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

[999replies]

lol

[Tennessee Nana]

What is the definition of an Anti_Christian ???

Well, mormons for a start...

[Tennessee Nana]

After all, our belief system, if firmly embraced, demands a lot of personal sacrifice,
__________________________________________

And yet Joey Smith and Brigham Ypoung and the other leaders of the mormon corporation didnt sacrifice anything...

Indeed Joey Smith demanded that others sacrifice to him and for him...

Their wives, their daughters, their bodies, their pocket book, their savings, their honor, their common sense..

[zerosix]

I am NOT anti-Mormon, any more than I am anti-Muslim extremists.

I am able to find a number of Mormons who will associate with me (usually only my immediate family) but Mormons as a whole, seem to be taught to "shun" those not of their faith.

Same is true for Muslims and other isolated religious groups.

One would think that if Mormons truly desired to engage non-Mormons, they would be the first one to attempt to form social relationships. Remember the teaching in the Bible, "we are to be in the World but not of it."

I know for a fact that not a small group of Mormon mothers, encourage their children to socialize with their Mormon friends but steer clear of those not of their faith.

Same is true for their parents who will group together in neighborhoods but not be very neighborly with their non-Mormon neighbors.

I would say that if Mormons truly wished to not be thought of as "stand-offish," they would be more engaging with those around them not of their faith. The fact that most non-Mormons treat Mormons odd, is that they behave that way to others and I don't mean in a religious sense but in a "people sense."

Many Mormons that I know (and I do know many, close family and extended family) behave more like Amish to the "unfaithful,"who desire to sell you their products but not treat you like you are another Child of a Loving God.

My advice to those of the Mormon faith, quit treating non-Mormons as though we have leprosy, actually reach out and care for others, as Christ did. You might actually find that the chip on your shoulder known as looking for "anti-Mormon" behavior in others -- would disappear, except in very rare cases.

Lastly, no honest Christian expects their Mormon neighbors, co-workers, family, to engage in activities that Mormons believe are morally wrong (ice tea served at neighborhood gatherings being treated as someone asking if you'd like a "joint" or "bong" or other.)

[svcw]

If we have a club do you think we could have wine and cheese night? Or maybe pizza and a movie?

[greyfoxx39]

Let’s save the “whine” and cheese for the others...what about a champagne and brie night...don’t want to be accused of being redneck!

[greyfoxx39]

Good post from one who knows.

[Suz in AZ]

“LDS are not willing to defend their beliefs, and even openly admit to them.”

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 like trying to have a conversation with Obama about healthcare. It’s a useless argument and so you focus on talking with those who are willing to have an honest exchange of ideas.

Why would someone waste their time and energy on such people? I think that most LDS people are just ignoring you.

[svcw]

You are right.
At a block Christmas gathering (at my daughters), we made coffee and offered it - my goodness you have thought it was garlic to vampires.
It's interesting really since lds drank coffee up until the 1920-30s (when they wanted to separate themselves even further from Christians who were abstaining from strong drink). (According to my uncle, a former lds bishop)

[svcw]

oooh, Even better.

[T Minus Four]

Well, I am not interested in spreading untruths. Are you LDS? Will you talk to me?

[svcw]

That would be great, a conversation.
However, I have not met a single lds who will do this. I can’t even get them to actually tell me what they believe, beyond Joe Smith restored god’s word.
I can show them documents, words, and personally experiences and what happens is attack on the messenger.
So if you are willing to have a conversation - fantastic.

[Suz in AZ]

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

[svcw]

You mean the gun battle?

[Above My Pay Grade]

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

So did Mohamed Atta and his 18 pals.

[greyfoxx39]

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

ROTFL!

Well, mormons baptize for the dead...I doubt we have FReepers posting for the dead...almost all of the FReepers I have seen "here today" are alive, except maybe "dead" and "dead corpse".

[Tennessee Nana]

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

Jesus of the Christian Bible was one of these...

That descrition of “Anti-Mormons” fits Jesus to a T...an A..

You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Matthew 23:33

[Colofornian]

And yet you consistently can't point out the lies and distortions or if you think you have are presented with LDS doctrine and dogma the shows no such lie or distortion exists, it is just another in a long line of LDS contradictions and doctrinal slight of hands.... So I guess we are all just critics then. Well that's progress...

Well, at least Edward's on record conceding that the fLDS are also Mormon. (So, here's one LDS who doesn't on the surface come across as anti-fLDS)

[SZonian]

The author of the piece is the one who is marginalizing anyone who disputes mormonism because HE is the one who fails to make the distinction between "anti-mormon" and "anti-mormonISM".

I am an apostate mormon and married to a mormon for 20+ years and agree with your sentiment about their character. They are good people. It's the doctrine I take issue with.

[ejonesie22]

I think that most LDS people are just ignoring you.

See as how Mormonism is almost totally reliant on the ignoring of facts, the ignoring of those presenting them comes as no surprise...