Cafeteria Mormons

Post by **_harmony** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:37 pm

I've been called a cafeteria Mormon so often, I should be insulted. But how could I be, since a cafeteria Mormon is exactly what I am, and exactly what every Mormon should be. We constantly sift the information given to us over the years and over our lifetimes to find the gems of God-breathed truth. We know we cannot trust the prophets to be infallible; we know they have been wrong before; we know that which is right today will be moved to the past tomorrow.

So yes, I am a cafeteria Mormon. I pick and choose among all that is on the table to find that which is pertinent to me today, knowing it will likely change tomorrow. Why is this considered to be such a bad thing, by both ex-mos and TBM's? Why is it so difficult to allow someone to do exactly what we have all been commanded to do?

Post by **_Blixa** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:42 pm

And is not eating sparingly recommended by the Word of Wisdom? *posing as Moksha*

Post by **_harmony** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:49 pm

Blixa wrote:And is not eating sparingly recommended by the Word of Wisdom? *posing as Moksha*

LOL! Exactly!

_Yoda · Post by **_Yoda** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:50 pm

Harmony wrote:Why is this considered to be such a bad thing, by both ex-mos and TBM's? Why is it so difficult to allow someone to do exactly what we have all been commanded to do?

Amen, Harmony! Cafeteria Mormons unite! :)

I don't understand this either. I'm so tired of being called a hypocrite because I have found a path that works for me.

I have PP telling me I'm spineless and I'm going to ruin my kids lives if I don't leave the Church completely. I have people like Bob Crockett, BC, and Coggins telling me that if I don't blindly accept everything the Church says, I don't belong there. Oh, I suppose that according to Will the jerk Schryver's comments about wanting to "hunt people down" and report them, I would be on his list, too.

What gives, guys? Why are Jason, Harmony, Moksha, Rollo, and I considered to be such enigmas? Don't you think there are other Mormons out there like us?

Post by **_Runtu** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:51 pm

I'd be a cafeteria Mormon if I could find something palatable on the menu.

Post by **_harmony** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:58 pm

liz3564 wrote:I don't understand this either. I'm so tired of being called a hypocrite because I have found a path that works for me.

I have PP telling me I'm spineless and I'm going to ruin my kids lives if I don't leave the Church completely. I have people like Bob Crockett, BC, and Coggins telling me that if I don't blindly accept everything the Church says, I don't belong there. Oh, I suppose that according to Will the jerk Schryver's comments about wanting to "hunt people down" and report them, I would be on his list, too.

What gives, guys? Why are Jason, Harmony, Moksha, Rollo, and I considered to be such enigmas? Don't you think there are other Mormons out there like us?

There doesn't seem to be any consistency. On one hand, we're doing as we're commanded, seeking our personal inspiration regarding the words of the prophets. On the other hand, we're chastised for finding out some of the words of the propehts weren't God-breathed and our loyalty is questioned. Damned if we do; damned if we don't.

Post by **_harmony** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:05 pm

Runtu wrote:I'd be a cafeteria Mormon if I could find something palatable on the menu.

I'm fairly picky myself, yet I have been able so far to find enough to maintain some semblance of faith, which suits me. I find myself throwing more and more into the garbage disposal though.

Post by **_BishopRic** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:06 pm

liz3564 wrote:
Harmony wrote:Why is this considered to be such a bad thing, by both ex-mos and TBM's? Why is it so difficult to allow someone to do exactly what we have all been commanded to do?

Amen, Harmony! Cafeteria Mormons unite! :)

I don't understand this either. I'm so tired of being called a hypocrite because I have found a path that works for me.

I have PP telling me I'm spineless and I'm going to ruin my kids lives if I don't leave the Church completely. I have people like Bob Crockett, BC, and Coggins telling me that if I don't blindly accept everything the Church says, I don't belong there. Oh, I suppose that according to Will the jerk Schryver's comments about wanting to "hunt people down" and report them, I would be on his list, too.

What gives, guys? Why are Jason, Harmony, Moksha, Rollo, and I considered to be such enigmas? Don't you think there are other Mormons out there like us?

I'll just say that I've always respected y'all. When I studied with Grant Palmer, most of our group were stunned that he wanted to remain active, after learning what we all did. He was my first exposure to good folks like you that give me hope that the church has a positive future as long as thinking people like you remain.

Post by **_BishopRic** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:10 pm

Runtu wrote:I'd be a cafeteria Mormon if I could find something palatable on the menu.

This is exactly what happened to me. I really wanted to remain for the family reasons, but when so much of what I heard in talks was either false, judgmental, or victimizing, I had to leave for my own peace of soul.

I really do respect others that can stomach that...just isn't me.

Post by **_Inconceivable** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:10 pm

Harmony,

Your argument would have full merit if it had the approval of the leadership of the Mormon church.

But it does not.

Your argument is summarily rejected by them on a regular basis. They (the church) do not teach your doctrine.

To the leadership (and to many TBM's), your kind will always represent the wolves in sheep's clothing. And when they discover you they will attempt to take from you what they believe is not rightfully yours to keep.

Rant all you want. You are your own church.