DiscussMormonism.com

.

Bye.

.

The path of truth leads to shamanism?

Ezias wrote:

The Nehor wrote:Bye.

Ah, you must be a member of the church then? Let me ask, do you consider yourself and honest person? If so, how do you reconcile these things?

Ha. With one tiny little word Ezias can establish whether Nehor is a Mormon or not. That made me laugh and yet is so sad to me. How can a word of three letters convey an all-too-common attitude such that Ezias doesn't even need to ask if Nehor is LDS or not?

In religion on the outside of Mormonism it is perfectly acceptable to move from one congregation of one's own choosing to another congregation of one's own choosing or even to switch denominations and still be welcomed into full fellowship (with a few exceptions re specific denominations and a question of baptism if that comes up). The moving around is entirely within one's own choice. The differences, and some adjustments, may show up if one wishes to make a big switch and then join (eg, from Catholic to Protestant, vice versa). There are many valid reasons for moving from one congregation to another and even crossing the denom line. The key is for the various churches to genuinely welcome newcomers and sincerely wish leavetakers the best in life.

Mormonism is another animal, where anyone who leaves, for whatever reason, is labelled apostate, at least, and at least with LDS on the Net seem to be viewed as traitors - or whatever term you want to use to explain the amazing degree of hostility and disgust that is heaped upon ex-members by some LDS posters. This occurs off-Net too, from what I read. It's quite an extraordinary spectacle when compared with the no-big-deal-ness of moving around in other churches.

Rather than this flexibility being a sign of laxity or chaos, as some have suggested, it is more the result of the view that you are a Christian by virtue of what you believe rather than where you worship. Thus, to me, I was a Christian before Mormonism, during Mormonism and after Mormonism (although many on both sides of the fence do disagree with me on that).

The big difference between Mormonism and other churches on this is that the Mormon Church requires its members to attend their assigned ward in order to be considered in good standing in the church whereas in non-LDS churches the decision about where to attend (or not) is entirely your own choice. In Mormonism you're already on the black list just by attending a different ward (in my experience, as evidenced by not being given a calling, not being under the supervision of the right bishop, etc). Actually leaving Mormonism, even for another church in the Christian tradition, is seen as leaving the only true church and ex-members are treated accordingly by many members.

I have attended Mennonite Brethren chapels for years, both before and after trying out Mormonism. I am perfectly free to go from the local church in my little town to a much larger church in a neighbouring city, which I have done often, depending on the scheduled speakers, various programs and to meet and worship with friends in either locale. I also attended an Anglican (Episcopalian) church which I enjoyed. Different service, another focus, but same beliefs, same God. Nobody in the MB church felt that I had left the fold, at all. Again, this is because "the church" to us is defined as the worldwide body of believers and not a specific denomination or an assigned congregation. There is a lot of freedom in that. This goes a long way to explaining why leaving a congregation or a denomination in non-LDS-land does not cause believers to consider that you have abandoned them or renounced God (unless you have!)

If someone leaves, for whatever reason, including unbelief, we don't generally view them negatively for it and certainly don't indicate that it's good to see the back of them.

The difference in Mormonism seems to make many members curiously lacking in compassion, on this and other issues, in my experience.

As an aside, I had quite an unexpected and hurtful negative experience around my baptism as an adult convert and I did not go to church after the baptism. The missionaries finally convinced me to try going again and I eventually did, six weeks after baptism, and met with a new bishop in a new ward (long story). The first thing the bishop said to me was "I know why you did not return to church after your baptism and I understand why you would react that way". That expression of understanding was the only reason I did try and make a go of it in that new congregation. Rather than condemning me for inactivity or saying there is no excuse for not attending the bishop acknowledged that my non-attendance was understandable. I found that to be compassionate and it made the difference of whether I left altogether or tried to stick it out (and it worked for three years). There is nothing wrong with trying to understand the view from the other guy's side of the street and showing some compassion for the tough patches in people's lives.

Anyway, Ezias, your post is interesting. Many former members have felt the same as you about church history and other issues. Good luck in your exit process.

You will find that there are a few of us, who are members here, such as Jason, Harmony, Moksha, and myself, who do get frustrated with the more hard-line attitudes.

If I thought it would help, I would lecture Nehor on being more charitable, rather than throwing out phrases such as "Bye", or "don't let the door hit you on the way out", etc.

Nehor, however, is young, and really isn't interested in learning anything, or changing his attitudes. Like most young people, he has it all figured out.

Ezias,

You'll have to elaborate on what you mean by Shamanism. I concur with your observations regarding the contradiction of Mormonism. We have been taught to be perfectly honest with ourselves and God - just not that honest. Anything that doesn't seem to past the smell test is simply a test of our faith and commitment to the organization (rather than of our integrity or moral fiber).

Seems once you have been introduced to the more accurate history (among other things), you begin to understand that Mormonism uses their own twisted definitions and standards for words and concepts that already have well established meanings in the real world.

Ezias wrote:

The Nehor wrote:Bye.

Ah, you must be a member of the church then? Let me ask, do you consider yourself and honest person? If so, how do you reconcile these things?

Don't push The Nehor. That was a big contribution for him

John Larsen wrote:The path of truth leads to shamanism?

And death metal, apparently.

The Nehor wrote:Bye.

Nehor,

You need to practice charity, you know, the pure love of Christ. I know it is a tough thing to do but try it out man.