What is there for happy Mormons on this board?

[_Ray A]

Sub-titled: If you are happy with the Church, why can't you leave insignificant "barking dogs" alone?

This is a response to charity's thread on MAD:

What is there for happy ex-Mormons on this board?, If you left the Church, why can't you leave it alone?.

Universal Rule No.7:

"Cross-posting" from other message boards is allowed. Feel free.

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[_Ray A]

According to Cold Steel:

Back forty years ago, I didn't know what terms like "closure" meant (they were happier times). But even then I knew that many ex-Mormons couldn't leave the church alone, and that they needed almost constant reinforcement that they'd done the right thing. If they could survive rigorous discussion of the topic, they reason, then I will have the reinforcement I need to finally be done with it. The problem is, of course, that years later they're still here and still seeking reinforcement—either through constant discussion on an LDS apologetics website or constant discussion on an anti-LDS website.

Many talk about how much of a relief it is quitting the church, and how they've really started loving their Sundays, but they still seem interested in it. I think that if many can find what they believe are legitimate complaints, that they can feel more justified. It's probably a lot like selling some stock you have and then continuing to check the price of it to convince yourself that you did the right thing. Every time the stock dips, or suffers, you then have that reinforcement. The problem is, you keep coming back to check the stock price and what its future values are slated to be.

That's just my take. I think a lot of these people would go crazy if they didn't have a place to check the LDS stock.

Conversely, does this reasoning mean that Mormons who post with critics are looking for self-justification of their beliefs?

[_beastie]

Conversely, does this reasoning mean that Mormons who post with critics are looking for self-justification of their beliefs?

Absolutely.

[_Gazelam]

I don't know about the rest of the TBM's here, but Shades sends me a bag of Skittles in the mail once a month.

[_Ray A]

If MAD didn't have critics it would become boring. If MDB didn't have Mormons it would become boring (in my opinion). There's something to the idea about "opposition in all things".

Charity laid down the gauntlet in the linked MAD thread:

I haven't seen any of the above mentioned people mocking anyone who hasn't been mean spirited about something LDS find important or even sacred.

A [sic] mean and vindictive critics or ex-Mo's who come here to wave red capes shouldn't complain when the bull charges.

With 12353 posts on MAD, charity is the Chief Bull. (Joined: 2-July 05)

With 13768 posts LoaP is the commander-in-Chief. (Joined: 26-January 07)

13,768 posts in two years? He should change his name from LoaP to LoaF. Life on all Forums.

[_why me]

I consider myself a balloon deflater. Critics have so much air in their head that their head shape can resemble a hot air balloon. Also, they seem to be very much into their own air. I am here to see to it that their air ego does not go more into their head.

[_Ray A]

I consider myself a balloon deflater. Critics have so much air in their head that their head shape can resemble a hot air balloon. Also, they seem to be very much into their own air. I am here to see to it that their air ego does not go more into their head.

So far you've failed. Maybe when you become a real practising Mormon there might be more of a "ring of truth" to what you say. But the truth, why me, is that you see this as nonsensical. It's so easy for you to defend Mormonism when you're at liberty to keep it personally at a safe distance. The real test of your apologetic mettle is whether you're willing to live Mormonism. Or, as Pascal phrased it, are you willing to bet your life that Mormonism is true? Or just malign critics who live just like you do?

[_Ray A]

Which brings me to another question. How long have you actually "lived Mormonism", why me?

[_The Nehor]

I'm here to get a good laugh. I see no harm in this.

[_Danna]

I have no idea why I find the topic fascinating. I certainly would never be able to re-believe, and definitely don't need affirmation of my choice to leave. If all of the family were out, maybe I wouldn't bother - but I suspect I would still be lurking the boards.

Just like the David Bain murder trial over here, the origins and history of Mormonism is a mystery to solve and I can't stop pondering the possibilities. The presence of nevermos on this and other boards indicates that the topic has an abundance of attractive elements like conspiracy plots, hidden secrets, sordid sexual episodes, murder and mayhem, power and misuse of power and so on. It is like following a soap opera or reading a Dan Brown novel. Only it is actually real. Of course I can't leave it alone!