The weakness within me.

[_Kishkumen]

So, screech, are you a Bieberite?

There is no such thing as a Bieberite....It's Bielieber or True Bieliebing Man (TBM)

Sorry. I defaulted on my dues and I am failing to keep up.

[_schreech]

There is no such thing as a Bieberite....It's Bielieber or True Bieliebing Man (TBM)

Sorry. I defaulted on my dues and I am failing to keep up.

Fear not...The Biebohim will forgive your transgressions....

[_Kishkumen]

Fear not...The Biebohim will forgive your transgressions....

Swweeet.

[_Baker]

There is an elitist attitude in Mormonism - an "I have someone others don't" - that revolves around being a chosen spirit of heavenly parents and possessing the fullness of the gospel. As much as members may admire those outside the faith, there is very often a sense that such outsiders or gentiles are lacking something of central value. I've see this sense of chosenness used as a crutch or means of mitigating real world failures or shortcomings. That's not to say that Mormons aren't taught good virtues and behaviors, just that some of their actions are motivated by a condescending sense of helping those less blessed.

Stem - I would suggest that the abandonment of such a sense of specialness is a significant obstacle for many who would otherwise leave the church. The loss of a chosen identity, special access to the divine, etc. Yet, in giving it up, in realizing one's ordinariness among humankind, is an extremely freeing and fulfilling experience.

[_thews]

If it's not true Stem, then it doesn't mean dick... seriously. Rationalize it six ways till Tuesday, but it's not true and at some level you know this.

[_LDSToronto]

There is an elitist attitude in Mormonism - an "I have someone others don't" - that revolves around being a chosen spirit of heavenly parents and possessing the fullness of the gospel. As much as members may admire those outside the faith, there is very often a sense that such outsiders or gentiles are lacking something of central value. I've see this sense of chosenness used as a crutch or means of mitigating real world failures or shortcomings. That's not to say that Mormons aren't taught good virtues and behaviors, just that some of their actions are motivated by a condescending sense of helping those less blessed.

Stem - I would suggest that the abandonment of such a sense of specialness is a significant obstacle for many who would otherwise leave the church. The loss of a chosen identity, special access to the divine, etc. Yet, in giving it up, in realizing one's ordinariness among humankind, is an extremely freeing and fulfilling experience.

Well said. Once I placed the LDS church, it's teachings, and it's doctrine on the same level as all other religious institutions, and forsook the 'peculiar' label, I was able to embrace humanity instead of attempting to set myself apart from it. It was only then that I began to understand the joys of agency.

That said, I can't begrudge anyone their membership. I still find value and satisfaction in the sense of community I get from the LDS church, and it provides me a place to worship God as I see fit. Others find comfort in the orthopraxy; we all pick and choose what we take from the church. I choose to partake what suits me. I'm sure Stem feels the same way.

H.

[_Dr. Shades]

My take is, i really feel it appropriate to find a group that is all about something bigger than itself--something that hopes to develop unity, love, appreciation and ways to help something other than itself.

Why is it "appropriate" to find a group for all that? Why not just do all the above on your own?

[_zeezrom]

Hey cuz,

Do u plan to overcome your stated weakness? Would u like to?

[_Ceeboo]

There is an elitist attitude in Mormonism - an "I have someone others don't"

Now I am really confused.

Isn't Mormonism/polygamy all about "I have someone others do too"?


??

:)

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_ludwigm]

My take is, i really feel it appropriate to find a group that is all about something bigger than itself--something that hopes to develop unity, love, appreciation and ways to help something other than itself.

Why is it "appropriate" to find a group for all that? Why not just do all the above on your own?

In that case, one must think. It is a hard task for many of us (them?).