Stone holm Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 There is no other religion which is more entangled with the notion of American Exceptionalism than Mormonism. The question we have to face is that a good thing. Some would say that the tendency of Americans to think of Utah and Mormondom is no longer a good thing. So is the tendency of the world when they think of Mormonism to think of it as an American religion with all of the baggage of American Exceptionalism that entails a good thing?
Mola Ram Suda Ram Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 I think there are plenty and some even on this board that really don't think America is all that great.For the record I sitll think that America or the US is the greatest nation on the planet and despite all that the progressives have done and are trying to do you can still get ahead and live your dreams in this country.Will that dream still be here in 20 years? I hope. But I don't know. 2
wenglund Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 The gospel teaches us to eschew exceptionalism and strive for mediocrity, otherwise we run the risk of falling out of favor with popular culture, and no one wants that. The gospel is all about catching up with secular trends, fitting in, and being a part of the "in" group.At least this is the impression I am getting from ark-steadiers among us, and what I was told in junior high.Thanks, -Wade Englund- 3
TAO Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 To be honest, I'm not an exceptionalist, nor an I an anti-exceptionalist. I am completely amibvialent on the issue of nationality =p. At least for now ;-). 1
Stone holm Posted March 21, 2013 Author Posted March 21, 2013 I think there are plenty and some even on this board that really don't think America is all that great.For the record I sitll think that America or the US is the greatest nation on the planet and despite all that the progressives have done and are trying to do you can still get ahead and live your dreams in this country.Will that dream still be here in 20 years? I hope. But I don't know.Well I tend to agree about our country, although I am not sure that we can stand too much more of the conservatives and libertarians trying to dismantle it and stand our notions of liberty and fairness on their head. But, actually, I was trying to get a grip on whether American Exceptionalism was healthy for the Church.
Alan Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 (edited) For the record I sitll think that America or the US is the greatest nation on the planetActually, sorry to disappoint you but Great Britain is. Edited March 21, 2013 by Alan 4
thesometimesaint Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 To be honest, I'm not an exceptionalist, nor an I an anti-exceptionalist. I am completely amibvialent on the issue of nationality =p. At least for now ;-).I'm not a big fan of American Exceptionalism, at least as articulated by the more conservative members of this board. I love my country and want to see it succeed. However I'm not immune to its many problems. There was only one exceptional person and we are not him. 2
Stone holm Posted March 21, 2013 Author Posted March 21, 2013 (edited) Actually, Great Britain is. Always thought we were one nation divided by a common language, wasn't that what Churchill said? Course wenglund would probably denounce you with the S word...lol Edited March 21, 2013 by Stone holm
wenglund Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 Always thought we were one nation divided by a common language, wasn't that what Churchill said? Course wenglund would probably denounce you with the S word...lolActually, wenglund was about to say "that's the spirit" in response to his elevatingly competitive post. But, you are free to put words into my mouth whenever you wish--not that I could stop you.Thanks, -Wade Englund-
Buzzard Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 We often see America as exceptional only when the political party we agree with is in power. But according to LDS theology, it is undeniable that the founding of this nation WAS exceptional, and that a place where his restoration could occur was required. Considering that even in America, the continuation of the church was a very close thing a couple of times, and given Wilford Woodruffs encounter with the founding fathers in the St. George temple, is seems that stating that the restored gospel needed a land like the United States if America to restore his church on earth is an easy case to make. Even with the current barbarians in charge of the White House.
Freedom Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 The church used to be very U.S. centric but with so many members of the church living outside of the U.S. and many members who have lived in the U.S. and now happily live elsewhere, there is a growing acceptance that the U.S. is just one of many great places to live. 2
halconero Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 I think the writings of the Book of Mormon serve as a warning and a hope to the peoples of the American continent. As framed in that Book of Scripture (and touched on in the Doctrine and Covenants) the Americas, and the United States, have the potential to be an "exceptional" land of liberty and prosperity if those who live here seek after and pursue righteousness. Promises of death, extermination, destruction, captivity (the anti-liberty) and the infiltration of society by secret groups are included should we pursue evil. In fact, it prophesies that we'll take the later route... 2
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 I'm not a big fan of American Exceptionalism, at least as articulated by the more conservative members of this board. I love my country and want to see it succeed. However I'm not immune to its many problems. There was only one exceptional person and we are not him.Being exceptional is to follow that exceptional person. That one exceptional person has blessed the United states exceptionally over the several decades of her existence. There's a reason for that.Yes, dissing American exceptionalism will lead people to dis Mormonism whose beliefs are exceptional.
