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I recently heard on a podcast (maybe it was A Thoughtful Faith) that in the online world of mormonism, even among forums such as this one, that it is unacceptable to make critical remarks about the church’s leaders. As an online newbie, I wondered if this is true, and what the reasoning behind this is. It depends totally on the forum. Seriously, it’s all over the map.
I think the person speaking on the podcast was putting forth their own opinion on how things should be. The online world is more diverse than that. It does depend. On some of the most “liberal” (read close to anti) sites it is regular and probably expected. Do it on some of the most kosher sites and you’ll get booted. I think here there is a general expectation of respect but nothing prevents one from stating an opinion about a leader. I do recall an admin warning about referring to President Monson as Tommy, even though the point itself was valid. Daeruin wrote:I think the person speaking on the podcast was putting forth their own opinion on how things should be. The online world is more diverse than that.
In this particular case, the person was stating that they were no longer welcome on many forums because of being critical of leaders. This surprised me, but he didn’t mention which sites. I assumed since he was on a Mormon Stories sponsored podcast, he was probably talking about forums on par with this one. He was one of a group of panelists that had been invited for the podcast discussion, I don’t remember the discussion topic, but he was upset that one couldn’t speak freely about distaste of church leaders on forums that are pretty open about most stuff.
I see. I was missing out on the context. I don’t know who it is or the context, but, just like here, tone and actual wording means a lot in group discussions. I have seen many situations over the years when someone thinks they simply are expressing a negative view but their wording doesn’t match the environment of the group site. For example, stating opposing views is fine here – but if someone crosses the line of civility and includes personal insults toward those who disagree, it violates our rules of conduct and will be moderated. That sort of interaction simply isn’t what we do here, by mission. I know there are people who tried to participate here but wouldn’t follow our basic rules, and I’ve heard and read things they’ve said complaining about our moderation. I can see that sort of example in what you are describing, although I have no idea if it really applies.
Again, I can say things here that I couldn’t say in some other places – and, again, the lines vary radically by site. It’s like the difference between saying the Pope has less authority than an LDS deacon (which statement, btw, I really don’t like) in an LDS meeting and standing up and saying it in the middle of Catholic mass. Exact same words; very different actions.
It’s actually one of the reasons that I am on StayLDS and no other such site. I feel that here, the vast majority of the dialog is respectful of the Church, its leaders and its people, while critical of some/much of its doctrines and customs. I think that is the way that works best for me. When I had my faith transition in the 90’s I sought out some online forums, but found only vitriol and hate. I couldn’t stomach that, so spent the next decade and a half alone in my struggles. StayLDS offers an environment where people can talk about how to deal with difficulties, but usually in a positive way. So, this site works for me. Someone who just wants to vent can find a large number of competing sites. I’m glad they have their forum, if it helps them, I’m glad we have ours. There are times when criticism is warranted, such as happened recently in discussions over Elder Christofferson’s GC talk, but I believe the dialog never attacked him personally, but rather, the ideas that he was presenting. I still have great respect for him and I hope for a day when he changes his tone a bit. I don’t think that ‘badmouthing’ leaders has any constructive purpose WITHIN the Church, though I’m sure it is cathartic for those who have no desire to stay LDS.
In other words, it depends on the forum. Some forums discourage certain activities, others encourage them.
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