Perhaps I am misunderstanding something you are saying, or some anti-LDS article you read is skewed, but my understanding (and this is strictly terminology, no offense meant to anyone) is that the term ‘Elders’ is used to mean the young men of the Church - hardly a group that could constrict, force, restrain others, as you have read/written.
My son converted to LDS, and I have seen the very positive side to this religion and those who practice it.
WHen we attend their Church, the Elders are young men who distribute the bread and water for communion - I believe they may be visiting missionary kids rather than local church members, not positive about that, but they ARE young men and not in a position of power.
Perhaps it is the terminology that is in question.
From what I have seen of Mormons, and that is quite a lot these past 10 years, is they are good, hard-working folks who provide a support group to others of their faith who are new to the community - and who welcome their coffee-and-alcohol drinking parents with open arms.
You might be surprised if you knew how many people you deal with in your daily life who are LDS members - airline pilots (who will never show up drunk!), teachers, doctors, actors, etc.
All religions have to start somewhere - this one happened to start right here in the USA.
I think Mitt would make a fine President and if he is the Gop nominee, I would not hesitate to vote for him. And no, I am not interested in coverting.
But that does not make it true.
-A8
Susan, you are correct in your terminology. The term “Elder” in LDS nomenclature refers to one who holds the office of “Elder” in the priesthood. There are millions of such people all around the world; the minimum age for this office is 18.
We generally reserve the title “Elder” to the missionaries and a few of the leaders of the Church. So, we might call a Mormon missionary or a general church authority “Elder Smith.”
I’m glad that the LDS Church has had a positive effect in your son’s life.
I don’t think anyone would argue that Mormons are among the finest people in the world. It’s that their theology is wrong thinking. It’s NOT Christian by ANY means. They are good and moral people for sure, but they are not Christians.