Should I join the Church of Mormon?

[BlueIris]

I've been thinking it over, and really feeling that I need to make a change WRT my spirituality. I've checked them out, and I think the Mormons might offer me the kind of support I need.

Firstly, they're supposedly like a big, happy family. Really big. I think I could use some more of that.

Second, as some of you know, I'm not so keen on Teh Sex. I heard the Mormons don't exactly like it either, at least not for things other than procreation.

I'm sure there's more to the faith; I'll have to educate myself a bit. But I can't lie--I'm just not getting as much out of alternative spirituality as I used to. And I really feel that becoming a Mormon could help me recommit.

Thoughts?

[Saokymo]

1. They're lovely people

I have a Mormon friend who comes by on Sundays; we have little readings together and discuss various religious topics. She's a beautiful person, very caring. Right now I believe she's in Japan aiding the tsunami victims. Any time a major disaster happens anywhere in the world she's usually on the first flight out to help.

As far as the religion itself goes... well, you'll need to make up your own mind on the matter. It is very much a "clean living" sort of thing -- no sex (outside marriage and procreation), drugs or other vices. The Mormon church is also quite outspoken against homosexuality; a high-profile case in Utah involved a pair of young men holding hands on a sidewalk outside the church.

Basically, the individuals are absolutely wonderful people, but the church and organization has its issues (and Mormonism is very much about the church aspect, at least from my understanding).

[I Have A Dream]

2. OK, BI, just want to make sure this isn't an April Fools joke.

Is it?

If it is... good one! :thumbsup:

If it's not... do what your higher self tells you to do. :thumbsup:

[japple]

3. I'm glad you said it first, IHAD. My thoughts exactly.

I have some close friends who are Mormon, but I don't think they live in the real world.

[AC_Mem]

4. I was a Mormon

If I were counseling anyone who was thinking about it I would say that you should REALLY do your homework on this.

On the outside, the LDS church looks all warm and fuzzy. On the inside, It Is Not.

I know people who are Mormons who are very good people, but the CHURCH is what I have a problem with.

Do you know how rich the church is? Do you know how much money they pumped into taking away the rights of our gay brothers and sisters - because they condemn their lifestyle. That is judgment and it is, again in my opinion, not our place to judge and condemn.

Do you know that until recent history, African Americans were not allowed to hold any priesthood positions simply because of their color and the fact that the "Prophets" basically told them that God said they were inferior?

Do you know just how involved they are in the GOP and government issues that are going on right now in our country?

In my opinion, and from my own personal experience (they excommunicated me), and from my studies, I put the LDS church right under Scientology.

There, I've said it. You don't often hear me get quite so firm on this board, but on this, I am educated and have ALOTTTTTTTTT of experience with religion and spirituality.

Go where you are led my friend, but do your homework. If you are on this site and read the words of many wise people you will resonate with the truth that we are in a time of Changes and Choices. We will be given the opportunity to stand at the fork in our own world and decide where we want to put our light. At this time more than any other, we are being presented with Freedom of Spirit, or the black and white world of Authoritarian Christianity.

The choice is yours, and now effects forever.

http://www.exmormon.org/

Shine On,
Annette

[BlueIris]

6. Thanks for posting the link to exmormon.org.

I have spent many hours there over the years, trying to understand the Church's misogyny and insanity, and it was very edifying.

[BlueIris]

5. Alright, everyone. It was an April Fools Day joke.

Terribly sorry if I offended anyone.

I'm happy more of you didn't get super mad at me, actually.

I will not become a Mormon. Ever. Unless I suffer a massive head injury, or maybe become the recipient of the world's first brain transplant.

[eilen]

7. You had me worried at first.

I'm glad I came to this thread late. I wanted to tell you to run. Cults are no good for anyone. If that offends anyone because they're Mormon, maybe I hit a sore spot.

[Habibi]

8. Oh thank god.

[Fire Walk With Me]

9. Thankfully spirituality does not require the removal of humor.

:hi:

[AC_Mem]

10. OMG thank goodness!

In this world today up is down and right is left! Seeing someone on this board post that they were considering becoming a Mormon - AUGHHHH!!! (smile) It hit me in my chakras and they lit up like a Christmas tree LOL.

