dartagnan wrote:Mormonism is unique in that, unlike most other religions, becomes an integral part of virtually every aspect of an adherent's life. It is designed to leave its footprint in every corner of a Mormon's spiritual, social and personal life, so that leaving it requires adjustments to one's life that are so drastic, that many would rather just stick with it and live a miserable life of doubt. I know several people like this who stick with it because that is the only social scheme they know. They can't afford to leave it because they have too much invested.
I don't think Mormonism is all that unique in this way. I think most religions are like that. Think of the JWs. JWism is insinuated into every nook and cranny in a person's life, to the point where it's very difficult for someone to leave it - especially when you add in the policy of shunning those who leave or are disfellowshipped.
And consider Islam. Not only does it infiltrate every nook and cranny of a believer's life, but in Islam leaving the faith is a capital crime.
I won't bother quoting and commenting on the rest of that particular post, because I pretty much agree with everything you said, and the way you said it.
Mormonism ceased being a compelling topic for me when I finally came to terms with its transformation from a personality cult into a combination of a real estate company, a SuperPac, and Westboro Baptist Church. - Kishkumen
Jersey Girl wrote: Take your "could have" up with Shades.
I already have.
When I see evidence that Shades rescinded the decision that he made in the link provided, the image can go back up. I have no reason to entertain this further.
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.
Chinese Proverb
I think the your voice is much needed for members who are struggling with belief and want to stay in the church. I do believe it will become a popular book for members. :-)
I remember a few years ago you mentioned you were working on this book and I am glad to hear it made it through the VERY difficult process of publication! Kudos!
While obviously, (smile) I do not believe the church is the one and only true church on the Earth, I do think there are members who wish/need to stay in the church and are finding it increasingly difficult so hopefully this population will find your book and resolve their challenges!
One question, is the book general enough for other faiths to use or is it specific to faith in the LDS church? I understand you are covering many questions concerning the LDS church and it is directed to LDS believers but does it also address faith generally?
Best of luck,
~dancer~
"The search for reality is the most dangerous of all undertakings for it destroys the world in which you live." Nisargadatta Maharaj
There are pictures of me posted online, but I would prefer they remain unassociated with this board. I am cool with removing LOaP's picture.
Oh, what the hell...
Are you vultures happy now?
“I was hooked from the start,” Snoop Dogg said. “We talked about the purpose of life, played Mousetrap, and ate brownies. The kids thought it was off the hook, for real.”
Trever, I demand that you take down that picture of me this instant. I didn't want to do what I had to do that day anyway, and that someone caught me on camera I consider scandalous.
I don't think Mormonism is all that unique in this way. I think most religions are like that. Think of the JWs. JWism is insinuated into every nook and cranny in a person's life, to the point where it's very difficult for someone to leave it -
True, but I think Mormonism gets set apart from most other Christian based religions mainly because there is such a thing as Mormon society. If JW society exists, it does so as tiny subsets. In Mormonism you got Utah. If you leave the Church in Utah you're pretty much screwed everywhere you try to turn.
And in Mormonism it makes its presence known all the way down to your underwear. That's pretty damn controlling. Your level of activity and spirituality is always on the table for examination and scrutiny. This is why there are unique pressures in Mormonism for adherents to have spiritual experiences, pay tithing, and just be the most obedient human alive.
And consider Islam. Not only does it infiltrate every nook and cranny of a believer's life, but in Islam leaving the faith is a capital crime.
Good point.
“All knowledge of reality starts from experience and ends in it...Propositions arrived at by purely logical means are completely empty as regards reality." - Albert Einstein
Gadianton wrote:Trever, I demand that you take down that picture of me this instant. I didn't want to do what I had to do that day anyway, and that someone caught me on camera I consider scandalous.
**transfers swooning to Gad**
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.
Chinese Proverb
Gadianton wrote:Trever, I demand that you take down that picture of me this instant. I didn't want to do what I had to do that day anyway, and that someone caught me on camera I consider scandalous.
My long lost twin!!! We're reunited at last! Good looks, brains. Money. Fame. We have it all.
“I was hooked from the start,” Snoop Dogg said. “We talked about the purpose of life, played Mousetrap, and ate brownies. The kids thought it was off the hook, for real.”
Gadianton wrote:Trever, I demand that you take down that picture of me this instant. I didn't want to do what I had to do that day anyway, and that someone caught me on camera I consider scandalous.
My long lost twin!!! We're reunited at last! Good looks, brains. Money. Fame. We have it all.
**progresses to double swooning**
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.
Chinese Proverb
