Mormon Compartmentalization During Open Discussion

[_Yoda]

..the mouth breathers that hang on to the backwoods folk magic mixed with what they want to call Christianity are becoming scarcer each day as the dillution of "Mormon Doctrine" continues.

Are there really that many of the hard-liners around? Maybe it's just where I'm located, but I sense that more active LDS folks are becoming more "middle of the road", so to speak. For example, I would say that 90% of the women in my Ward work full-time. They were actually quite relieved when Homemaking Night went to a once every three month activity instead of once a month. Basically, no one had time to attend.

Among the workshops we have held for Homemaking Night, we have had computer classes, resume building classes, and workshops for the youth (both young men and young women) on SAT and ACT testing skills. Education is highly valued and emphasized in the youth meetings.

My father in law recently taught a workshop on addictions in a very non-judgmental fashion.

It seems like, at least the modern Church, is doing more to recognize the realities of the age we live in, and I, for one, applaud these changes.

I believe in Jesus Christ, and enjoy worshiping him. For me, it makes little difference which Church this happens in, but if it can happen in a place where it is a comfort zone for me, personally, from a family perspective, then I will not apologize for that. There are old-style doctrinal points I staunchly disagree with, such as polygamy. I also have questions about the Plan of Salvation, but have gained some interesting insights, thanks to Dr. Peterson, my father in law, and also from my own scripture study. So, for me, I am comfortable being an active LDS, and voicing my questions and concerns on forums such as this one.(with the blessing of my family, I might add. They know I post here.)

From an anthropological perspective its kind of like seeing a language die.

Hmmm....I see a slightly different analogy. Maybe it's more of an evolution of language. After all, look at the English language. It is a "melting pot" of other languages. You will find elements of French, Spanish, Italian, German, Latin, etc. Perhaps Mormonism is evolving, much like the English language has evolved.

Just food for thought.

Remember, Merc, you opened this door....LOL Great topic!

[_marg]

In discussing Mormonism with active and even some inactive members you get a sense that they are instantly on the defensive. When they present their interpretations of history and doctrine its not in a specific sense and immediately following any uncomfortable truths they accidentally spit out its immediately followed with three times as much false justification for egregious realities.

My impression is that there is a lot of dishonesty taught by this religion. I find in general Mormons use excessive rhetorical games in discussion which show dishonesty. If individuals really believe something, there is no necessity to play such games. I see it in the way DCP discusses, Bob, Harmony, and what I observed when I was on the MAD board and the few times I've read it since.

And my impression is also that those who leave, become much more honest.

Now my impression may be skewed because of the limited number of people I've interacted with, but that is my impression and I've been observing the Mormon/exmormon community over about a 10 year period. If I summed up Mormonism with one word descriptions, the first that comes to mind is "dishonesty".

[_karl61]

Mormons are modern gypsies

[_Mercury]

Are you talking in terms of Sunday School? the foyer on Sunday morning? visits from the bishopric? Or on the internet?

Wow, I just realized something. This is Art Imitating Life, right here.

[_Mercury]

Mormons are modern gypsies

Dude! I'm actually writing a short story along those lines!

[_bcspace]

The way that many directives were given by President Hinckley seemed to be an effort to tie the Church in more closely with mainstream Christianity. I think that the changes to the temple ceremony were part of this movement.

The notion that we can gain more converts and favor with the rest of Christianity by finding similarities died about a decade ago. It still persists among the membership unfortunately.

[_Yoda]

The way that many directives were given by President Hinckley seemed to be an effort to tie the Church in more closely with mainstream Christianity. I think that the changes to the temple ceremony were part of this movement.

The notion that we can gain more converts and favor with the rest of Christianity by finding similarities died about a decade ago. It still persists among the membership unfortunately.

And why do you think that is? Maybe a survey being given to selected members about what they would like to see changed regarding the temple ceremony, and then accommodating changes made reflecting those surveys might have something to do with it?

[_karl61]

Mormons are modern gypsies

Dude! I'm actually writing a short story along those lines!

I get fifteen percent.

[_Mercury]

The way that many directives were given by President Hinckley seemed to be an effort to tie the Church in more closely with mainstream Christianity. I think that the changes to the temple ceremony were part of this movement.

The notion that we can gain more converts and favor with the rest of Christianity by finding similarities died about a decade ago. It still persists among the membership unfortunately.

So Populism is the rule of the day in Mormon Doctrine and self-identification?

Ya Don't Say!