Why Mo's Chafe at the Chapel-Internet Distinction

[_sock puppet]

I think it's because defenders don't want to acknowledge that the version of Mormonism which inspires and motivates does not stand up to intellectual scrutiny. And the version which does (attempt to) stand up to intellectual scrutiny neither inspires nor motivates.

Well said, sir, well said.

[_Darth J]

I think it's because defenders don't want to acknowledge that the version of Mormonism which inspires and motivates does not stand up to intellectual scrutiny. And the version which does (attempt to) stand up to intellectual scrutiny neither inspires nor motivates.

This.

[_Corpsegrinder]

I think it's because defenders don't want to acknowledge that the version of Mormonism which inspires and motivates does not stand up to intellectual scrutiny.

Yes, absolutely.

And the version which does (attempt to) stand up to intellectual scrutiny neither inspires nor motivates.

I disagree, but only slightly. To me, Mormonism became more interesting and compelling after I lost my faith than before. If only TBMs would make room on the pew for non-mainstream Mormons like me.

[_Sethbag]

Wow, some really good responses so far. I guess I agree that the ultimate reason is at least a composite of what Shades said, Sophocles said, and I said, perhaps in greater or lesser degrees depending on the defender.

[_sock puppet]

I think the Poll numbers, while meager, give an interesting insight.

Four respondents have self identified as active Mormon (the first condition of options A, B, C and D), but all four have chose B as their explanation:

I think that the defenders here chafe because it would be hard to explain to Chapel Mo's why I see the differences with Internet Mo's, which might come off as elitist of the defender

Thus, of those active Mormons (self-identifying as such) that have been willing to log their otherwise secret ballot, all of them eschew the Chapel-Internet Mormon distinction because it might come of as seeming elitist. Keep in mind, this is an internet poll, so I assume that these respondents would consider themselves Internet Mormons.

Four others have logged in a vote, each of them self-identifying as not an active Mormon. Of those, one thinks that the reason active Mormons reject the dichotomy is because Mormons

consider Mormon membership one cohesive group not to be split asunder

The other three self-identified as not active Mormon chalk up the Mormon resistance to the dichotomy due to online Mormons being

concerned that the leadership would frown on their admitting there is such a dichotomy

Here are some earlier conclusions, albeit drawn on very scant responses to date:

1-In reality, the Internet Mormons realize the dichotomy, but don't want to come off looking elitist to their Chapel Mormon counterparts

2-75% of the non-Mormon responses thought it was due to concerns active Internet Mormons would have upsetting their Mormon leaders.

3-The only respondent that thought there was perhaps an honestly held perception by Internet Mormons that the dichotomy is misplaced was actually a self-described non-Mormon.

[_Corpsegrinder]

I think it's because defenders don't want to acknowledge that the version of Mormonism which inspires and motivates does not stand up to intellectual scrutiny.

Perhaps it’s also because they can’t understand that Mormonism is more than just the beliefs encapsulated in the Artcles of Faith. They don’t see that Mormonism is also a culture and a community, like Judiasm. You’ve got all kinds of Jews--Orthodox, Reform, Secular--but in the end they’re all Jews.

(Of course, the fact that I'm looking at Judiasm as an outsider may well undermine my point.)

[_bcspace]

E - I am active Mormon and I think that most adult and active members are aware of most the criticisms and apologetics on most issues, most having served missions or are married to a returned missionary, so there is no such dichotomy. The dichotomies, if any, lie between active and inactive Mormons, and between those who have been brought up as Fielding McConkie Skousenites and those who haven't.

[_Corpsegrinder]

E - I am active Mormon and I think that most adult and active members are aware of most the criticisms and apologetics on most issues, most having served missions or are married to a returned missionary, so there is no such dichotomy. The dichotomies, if any, lie between active and inactive Mormons, and between those who have been brought up as Fielding McConkie Skousenites and those who haven't.

Option E:
I am not an active Mormon, but otherwise #A explains why I think that defenders chafe at the distinction.

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

E - I am active Mormon and I think that most adult and active members are aware of most the criticisms and apologetics on most issues .

Holy crap, bcspace! You're not serious, are you? Just for an experiment, next Sunday ask an adult and active member of your ward if they are familiar with:


The Greek Psalter Incident;

Kinderhook Plates;

The controversy surrounding the Book of Abraham;

Joseph Smith and Polygamy;

Adam God Doctrine;

Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon; and

Archaeological evidence for and against the Book of Mormon, etc, etc, etc, etc.


Please report back to us and good luck! :)

[_Dr. Shades]

E - I am active Mormon and I think that most adult and active members are aware of most the criticisms and apologetics on most issues .

Holy crap, bcspace! You're not serious, are you?

It's a basic feature of the Internet Mormon/Chapel Mormon dichotomy that each group denies the existence of the other.