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

[T Minus Four]

I must confess I have never attended a sunrise service but I think I’ll try to find one this year.

[reaganaut]

Adapt or die. The internet has been a huge factor in name removals and people leaving. When I left, I thought I was the only one going through that, now there are support groups and help that wasn’t really there when I left and Thank God for it, more are leaving the LDS and coming to Christianity.

[Tennessee Nana]

Sunrise Easter services are great...

I always dress real warm...

:)

[svcw]

Well, at least Ed is laying it all out there.

[T Minus Four]

Definately around here :-)
OK, to Google I go...

[reaganaut]

It is worth it. Last year I went because my husband was singing in the Easter choir.

This year I am going because it was such a great experience.

I came home, had time to bake 2 pies, while danceing around the kitchen singing praises to God all morning, then went and had Easter dinner with our families.

[svcw]

Wait a minute if polygamy is a natural state, why did lds abandoned it. Wouldn't that make groups like flds, the true mormons?

[greyfoxx39]

I'd say it's a "Gobsmacker"!

[Tennessee Nana]

Yes he did...

and I respect you and thank you Edward for all that info...

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***If I were looking for a social club I’d join the LDS church,***

Thirty nine years ago I went to a program at a local LDS church as I was dating a mormon girl at the time.
Several of the young people there were asked to give their testimony as to why they had joined the LDS.

Each and everyone said it was because of the social programs, frindly people, dances and other programs at the church.

NOT ONE said it was because they were lost and needed Christ.

The name of Jesus never came up during the testimonies.

[Colofornian]

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

LOL

[dangus]

Actually, “anti-” means “replacing.” “Counter-” is the proper prefix for being opposed to something. Yet another distinction we lose as our nation slouches towards Gommorah.

I blame it on the counter-semites. ;^D

[dangus]

Psst... the Bavarians are Catholics.

[dangus]

>> Untrue. Many LDS are gladly willing to have a conversation, but it is useless to talk with people who have already made up their minds and their only intent is to abuse or spread mistruths. <<

It’s also useless to debate with someone who winds up basing their faith on what they call “the Holy Ghost,” but meaning, “it makes me feel warm and fuzzy to assert this is true.”

“Catholic” on the other hand, means “universal,” in the sense of “objectively knowable.” The apostles never said, “here, read this until you’re all warm and fuzzy”; they used reason, analysis, and syllogism.

[Godzilla]

Psst... the Bavarians are Catholics.

Not totally, Luther went through out Bavaria as well. He faced the papal representatives a couple of times iirc, in the Rathous in Augsburg Ge. One church there is split - part Catholic (because of the mosoleum of a very rich Catholic) and Lutheran. The room in the church Luther stayed in has been preserved.

[MHGinTN]

WOW! Bravo, Nana! ... At least EW exposed Mormonism’s polytheistic beliefs somewhat. Of course, he would never see the reality of what he professed because to admit Mormonism is a belief in polytheism would be too close to nidu beliefs, and Mormonism wants so badly to be a Christianity-look-alike.

[ejonesie22]

They are not Polytheist.

They only believe and worship one god at a time...

Kind of like baseball pitchers, one on the mound and a couple in the dug out...

[Grunthor]

1. I know this section of FR is for Religious threads.

2. It does not make what I said wrong. Some people spend the VAST majority of their time online in this and I am sure other political forums attacking religions with which they disagree.

3. I never said that being anti-mormon was a bad thing, did I?

[dangus]

Killed during a prison break isn’t martyrdom.

[dangus]

Sure... I meant in general. Bavaria is nearly three times more Catholic than Protestant, and was one of the Catholic regions after Westphalia. I understand, however, that Franconia (the northern 40%, by land area) is largely Protestant. But that’s a little less Bavarian than other parts of Bavaria, if you know what I mean.