It ain't easy being a Mormon

[_harmony]

Any thoughts on the personal investment Mormons have in their religion, and by extension the politics which which many of them hold in common? Any thoughts on why Mormons are prone to take criticism and disagreement as personal attack?

I have a couple of sons who are staunch conservatives. The rest of us tolerate their politics because we love them, but really... some days, I wonder where they get that stuff, because it sure as heck wasn't taught in my home!

As for the second question, Mormonism isn't a religion to most Mormons. Mormonism is who they are, their way of life, their personal identity. And most of the ones I've been around for the last 40 years have no idea what our history really is.

Neither did I, until about 12 years ago, so I can't fault them. I've been living on the edge of this knife for a lot of years.

[_Themis]

I am well aware that not all Mormons are far to the right politically. I would dispute that most Mormons don't defend the right (political, that is). Do you have a reference?

Your second point, though, I agree with.

Most members do not live in the US, and while they do tend to be conservative, it tends to be much more moderate.

[_bcspace]

I'm having a moment of sympathy for my dear family and friends. They have so much to defend! Not just church policy and doctrine and history, which could keep them busy all day, they also must defend Fox News, Sarah Palin, Dr. Laura, George W., Glen Beck ... it never ends.

Obama, Biden, Soros, Gore, Hillary, Reid, Pelosi, Moore, Mahr, Rather.....it's a full time job managing the media, supressing speech, forging documents, and fudging science.

Most members do not live in the US, and while they do tend to be conservative, it tends to be much more moderate.

There is no such thing as a moderate and the center doesn't exist. What does exist are those who have capitulated on none, some, or all issues.

[_Themis]

There is no such thing as a moderate and the center doesn't exist. What does exist are those who have capitulated on none, some, or all issues.

Ah, always love to see that black and white closed mind of yours. It's to bad you can't see past it.

[_why me]

Most members do not live in the US, and while they do tend to be conservative, it tends to be much more moderate.

This is an understatement. Many Mormons in europe can be found in socialist parties and in green parties. And even the conservative parties in europe would be considered rather liberal in american vocabulary.

[_bcspace]

This is an understatement. Many Mormons in europe can be found in socialist parties and in green parties. And even the conservative parties in europe would be considered rather liberal in american vocabulary.

Yes, and those are acting in opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[_Themis]

Yes, and those are acting in opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Actually you would be incorrect, but they would be in opposition to the gospel of Bcspace, which is more about extreme right wing ideology then about religion.

[_why me]

As for the second question, Mormonism isn't a religion to most Mormons. Mormonism is who they are, their way of life, their personal identity. And most of the ones I've been around for the last 40 years have no idea what our history really is.

Neither did I, until about 12 years ago, so I can't fault them. I've been living on the edge of this knife for a lot of years.

Ummm....I wonder how many catholics know their history, or baptists or methodists. Not many. So why should Mormons? Should Mormons be the only religious group whose members should be experts on their church's history? And who has time to read a history of any church? And what books should be read? And what interpretation should be sought out? Critics like yourself play the history card over and over again. But really, americans don't even know their country's history. And some don't even know who the vice president is. But Mormons should know their history inside and out. My gosh....really.....

[_Lucretia MacEvil]

I have a couple of sons who are staunch conservatives. The rest of us tolerate their politics because we love them, but really... some days, I wonder where they get that stuff, because it sure as heck wasn't taught in my home!

Conservatism (as in teaparty) wasn't taught to me growing up, either. I'm not sure where it comes except that it is a product of fear. I'm not sure why Mormons are so fearful, and yet so many are.

As for the second question, Mormonism isn't a religion to most Mormons. Mormonism is who they are, their way of life, their personal identity. And most of the ones I've been around for the last 40 years have no idea what our history really is.

This is what my post was about. I can remember when Mormonsm was my personal identity. It was probably easier before the internet came along, but it's a tough way to live when any offhanded comment is perceived as a personal attack. Cutting off a family member because they criticized Fox News is the most immature coping strategy I have seen lately.

Neither did I, until about 12 years ago, so I can't fault them. I've been living on the edge of this knife for a lot of years.

I know. You are the strongest woman in cyberworld.

[_Morley]

.....it's a full time job managing the media, supressing speech, forging documents, and fudging science.

.....

Emphasis mine.
BC, I thought you considered yourself to be a scientist.