Craig C. redefines "anti-Mormon"

[_Jersey Girl]

This post was originally posted on the RFM board, dated 4-29-08. I think it deserves to be brought to this board for discussion for because as he does so often, Craig C. intellectually nails it. For those of you who have accused others of being "anti-Mormon" and for those who have been the recipient of this label. No further introduction is needed here. I'll let this stand on it's own, because it does.

"The term anti Mormon"

How many times have we heard the terms "Anti-Mormon" or "Pro-Mormon" on this or other web sites?

Some who consider themselves "pro-Mormon" (perhaps even some leaders of the Church) believe that Mormon myths must be preserved at all cost. They reason that even if the myth is false, it nevertheless provides the moral and economic foundation for Mormon society. The myth is needed for social cohesion.

Of course, underlying this argument is a profound lack of confidence in the people - it basically assumes that in the absence of myth, civil society will collapse into a vacuum of dog-eat-dog selfishness and despair.

Perpetuating the myth can thus be justified as a morally correct act. And those who reject the myth become a threat. They must be labeled as "Anti-Mormons", so that members know to avoid them, or at least to close their ears to them.

But who is the real "Anti-Mormon"? Is it the myth maker who has found ways to justify a perpetuation of lies? Or is it the myth breaker who has confidence in the inherent capacity of the people to make good decisions without a myth?

There is another way to think about this.

Who do we consider to be our "friends"? Most of us would answer that question with a list of attributes that define friendship. One attribute that would likely appear on the list is the idea that a real friend does not deceive us.

I refuse to be labeled Anti-Mormon. I am Pro-Mormon. Those who would deceive my Mormon loved ones and associates are the Anti's.

[_The Nehor]

What evidence do they have that Mormonism contributes to a civil society. Sure, we make some contribution but we're also an irritant to society.

The statement also assumes that Mprmonism is a false myth.

God: "Child, if you will, it is mythology. It is but truth, not fact: an image, not the very real. But then it is My mythology. The words of Wisdom are also myth and metaphor; but since they do not know themselves for what they are, in them the hidden myth is master, where it should be servant: and it is but of man's inventing. But this is My inventing, this the veil under which I have chosen to appear even from the first until now. For this end I made your senses and for this end your imagination, that you might see my face and live." - C.S. Lewis

[_Jersey Girl]

Nehor,

You could be right about the assumption that Mormonism is a false myth however, there is another way to receive that. There are false myths about Mormon history that have been transmitted generationally. We see those regularly debunked on boards liked this and I think that's what Craig C. is referring to.

[_Mercury]

this is merely a role reversal. Although correct on the surface I see it as a more complex problem.

[_karl61]

great post - thanks! I like the myth breaker thing - sort of like finding out about no Santa (shh)

[_Jersey Girl]

this is merely a role reversal. Although correct on the surface I see it as a more complex problem.

I don't see it as role reversal. I see it as label reversal that accurately applies the labels "anti Mormon" and "pro Mormon".

Who is pro Mormon? The people who know the historical truth of Mormonism and hide it, or those who share the truth?

Who is anti Mormon? The truth tellers or those who deceive Mormons?

I think Craig C. has it spot on.