In the community of former Mormons, John is spoken of and revered in the same way that God would be. Ex-Mormons generously pay him for providing them with what they desire, and he does so without hesitation. They don't care if he lies about his sexual life or if he has extramarital affairs. They don't care if he harasses women because they need their daily dose of Mormon bashing, and John can give it to them better than anyone else. Ex-Mormons need their daily fix of Mormon bashing. Ex-Mormons are provided with a form of therapy by individuals such as John and RFM. Listening to these individuals provides a welcome distraction from the never-ending struggle to determine whether or not leaving Mormonism was the best choice. Therefore, what John and RFM provide is analogous to a drug, and they are well aware that the more they criticize Mormons, the more financial gain they will experience as a result.
I love it when ex-Mormons making a couple thousand a month are compared to a trillion dollar religious corporation with tens of thousands of unpaid child salesmen around the globe.
Since John Dehlin just declared...again...that he's never acted inappropriately with anyone associated with his non-profit and anyone who accuses him otherwise is part of an LDS Church Fair Game Conspiracy, here are some screen shots of him talking about his personal sexual proclivities and even his wife's sexual preferences with an Open Stories volunteer back in 2010/2011.
In the community of former Mormons, John is spoken of and revered in the same way that God would be. Ex-Mormons generously pay him for providing them with what they desire, and he does so without hesitation. They don't care if he lies about his sexual life or if he has extramarital affairs. They don't care if he harasses women because they need their daily dose of Mormon bashing, and John can give it to them better than anyone else. Ex-Mormons need their daily fix of Mormon bashing. Ex-Mormons are provided with a form of therapy by individuals such as John and RFM. Listening to these individuals provides a welcome distraction from the never-ending struggle to determine whether or not leaving Mormonism was the best choice. Therefore, what John and RFM provide is analogous to a drug, and they are well aware that the more they criticize Mormons, the more financial gain they will experience as a result.
Hey, Lowrent, here's what I heard in my mind as reading your post:
In the community of active Mormons, the Big 15 are spoken of and revered in the same way that God would be. Mormons generously pay 10% for providing them with what they desire--a stairway to immortality--and they do so without hesitation. They don't care if they lie about the founding and historical narratives, but let these old codgers dictate their sexual lives. They don't care if bishop, stake presidents, etc. abuse the interview process because they need their daily dose of Mormon tithing into the coffers, and they wink, make bad jokes at which the Mormons laugh. Mormons need their daily fix of Mormon world bashing. Mormons are provided with a form of therapy by the Big 15 telling them they are special, they were valiant spirits in the preexistence. Listening to these individuals provides a welcome infusion against the never-ending struggle to be human and enjoy life, scaring them into not leaving Mormonism for fear of being shunned. Therefore, what the Big 15 provide is analogous to a drug, and they are well aware that the more they inculcate specialty and fear in Mormons, the more financial gain they will experience as a result.
"There will come a time when the rich own all the media, and it will be impossible for the public to make an informed opinion." Albert Einstein, ~1949 "It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere." Voltaire
In the community of former Mormons, John is spoken of and revered in the same way that God would be.
Given how many ex-LDS view ‘God’ and ‘religion’ after leaving the faith, I’m not so sure that your characterization presents the image that you think it does.
