altersteve Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 ...that it's probably going to be pretty tough being a Mormon in the coming years, especially for the current generation.Do you agree? What can we do to prepare for this?
sjdawg Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 ...that it's probably going to be pretty tough being a Mormon in the coming years, especially for the current generation.Do you agree? What can we do to prepare for this?How, specifically, do you think it will be tough? More temptation? Prejudice? What is changing that will make it tougher than in previous generations?
altersteve Posted May 2, 2012 Author Posted May 2, 2012 I just am extremely saddened by the amount of "anti-Mormonism" and the misconceptions and outright lies about the Church that are becoming increasingly available, and the current generation in the Church, the youth, in my opinion, are going to be the ones to really experience the effects of this. They need prayers and guidance now more than ever.I know this is probably obvious, and this thread may not really go anywhere, and there may be some who disagree, but I just wanted to express my thoughts.
sjdawg Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 I just am extremely saddened by the amount of "anti-Mormonism" and the misconceptions and outright lies about the Church that are becoming increasingly available, and the current generation in the Church, the youth, in my opinion, are going to be the ones to really experience the effects of this. They need prayers and guidance now more than ever.I know this is probably obvious, and this thread may not really go anywhere, and there may be some who disagree, but I just wanted to express my thoughts.Which lies are you talking about? I see lot's of differences in opinion about how certain events or statements are interpreted but to my recollection I see few outright lies.
Freedom Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 The Catholics have endured this for centuries and they survived. What I see coming out does not come close to what the Roman Church has experienced; add to that the scandals coming to light by their own priests. Ultimately, it will become a clear separation. it could be well that we have to literally gather for our own safety. The world will fear us so perhaps we will have our own nation state and military. Perhaps the imagery in the Book of Mormon will literally be fulfilled with the church being lead out of captivity by a prophet/military leader much as Moses, Mosiah and Captain Moroni.
Damien the Leper Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 Some friends and I have expressed a more broad concern that Christianity may lose its place or will weaken in some form. The atheists are kicking our butts. The only thing that keeps me from completely walking away from faith is the fact that the Tomb was empty. Nothing, not the Reformation and not the Restoration or anything else mean anything or come close to the relevance, significance or importance of the Resurrection. For me, the Resurrection is sufficient and the pinnacle of my faith. I don't wish to diminish the importance of the Restoration for those who are LDS, however, the first visions, the D&C, physical/institutional churches just don't cut it anymore. As I said before, my faith points to the Resurrection and not the Restoration. 3
Maidservant Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 Well. I am of the camp that says . . . I don't know about the good old days; didn't Nero burn Rome and torture Christians? That's the old days! . . . so goes the monologue in my head .I spend a lot of time online and in my personal life with hopeful people. That is, people who are willing to love across all boundaries. So I know that there is just as much of a movement like this as there is with any contention and hatred in the earth.Applied specifically to the experience of being Mormon and of watching my kids as they grow up: Certainly there will be challenges. I think we will be challenged in a way that allows us to connect with more people and to adjust ourselves. That adjustment would not really be doctrinal, but more along the lines of a human level where we can open our minds and hearts to all of the challenges out there in the world instead of insulating ourselves, so to speak.It's very possible that we might be in physical danger of our lives for being Mormon; I just don't think it's inevitable. But I think this is more a function of people willing to enforce their attitudes by harming other human beings for a variety of reasons, Mormonism being just one of them.I actually can't tell you how excited I am to be passing through the seventh seal, even with all its turmoil, and the potential that lies ahead both for the church and humanity at large.
altersteve Posted May 2, 2012 Author Posted May 2, 2012 Some friends and I have expressed a more broad concern that Christianity may lose its place or will weaken in some form. The atheists are kicking our butts. The only thing that keeps me from completely walking away from faith is the fact that the Tomb was empty. Nothing, not the Reformation and not the Restoration or anything else mean anything or come close to the relevance, significance or importance of the Resurrection. For me, the Resurrection is sufficient and the pinnacle of my faith. I don't wish to diminish the importance of the Restoration for those who are LDS, however, the first visions, the D&C, physical/institutional churches just don't cut it anymore. As I said before, my faith points to the Resurrection and not the Restoration.Agreed with the bolded part 100%. For me, the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is and always will be #1.