I should have known, but then again, obviously this is one of my "issues" that I obviously need to tap on <wink>

Annette

[rosesaylavee]

12. Very much like the satire piece going 'round the other about making Pi = 3

just to make it easier for American kids to do well on math scores. Whew! The world is crazy, but not 100% crazy.

[I Have A Dream]

15. Oh, Pi = 3! OMG, that's wonderful!

:rofl:

[rosesaylavee]

23. From Huffpo

"Conservative Pie: Republicans Introduce Legislation Redefining Pi as Exactly 3"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ian-squires/republicans-introduce-leg_b_837828.html?ref=fb&src=sp

[rosesaylavee]

11. Yay!

I am so glad it was! Hoooooollllllllyyyyyyy CRAP I thought when I read your OP. How to tell her to run the other way was rolling over and over in my wee little brain... :crazy:

[japple]

13. Well that's a relief, BI. Now you won't have to worry about getting

all new (mormon)underwear--"temple garments." Hope you were kidding about the sex part, too. Thanks for the big laugh, Blue Iris.

[I Have A Dream]

14. I was quite certain you wouldn't given how much of a feminist you are.

:D

[kimmerspixelated]

16. BI, I think you'd make a great actress.

This was a really good one! AT first, I thought you'd lost your mind.

[Celebration]

17. LOL

You've pulled some good ones in the past, too. Haha.

Ironically, though, a really good friend of mine is Mormon. She's awesome at energy healing and doesn't seem that Mormonish (maybe I have a stereotypical view) other than she is devout (???). I'm sure she is not homophobic and she is quite apolitical, not trusting anyone, and thinking all leaders end up being the same. But it's still a bit of a disconnect for me, knowing she is Mormon. I chalk it up to my having a completely different background from her. She is definitely into alternative spirituality and alternative healing, though.

Apparently it is some sort of Mormon rule to have six months worth of food stored at the house. She has influenced me enough that I have a couple of extra boxes of rice and macaroni and cheese stored in my pantry.

[BlueIris]

18. My college roommate (raised Mormon) told me the "six months of food" thing is about

needing to be prepared if the end of the world arrives (they have no idea when it will start, of course; supposed to happen when the last of the souls have been brought down from Heaven.)

[Celebration]

22. well, I won't be prepared for the end of the world

only about a three day disruption in supplies. However, might extend this to two weeks, given events lately. I'm not sure how a six month supply of food will help with an end of the world scenario.

[eilen]

24. I think they will have a long wait!

However, 6 months of food will come in handy with energy/oil collapse.

[kentauros]

19. I think you should become a Frisbeetarian

Frisbeetarianism



:evilgrin:

[BlancheSplanchnik]

20. phew! I was about to recommend you read Banner of Heaven first

Before doing anything rash!

And I don't really even know you! But I was about to risk a possible FAUX PAS anyway!

THAT'S how nuts that cult is!


Phew! Deep sigh of relief!

[liberalmuse]

21. Not recommended.

My mom joined the Mormon church when I was two and we kids were pretty much brainwashed from there. It is a religion based on pure fantasy. I remember hearing in church how in the afterlife, as a female I could look forward to being eternally impregnated in order to populate all the planets my husband would create. Oh, and polygamy is okay with Mormons in the afterlife. The only reason they don't do it right now is because it's against the law, though fundamentalist Mormons are known to practice it. I don't know - unless you want to clutter your life with BS, you might really want to study this religion before being baptized. They've scrubbed a lot of their prior beliefs - they used to make everyone take a blood test up until the 1980's and if that person had 'negro blood', they were not allowed to marry in the Mormon temple or hold what they call 'The Priesthood' because Mormons believe that black skin is a sign of the curse of Cain. That's just the tip of the iceberg - I'm sure since I got out years ago they've scrubbed that one, too.

On edit: That was a good one! Next time I'll read the entire thread before jumping the gun to post. :rofl:

[WhiteTara]

25. No.

Love to you and your search. But, I think the controlling side of Mormonism is not what you are looking for. I have no suggestions for religions for you, but that one is especially noxious to me. Teh sex with them is more complex than you seen to have noticed.