Nov
27
2009
Poor Wayfaring Man
There are a lot of Mormons and former Mormons who are annoyed and upset by the way the leaders of the LDS Church treat Church members, and the way Church members treat each other. It’s easy to see a leader disrespecting, belittling, or otherwise bullying somebody (or a group of people) and condemn him as an evil, arrogant, selfish bastard. Likewise, it’s easy to see a member snubbing, gossiping, or imposing social burdens on somebody and judge him or her to be self-centered, unscrupulous, or stupid. I know I’ve done that.
I have been wondering recently, however, if jumping to that conclusion about people in the Church is really warranted. Could I be exhibiting an error in judgment? Some bias buried in my all-too-human psyche? I think it’s possible.
Okay, probable.
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2 comments | tags: Apostasy, criticism, fundamental attribution error, Holy Ghost, jack mormons, LDS morals and ethics, obedience, orthodoxy enforcement, spiritual discernment | posted in List Item 03, Mormon Culture
Oct
19
2009
Poor Wayfaring Man
There are basically two kinds of people who leave the LDS Church. I will call them “Jack Mormons” and “Apostates”. Apostates are people who leave (or are excommunicated) because they have stopped believing in some or all of the religious tenets of the LDS faith. Jack Mormons are people who leave (or are excommunicated) for reasons other than non-belief, like being unable or unwilling to follow the rules, or because of interpersonal conflicts with other community members.
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no comments | tags: Apostasy, Book of Mormon historicity, Conformity, general authorities, inactivity, jack mormons, Jeffrey R. Holland, LDS Church Sunday curriculum, obedience, orthodoxy vs. orthopraxy, skepticism | posted in List Item 01, List Item 03, List Item 08, List Item 21, List Item 23, List Item 24, Mormon Culture, Mormon Stories