bcspace wrote:I have no problem reading the anti stuff. I've been exposed to it for decades and have yet a find a criticism that didn't have a lie, an intellectually dishonest assumption, or yellow journalism, or the like.
I think bcspace's faith is strengthened by all the anti-Mormon stuff. I know it sounds strange but it floats his boat. He is also this message board's definitive source for what is Doctrine.
You are in an enviable position that most of us here in Utah have never been in. Namely, you have the opportunity to learn about the Church good and bad, warts and all before joining.
Someone said the best reason for becoming a Mormon is other Mormons, and the best reason for not becoming a Mormon is other Mormons. This paradoxical statement emphasizes the point that Mormonism/religion tends to bring out both the best and the worst in people.
You will find both good and bad Mormons in the LDS faith. All you have to do to find Mormons treating others badly and in a non-Christian manner is to look at any posting by Pahoran. I can assure you that most Mormons do not act or behave like Pahoran.
In the Church, there are unique teachings that many people find attractive and I am guessing you have found some or you wouldn’t be investigating right now.
Just remember that you certainly don’t have to accept everything about Mormonism to belong to the Church. There are tens of thousands (if not much more) “New Order Mormons” who do not accept many of the historical teachings or doctrines, but still enjoy full membership.
Good luck on your jouney.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."
You are in an enviable position that most of us here in Utah have never been in. Namely, you have the opportunity to learn about the Church good and bad, warts and all before joining.
Someone said the best reason for becoming a Mormon is other Mormons, and the best reason for not becoming a Mormon is other Mormons. This paradoxical statement emphasizes the point that Mormonism/religion tends to bring out both the best and the worst in people.
You will find both good and bad Mormons in the LDS faith. All you have to do to find Mormons treating others badly and in a non-Christian manner is to look at any posting by Pahoran. I can assure you that most Mormons do not act or behave like Pahoran.
In the Church, there are unique teachings that many people find attractive and I am guessing you have found some or you wouldn’t be investigating right now.
Just remember that you certainly don’t have to accept everything about Mormonism to belong to the Church. There are tens of thousands (if not much more) “New Order Mormons” who do not accept many of the historical teachings or doctrines, but still enjoy full membership.
Good luck on your jouney.
Good post. Like it.
Love ya tons, Stem
I ain't nuttin'. don't get all worked up on account of me.
...Just remember that you certainly don’t have to accept everything about Mormonism to belong to the Church. There are tens of thousands (if not much more) “New Order Mormons” who do not accept many of the historical teachings or doctrines, but still enjoy full membership.
Good luck on your jouney.
Do a search for NOM LDS and visit the New Order Mormon forum. See how much they are "enjoying" it.
bcspace wrote:Amen. I was shown "The God Makers" when I was a wee lad of 15 with no apologetic experience and even then I knew "The God Makers" was a lie.
Yeah, it's too bad that not all criticism is as dishonest as The God Makers.
In a criminal court-of-law, if you listened to the testimony and evidence presented by the defense only, you might easily come to the conclusion that the defendant was a humble and honest man with a gentle demeanor, without propensity to harm his fellow man. If, instead, you listened only to the testimony and evidence presented by the prosecution, you might conclude that the defendant was a dyed-in-the-wool sadist who enjoyed inflicting pain and suffering upon his victims.
It is only by listening to the two sides that a juror or judge can weigh the two views and arrive at the conclusion best supported by evidence and reason, quite probably somewhere between the two extremes.
It is self-evident that truth and justice will be subverted if either side is silenced.
As to the topic of Mormonism, do the following:
Find out which side wholeheartedly encourages you to study deeply and investigate the very best arguments and evidences from BOTH sides. Find out which side urges with you to think for yourself and to trust your own instincts. Find out which side is unafraid of hearing everything there is to say about the subject.
Then find out which side asks you NOT to consider ALL the evidence. Find out which side suggests that you shouldn't arrive at your own conclusions, but to trust the opinions and conclusions of someone else. Find out which side is wary of you considering or even hearing, an opposing opinion.
This should be a good starting point.
eschew obfuscation
"I'll let you believers in on a little secret: not only is the LDS church not really true, it's obviously not true." -Sethbag
beefcalf wrote:As to the topic of Mormonism, do the following:
Find out which side wholeheartedly encourages you to study deeply and investigate the very best arguments and evidences from BOTH sides. Find out which side urges with you to think for yourself and to trust your own instincts. Find out which side is unafraid of hearing everything there is to say about the subject.
Then find out which side asks you NOT to consider ALL the evidence. Find out which side suggests that you shouldn't arrive at your own conclusions, but to trust the opinions and conclusions of someone else. Find out which side is wary of you considering or even hearing, an opposing opinion.
This should be a good starting point.
Wise advise.
This, or any other post that I have made or will make in the future, is strictly my own opinion and consequently of little or no value.
"Faith is believing something you know ain't true" Twain.