Buzzard Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 ...that it's probably going to be pretty tough being a Mormon in the coming years, especially for the current generation.Do you agree? What can we do to prepare for this?I think this year will be wild and crazy, with the election and Romney, etc...After that, the long term issue is and will be the "dense fog of sensuality" alluded to by President Packer a few years ago, along with the increasing influence of secularism. But they won't burn us out, they will just mock us.
JeremyOrbe-Smith Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 Frankly, I think the atheists are often correct to kick the butts of many traditional theologies (at a conceptual/philosophical level, I mean -- this is not to knock the people who believe many of the traditional theologies, all of which have Saints among them), but I agree with Valentinus that the empty tomb (or rather, the accompanying Resurrection!) is really the most significant thing keeping me from walking away from religious faith altogether.The reason I'm LDS is because I can't explain away the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price, both of which, I think, have the core purpose of testifying of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the rest of the Divine Council so that the testimonies of many nations are allowed to run together and prove the truth of the Resurrection. But again, it all comes down to that, not how well a given church is run in day-to-day stuff. At the same time, I actually think we're in something of a golden age for Mormonism. I mean, yeah, the haters gonna hate, but it's been barely more than a century since we were literally chased out of the United States and branded as barbarians. (Not to go political, but I actually hope Romney doesn't win -- I think politics only hurts the Church, even by association, when we should be about something different.) One thing I think we can do to prepare is to take a really hard look at some of our cultural practices and determine how much is doctrinal and how much is cultural, and jettison any cultural practices which might be hindering others from receiving the gospel. (I'm sure I don't need to point out that I'm talking about women and the Priesthood and gay issues here, but there are others as well -- historiography, etc.) But that should really be a given; we should be better students of the scriptures than we currently are in order to be better messengers. 4
CA Steve Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 It could be worse, you could be FLDS. Man they really have it tough.
Buzzard Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 It could be worse, you could be FLDS. Man they really have it tough. Well, at least the men do. One wife is tough enough. Wouldn't want to be "blessed" more than that.
oremites Posted May 3, 2012 Posted May 3, 2012 Which lies are you talking about? I see lot's of differences in opinion about how certain events or statements are interpreted but to my recollection I see few outright lies.The main one that springs to my mind is:Mormons are not ChristianI seriously would categorize that as an outright lie.
sjdawg Posted May 3, 2012 Posted May 3, 2012 The main one that springs to my mind is:Mormons are not ChristianI seriously would categorize that as an outright lie.I guess it depends whose definition of Christianity you use. Of course I believe that Mormons are Christians but I don't think those that disagree believe they are lying.
altersteve Posted May 3, 2012 Author Posted May 3, 2012 Which lies are you talking about? I see lot's of differences in opinion about how certain events or statements are interpreted but to my recollection I see few outright lies.For example:http://www.mrctv.org/videos/larry-odonnell-again-attacks-romneys-religion-mormonism-invented-excuse-infidelityThe claim that Joseph Smith was caught having sex with the maid and then invented Mormonism to cover it up is an outright lie. O'Donnell has also claimed that Joseph was a "champion" for slavery, among other things. And don't even get me started about Ed Decker.
Garden Girl Posted May 3, 2012 Posted May 3, 2012 I too believe that we will be in for a rough time... not just Mormonism per se, but Christianity in general. It's already happening... just look at the past Christmas season... having to avoid carols that mention anything to do with the Nativity or Jesus... calling trees Holiday trees... not being able to say Merry Christmas, etc etc... while at the same time having to provide special prayer times several times a day in the workplace for a specific non-Christian group... a special place in airports set aside for women of a specific non-Christian faith. If Christians made such demands we'd be laughed at...I see Christians in the U.S. being more mocked and having any mention of Christ stripped from public view than in physical danger, unlike the physical danger of Christians outside the U.S. The instances of physical violence against Christians that have been reported in the news I fear will increase with time.I don't know that it will be in my lifetime, but in the years ahead... yes, I too have a feeling...GG
ERayR Posted May 3, 2012 Posted May 3, 2012 Which lies are you talking about? I see lot's of differences in opinion about how certain events or statements are interpreted but to my recollection I see few outright lies.There are none so blind as those who will not see.
