Re: The LDS problems in Sweden
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 8:37 am
One must note that Sweden is one of the most hostile nations in regards to anyone believing in anything aside from feminism and really bad pop music.
Aside from that, one must note two things. I have read many accounts of people raised in more liberal mainstream Protestant denominations, you know, "God is love" sorts of congregations that when they finally sit down and read the Old Testament and ethnic cleansing portions they lose all faith. I think this can happen if the LDS Church ignores issues like polygamy. That leaves young people and converts to have to learn for themselves about polygamy from hostile sources.
The second thing is how someone can present a historical fact. For instance, one can find examples on the internet where once patriotic Americans lose that reverence once they find out the founders of the USA were in large part occultists. Now the thing is once you use terms like "occultists" people conjure up images of naked people with pentagram stars sacrificing virgins. However, occultism can just mean that one is seeking hidden knowledge. So yes, most of the Founding Fathers were Masons and others, such as Franklin, were involved in much more secretive and deeper organizations. However, many still will not get past that occult thing and will distrust everything about the foundations of the USA. Although that big statue of Inanna in New York, of the penis of Osiris in Washington, DC at least makes for interesting reading. Maybe history books in government schools should deal with some of the background of the men who founded America. Oh wait, that would involve critical thinking and American schoolkids are not supposed to be exposed to that.
I think the best way Mormons can discuss issues, particularly with kids, is to be open and honest about it. In fact I joke with my young daughters about how much nagging Brigham Young probably received from all those wives.
Aside from that, one must note two things. I have read many accounts of people raised in more liberal mainstream Protestant denominations, you know, "God is love" sorts of congregations that when they finally sit down and read the Old Testament and ethnic cleansing portions they lose all faith. I think this can happen if the LDS Church ignores issues like polygamy. That leaves young people and converts to have to learn for themselves about polygamy from hostile sources.
The second thing is how someone can present a historical fact. For instance, one can find examples on the internet where once patriotic Americans lose that reverence once they find out the founders of the USA were in large part occultists. Now the thing is once you use terms like "occultists" people conjure up images of naked people with pentagram stars sacrificing virgins. However, occultism can just mean that one is seeking hidden knowledge. So yes, most of the Founding Fathers were Masons and others, such as Franklin, were involved in much more secretive and deeper organizations. However, many still will not get past that occult thing and will distrust everything about the foundations of the USA. Although that big statue of Inanna in New York, of the penis of Osiris in Washington, DC at least makes for interesting reading. Maybe history books in government schools should deal with some of the background of the men who founded America. Oh wait, that would involve critical thinking and American schoolkids are not supposed to be exposed to that.
I think the best way Mormons can discuss issues, particularly with kids, is to be open and honest about it. In fact I joke with my young daughters about how much nagging Brigham Young probably received from all those wives.
