Mormon or exmormon or nevermo?
I don't think so. First of all, how can Mormonism feel interesting to a non believer? What motivates a non believer to take the time? Apostasy is a reason I understand. The apostate has a stake in it because of lingering connections through family and friends. But a random never mo? What would motivate them?
But that last question is a tangent. What I mean to ask is can the study become safe and interesting, regardless of perspective?
Guys, I just re-read this post and now I realize I've asked 3 separate questions and I'm not even sure I want to know why. Now I'm questioning the entire post. Maybe i justed want to say hi.
For me, the church sent some young men to my door to tell me I we believe the same thing and at the same time also tell me, basically, I’m dimly lit (I’m claiming copyright on this term), and have it all wrong.
What motivates this non-believer in Mormonism to learn about it is the gospel, which I hope is apparent by now.
A secondary interest may be to see how Mormonism developed over time. I must admit that I’m interested to see if it will ever take a turn to a more biblical view.
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19 ESV
Yes it can be different and is. But I no longer allow Mormonism to have its own label for me, i.e., "apostate." I have become free because I have found the truth. Apostasy is their label, and I refuse to wear it or agree with it. What they think is utterly irrelevant to me. I don't accept their own pigeon holing of me. I am the captain of my destiny, the master of whatever labels I will wear. It's that simple.
Hey, Philo Sofee. I have a label that I hope you will embrace: rebel.
"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." Isaac Asimov
That title sounds way too serious. All I want to know is this: is it possible for the study of Mormonism to look and feel the same, regardless of your perspective as a Mormon or exmormon or nevermo?
I don't think so. First of all, how can Mormonism feel interesting to a non believer? What motivates a non believer to take the time? Apostasy is a reason I understand. The apostate has a stake in it because of lingering connections through family and friends. But a random never mo? What would motivate them?
But that last question is a tangent. What I mean to ask is can the study become safe and interesting, regardless of perspective?
Guys, I just re-read this post and now I realize I've asked 3 separate questions and I'm not even sure I want to know why. Now I'm questioning the entire post. Maybe i justed want to say hi.
From the outside looking in, I think you could even further differentiate between those BIC, converts, Utah, and non-Utah region (Moridor?) Latter-day Saints. Here in the Southeast, LDS seem more diverse in things like clothing worn to church, facial hair, etc. I definitely notice a difference in BIC and converts, and number of years of church membership.
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19 ESV
