A peculiar people (how?)

[_The Nehor]

I don't think you have established that you are peculiar, at least not any more so than any fairly isolated group becomes peculiar.

We are told be a peculiar people, not the peculiar people.

[_moksha]

I don't think you have established that you are peculiar, at least not any more so than any fairly isolated group becomes peculiar.

We are told be a peculiar people, not the peculiar people.

Right you are and here is proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhlQfXUk7w

[_Jersey Girl]

I'll just reply to this one comment by coke since it summarizes what is contained in other posts.

We're peculiar because we don't smoke, drink, have sex before marriage, dress modestly, have no tattoos or multiple piercings, we look clean, we don't swear, etc.

I know a number of LDS (even apologists that I've encountered online) who drink, smoke and swear. On the otherside of that, I know many non-LDS who do not drink, have premarital sex, dress modestly, have no tattoos, multiple piercings look clean and don't swear.

There is not a thing on the above list that isn't encouraged/discouraged by say, a Southern Baptist Church. I see nothing "peculiar" about it at all. Certainly nothing that isn't found under the heading of fundamentalist or evangelical Christianity.

[_Coggins7]

Jason Bourne mentioned this in his post on another thread and of course, I've heard it many times prior.

Tell me, how are LDS a peculiar people?

Thanks,
Jersey Girl

(Please do not use this thread to take cheap shots at LDS.)

Well, some of us look like little brown monkeys with fuzzy round ears. But that's only the Temple worthy...

[_Coca Cola]

I know a number of LDS (even apologists that I've encountered online) who drink, smoke and swear. On the otherside of that, I know many non-LDS who do not drink, have premarital sex, dress modestly, have no tattoos, multiple piercings look clean and don't swear.

There is not a thing on the above list that isn't encouraged/discouraged by say, a Southern Baptist Church. I see nothing "peculiar" about it at all. Certainly nothing that isn't found under the heading of fundamentalist or evangelical Christianity.

I suppose really it is a matter of self-perception. We are taught that these are the last days, that the entire world is getting more wicked, and we to stand above the wickedness and be an example or light to the world, or "peculiar."

Mormons I know often make the mistake of assuming that Mormons are the only people in the world who don't drink, have premarital sex, dress immodestly, succumb to the general wickedness of the last days, etc. Often they will be heard saying about someone else, "He's not a Mormon, but he's a really good person, " as if it is some big shock. It often comes as surprising to Mormons that there are many moral, good people, with these same types of standards, that aren't Mormon.

Just perceptions...

[_The Nehor]

I'll just reply to this one comment by coke since it summarizes what is contained in other posts.

We're peculiar because we don't smoke, drink, have sex before marriage, dress modestly, have no tattoos or multiple piercings, we look clean, we don't swear, etc.

I know a number of LDS (even apologists that I've encountered online) who drink, smoke and swear. On the otherside of that, I know many non-LDS who do not drink, have premarital sex, dress modestly, have no tattoos, multiple piercings look clean and don't swear.

There is not a thing on the above list that isn't encouraged/discouraged by say, a Southern Baptist Church. I see nothing "peculiar" about it at all. Certainly nothing that isn't found under the heading of fundamentalist or evangelical Christianity.

I really think that being a peculiar people SHOULD mean a bit more then a few cosmetic and dietary recommendations and refraining from sex outside of marriage. I would call that Lowering the Bar.

[_Coach T]

Amen, Nehor.

[_Jason Bourne]

Jason Bourne mentioned this in his post on another thread and of course, I've heard it many times prior.

Tell me, how are LDS a peculiar people?

Thanks,
Jersey Girl

(Please do not use this thread to take cheap shots at LDS.)

The idea of being a peculiar people comes from this verse:

Pet. 2: 9
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal cpriesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Mormons believe they possess the restored Church, have the priesthood of God and are modern day Israel chosen to administer the gospel of salvation to the earth. This is what Mormon's and Mormon leaders mean when they say that members are a peculiar people and it is almost always used in reference to this verse. Nothing more and nothing less.

[_Scottie]

Pet. 2: 9
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal cpriesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Mormons believe they possess the restored Church, have the priesthood of God and are modern day Israel chosen to administer the gospel of salvation to the earth. This is what Mormon's and Mormon leaders mean when they say that members are a peculiar people and it is almost always used in reference to this verse. Nothing more and nothing less.

I seriously doubt that is all they are referencing.

[_Jason Bourne]

"people treat us Mormons differently because we are righteous and they are less so."

No it does not.

It ties into the persecution complex as well:

Wrong again.

"Righteousness is so foreign to the rest of the human race that not only are we peculiar, but it is our lot in life to be persecuted for it - Just as Jesus was."

Not really.

These are not quotes by any particular Mormon, but it was how I perceived "peculiarity" as a Mormon.

You perceived incorrectly.

"Peculiar" is also a word used to explain to the general membership what outsiders misconstrue as the truth.

It refers to the passage from 1 Peter I quoted above. Not to this at all.
.