I have a close friend who in the past has had questions about the LDS church. He is very bright and loves discussing it. The problem is he has come to peace with the claims made by the church by dismissing history. Most things we talk about are, in the end, dismissed with "Well we can not trust history." or " That is their version of what happen."

He puts everything on his feelings.

Anyone have any experience with people like this? Any advice?

? this is 'new'?

as in: you/we can Trust what the (current) Official Version is, IF it has the SL Seal of Approval; any/everything else is wrong or at least suspect.

Got It.

I definitely do not think this is new. Just wondered how other people have dealt with it.

(1) Mormons who don't know their history
(2) Mormons who do - like your friend - and don't think it matters
(3) Mormons who do - and leave

I'm not sure what your question is. We've all dealt with them. Talk all you want, they usually cannot be convinced. Rationality has nothing to do with the thought process because the truth is the truth is the truth and only after death will "all be revealed".

Sorry I'm not more helpful. Anyone else have the magic get-through-their-thick-skull words?

Yes, just like the Smithsonian dismissed the BoM as a valid ancient artifact. Class is over.

Exactly: dismiss them.

I get this all the time too. My TBM family tries to end all discussion like that.

It is more work for them mentally when they treat it like that because it will always be a huge life changing question in their mind of, "What if I am putting all this effort into an organization that is betraying and lying to me?"

A person can only live with that question for a given amount of time before their life creates a situation that demands closer inspection...when it is really going to be a pressing issue to have correct facts and understanding.

If their little TBM life keeps going down the PERFECT and very narrow minded TBM road then they may pull it off...but most of the people with a healthy and curious mind will want to figure it out.

If he wants to play the mind game of ignorance is bliss...then he will remain ignorant. Plenty of places to find correct information in the google age of the internet.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/05/2012 07:17PM by upsidedown.

Sometimes the best route for these types is just stating the facts and leaving it at that. Refuse to argue or discuss the subject and move on. At some point this person will probably start thinking about the possibility that they are wrong.

Or they won't. Ever.

Arguing just makes them feel superior. They are WINNING! Just make your point and move on.

That's my 2 cents.

Just plant the seed and move on. And then another, and another. Eventually something is going to sprout.

If history is irrelevant, then....

The Book of Mormon, which claims to be historical, is irrelevant

The supposed great apostasy is irrelevant

The the first vision is irrelevant

The supposed past persecution of mormons is irrelevant

Haun's Mill is irrelevant

The Bible is irrelevant

Then it's ALL irrelevant.

I have seen it IRL, on this board and with Mormons and it is extremely frustrating, but you can't make people accept something if they don't want to. I agree that you should give them the info and let it go.

Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it, which is why every Sunday school class feels exactly like all the other boring Sunday school classes where you did not learn anything new. Same for sacrament meetings, priesthood and relief society.

Yep - I experience this...I sort of agree with planting the seed.

How do you deal with them?

You just don't.

You mean like the entire TSCC, those people?

It's pointless to engage people who put feelings and religious beliefs over facts in adult conversation. They can go sit at the kiddy table.