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I’ll just echo a few things others have said. 1-History. Mormons voting in blocks was a big problem in Kirtland and Jackson County. Then polygamy was added to the mix and that made many uncomfortable. Given the long crusade against polygamy (first announced publicly 1852-Manifesto 1890) caused a lot of bad feelings. And of course there were rumors in the 1840s (and even late 1830s) and through the 1920s as well that said we were secretly practicing it still.
2-Theology. Most Catholics/Protestants don’t like our beliefs about Jesus and the 3 Degrees of Glory. We don’t believe in Trinity, which zealous protestants think disqualify us from being called a Christian. They don’t like the temple ceremonies either with its ties to Masonry.
3-Missionary Work. As others have mentioned, we are taking members away from their congregations, so they push back to keep their own members, and they cite 1 and 2 to justify their dislike.
For some valid reasons and some stupid reasons (including fabricated ones) – and a lot of natural reasons. Mostly because relatively few people know enough Mormons well to realize that the Mormons they know well aren’t exceptions.
“You are Mormon, but you aren’t like most Mormons,” is a simple, safe default that allows people to hold onto their misconceptions. It’s the same for Mormons and how they view LGBTQ people.
Quote:“You are Mormon, but you aren’t like most Mormons,” is a simple, safe default that allows people to hold onto their misconceptions. It’s the same for Mormons and how they view LGBTQ people.
This.
mom3 wrote:
Quote:“You are Mormon, but you aren’t like most Mormons,” is a simple, safe default that allows people to hold onto their misconceptions. It’s the same for Mormons and how they view LGBTQ people.
This.
In my case it’s true. I’m not like most Mormons.
dande48 wrote:
SamBee wrote:
There is a very toxic form of atheism which is taking form out there – so called New Atheism. It’s very aggressive and combative…A lot of people just hate religion and only see the negatives. They also think religion is just greed and starts wars.
Unfortunately, there are radicals in every belief system; people like war. I don’t know why.
On the flip side, one of my favorite inspirational speakers, Alain de Botton, is Athiest. He is pro-religion, and really sees the value in it. While he strongly doesn’t believe in a god, he is very empathic towards it; understanding what religion says about humanity, and society, and our personal needs and desires. He’s developed what he terms
“Athiesm 2.0”
I’m aware of this, and I think it’s a more positive direction for atheism. The likes of Dawkins preach a kind of atheism which panders to extremism and bigotry.
I keep on getting sent this stuff on Facebook. Memes about religion which portray all religious people as uneducated morons – usually with liberal use of the f word and “retard” in some form.
You’d have to be a complete Philistine to write off all religious music and art for example. A sensible atheist like De Botton would take what they believe to be worthwhile from it, without swallowing the belief system.
Roy wrote:
I would say that we are disliked to about the same degree as the JW’s.I believe that it is a combination of:
C) Self righteousness. I imagine that people who dislike Mormons have had bad interactions with Mormons that seemed to think that they were better, more righteous, more favored by God than their non-Mormon peers and classmates.
That’s probably a big one. That sort of thing I imagine would rub off quite a bit on people. For me for instance, I NEVER let people know my religious beliefs. Mostly because as many others have said here, it’s just not really the time and place. Also, being shy is another thing I deal with. So I guess in a way that’s quite a blessing in this situation. I’m the last type of person someone would pin as LDS. And, even if they somehow found out they would be shocked or think it was a joke.
mom3 wrote:
Sometimes we have brought it on ourselves.My goal is to be warm, friendly, kind, generous and human. I don’t proselyte, religiously debate, or wear LDS-ness on my sleeve. Not in fear, but out of courtesy. Jesus didn’t wear a badge announcing his name and mission. If he didn’t I won’t.
I agree with that first part of your statement 1 trillion percent. The church sometimes handles things quite poorly in my opinion and members being stubborn and doing things like “sticking” up for their beliefs in public circles isn’t very welcomed either. And that last part about being friendly and not wearing my LDSness on my sleeve, I take that same exact approach. No one needs to know my religion to be honest. I just try to be nice, warm and friendly like you. NEVER would I proselyte either. lol
I just get really sad when I come across these people. And it’s usually among the circles of people who claim to be the most tolerant of others as well. Interesting world we live in, right?
Quote:And it’s usually among the circles of people who claim to be the most tolerant of others as well. Interesting world we live in, right?
That’s where Rays comment is spot on. We talk a generous loving God talk, but our practices appear to say the opposite. Even our Primary Songs are laced with “Jesus said love everyone. Treat them kindly, too. When you’re heart is filled with love. Other’s will love you.” Love the message but…. we have taught some wretched things over our pulpits.
I am not saying that every member or leader is that way but we can’t assume we are the good guys in all things and wonder why we get a bad rap. And our Public Relations doesn’t help. IMHO.
dande48 wrote:
SamBee wrote:
There is a very toxic form of atheism which is taking form out there – so called New Atheism. It’s very aggressive and combative…A lot of people just hate religion and only see the negatives. They also think religion is just greed and starts wars.
Unfortunately, there are radicals in every belief system; people like war. I don’t know why.
On the flip side, one of my favorite inspirational speakers, Alain de Botton, is Athiest. He is pro-religion, and really sees the value in it. While he strongly doesn’t believe in a god, he is very empathic towards it; understanding what religion says about humanity, and society, and our personal needs and desires. He’s developed what he terms
“Athiesm 2.0”
If you like that “type” of Athiest, you might like the podcast “Humanize Me” by Bart Campolo. His dad is a big time evangelical preacher, but they get along quite well.
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