DiscussMormonism.com

Over on the LDS Talk blog, they discuss how only 11% of former Mormons identify themselves as Christians after leaving Mormonism. They offer five reasons on why they think this is so:

(1) The Church argues effectively that the Bible supports distinctively Mormon doctrines.
(2) Ostracism of LDS from traditional Christianity discourages disaffected Mormons from becoming traditional Christians.
(3) The Trinity and the doctrine of hell and salvation are not attractive or compelling to disaffected Mormons (or any non-traditional Christian).
(4)Perceived differences in Church Culture prevent Mormons from wanting to attend other churchs.
(5) Mormon Culture keeps the disaffected from other Christian churches.

I think there’s a certain amount of truth here, but none of these address the core issue. In my opinion, the core issue is this: going from Mormonism to Christianity is simply going from one type of mythology to another type of mythology. In the end it’s all just mythology. I’d like to know what other people in this forum think.

I think you're partly right. The other issue, at least for me, is that we were taught that the Holy Ghost spoke to us through impressions and feelings. We had testimonies because we felt the spirit testifying of the truth of things.

When we realized that some of the things that the spirit confirmed are not actually true, we began to distrust our feelings and impressions. And because that's how we were taught to experience God, we no longer have any idea how to experience God in our lives.

Runtu wrote:I think you're partly right. The other issue, at least for me, is that we were taught that the Holy Ghost spoke to us through impressions and feelings. We had testimonies because we felt the spirit testifying of the truth of things.

When we realized that some of the things that the spirit confirmed are not actually true, we began to distrust our feelings and impressions. And because that's how we were taught to experience God, we no longer have any idea how to experience God in our lives.

I think that is the key factor, for sure.

Culture, I think, is another one. I've been to protestant services where they hold hands, or raise their hands over their heads and give glory to God. I felt very uncomfortable. I'd never be able to bring myself to participate. I'd feel self-conscious and foolish. I suppose I'd feel more comfortable in a Catholic mass, but then the issue you raised comes up again.

That's interesting. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that Christians also rely on "feelings and impressions" in determining what they believe it true.

Buffalo wrote:Culture, I think, is another one. I've been to protestant services where they hold hands, or raise their hands over their heads and give glory to God. I felt very uncomfortable. I'd never be able to bring myself to participate. I'd feel self-conscious and foolish. I suppose I'd feel more comfortable in a Catholic mass, but then the issue you raised comes up again.

Yes, I agree. I went to a few Bible studies with friends after I left the church, and wasn't comfortable with their forms of worship.

During the prayers everyone was always mumbling: "Amen," "Hallelujah," "Praise Jeezus!" It all seemed fake and corny to me. Just the way I was raised I guess. Christianity always seemed superficial, fake, and forced to me, which was something that I always liked, and still do like about Mormonism...it's more mellow and toned down. I can't speak for Mormonism in places where there are large numbers of members though, because I have always lived in Texas.

aranyborju wrote: which was something that I always liked, and still do like about Mormonism...it's more mellow and toned down.

Which can also be interpreted as: dull, boring, and repetitive.

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Natsunekko wrote:That's interesting. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that Christians also rely on "feelings and impressions" in determining what they believe it true.

It certainly plays a part. My point is that, since all religion is on some level based on feelings and emotions, when we distrust those feelings, we find it difficult to trust religion.

Natsunekko wrote:In the end it’s all just mythology.

If you really mean that sentence, then I will agree with you.

If you really meant to say, "In the end it's all just mythology, except of course the new worldview I espouse," then I'll have to disagree with you.

My latest theory on this is that the following equation holds for LDS members:

LDS Church - Joseph Smith = Atheism

Compare this with other churches, using != to mean not equals:

Catholicism - The Pope != Atheism
Lutheranism - Martin Luther != Atheism
Calvinists - Calvin != Atheism

In those cases, there's still a decent chance that X - Y = Still Christian.

By the way, I think that the above equations are the best argument against the Christianity of Mormons (because it avoids doctrinal issues and sticks with mostly empirical data). Apart from Joseph Smith, believing in Jesus really means zilch to most, if not all, LDS members. Whereas in other churches, believing in Jesus still buys you some goodwill from family members and friends still in the tradition you have left. Now I don't actually make that argument, I'm content to avoid the issue entirely and agree that Mormons are Christians. I just wish active and believing Mormons would realize that there is something seriously wrong with the above state of affairs and change their attitudes and opinions accordingly. In other words, I'm not saying the above to troll another tireless "Are Mormons Christians?" debate, but to try and get Mormons to behave as if they really mean they are Christians.

My apostasy blessed me with realizing how rediculous Christianity is -- the doctrine of the atonement as it superceded the blood rituals of the Old Testament. The whole thing is just sick. The Bible is a book of myths.

Jonah being swallowed by a whale? Give me a Goddamn break! That is the stupidest story ever dreamed up. And it's in the Bible! Take the Bible and shove it. Jesus is not my savior. I owe him nothing. My life belongs to me and I save myself in my loving sins. Hell yeah!

Paul O