Are We Obsessed With Mormonism?

[jkwilliams]

I searched my alter-ego screen name here and found a link to something I had written about the suspension of the Relief Society in the months preceding the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. One person suggested I was wrapped around the axle of Mormonism and needed to let go. I've thought about that a lot for a long time, but here I am. I suppose it would be easier if I weren't still heavily involved in the church through family and attendance. I stopped going for a while but returned when my wife would come home in tears because people at church kept telling her how sorry they were that her husband was--take your pick--not honoring his priesthood/not valiant/an apostate/lazy. And, in all honesty, I find the church discussed here, with all its personalities and highs and lows, to be far more interesting than what we discuss in high priests group meeting. Still I'm told I should just walk away and shut up because talking about it is bad for me.

 

But coming back here I see some of the same names I have seen since I first joined this board back in 2002 or 2003 (I forget which). Are you guys as obsessed as I am? Why? What brings you back here all the time?

 

For me, besides being fascinated by Mormonism, I come to places like this to sow the seeds of doubt in as many people as I can, thus bringing them down to the same level of misery I am experiencing.

How about you?
 

[JLHPROF]

I searched my alter-ego screen name here and found a link to something I had written about the suspension of the Relief Society in the months preceding the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. One person suggested I was wrapped around the axle of Mormonism and needed to let go. I've thought about that a lot for a long time, but here I am. I suppose it would be easier if I weren't still heavily involved in the church through family and attendance. I stopped going for a while but returned when my wife would come home in tears because people at church kept telling her how sorry they were that her husband was--take your pick--not honoring his priesthood/not valiant/an apostate/lazy. And, in all honesty, I find the church discussed here, with all its personalities and highs and lows, to be far more interesting than what we discuss in high priests group meeting. Still I'm told I should just walk away and shut up because talking about it is bad for me.

 

But coming back here I see some of the same names I have seen since I first joined this board back in 2002 or 2003 (I forget which). Are you guys as obsessed as I am? Why? What brings you back here all the time?

 

For me, besides being fascinated by Mormonism, I come to places like this to sow the seeds of doubt in as many people as I can, thus bringing them down to the same level of misery I am experiencing.

How about you?

 

I come here because I simply like to be able to discuss the topics that we aren't allowed to discuss in Church.  These are not topics that are necessarily apostate but can be controversial, and we really can't get into any depth ever on any doctrine at church.

 

I don't allow discussions here to hurt my faith (frankly after all these years there is nothing in Mormonism that disturbs me - I already know about the MMM, polyandry, Adam-God, Book of Abraham, scientific issues etc, etc, etc).  My faith chooses to try to understand these things and the doctrines that led to them.  It doesn't cause me to ignore them, explain them away, or worse, get angry and apostatize over them.  If anything, I get more distressed by changing doctrines and ordinances than I do by controversial ones.

 

In short, I am here because there is virtually no meat in our all-milk lessons at Church, and I have to have somewhere to stretch my thinking on the doctrines of the gospel, even when I don't agree with much that is discussed.

[Hamba Tuhan]

'Mormonism' touches and shapes every single aspect of my life. It fills me with joy beyond expression. It is my life and my labour. It colours my every thought. I feel like shouting 'Hallelujah' dozens of times during each day as I recognise yet again what I have and enjoy as a member of the Church. My waking hours are filled with concern over my ward members and attempts to serve and bless them. My prayers are on their behalf, and frequently my dreams provide the inspiration I need to better fulfil my calling as a bishopric member, as a home teacher, and as a brother in Christ. The scriptures and the words of the living prophets fill my mind and shape my behaviour. As I said to a friend yesterday between sessions of General Conference, I can think of nothing more satisfying than listening to the preaching of the Word. Yep, I'm thoroughly obsessed.

Edited October 13, 2013 by Hamba Tuhan

[jwhitlock]

I consider the Spirit Roundup for the seeds of doubt. I come here to see doubts (and criticisms) expressed in regards to the church, to put them into perspective, and to compare them to the essence of what the restored gospel really is.

 

And the restored gospel always wins out.

[Duncan]

I absolutely believe it's possible to becme fanatical in the Church and find yourself out of the Church, I have seen that often. Of course not everyone who is out of the church was fanatical about it. Balance is needed!

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I searched my alter-ego screen name here and found a link to something I had written about the suspension of the Relief Society in the months preceding the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. One person suggested I was wrapped around the axle of Mormonism and needed to let go. I've thought about that a lot for a long time, but here I am. I suppose it would be easier if I weren't still heavily involved in the church through family and attendance. I stopped going for a while but returned when my wife would come home in tears because people at church kept telling her how sorry they were that her husband was--take your pick--not honoring his priesthood/not valiant/an apostate/lazy. And, in all honesty, I find the church discussed here, with all its personalities and highs and lows, to be far more interesting than what we discuss in high priests group meeting. Still I'm told I should just walk away and shut up because talking about it is bad for me.

But coming back here I see some of the same names I have seen since I first joined this board back in 2002 or 2003 (I forget which). Are you guys as obsessed as I am? Why? What brings you back here all the time?