Anijen Posted May 3, 2012 Posted May 3, 2012 (edited) ...that it's probably going to be pretty tough being a Mormon in the coming years, especially for the current generation.Do you agree? What can we do to prepare for this?I plan on filing down my horns, better to blend in. Edited May 3, 2012 by Jeff Holt
The Nehor Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 ...that it's probably going to be pretty tough being a Mormon in the coming years, especially for the current generation.I don't think it will be any different. The challenges will change but I don't think they will get easier or harder.What can we do to prepare for this?Put oil in the lamp.I just am extremely saddened by the amount of "anti-Mormonism" and the misconceptions and outright lies about the Church that are becoming increasingly available, and the current generation in the Church, the youth, in my opinion, are going to be the ones to really experience the effects of this. They need prayers and guidance now more than ever.Compared to the early days of this dispensation we have it pretty easy in terms of this. We have enough media power to be able to get our account out there. Joseph Smith rarely did and the lies they told then are much worse then anything they are telling now.As to calling us unChristian....not new at all.
Cobalt-70 Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 At the same time, I actually think we're in something of a golden age for Mormonism. I mean, yeah, the haters gonna hate, but it's been barely more than a century since we were literally chased out of the United States and branded as barbarians. (Not to go political, but I actually hope Romney doesn't win -- I think politics only hurts the Church, even by association, when we should be about something different.)Amen. No Mormon should think they are undergoing some great persecution because a blogger hurts their feelings, or a TV personality satirizes the religion. That's nothing compared to what happened to Mormons in the 19th century. And even that is nothing compared to what has happened to Jews. 1
Bond...James Bond Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 (edited) Since the Earth is going to be Mayan-ed away in 7 months I don't know why anyone should worry. Just put your head between your legs and kiss yourself goodbye. Edited May 4, 2012 by Bond...James Bond
Bond...James Bond Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 The Catholics have endured this for centuries and they survived.What I see coming out does not come close to what the Roman Church has experienced; add to that the scandals coming to light by their own priests. Ultimately, it will become a clear separation. it could be well that we have to literally gather for our own safety. The world will fear us so perhaps we will have our own nation state and military. Perhaps the imagery in the Book of Mormon will literally be fulfilled with the church being lead out of captivity by a prophet/military leader much as Moses, Mosiah and Captain Moroni.The Catholics were the ones doing the prosecuting. The Inquisition! Let's begin! The Inquisition! Look out sin! The Inquisition we're going to convert the Jews!Btw to have your own state/military you'll have to revolt and secede from some current polity, most likely the United States of America. Did you not read about the Civil War? The South lost.
The Nehor Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 The Catholics were the ones doing the prosecuting. The Inquisition! Let's begin! The Inquisition! Look out sin! The Inquisition we're going to convert the Jews!Btw to have your own state/military you'll have to revolt and secede from some current polity, most likely the United States of America. Did you not read about the Civil War? The South lost.The Catholics have been on both sides of the persecution equation. Usually going back and forth.The American Civil War does not conclusively show that secessionist movements will always be crushed. God has said that Zion is invincible. If we could build the blasted thing our troubles would be over.
Cobalt-70 Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 The American Civil War does not conclusively show that secessionist movements will always be crushed. God has said that Zion is invincible. If we could build the blasted thing our troubles would be over.For better or for worse, I think Joseph Smith's original idea of Zion as a physical place located in Missouri has lapsed within Mormon eschatology. The current LDS administration is firmly entrenched in Salt Lake City, continues to build up the church infrastructure there, and has never made any effort to, or expressed interested in, moving things to Missouri despite the ample ability to do so. Meanwhile, the church continues to expand worldwide, and it seems inconceivable that the church would ask all of its members to gather in one location. Zion is not a place or kingdom anymore. It is now solely a metaphor.
The Nehor Posted May 4, 2012 Posted May 4, 2012 For better or for worse, I think Joseph Smith's original idea of Zion as a physical place located in Missouri has lapsed within Mormon eschatology. The current LDS administration is firmly entrenched in Salt Lake City, continues to build up the church infrastructure there, and has never made any effort to, or expressed interested in, moving things to Missouri despite the ample ability to do so. Meanwhile, the church continues to expand worldwide, and it seems inconceivable that the church would ask all of its members to gather in one location. Zion is not a place or kingdom anymore. It is now solely a metaphor.The Saints are unlikely to all gather to Missouri but I still believe that it will be the center place of Zion in the last days and the Millenium. Since I don't anticipate the end coming any time soon I don't think the current HQ of the Church is that relevant to figuring out what will happen.
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