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 (edited) I think the writings of the Book of Mormon serve as a warning and a hope to the peoples of the American continent. As framed in that Book of Scripture (and touched on in the Doctrine and Covenants) the Americas, and the United States, have the potential to be an "exceptional" land of liberty and prosperity if those who live here seek after and pursue righteousness. Promises of death, extermination, destruction, captivity (the anti-liberty) and the infiltration of society by secret groups are included should we pursue evil. In fact, it prophesies that we'll take the later route...That is my understanding of the prophecy but like Nephi, who also knew the downfall of his people / nation, we should live exceptional lives and teach our children exceptionally well as to how they should live their lives. Edited March 21, 2013 by Darren10 2
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 The church used to be very U.S. centric but with so many members of the church living outside of the U.S. and many members who have lived in the U.S. and now happily live elsewhere, there is a growing acceptance that the U.S. is just one of many great places to live.Being a great place to live is not the same as exceptionalism.
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 Even with the current barbarians in charge of the White House. For the record, I did not read what you just wrote but I sure do agree with it.
CASteinman Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 There is no other religion which is more entangled with the notion of American Exceptionalism than Mormonism. The question we have to face is that a good thing. Some would say that the tendency of Americans to think of Utah and Mormondom is no longer a good thing. So is the tendency of the world when they think of Mormonism to think of it as an American religion with all of the baggage of American Exceptionalism that entails a good thing?Regardless of what we think -- America -- both the Land and the Country -- are Exceptional by Divine Decree.We might want to not like that. But its just how it is.
Duncan Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 off and on through the years we have had a missionary here and there who rams the US down our Canadian throats, I just roll my eyes when they say what they have to say. I remember one guy from Arizona here for his mission was ripping on Canada and I remember thinking aren't you supposed to love those you serve? you big dumb dodo! ha! I think people like that are insecure, but ethnocentricty isn't only an American problem. I love the US, I served my mission there, 97% of the Americans I know are great people but don't expect me to watch American idol or anything 2
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 but don't expect me to watch American idol or anything Any American who expects you to watch American Idol is in violation of your US Constitutional rights against cruel and unusual punishment. (Assuming you're actually in the US).¡Viva Paradigm! 2
Stone holm Posted March 21, 2013 Author Posted March 21, 2013 The church used to be very U.S. centric but with so many members of the church living outside of the U.S. and many members who have lived in the U.S. and now happily live elsewhere, there is a growing acceptance that the U.S. is just one of many great places to live.I agree with you to a certain extent. I think there was a turn towards internationalism under Pres. Benson at least that seemed to be his justification for turning away from the so-called Lamanite programs strengthened by Pres Kimball. Although my son who served his mission in Madrid indicated that their baptisms were almost exclusively South Americans living in Spain so there still seems to be a strong bond with this hemisphere
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 And this is much better than American Idol!!! (A classic) 1
Duncan Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 (edited) Any American who expects you to watch American Idol is in violation of your US Constitutional rights against cruel and unusual punishment. (Assuming you're actually in the US).¡Viva Paradigm!You guys are cursed to have Ryan Seacrest while we are perpetually upset and irritated to have Ben Mulroney (son of one of the worst Prime Ministers in Canadian History)-I don't even know if they have CDN Idol but Mulroney hosts a bunch of other similar type mumbo jumbo TV shows and guest spotsI live near kinda the American border, I go there a few times a year to indulge myself and pillage Edited March 21, 2013 by Duncan
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 Although my son who served his mission in Madrid indicated that their baptisms were almost exclusively South Americans living in Spain so there still seems to be a strong bond with this hemisphereI agree. I served my mission in Recife, Brazil and our baptisms were exclusively South Americans living there as well.
Duncan Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 And this is much better than American Idol!!! (A classic)[media=] you better believe it!
Darren10 Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 I live near kinda the American border, I go there a few times a year to indulge myself and pillageYou shop at Walmart, eh?
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