For me, besides being fascinated by Mormonism, I come to places like this to sow the seeds of doubt in as many people as I can, thus bringing them down to the same level of misery I am experiencing.

How about you?

Good question, but if I left the Church...I hope I could leave it alone and move on. But every time I think of unplugging from hurtful things said or written it is hard. I left one famous anti-Mormon cesspool (make that two) and never looked back. As you know my attempt to leave one was turned into a sig line for the owner. I do regret going to those measures but I did not want my account to add to his ability to get advertising.

How have you been btw?

Edited October 13, 2013 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[Palerider]

This may not be even the main reason that I come here but one reason is that here I can tell someone quite accurately exactly what I'm feeling and thinking about their "explanations" regarding church "mis-steps" or accusations towards me. Something that I couldn't do out of respect for my Stake President, who I interviewed with at the time of my spiritual departure from the church.

I should think that after he listened to Uchtdorf's talk he would have felt a wince of guilt for the way in which he conducted our interview, but then thinking about the arrogance that exists in some church leadership and with him in particular.....I doubt he felt anything...

Not having actually been through any discipline process, but I have heard that in general they give the leaving member very little opportunity to state their complete case for leaving the church. (I'd suggest the book written by Lyndon Lamborn, "Standing for something more" for a narrative about his excommunication.)

Edited October 13, 2013 by Palerider

[Tacenda]

I consider the Spirit Roundup for the seeds of doubt. I come here to see doubts (and criticisms) expressed in regards to the church, to put them into perspective, and to compare them to the essence of what the restored gospel really is.

And the restored gospel always wins out.

So I'm not good for nothing?

I thought about ending my participation on the board today, thinking I should be where everyone else is supposedly miserable.

[jwhitlock]

So I'm not good for nothing?

I thought about ending my participation on the board today, thinking I should be where everyone else is supposedly miserable.

 

Everyone is good for something.         

 

[Glenn101]

I don't think that I am obsessed with Mormonism. It's precepts are my guiding light, although I do not always follow that guide properly. But I am not fanatical about it. I wish that everyone would convert, but I do believe in the the eleventh article of faith which states "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

 

Glenn

[Senator]

I'm not obsessed with Mormonism.

 

....of which I'm continually reminded.

[Kenngo1969]

...  For me, besides being fascinated by Mormonism, I come to places like this to sow the seeds of doubt in as many people as I can, thus bringing them down to the same level of misery I am experiencing.

How about you?

 

 

[Robert F. Smith]

I searched my alter-ego screen name here and found a link to something I had written about the suspension of the Relief Society in the months preceding the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. One person suggested I was wrapped around the axle of Mormonism and needed to let go. I've thought about that a lot for a long time, but here I am. I suppose it would be easier if I weren't still heavily involved in the church through family and attendance. I stopped going for a while but returned when my wife would come home in tears because people at church kept telling her how sorry they were that her husband was--take your pick--not honoring his priesthood/not valiant/an apostate/lazy. And, in all honesty, I find the church discussed here, with all its personalities and highs and lows, to be far more interesting than what we discuss in high priests group meeting. Still I'm told I should just walk away and shut up because talking about it is bad for me.

 

But coming back here I see some of the same names I have seen since I first joined this board back in 2002 or 2003 (I forget which). Are you guys as obsessed as I am? Why? What brings you back here all the time?

 

For me, besides being fascinated by Mormonism, I come to places like this to sow the seeds of doubt in as many people as I can, thus bringing them down to the same level of misery I am experiencing.

How about you?

 

Have at it Bro.  

 

This is an equal opportunity world and Mormonism is worth getting obsessed about.

However, most Mormons have ordinary jobs and professions which dominate most of their time and education.  So it is helpful to get away from the rat race and spend some time contemplating holy things.  Then too, it is good to be broad and well-informed across the manifold subjects which concern us all.  We need to read widely in non-Mormon subject-matter.  A broadly informed Mormon is a more effective, well-adjusted, and happier Mormon.

[mfbukowski]

For me, besides being fascinated by Mormonism, I come to places like this to sow the seeds of doubt in as many people as I can, thus bringing them down to the same level of misery I am experiencing.

How about you?

 

I come here to make sure you and your compatriots don't succeed.

 

But it's not personal.

[Rivers]

I come here because I can find answers to questions that aid me on my faith journey. I also find mormon culture, theology, and history to be fascinating.

[Storm Rider]

For me the Board provides a daily opportunity to discuss the Gospel and the Church. I enjoy the thoughtful questions and understand most of the struggles people have.  Most of the time it is a good place to discuss the Gospel. 

[Libs]

I'm still here, although, I haven't posted anything since last June.  But, I still come by about once a week, just to see what is being discussed.

 

I've made resolutions to stay away from Mormonism, but I get drawn back, when something "Mormon" catches my eye.  I think it's feeling comfortable with the familiarity of it...and curiosity about what is currently happening in the church.  It's still, in some ways, my family, even though we have become somewhat estranged.  I don't feel a tug to go back, but still interested in some things pertaining to the church.  Always feel drawn to watch, at least some, of GC, for example.  Enjoyed Elder Uchtdorf's talk...but, some of the others, not so much.

