Meet the Mormons

[MiloSimpson]

Is anyone watching this? I'm a little bit to be honest. I've realised that I know v little about the religion.

Just for the record - the mormons have missionaries who work full time online to counter, rebut, refute, and close down discussions that aren't deemed 'Mormon-friendly'. Claims of being attacked etc are just par for the course.

If you wish to know more about Mormonism, I suggest that you seek out various sources to get a better, less biased picture. There are plenty of websites out there, pro, anti, and otherwise, that will give a fuller picture of the Mormon church.

Simon Simply because you haven't witnessed these sorts of things, doesn't mean that they don't happen.

I saw this program last night and it really disappointed me. The woman seemed to have an agenda and, no matter what, the Church would come over as weird. I kept on thinking, 'ok, where's the rest of the conversation then?'

The Mormons that go on missions - only about 20% actually do go - aren't forced into it, the 'rules' are known to everyone. Some come home early, some ignore a lot of mission rules - I know at least 1 whose sister came to see him every other month when he was on his mission, she'd bring gifts etc.

Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was instructed by God and that everyone can receive instruction from God too, you just need to have faith. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, it's not replacing the Bible, both are the word of God.

Jux He claimed to have had a personal appearance from an angel - or two, depending on which version of his vision he was talking about, and then claimed to seen god and jesus.

People wanted to believe him - even when he started sending off men on missions then marrying their wives, or telling parents that if he wasn't allowed to marry their daughter, they'd all go to hell.

It's one of the common themes of humanity - people can be really gullible.

I have asked for vts. I also quite like our bishop. You seem to view everything with suspicion. I vist taught for years and never reported or was asked to report on the things you mention. I am good friends with my vts outside church. One of them who is serving as stake relief society president worked as my childminder for 10 weeks earlier this year.

Well the tip about the financials was very interesting. I would recommend anyone to do what I did: got to the Charity Commission website and look at the bare financials for the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saint. I then compared this with the nice financial report done by the Church Commissioners (for C of E). It was interesting.

Missionaries aren't forced to go on missions, but the pressure and family expectation is enormous.
Some missionaries do break the rules, they are so endless and restrictive and petty it is hard not to. The consequences are can be devastating. I personally knew a family whose son killed himself after being sent home for some petty infraction. He was shunned and gossiped about and felt he'd brought shame on his family.
Another young man developed a serious health condition on his mission. His doctor told him to urgently contact his family. He called his mission president who said he'd call the parents. He also diagnosed the young man himself, from his home several hundred miles away, claiming he had a minor ailment. The " spirit" inspired him, so he didn't call the parents.
After several days the missionary called his parents himself. The mission president was enraged at his "disobedience", gave him a "dishonourable discharge" and put him on the next plane home. Which was good, for his health, but meant to be very shaming. He was only two weeks from going home anyway, and wasn't even allowed to say goodbye to anyone.
On his return he was taken straight to hospital. He turned out to have a life threatening condition and will never have good health again.
I've known missionaries come back with malaria, parasites, in the throes of a psychotic breakdown and more. Often these conditions have been caused or made worse by the oppressive conditions these kids live under.
It certainly isn't "the best two years" of these kids lives.
A "successful" mission disrupts the bond between a young man and his family and bonds him to the Mormon church instead. When he comes back he is prepared for a life of obedience, and 10% tithe paying.
Long post, but there is so much more I could say.

There were a couple of Mormon missionary boys in the small town I was living in, in Romania, years ago. One of them was standing in the main drag, in his suit in the boiling heat, having no luck at all (he didn't speak Romanian, which didn't help!). I felt quite sorry for him, went into McDonald's and bought him a large Sprite. Took it out to him, and before I could say anything, he bit my head off, saying "I'm not allowed to have Coke." Told him it was Sprite, and he needed to drink something or he would get dehydrated. He didn't even say thanks - just muttered something about not being able to leave his pitch. I think his minder had gone off for a wee, and he was terrified that this mad, heavily pregnant Brit had an ulterior motive!

What do Mormons think of feminism?

Can a mormon wife have lots of husbands?

If not - Why?

Of course not!
Mormonism teaches that women and men are equal but different. Men "hold the priesthood" - God's power on earth - from the age of twelve. Women can never hold the priesthood. They are told they have babies instead. Boys are told they have more power in their little fingers than all the popes and kings on earth. I have known single mothers allow their teenage sons to rule the home, as they are the "priesthood holder".
Men are always in authority over women, in the church and in the home. The man decides who shall bless the food, say prayers etc etc. and much more.
It can be an abusers charter, I've seen some appalling abusive situations where the man is excused because he is the priesthood holder.
The Mormon church fought tooth and nail against the Equal Rights Amendment in the USA, and were instrumental in it being defeated.

And if a child from a family of strong practicing Mormons decides to leave the faith completely:-

Who does the family side with?

The Church, or
Their OWN Child?

I'm not trying to stir (believe it or not) - I actually watched the whole programme and found it interesting (even though it ended too abruptly for my liking).

I have to admit that I found it slightly Cultish and I got the feeling that they were trying 'break' Josh - Elder..... destroy his personality and turn him into a type of Stepford person.

