Anti-Mormon Schtuff

[dahlia]

I'm a convert, and in investigating, I looked at a few anti-sites. Every now and then I run across one now. I'd say that now, I don't bother with them. I agree with the OP as to the type of sites. There's nothing I can do about what happened 120 years ago, nor can I help you if you hate your bishop, so what's the point?

When investigating, I read them more closely, but never got a feeling that I should stay away from the Church because of them. I think I was mostly taken with the posts of women who were endowed before the changes and who were freaked out by the endowment ritual. I still think it is too bad there can't be more sharing of what goes on instead of leaving people to be so anxious or fearful before the endowment and the temple.

I guess another issue I came across was feminist stuff. Now, one of the reasons I left the Catholics was because women can't be priests. You'd think I'd be angry/freaked out by the separation between the sexes, but I'm not. I see plenty of work and leadership opportunities for women. Maybe I've gotten to the age that I welcome getting away from men for awhile, don't know. It just doesn't bother me. : ) I think there is a role for feminism within the Church that doesn't shout out for the priesthood or think that wearing pants to church means anything.

[Praetorian_Brow]

One man's garbage is another man's treasure.

I doubt anyone is intentionally seeking to undermine their faith. Rather, they are looking for information and if it contradicts what they know, then it could possibly undermine their faith or enlighten it.

[Suzie]

And sometimes (often? almost always?) identifying that a source is hell-bent on distorting, misrepresenting, or ignoring important evidence to put forth an agenda is reason enough to stop reading. I usually do. But if I feel the person is putting forth a thesis, I'll usually read on.

Same here.

[bytebear]

The arguments are no different than they were nearly 200 years ago. The only difference is that we are now a global, politically influential group, and so we are being attacked globally. I always wonder why people don't go out of their way to ridicule the Amish. They are certainly culturally odd in their religious practices. But the Amish aren't a threat to those who want to corrupt the world.

[Lakumi]

The arguments are no different than they were nearly 200 years ago. The only difference is that we are now a global, politically influential group, and so we are being attacked globally. I always wonder why people don't go out of their way to ridicule the Amish. They are certainly culturally odd in their religious practices. But the Amish aren't a threat to those who want to corrupt the world.

they don't come to your door:lol:

I'd be all like ready with my triple chocolate mocha latte with some vodka and cigarettes on the side, reading 50 Shades of Grey and then bam, Missionaries at the door being like "We have this message that you can be happy forever" and I respond with "go away I am trying to smoke and drink and I just ordered a meat lovers pizza which I will coat in chocolate, deep fry and cover with bacon and serve with beer!"

So I think its a combo of coming to your door and saying you should be healthier (and even if people don't partake they don't seemingly like being told they can't-I donno I just tossed in as much insanity as I could and... it seems like an episode of Epic Meal Time).

Truth be told Mormons have only come to my door once, and I wasn't home (my parents told me afterwards when I asked about the lack of a watchtower after the mention of them coming in passing, in which I would take to my friends and we'd draw on it and yammer about nothing)

[bytebear]

There's no surprise that we are pretty vocal on our social and religious beliefs.

I tend to laugh at people who are "shocked" that the Mormons are once again opposing gay marriage. Really? You haven't figured it out yet?

[pam]

Gramps from askgramps.org discusses this today:

http://www.askgramps.org/13604/members-read-anti-mormon-literature

[andypg]

Personally, I like the anti-Mormon stuff. Why? I've only been a member 2 and a half months and spent only a month investigating before then (thought had an interest in the "oddities" of LDS faith and history for a few years).

Since I am still new, and a journalism major, I like the anti-stuff because it gives me a chance to do more research! And that involves coming on here, asking questions, and debating you all until I resolve it intellectually. It strengthens my testimony because I go out seeking answers. It doesn't let me stay complacent, it forces me out. And isn't that what we, as Latter-day Saints, are supposed to be doing: progressing in faith and knowledge and going out to share the Truth?

[SoaringEagle]

I'm a convert of 18 months. While investigating and also as a member, I have seen and read anti-LDS stuff. At first, I went looking for it. Other times, I stumbled upon it while looking for answers. I've been on the ex-Mo sites and felt so many people disgruntled by many things there is no control over, happened many years ago, or just felt like complaining. It reminds me of people who complain on reviews for businesses and the like. Before my endowment, my previous Bishop contacted me and advised me to not go looking for anti stuff. Basically he said it is out there and I will find it if I am looking for it. And a lot of the stuff is not what it appears to be.

[prisonchaplain]

Just an outsider's thought...IF I felt a compulsion to read what the enemy had to say about my faith, I would not try to get my hands on a great quantity of garbage. Instead, I would seek out 2-3 well-composed and intelligent critiques. Before reading it, I would pray for spiritual protection, for wisdom, for discernment. Mess with garbage, and you only get smelly and dirty. Deal with sincere and intelligent disagreement, and it is possible to actually grow wiser in the faith.

DISCLAIMER: My counsel is for those who already want to tackle the criticism. Many people will feel no need whatsoever. That still small voice will direct the best.