Positives of the Church

[_DonBradley]

That Mormonism promotes good health, with Mormons, on average, out-living their non-Mormon cohorts by several years.

That Mormonism provides community life in a way that is lacking for most Americans.

That Mormons have portable community: you move into a new ward and there are people to help you unload, friends for your kids, etc., etc., etc.

That Mormons have a lower poverty rate than the surrounding culture, due in part to the LDS welfare system.

That Mormonism provides a relative degree of shielding from the aimlessness and materialism of modern secular life.

That Mormonism promotes education--with Mormons being disproportionally likely to attend both college and graduate school: Indeed, the more devout the Mormon, the more likely he or she will obtain higher education.

That Mormonism tends to promote musical and public-speaking skills in its young people, skills which are valuable and life-enhancing.

That Mormonism promotes family life--including close, strong families that spend time together.


I don't think this list is anywhere near exhaustive, but this is what I can say just off the cuff.

Don

[_CaliforniaKid]

I think the family focus is quite admirable.

[_dartagnan]

I think the family focus is quite admirable.

That's actually a double-edged sword.

In my case, family was to be abandoned for the gospel.

Their slogan only sounds good assuming all family members are LDS. Otherwise, family takes a backseat to the "gospel."

[_charity]

I think the family focus is quite admirable.

That's actually a double-edged sword.

In my case, family was to be abandoned for the gospel.

Their slogan only sounds good assuming all family members are LDS. Otherwise, family takes a backseat to the "gospel."

This is entirely up to the individual. I was the only member of my family in the Church for 30 years, until a cousin joined. We had great family relationships and were very close.

[_moksha]

That Mormons are clean cut and very American.
That they eat all the vegetables on their plate.
That they say their prayers regularly.
That they wash behind their ears.
That they find novel and zany ways to ask their Prom dates out.
That they pay their tithing with no questions asked.
That they do everything asked of them by their leaders.
That they have very large families.
That they make for excellent designated drivers after parties.
That they shun the Cross but will not burst into flames if you hold one to their foreheads.
That they have the only two native Reformed Egyptian speakers in existence.
That they go to bed at a reasonable hour.

[_DonBradley]

That they allow Moksha among their number.

[_Boaz & Lidia]

I think the family focus is quite admirable.

That's actually a double-edged sword.

In my case, family was to be abandoned for the gospel.

Their slogan only sounds good assuming all family members are LDS. Otherwise, family takes a backseat to the "gospel."

This is entirely up to the individual. I was the only member of my family in the Church for 30 years, until a cousin joined. We had great family relationships and were very close.

In other words dart, IT IS YOUR FAULT you had no relationship with your family.

Bravo chariddditty! Spoken like a true Mormon!

[_Roger Morrison]

Hey Moniker, gotta tell ya Babe, yer one of the best--Luv Ya!! Great topic! Positive stuff, what the world needs... Agree with most posters who are sensitive to the issue. Laughed a lot too--thanks Mok.

JAK, i didn't see this until a few moments ago ;-)

To me, it's the PEOPLE. A better intended, and focused group i don't think i have associated wih. Has nothing to do with doctrin, has to do with being human, and we all IS, eh... Warmest regards, Roger

[_Moniker]

Hey Moniker, gotta tell ya Babe, yer one of the best--Luv Ya!! Great topic! Positive stuff, what the world needs...

Yes, it is what the world needs.

[_Some Schmo]

I am sure that no one description would fit all people who find the atonement pointess. Perhaps you do not fit this catagory but I have sometimes noticed people who find the atonement pointless who are people who believe themselves perpetually innocent. What ever is wrong in the world it is not their fault. Perhaps its Gods fault perhaps its the system. It could be the dumb peoples fault. In their own lives things go wrong because other people do them wrong. It is not their fault. The atonment is just another device to blame them. It is just a hassel because after all they are innocent to start with.

I think, though there may be a variety of patterns, most people who try and take responsiblities for their own f ups realize that they are larger than they can correct completely. We must share the cleanup with each other. I think seen from that vantage sharing the cleanup with God is an opportunity in the direction of responsiblity


c

You are right; I do not fit that category.

I am about as far away from innocent as one can get. I would never claim innocence. I certainly don't blame the church for anything wrong with my life personally, except to the extent with which it has affected my family outlook on me, an "apostate" and the strain it introduces to our relationships. I don't blame god or Jesus for anything, given that I think they are figments of the imaginations of those who believe in them.

I actually do understand that I am responsible for my own actions. It's certainly not easy, but it's the reality of life. You can either accept it or deny it, but accepting it makes life easier, in my experience.

The reason I find the atonement pointless is strictly due to the reality that every adult is ultimately responsible for him or herself. Why one earth would we glorify someone for committing suicide in the name of all mankind's f***ups? It just doesn't make any sense whatsoever except in some ancient, primitive, quasi-mystical, roundabout, pre-evolved, false worshippy way.

The teachings attributed to Christ are good common sense. Be good to others. No brainer. Take Christ out of the equation and the teachings are just as valuable; actually, even more so, because they then don't come with the Christ-guilt baggage.