S/O Mormonism... I just don't get it...

[Anonymous]

The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

The problem is that rather than stating which specific things are inaccurate and painting a more realistic portrait of a mormon, the mormons on this board are reduced to calling everybody who disagrees with them athiests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

I haven't seen anyone here argue that most people in all religions are very nice, kind, intelligent people. That is not the point. What we are trying to work out is how they can believe a bunch of fairy tales.

Yes. Remember, there are not atheists in foxholes. Maybe you have never experienced extreme fear, grief, loss, or hardship. Maybe you should try to have a little compassion for humans who seek comfort in these "fairy tales." Maybe you can appreciate the beauty in certain religious traditions at weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other milestones. I'm not religious (agnostic, probably), but these narratives seem to provide for people on a level beyond the rational. And humans, are after all, not just rational creatures, despite what the economists want you believe.

[Anonymous]

my problem is the narrative in the book of mormon are far less grounded in facts than the narratives in the other major religions. Again, I am ignoring the miracles and faith issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

I haven't seen anyone here argue that most people in all religions are very nice, kind, intelligent people. That is not the point. What we are trying to work out is how they can believe a bunch of fairy tales.

Yes. Remember, there are not atheists in foxholes. Maybe you have never experienced extreme fear, grief, loss, or hardship. Maybe you should try to have a little compassion for humans who seek comfort in these "fairy tales." Maybe you can appreciate the beauty in certain religious traditions at weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other milestones. I'm not religious (agnostic, probably), but these narratives seem to provide for people on a level beyond the rational. And humans, are after all, not just rational creatures, despite what the economists want you believe.

It is simply not true that there are no atheists in foxholes. Having watched someone very dear to me die far too young, I can assure you that in the most difficult times of my life at no stage was I ever tempted to prayer or any other irrational belief. I don't think retreat into fantasy is an appropriate way to get through life. You say humans are not rational creatures. Perhaps not, but we should try to be the best we can, rather than just throw up our hands and say "Ah well, we a primitive and stupid, lets just try to take solace in our imaginary friends in the sky".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

Give it up. This is an echo chamber full of immature people who will twist your words around, intentionally miss your point, insult you freely, and ignore any good points you make. There is maybe one thoughtful atheist here. All the other sane people have left. I recommend you leave, too.

I agree with your point that the remaining crazies here are totally unable to see anybody else's POV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Faith is not inherently ridiculous. You do realize it has a definition outside of religion, right? Blind faith may be questionable.

I'm an atheist and think atheism itself involves a small amount of faith. We hold a certain level of confidence in what we've learned and reasoned.

No it doesn't. I don't have "faith" that there is no God. It is just that on the basis of the available evidence I don't see God as a useful hypothesis to retain.

You have faith that there is no God in the same sense that you have "faith" that there aren't any English-speaking blue whales out in the world. Actually, there's considerably less evidence for the existence of God than there is for talking blue whales. And, no, lot's of folks really, really think there is "in their heart" doesn't count.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

Give it up. This is an echo chamber full of immature people who will twist your words around, intentionally miss your point, insult you freely, and ignore any good points you make. There is maybe one thoughtful atheist here. All the other sane people have left. I recommend you leave, too.

I agree with your point that the remaining crazies here are totally unable to see anybody else's POV.

And, of course, here "crazy" means does *not* believe in an omnipotent, world-building guy who lives in the sky and answers your requests.

[Anonymous]

No, "crazy" means religion-obsessed atheists who twist your words, insult you freely, ignore good points ... You know the rest. In fact, your post exemplifies it.

[Anonymous]

No, "crazy" means religion-obsessed atheists who twist your words, insult you freely, ignore good points ... You know the rest. In fact, your post exemplifies it.

Can you point out the "good" posts? Is there anything of substance here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

I haven't seen anyone here argue that most people in all religions are very nice, kind, intelligent people. That is not the point. What we are trying to work out is how they can believe a bunch of fairy tales.

Yes. Remember, there are not atheists in foxholes. Maybe you have never experienced extreme fear, grief, loss, or hardship. Maybe you should try to have a little compassion for humans who seek comfort in these "fairy tales." Maybe you can appreciate the beauty in certain religious traditions at weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other milestones. I'm not religious (agnostic, probably), but these narratives seem to provide for people on a level beyond the rational. And humans, are after all, not just rational creatures, despite what the economists want you believe.

It is simply not true that there are no atheists in foxholes. Having watched someone very dear to me die far too young, I can assure you that in the most difficult times of my life at no stage was I ever tempted to prayer or any other irrational belief. I don't think retreat into fantasy is an appropriate way to get through life. You say humans are not rational creatures. Perhaps not, but we should try to be the best we can, rather than just throw up our hands and say "Ah well, we a primitive and stupid, lets just try to take solace in our imaginary friends in the sky".

You have no compassion and you are not tolerant, neither of which requires believe in God.

[Anonymous]

Is there any discussion about doctrine anymore? Or, have we just gone to name calling? Rude atheist poster, you ruin good discussions with your bullshit. I wish you'd just stop already. You're not going to change any minds with your rudeness and destroys a good thread. You should grow up or go away. And, I say that as an atheist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my problem is the narrative in the book of mormon are far less grounded in facts than the narratives in the other major religions. Again, I am ignoring the miracles and faith issues.

No religion is grounded in facts. They all require a suspension of reason. Mormonism requires faith not proof. So does Judaism, Islam, and so called "mainstream" Christianity. Why should you have a "problem" with the narrative of the book of Mormon, if you are not a Mormon! Who cares! Let people go about their religion or atheism without judging them. My guess is that you are a Christian, so perhaps you should "Judge not, lest ye be judged"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

I haven't seen anyone here argue that most people in all religions are very nice, kind, intelligent people. That is not the point. What we are trying to work out is how they can believe a bunch of fairy tales.

Yes. Remember, there are not atheists in foxholes.

This is just silly; of course there are. Stop projecting your own insecurities onto everyone else.

Maybe you can appreciate the beauty in certain religious traditions at weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other milestones.

Of course we can. Also, "Swan Lake" is really nice. And "Die Zauberflote" too, for that matter. Doesn't mean I believe in the literally existence of the Fairy Queen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that non-Mormons are picking selectively aspects of the religion to paint a portrait that is not accurate.

Can you imagine what someone who is unfamiliar with Judaism or Christianity would come up wit, if she just scoured the internet for information about these religions? What kind of image of these religions would you be presented with?

I'm guessing a lot of completely bizarre stories, horrifically violent imagery, quotes about how "God hates fags," levrite marriage, slavery, creationism, end-of-the-world Book of Revelation loonies, etc.

The inability of people to put themselves in the shoes of others is just astonishing. BTW, I'm not Mormon, but in my field, I work a lot with people of different religious backgrounds. Many nice, kind, and intelligent people, I might add, who are far more tolerant than people on this thread.

I haven't seen anyone here argue that most people in all religions are very nice, kind, intelligent people. That is not the point. What we are trying to work out is how they can believe a bunch of fairy tales.

Yes. Remember, there are not atheists in foxholes.

This is just silly; of course there are. Stop projecting your own insecurities onto everyone else.

Maybe you can appreciate the beauty in certain religious traditions at weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other milestones.

Of course we can. Also, "Swan Lake" is really nice. And "Die Zauberflote" too, for that matter. Doesn't mean I believe in the literal existence of the Fairy Queen.