What kind of family would allow other people to do that to their son?
Isn't it a form of mental abuse?

Where has Saintbon gone? I would have thought he would want to address some of the points made recently.
I thought some of his posts were a bit defensive, so he himself has not done the job of defending the church that he set out to do.
Quite a lot of people would genuinely like more information, and going to a local meeting is not an option for everybody because of where they live.

When a child leaves the Church, that's what they have done, not left the family.
I know families where they have taken the Priesthood thing way the wrong way! If a guy who holds the Priesthood uses the 'power' to oppress, then he's going to be condemned come the judgement day, if he manages to get away with it that long. Sadly, folk are just as weak inside the Church as out and some guys need a good poke in the eye reminding of what the Priesthood is. I know that some families do shun their kids if they leave, again, they are totally missing the point of the Church. It's about being together for Eternity, serving others and becoming as Christlike as you can. Jesus didn't shun the sinner, neither should we.
My DS3 is no longer a Church member, but he is still my DS3! I love him and his girlfriend, they live together in a flat we own in Europe. My love for him is unconditional, the same as the love for the rest of my children whether Mormon or not.

Thanks for answering Hairylegs.

My DS2 who served a mission came back less of a arrogant snot than when he left for his mission, he was so full of himself before. Afterwards, he was an adult and a pretty good one at that. He wasn't perfect, he still acted like a snot at times, as we all do, but he didn't morph into 'Peter Priesthood' robot, that guy doesn't exist! If any member thinks they have to be a Peter Priesthood or Molly Mormon to be a 'good' Mormon, then they've really lost the point if Christ's Atonement.

I only have 1 husband, I married him at a registry office nearly 20 years ago. We had a religious ceremony 2 years later AFTER he joined the Church. Polygamy doesn't exist in the Church anymore. There are breakaway groups that do practise it, but the Official one no longer does.

I have 6 children, so far only 1 served a mission. I have 2 left at home, they both would like to serve a mission, 1 has just submitted his mission papers, he'll here in the next 2 weeks if he is to. My other child would like to serve, but she wants to see how she feels when she's finished school.

Larry, it's Sunday, there might be restrictions on what he can do on Sundays?

Speaking as a non-relgious person I have a couple of favourite mormon 'mom' blogs. It doesn't strike me as any more odd than Catholicism or Judaism.

non-religious. "non-relgious" sounds as though I have been at the communion wine!

Hairylegs, on the programme, it showed the missionarys going door to door (similar to Jehova's Witnesses), and getting door after door slammed in their faces.
Are you happy for your child to experience that?

Do you want people saying ''oh shi! looks like the GodSquad are coming'' best to hide and pretend I'm not home - or come up with an excuse''

Sorry to be crude, but it's what most people think when they see people like that approaching their house!

Why would you want your son/daughter to go through that?

One thing that doesnt seem to have been mentioned is all Church members are still just human beings. We all make mistakes whether we are Christian or Moslem or Catholic etc, none of us are God. You can get 'good' leaders in all religions and corrupt ones.

I thought the reporters questioning was rather inappropriate, as someone up thread said , she was like a dog with a bone.
Would a male reporter be allowed to have a private interview with a female Moslem or Nun (or likewise) in thier bedroom without expecting to raise comments from a forum or serious issue within that religious community? I dont think so. I see the Church authoritative figure was there to protect the young missionary, just as a female chaperone is used in many circumstances.
And why did it seem so neccessary to know what kind of underwear was worn? Does it matter what a Buddist or a Monk wears under thier robes> No. Does it stop them from trying to good work, no. The same here. The young missionary is trying to do good, its his faith , his belief and what he wants to do and is proud of it.

You will hear good and bad about all religions, but certainly don't try to judge it from one TV programme. Go to church and find out!

notheroldie,

It's human nature to be curious.

Also, If something is good and pure - it should 'speak for itself'.
It shouldn't need a lot of rules and regulations and chaperoning and policing and strange underwear needed..
Why the need for all these 'rules'?

And - Authoritive Figures. Why?

And, regards my question: Is the Mormon Religion Sexist?

You have to admit, that most of the 'authoritative figures' in the program did appear to be male.

Water, a lot of people join the Church after such a visit from missionaries, myself included.
Door knocking is only a small part of what missionaries do though. The program didn't make that very clear at all. Again, I think the program had it's own agenda here.
My DS2 had a lot of doors shut in his face, a lot of jokes at his expense, but he felt he was doing Gods work and he used the negative to become a stronger person. Everyone has bad things happen to them, you can either learn and grow or become sad and bitter. I know I had far worse happen to me at 16 than my DS at 20 knocking on people's doors.

Sexist? Depends on your perspective I guess, but I go with the quote, 'Behind every great man there stands a great woman'.

They can't do much without us wimmin folk

Hairylegs,
So I take it you're not put out by my line of questioning?
I mean, the door to door people must get LOTS worse!

you have to expect lots of questions .... not all of them complimentary!

Even though I'm not religious myself - religion fascinates me!
How amazing - to have the capacity to believe in something that you can't see!

I can see why it fills a hole in people's lives.
Holes that some people try to fill with cigs, drink and drugs.

It IS interesting.