What is the definition of 'anti-Mormon'? - Anti-Mormon Caucus (Just Kidding)

Mormon Times ^ | March 5, 2010 | By McKay Coppins

[greyfoxx39]

What is the definition of 'anti-Mormon'?

 

I have often heard the criticism that Latter-day Saints classify everyone who disagrees with our beliefs as "anti-Mormon." Of course, the people who say this are usually anti-Mormons. Am I proving their point? I don't think so.

I actually agree that this is a problem in our church. After all, our belief system, if firmly embraced, demands a lot of personal sacrifice, and we often become hyper-defensive when we sense a threat to our faith.

Unfortunately, this often leads to irrational name-calling and blindly neglecting to differentiate between non-Mormons and anti-Mormons.

Of course, that's not to say anti-Mormons don't exist, or that it's unimportant to identify them. We just need to properly define the term.

First of all, we shouldn't call people who simply don't believe in Mormonism "anti-Mormons." We should call them Catholics or Baptists or Muslims or atheists. People who ascribe themselves to faiths or philosophies that contradict Mormonism should not automatically be seen as antagonists. They should be credited with having their own beliefs.

Now, what about people who try to convert Latter-day Saints to their belief systems? Are they anti-Mormons?

No.

The believing Baptist who testifies of his church's doctrine to a Latter-day Saint is trying to do something he believes is constructive. Even if he attempts to point out supposed flaws in Mormon doctrine, if his genuine intent is to save a soul and he maintains a polite, rational tone, I don't think he deserves the anti-Mormon label. After all, should Mormon missionaries be considered anti-Catholics or anti-Protestants?

The line, I believe, that separates non-Mormons from anti-Mormons is motivation. Anti-Mormons are people who put down Mormon beliefs, practices and people simply for the sake of destroying their faith. Not many anti-Mormons would admit that is their primary goal, of course, but that doesn't mean it isn't so.

For the most part, anti-Mormons should be ignored. But before that can happen, they have to be identified

[svcw]

beyond Joe Smith restored god’s word

beyond Joe Smith restored god’s word(lds god)

[ejonesie22]

Joseph Smith sacrificed his life for his beliefs, more than anyone else here.

Since everyone that is posting here is obviously still alive, that is not a hard goal for Smith to "live" up to...

[svcw]

,-)

[SZonian]

There's a club?"

Yeah, we just haven't shown you the secret handshakes or given you your secret name yet.

[ejonesie22]

Please, no special undies and white makes me look fat.

[Tennessee Nana]

Anti-Mormons are people who put down Mormon beliefs, practices and people simply for the sake of destroying their faith.
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Then according to McKay Coppins...

Anti-Christians are people who put down Christian beliefs, practices and people simply for the sake of destroying their faith.

Joey Smith was a Anti-Christian...

and his “first vision” that he mentioned when he was about 25...

“I asked the personages who stood above in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that they were all wrong) - and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were abomination in His sight; that those professors were all corrupt” (Pearl of great price, History of Joseph Smith, vs. 17-19).

[SZonian]

Green apron then?

[ejonesie22]

Only if it had pockets for nails and such....

[SZonian]

If JS was “sacrificing” his life, why did he fight? Do you equate Jesus’ sacrifice with JS’s? IF so, why are they similar and how are they different?

[Edward Watson]

Really? Why not surf my posts here? I’ve repeatedly pointed them out over the years, and have posted references HUNDREDS of times. Just a few weeks ago, I pointed out the distortion done by twisting our Gospel Standards book which was pointing out the pagan origins of many traditional theistic description of God that was done in the fourth century into an attack on all Christians FOR their faith in Jesus Christ.

Now, if distorting a criticism on pagan Greek philosophy into an attack on believers in Christ FOR believing in Christ is not distortion; then what exactly is distortion?

[ejonesie22]

You would have to provide me references for what you are talking about.

As it is in your postings here I have found what is typical of LDS apologetics assertion and response. Ignore the facts presented, talk around the subject or ignore what one prophet, scripture or publication says in favor of the contravening one that makes whatever point you are trying to score on, claim victory and then complain when the victory is not acknowledged, without question, that the LDS are always being attacked, it's unfair etc. etc....

There are a few rare moments when some hyperbole comes into play and some LDS position is misstated or over played, but that is rare.

As it is most of the time it boils down to the LDS being clubbed with their own contradictory and mythical dogma and just not wanting to deal with it at face value on a level and honest playing field.

That of course is quite understandable.

[Suz in AZ]

I agree that there are a lot who won’t discuss their beliefs because they have become “gun-shy”, so to speak. I think that if you approach people in civil, and possibly just curious way, then you will have the best results.

Mormons hold their feelings close to the vest sometimes because they probably expect to be bashed. Sometimes it’s not worth it. For example, this particular forum has a reputation for being hostile. I have seen numerous snarky comments on this thread already. Who needs it?

I will be happy to discuss things with those who are honestly curious about things, but I don’t accept abuse. I have better things to do, if that is the case.

