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

[Safrguns]

Are Mormons Anti-Christian???

They say they are a Christian faith, believe in the bible, believe in Jesus, and yet would never consider attending a service outside of their own LDS theological perspective.
Who is really “Anti” anything here?...

1 Ne. 14: 10-12
10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.

According to this passage, my church (not LDS) is of the devil and a whore of the earth.

Now... should I personalize this and presume that any mormon I speak with thinks that I am of the devil? Of course not... I simply point out that “the church of the Lamb of God” here is referring exclusively to the LDS church, leaving all other denominations in the category of whores... so which is it? should mormons believe their book of Mormon which calls my church a whore? or their elders who teach missionaries to “identify” with other christian denominations to attract them into the fold?

It is one thing to question the motives of an individual.
It is quite another to question the truth of a matter.
The mormons cannot have it both ways... and yet they demand it.... or at the very least contradict their beliefs when they try to convince a potential convert that “their religion is the same”.

[ejonesie22]

If it was just simple disagreement that would be one thing.

Publicly slandering and misrepresenting one who is essentially my most important family member and tying his name to wild haired fantasy and myths while distorting his mission...

Well...

[ejonesie22]

Folks keep missing that little tid bit.

[SkyDancer]

"The players on this forum have repeatedly lied and distorted our true beliefs"

Oh? In what way exactly? Like explaining the difference between the Christian belief of who Jesus is and the Mormon definition of who they say He is?

[lurk]

I like and have compassion for my friends and neighbors who are members of the LDS church.

I do not have compassion for the womanizing con man who started the church or his successors in leadership. They will be eternally culpable for their deceptions and damage.

[jagusafr]

GF39 - very well put. I agree - some of the nicest and most dedicated people I met in the Air Force were Mormons. They remain my friends, even though our respective theologies are poles apart.

Colonel, USAFR

[9YearLurker]

I undertstand it takes courage to leave the Mormon faith—congratulations.

[Vendome]

“What is the definition of ‘anti-Mormon’?”

Hmmm.....

What is the definition of Anti-Christian?

[9YearLurker]

Good for you, Andyman.

[greyfoxx39]

I consider THIS the most telling statement in the article: 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.

Let's consider the FLIP side of that statement: The line, I believe, that separates non-Mormons from anti- Mormons is motivation. Anti- Mormons are people who put down Mormon Christian beliefs, practices and people simply for the sake of destroying their faith (and building up mormon numbers). Not many anti- Mormons would admit that is their primary goal, of course, but that doesn't mean it isn't so.

If informing Christians that the only way to salvation is to become a member of the mormon church, live by its rules and undergo its rituals whether alive or dead, that's putting down Christian beliefs, Christian practices and people simply for the sake of destroying THEIR faith!

Those who are labeled "anti-mormon" by Coppins don't run around hollering "persecution" at the drop of a Joesph Smith quote either.

You can "persecute" me with words all you wish for standing up for Christianity.

[Tigen]

2.Luke 22:34
Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Luke 22:33-35 (in Context) Luke 22 (Whole Chapter)
3.Jude 1:4
For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
Jude 1:3-5 (in Context) Jude 1 (Whole Chapter)

[cizinec]

“I love Mormons. They make great neighbors. They’re patriotic and conservative. They make good radio hosts. They run really nice hotels.”

I love their great beer! Oh wait, that’s the Lutherans, not the LDS.

They could have a fund raiser with their own micro-roasted coffee.

[RnMomof7]

If I were looking for a social club I'd join the LDS church, but I'm more concerned with my destiny after death, and they are not pointing to where I want to go

Is preference given to temple worthy Mormons in political appts or promotion ?

[Safrguns]

>>> The players on this forum have repeatedly lied and distorted our true beliefs. I frankly do not care if people join the LDS Church.

It’s very easy to make this charge... because regardless of what has been said, there is no controlling how you will interpret it personally. I could simply quote directly from the bible, and someone could very easily interpret that quote as a personal attack. It all really boils down to two basic elements: What your presumptions are, and what your goal is.

If your presumption is as you say... that we lie and distort, then there is really no way anyone can prove to you otherwise.

If your goal goes no further than to defend your belief, then nothing can be said by anyone to shake it.

If on the other hand your presumption is that we do care about the truth, and wish to share the truth to set others free, then you can avoid the hostilities which will naturally arise from an otherwise defensive attitude...
And if your goal is to find the truth regardless of where it takes you, then it really shouldn’t matter what a person’s personal thoughts or feelings are towards you.
Even the devil can speak the truth of a matter.

Now... as for you not caring about converts...
What is the mission of your church then?

[Above My Pay Grade]

From AMPG’s Glossary:

Anti-Mormon:
(noun)
1. A Biblical Christian.

2. Your mother or father’s wacky sister who believes Jesus is Satan’s brother.

For the record, I have absolutely nothing against Mormons as people, (most are decent folks) but the religion is NOT even close to Christian.

[999replies]

"Anti-Mormon Caucus"

You finally posted the name of your club. Good for you.

[trisham]

Anti-Mormon Caucus (Just Kidding)

**********************

Wow. This really is funny.

[svcw]

There’s a club?

[999replies]

lol

[greyfoxx39]

You finally posted the name of your club. Good for you.

There are lots and lots of folks that are in the "club" and more joining every day....and those who aren't swift enough to catch the humor of my post....well....keep on clicking on the "caucus" threads of your choice.