 

Anyway, still here, sort of, despite resolutions to "leave it alone".  

[cinepro]

I come here so six days a week, I can imagine that the CoJCoLdS is as described by the people here.  Then on Sunday mornings I have that fantasy dashed to pieces by the reality of what is really taught and discussed at Church.

[jkwilliams]

I come here because I simply like to be able to discuss the topics that we aren't allowed to discuss in Church.  These are not topics that are necessarily apostate but can be controversial, and we really can't get into any depth ever on any doctrine at church.

 

I don't allow discussions here to hurt my faith (frankly after all these years there is nothing in Mormonism that disturbs me - I already know about the MMM, polyandry, Adam-God, Book of Abraham, scientific issues etc, etc, etc).  My faith chooses to try to understand these things and the doctrines that led to them.  It doesn't cause me to ignore them, explain them away, or worse, get angry and apostatize over them.  If anything, I get more distressed by changing doctrines and ordinances than I do by controversial ones.

 

In short, I am here because there is virtually no meat in our all-milk lessons at Church, and I have to have somewhere to stretch my thinking on the doctrines of the gospel, even when I don't agree with much that is discussed.

 

I can relate to that. Like I said, the Mormonism discussed here is much more interesting, IMO, than what we discuss in church. My high priests group usually ends up discussing politics anyway, no matter the subject we're supposed to be talking about.

[jkwilliams]

'Mormonism' touches and shapes every single aspect of my life. It fills me with joy beyond expression. It is my life and my labour. It colours my every thought. I feel like shouting 'Hallelujah' dozens of times during each day as I recognise yet again what I have and enjoy as a member of the Church. My waking hours are filled with concern over my ward members and attempts to serve and bless them. My prayers are on their behalf, and frequently my dreams provide the inspiration I need to better fulfil my calling as a bishopric member, as a home teacher, and as a brother in Christ. The scriptures and the words of the living prophets fill my mind and shape my behaviour. As I said to a friend yesterday between sessions of General Conference, I can think of nothing more satisfying than listening to the preaching of the Word. Yep, I'm thoroughly obsessed.

 

Thank you for that. It really is refreshing to hear something like that amongst all the bickering. If I could feel like that about the church, I'd be back in a second.

[jkwilliams]

I consider the Spirit Roundup for the seeds of doubt. I come here to see doubts (and criticisms) expressed in regards to the church, to put them into perspective, and to compare them to the essence of what the restored gospel really is.

 

And the restored gospel always wins out.

 

It won out for me for several years, too. I think I've pretty much gotten the criticism out of my system, which is probably a good thing.

[jkwilliams]

So I'm not good for nothing?

I thought about ending my participation on the board today, thinking I should be where everyone else is supposedly miserable.

 

I'm glad you're here. Misery is a relative thing, I suppose. I am much happier now than I was in the church, though that's not the case for everyone I know.

[jkwilliams]

I absolutely believe it's possible to becme fanatical in the Church and find yourself out of the Church, I have seen that often. Of course not everyone who is out of the church was fanatical about it. Balance is needed!

 

I sometimes think about that. I wasn't a fanatic--at least I don't think I was--but I definitely took some things very seriously, which my father tells me was my big mistake. He takes the church on his terms, and he's happy. He doesn't find the temple uplifting, so he doesn't go. He doesn't think the prophets and apostles and scriptures necessarily speak for God, so he accepts what he feels is right and ignores the rest. Back in my younger days, I thought he was a heretic.

[jkwilliams]

Good question, but if I left the Church...I hope I could leave it alone and move on. But every time I think of unplugging from hurtful things said or written it is hard. I left one famous anti-Mormon cesspool (make that two) and never looked back. As you know my attempt to leave one was turned into a sig line for the owner. I do regret going to those measures but I did not want my account to add to his ability to get advertising.

How have you been btw?

 

Other than finally getting the nasty cold that everyone else in my family has had, I'm fine, thanks. How about you? I know you've been through a lot, and I hope things are better. As I said, it's impossible to move on when the church is a part of every day of my life. It's nice to be able to get stuff out of my system on the boards rather than at home, as I'd rather not bother my family with my issues.

 

As for the boards, I've learned to ignore the petty and the angry. I remember the situation you mentioned, and I think you got goaded into overreacting, which then was used against you. Sad, huh?

[jkwilliams]

I don't think that I am obsessed with Mormonism. It's precepts are my guiding light, although I do not always follow that guide properly. But I am not fanatical about it. I wish that everyone would convert, but I do believe in the the eleventh article of faith which states "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

 

Glenn

 

I appreciate that. I still find myself on occasion thinking that someone I meet would be happier if they were LDS, but not often. These days I'm just glad I moved away from Utah, as I can go to work without having everyone else talking about church. No one cares about my religious beliefs here, which is great. Back there, my boss was my bishop years ago when I was elders quorum president, so sometimes one-on-one meetings with him felt like PPIs.