Stephen Smoot’s Masterclass in Victim Blaming
Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 5:25 pm
https://www.plonialmonimormon.com/2019/ ... gress.html
Smoot recently published an allegory, or mashup of what he claims to be real world ex-Mormon exit narratives.
The post itself is problematic on a number of levels. Then, the damage is exponentially compounded through his responses to the comments section.
The content of this post and comments is a masterful case study in victim blaming and re-traumatizing individuals in pain.
What is your goal here Stephen?
Is your ego really so threatened by the existence of exmormon reddit, Bill Reel’s podcasts, and the CES Letter that you need to insult people who would look into those resources?
Or are you, immaturely, projecting a larger doubt, that sincere truth seekers can and do opt to leave the church for the very reason that they value integrity and honesty?
If a person does find Bill Reel’s years of podcasts to be a helpful resource, why do you feel the need to derisively label that person “a disciple of Bill Reel?” We can both disagree with some of Bill’s arguments without villainizing him or those who appreciate his approach to study and inquiry.
If a person is disturbed by the CES Letter, and subsequently struggles with faith and how to participate in the church while sorting those struggles, does that necessarily mean that person is shallow, deceptive, and unwilling to study writings of apologetic authors and FAIRMormon? No, it doesn’t, as your allegory strongly suggests. In fact, many DO make at least an equal study of those sources, and come away more confused and less convinced that the church has a truthful narrative underpinning the doctrines of the restoration. How mean spirited do you have to be not to see that or allow for it in your own writings?
If a person finds some solace in exmormon reddit, however temporary or shallow, who cares? The pain is real. The anger is real. The feeling of despair and confusion is real. Would you rob others of a resource to vent that with others who are feeling the same feelings? Why does the existence of exmormon reddit give you perpetual license to inflict harmful shame on others?
Also, how is it irrelevant what people feel after reading FAIRMormon? Last time I checked, the entire foundation of the church is based on each person experiencing spiritual feelings as they study. If FAIR isn’t helping folks to consistently feel the spirit, perhaps something is wrong with the approach or the material.
You’re a public figure Stephen. Good people are asking you to walk a mile with them. How about walking two, rather than giving folks a kick in the a$$ instead. Unless you enjoy kicking people when they’re down. It appears you do.
Your online behavior at the blog linked above is textbook victim blaming, mean spirited bullying and entirely antithetical to the teachings of the master you claim to defend. Ironically, it belies your own doubts and disbelief.
Smoot recently published an allegory, or mashup of what he claims to be real world ex-Mormon exit narratives.
The post itself is problematic on a number of levels. Then, the damage is exponentially compounded through his responses to the comments section.
The content of this post and comments is a masterful case study in victim blaming and re-traumatizing individuals in pain.
What is your goal here Stephen?
Is your ego really so threatened by the existence of exmormon reddit, Bill Reel’s podcasts, and the CES Letter that you need to insult people who would look into those resources?
Or are you, immaturely, projecting a larger doubt, that sincere truth seekers can and do opt to leave the church for the very reason that they value integrity and honesty?
If a person does find Bill Reel’s years of podcasts to be a helpful resource, why do you feel the need to derisively label that person “a disciple of Bill Reel?” We can both disagree with some of Bill’s arguments without villainizing him or those who appreciate his approach to study and inquiry.
If a person is disturbed by the CES Letter, and subsequently struggles with faith and how to participate in the church while sorting those struggles, does that necessarily mean that person is shallow, deceptive, and unwilling to study writings of apologetic authors and FAIRMormon? No, it doesn’t, as your allegory strongly suggests. In fact, many DO make at least an equal study of those sources, and come away more confused and less convinced that the church has a truthful narrative underpinning the doctrines of the restoration. How mean spirited do you have to be not to see that or allow for it in your own writings?
If a person finds some solace in exmormon reddit, however temporary or shallow, who cares? The pain is real. The anger is real. The feeling of despair and confusion is real. Would you rob others of a resource to vent that with others who are feeling the same feelings? Why does the existence of exmormon reddit give you perpetual license to inflict harmful shame on others?
Also, how is it irrelevant what people feel after reading FAIRMormon? Last time I checked, the entire foundation of the church is based on each person experiencing spiritual feelings as they study. If FAIR isn’t helping folks to consistently feel the spirit, perhaps something is wrong with the approach or the material.
You’re a public figure Stephen. Good people are asking you to walk a mile with them. How about walking two, rather than giving folks a kick in the a$$ instead. Unless you enjoy kicking people when they’re down. It appears you do.
Your online behavior at the blog linked above is textbook victim blaming, mean spirited bullying and entirely antithetical to the teachings of the master you claim to defend. Ironically, it belies your own doubts and disbelief.