Does being a fringe Mormon distort the discussion?

[_Mercury]

In my skewed estimation often those Mormons who engage non/ex/anti on discussion boards do not represent the true base behavior and opinions of Mormonism. This board is not an exception. It copuld possibly be chalked up to fear of discussion, lack of interest in discussion or internet befuddlement.

How is an one supposed to keep tabs on the core of Mormon sensibilities and opinion if the fringe (sorry guys) is the majority in this discussion?

[_Sethbag]

I totally agree. I find that Shades' "internet Mormon" versus "chapel Mormon" discussion really does apply. The internet Mormons have learned that a lot of things normal, everyday chapel Mormons claim simply aren't viable or defensible, and have retreated to more defensible lines. So they'll concede things that chapel Mormons often won't, choosing to hold their ground elsewhere. It really does distort the conversation.

In particular, it's a distortion of the discussion if we must insist on discussing the criticism of, say, what Nehor or Asbestosman will admit to believing. In reality, what's important is what Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, all the way down to Pres. Monson and the other leaders of today believe and teach. If the church teaches a global flood, for instance, it doesn't really matter that any given internet Mormon admits there wasn't one, and the whole flood thing is just every single past LDS president's own personal opinion.

At some point, it's the LDS church's doctrines and teachings (only in internet Mormonism is there a material difference between "doctrines" and "teachings") that matter, not what any given apologist will admit to believing, that matters.

[_harmony]

In my skewed estimation often those Mormons who engage non/ex/anti on discussion boards do not represent the true base behavior and opinions of Mormonism. This board is not an exception. It copuld possibly be chalked up to fear of discussion, lack of interest in discussion or internet befuddlement.

How is an one supposed to keep tabs on the core of Mormon sensibilities and opinion if the fringe (sorry guys) is the majority in this discussion?

Well, I am definitely Fringe. Actually, I'm a charter member of the Fringe. I'm curious as to why you think that means I'm not a Mormon. I fulfill my callings; I even went to church today, sat in my normal chair (the soft one in the foyer), waved at all my friends who were waving at me from inside the chapel, took the sacrament, and came home. How does that make me not a Mormon?

[_Mercury]

In my skewed estimation often those Mormons who engage non/ex/anti on discussion boards do not represent the true base behavior and opinions of Mormonism. This board is not an exception. It could possibly be chalked up to fear of discussion, lack of interest in discussion or internet befuddlement.

How is an one supposed to keep tabs on the core of Mormon sensibilities and opinion if the fringe (sorry guys) is the majority in this discussion?

Well, I am definitely Fringe. Actually, I'm a charter member of the Fringe. I'm curious as to why you think that means I'm not a Mormon. I fulfill my callings; I even went to church today, sat in my normal chair (the soft one in the foyer), waved at all my friends who were waving at me from inside the chapel, took the sacrament, and came home. How does that make me not a Mormon?

I would say that you wear your doubt on your sleeve instead of swallowing it bitterly like a typical human being in the church.

[_Jason Bourne]

In my skewed estimation often those Mormons who engage non/ex/anti on discussion boards do not represent the true base behavior and opinions of Mormonism. This board is not an exception. It copuld possibly be chalked up to fear of discussion, lack of interest in discussion or internet befuddlement.

How is an one supposed to keep tabs on the core of Mormon sensibilities and opinion if the fringe (sorry guys) is the majority in this discussion?

Most Mormons in the chapel seats really have little interest in engaging in discussions that this board offers, or even the MADB or the old ZLMB or others. Most just go to Church, have their testimonies, worship, work their jobs, think they are right and are quite happy with it.

[_Yoda]

I agree with Jason. Most typical chapel Mormons are too wrapped up in living their lives to be dealing with boards like this. Also, keep in mind that if you are truly living as a "by the book" Mormon, you are following the counsel of the brethren and staying away from the Internet as much as possible.

Therefore, I suppose, Merc, that you are stuck with us "fringe Mormons".

;)

[_Boaz & Lidia]

History has showed us that the SLC LDS are nothing more than an apostate branch.

Does it matter how devoted one is to an apostate sect of Mormonism?

[_bcspace]

How is an one supposed to keep tabs on the core of Mormon sensibilities and opinion if the fringe (sorry guys) is the majority in this discussion?

Discernment of the spirit comes to mind, except that among present company, such is usually interpreted as.....

[_harmony]

How is an one supposed to keep tabs on the core of Mormon sensibilities and opinion if the fringe (sorry guys) is the majority in this discussion?

Discernment of the spirit comes to mind, except that among present company, such is usually interpreted as.....

The most serious spirit I've ever indulged in is the type of beer called Root Beer. Preferably not store brand. I prefer homemade.

[_ktallamigo]

I agree with Jason. Most typical chapel Mormons are too wrapped up in living their lives to be dealing with boards like this. Also, keep in mind that if you are truly living as a "by the book" Mormon, you are following the counsel of the brethren and staying away from the Internet as much as possible.

Therefore, I suppose, Merc, that you are stuck with us "fringe Mormons".

;)

Have the brethren advised us to stay away from the internet? I thought I heard somewhere that they were encouraging everyone to get on the internet and defend the faith! Am I wrong?