[Edward Watson]

Sure, but make sure you get the context accurate:

Christianity can be classified into FIVE distinct branches:

1. Roman Catholic
2. Eastern Christian
3. Anglican/Independent Catholic
4. Protestant
5. Mormon

Each of these branches have distinct families. For example, Protestantism can be separated into 24 families. Mormon can be separated into 4. Just as one shouldn’t confuse the Pentecostal with the Lutheran families; so shouldn’t one confuse the LDS with the Fundamentalist family of the Mormon branch of Christianity.

[Tennessee Nana]

The players on this forum have repeatedly lied and distorted our true beliefs
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So mormons now believe in the Trinity ???

And that Jesus is God...the word of God who is eternal from “in the beginning” ???

That Jesus shed His blood on the Cross to save us and not in the Garden of Gethsemanee ???

That mormon males will not bcome gods with planets of their own and harems full of women to constantly impregnate to make spirit children to worhip the new gods ???

That women are not eternal sex slaves but are equal with men in salvation ???

That Mary did not have sex with man or god ???

That Jesus is not the brother of Lucifer ???

That Catholics and Protestants are not the whore of Babylon and its OK to join them ???

That males do not need to practice polygamy to go to the mormon after life and there is no marriage or sex in the mormon after life ???

That dead dunking just gets silly mormons wet but doesnt save anyone ???

That mormon temples are just ugly buildings that millions of dollars were wasted on and are not necessary to get anyone to God ???

That we were never in heaven before we were born and after death with be our first visit ???

That the occultist Joey Smith was not visited by God and Jesus ??? (Be careful on this one. Brigham Young denied it happened. He said it was only an angel)

That mormonism is not Christianity ???

OK you win...

[Edward Watson]

Tell you what, why not surf my posting history and see my posts? I’ve provided chapters and verses, specifically replied to points, and not had my points responded.

Before you accuse me of something; better verify if your accusation is accurate. That is the honest and, btw, “Christian” thing to do.

I don’t have time, nor the inclination to engage in mindless debates, especially since I know from experience neither one is willing to budge from position. I’ll be wasting your time and you’ll be doing the same.

[ejonesie22]

I take that back, I remember that.

That was “twisting”?

The LDS denies the trinity and to back that up they claim, among other things, that such is some pagan belief that all of Christendom has fallen for over the past 2000 years putting the fact into our abominable creeds (isn't that what Smith said or am I twisting?). The LDS believes this is so wrong that they codify it into their standard works, works that are used along with The BOM and other publication to expalin, support etc. LDS doctrine that goes all the way back to calling all other Christian faiths an abomination. (I am sure I am twisting again, sorry)

You are right that's not an attack on Christians.

My bad.

[ejonesie22]

It won't be wasting my time at all.

The truth is always worth any effort I can make.

As it however, I have seen numerous posts of yours recently and have seen nothing that would show me that you are not a standard issue LDS apologist.

Perhaps it is some secret.

Perhaps you are hiding your light under a bushel.

Maybe you need to let it shine, without all the rhetorical cover....

[Suz in AZ]

“If JS was “sacrificing” his life, why did he fight? Do you equate Jesus’ sacrifice with JS’s? IF so, why are they similar and how are they different?”

Um... he and his party were attacked by a mob. I suppose he was trying to protect himself and his friends. If a gang started shooting at you and you had a gun, would you shoot back?

No. Do you equate Stephen’s death, or Peter, or any other person who stood up for their beliefs and ended up dead because of it with Jesus’? Many people in history have lost their lives because they wouldn’t give up their beliefs. JS is one of them. But it doesn’t make any of them the Savior.

I would say the similarity between JS and Jesus would be that they both preached what they believed, and those who were angered by it, killed them.

The Savior and His infinite sacrifice for the sins of the world is unparalleled.

[Tennessee Nana]

Joseph Smith sacrificed his life for his beliefs, more than anyone else here.
_________________________________________

Well Joey Smith got himself killed for his belief in himself as his own god...

and yes nobody here is planning to get themselves killed breaking out of jail after drinking booze all day and getting guns smuggled into them..

due to locking down a whole town with martial law and calling out his own private vigilante army of 5,000 to harrass and imprison private citizens some who had to escape and seek protection from the governor of the state...

and destroying a newspaper office and printing press of a private American citizen therein denying that American citizen his First Amendment rights...

after sexually assaulting and molesting any female and claiming he was entitled to have sex with any female regardless of age or whether they were already married...

conning people out of their life savings with phony bank scams and phony bank notes...

Terrorizing local Christian people and murdering them and stealing their live stock and belongings...

Calling for a “Fatwa” on all non-mormons...to the point that the governor of Missouri had to tell Joey Smith to stop it or leave...

(Show of hands...how many FReepers here were asked to leave the state because you were a public nuisance and a danger to others

Yes I guess you could say Joey Smith died for his beliefs... About a month after he boasted that he believed he was greater than Jesus , God destroyed Joey Smith for that belief... I doubt if any FReeper has ever boasted they believed they were greater than Jesus... Show of hands ???

[ejonesie22]

Of course why would a prisoner have a gun in jail if he was innocent...

I know, details details...

But there are others...

However a good myth is oft dragged down by facts...