Mormons

[Wiseman]

I think that South Park had it down. But all religions had to start somewhere and morph into what they are today, we just have a more accurate telling of the Mormon Story. While I am not a Mormon, I did date a Mormon Girl for 6 and 1/2 years and she did not practise during that time. She was never shunned but the family sure did want me to join.

[Wiseman]

Also Big Ned, I would never tell you what to believe or not to believe. You do what you want, but I would suggest you research beyond the church's website. That's like listening to Pope tell you all the good things about being catholic. It just might be slanted. It does not have to be true to be on the web.

[Big ned]

Wiseman, I have read just about every antimormon tract and paper that is out there. I am not a blind believer by any means... I just refuse to take the time to answer questions that are obviously cut and pasted out of such articles, other than to refer them to LDS articles that answer their claims (most of them dealt with many years ago).
I am more than happy to answer questions that are brought up in a sincere manner.

[MyDevice]

I don't wanna go into details but at around 20 years old I decided to give religion a chance. I was at the time an "atheist". I didn't intend to join a religion, I just felt I should give it a fair chance if I was going to be so critical of it. I ended up learning all about the LDS church and their beliefs. Going into it I had the same view: These crazy bast*rds don't drink coke, they don't have sex, they don't drink booze or smoke, tv is evil...all the typical ideas people have about Mormons. I think it is fair to say that they have a view on some of these topics which is similar to general society saying "Don't eat fast food" or "Don't swear infront of you parents." Its not a crime to do these things, we just agree that its better not to do them. I was open with these people, shared my views honestly and they welcomed me nonetheless. I never found their religious beliefs to be anymore extreme than any other main stream religion. In fact, I was more freaked out by the rituals at the Catholic church than the Latter Day Saints. I would highly recommend anyone get up early on Sunday and go spend the hour at the LDS church. Don't be afraid of it, they are very welcoming, not because they want you to "join" (as I thought too) but just because they genuinely want to be good people. I think you'll be surprised. There is no weird guy at the front dressed funny, preaching in a holy voice. You'll find everyday people sharing stories and learning from eachother. Something may catch you off guard tho, something that many of us have long forgotten...family values. I'm not a family-type guy and I even couldn't help but smile when I seen parents and their children coming together as they do there. Flaws? Yes, they definitely have flaws. There are undeniable variances in how seriously individual members take various aspects of the religion, as I am sure is the case in all religions. There are extremists forsure. They aren't encouraged to be, I suspect it is the result of insecurities. This is something I think they need to address. It can be paticularily hard on young teens as they become exposed to other, more prominent lifestyles in society. The way it is structured can prevent these youngsters from feeling comfortable being open about their feelings with parents and authority figures. The trend seems to be they turn out very mormon or very NOT mormon. Although they definitely have issues they need to work on I give them credit for not thinking they are some superior being, remaining humble, understanding that they are only human and making a strong effort to be what they believe makes them decent people. And as far as I am concerned, there ain't nothing wrong with having good intentions. I came out of this adventure a better person. I left with a little hope left for the world. I left with an appreciation for these folks, I respect them now and occasionally have the desire to stop in and spend time with them just because they are awesome people. I even made a few great friends.

[Frozen Nibs]

Years and years ago I had 2 young men come to my door... they were mormons from the LDS. They invited themselves in and caught my other half at a time just after his best friend was tragically hit by a semi and died.
I sat and watched their video and sat and listened to what they had to say, not because I wanted to but because the person I was with at that time was struggling with the loss of a good friend and wondering why this had happened to him. He was seeking answers and so I listened. In the end, I politely thanked them for their time. I saw them to the door and as they were leaving they tried to offer me more of their readings. When I refused and tried to close the door, they stopped me from doing so and pushed their material on me, adding in with sarcasm like I did not matter as I was not the man of the house.
Needless to say, I say a religion is a religion each with their own twist. I don't push my beliefs on anyone and I would never wish anyone to do the same to me. This has left a bad taste in my mouth on LDS.

[Big ned]

Well frozen Nibs.. you unfortunately got a pushy missionary. They are all individuals and have their individual personalities. I was a missionary once and had some companions that were interesting to say the least. Perhaps this one missionary felt there was more they could offer your husband, who knows.

I want to thank Gavitron for offering an unbiased opinion based on experience of what I experience every week.