Mormonism: What I've learned so far.

[_MMAFighter7]

I was so open to learn when first moved here about a month and a half ago. I still have the missionaries over to my house twice a week, and since I've completed all of my lessons that they have, we have studies and small debates now. But above all, this is what I have learned.
First, I've learned that I can't trust a single person that I've met who is Mormon. I can't trust them to be anywhere on time. I can't trust them to keep what I say between us, and I can't trust them to say what they mean.

Second, I have never met so many people in relationships, either dating or married, with other relationships going on in the shadows.

Third, they all lie. They lie so much and about anything. Even when the truth would do them better. From what they think about someone, to what they believe, from what they ate for lunch, to what color the grass is. I have never been lied to, straight faced, and without any remorse, then since I have lied in Utah.

Last is control. They all seem to what to control something. If they arent in total control of something they don't know what to do with theirselves. People especially. A girl, a guy, younger sibling, elderly parents, anyone. If they can't say to someone "You better f***ing do this." They aren't happy.

Someone will say that there are people like this everywhere within every religion, race, and nationality. My concern is that everyone...every single person that I've met from the LDS church is like this.

Help if you can.

[_twinkie]

First, I've learned that I can't trust a single person that I've met who is Mormon. I can't trust them to be anywhere on time. I can't trust them to keep what I say between us, and I can't trust them to say what they mean.

Yes, THIS!

As as example, I had a member asking questions about a problem with another member. I told her that I knew what the problem was, but I had promised not to tell. She actually had the gall to ask WHY I couldn't tell. She really couldn't understand what the big deal was.

I had a verbal altercation with a member that many people have a problem with, and it was ALL OVER the church, but it sure wasn't me telling. (I verbally B*tch slapped him but didn't feel the need to go boasting)

The bishop is the biggest gossip in the ward.

[_Jersey Girl]

I've known and interacted with LDS for years and years, in real life and on these boards. I couldn't disagree with you more. I've also met people (active LDS, actually) from this board who went out of their way to cooperatively make those meetings happen. I left those meetings with no disappointment whatsoever in the character and demeanor of those I have met.

Likewise, there are ex-Mo's on this board whom I hold in high regard. Their character didn't suddenly begin developing when they left the church. Please.

I'm sorry that you've had bad experiences but there are folks in any religion (work place, family, community society) who behave the ways in which you describe. Stereotyping whole groups of people isn't useful.

[_Yoda]

Hi, MMA!

I feel for you. I really do.

You are living in Utah. Utah Mormons are a whole different breed of Mormon.

I am 45 years old, and have grown up in the Church; I'm originally from Northern California....and am now living in North Carolina.

We lived in Utah for 7 Godforsaken years. I nearly lost both my testimony and my mind. I could not believe the way people acted. I would come home just shaking my head, saying, "This is not the Church I grew up in."

Everyone took advantage of everyone else. There were no simple "Please's" and "Thank You's". Gossip was second nature. Those who were not Mormon were looked down upon. It was a total nightmare.

When we moved to NC, I actually felt "at home" again, as far as the Church was concerned. The majority of the members here are considerate and very kind.

There are a few who gossip, etc., but they are in the minority here.

Just food for thought.

[_Uncle Dale]

...
Help if you can.

It is a mass mental illness -- replicating and expanding the interpersonal dynamics
of the dysfunctional 1820s Joseph Smith, Sr. family of Manchester, New York.

Since the disease is not spread by bacteria or virus, it's a bit hard to detect and cure.
But I'm told that a daily dose of "4-Phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine" may help.

UD

[_Nevo]

So to summarize:

• All Mormons are pathological liars.
• All Mormons are domineering.
• Mormons are miserable people.

A very astute ethnographic analysis. I hope you will continue to report on your life among the Latter-day Saints.

(Actually I'm lying.)

[_MMAFighter7]

Hi, MMA!

I feel for you. I really do.

You are living in Utah. Utah Mormons are a whole different breed of Mormon.

I am 45 years old, and have grown up in the Church; I'm originally from Northern California....and am now living in North Carolina.

We lived in Utah for 7 Godforsaken years. I nearly lost both my testimony and my mind. I could not believe the way people acted. I would come home just shaking my head, saying, "This is not the Church I grew up in."

Everyone took advantage of everyone else. There were no simple "Please's" and "Thank You's". Gossip was second nature. Those who were not Mormon were looked down upon. It was a total nightmare.

When we moved to NC, I actually felt "at home" again, as far as the Church was concerned. The majority of the members here are considerate and very kind.

There are a few who gossip, etc., but they are in the minority here.

Just food for thought.

I knew Liz would have a comment when I noticed that she was online.

I left out things about being a total social outcast outside of the circle that I have mentioned. So I know what you mean about people looking down on others.


I have had people make comments to me such as "I wish you could have met some LDS members from where you lived before you moved. I think things would have been better."

[_MMAFighter7]

So to summarize:

• All Mormons are pathological liars.
• All Mormons are domineering.
• Mormons are miserable people.

A very astute ethnographic analysis. I hope you will continue to report on your life among the Latter-day Saints.

(Actually I'm lying.)

Its not good to lie. You should know better. I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings Nevo. Maybe some advice or a reason instead of your sarcasm and condesending tone?

[_Nevo]

Its not good to lie. You should know better.

So should you.

My advice: follow Jesus' admonition to "love thy neighbor as thyself."

[_richardMdBorn]

So to summarize:

• All Mormons are pathological liars.
• All Mormons are domineering.
• Mormons are miserable people.

A very astute ethnographic analysis. I hope you will continue to report on your life among the Latter-day Saints.

(Actually I'm lying.)

Its not good to lie. You should know better. I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings Nevo. Maybe some advice or a reason instead of your sarcasm and condesending tone?

MMAFighter7 - Nevo's an honest person. Perhaps you should review your own statement. How do you expect an LDS member to react to such sweeping generalizations?