Posted by:
kilgravmaga
(
)
Date: August 13, 2018 06:53AM
One thing that is deeply ingrained in Mormon doctrine and culture is this idea of worthiness. The worthiness is not granted by the savior, but rather its a measure a bestowed upon members by an external judge, namely a bishop or stake president. This judgement is filtered through the education and personal attitudes of the leader and what one bishop may see as vitally important means nothing to another. They judge your worthiness with a list of questions meant to probe your actions and motivations. If you fail to pass their judgement you are barred from full participation in the church and often made to publicly humiliate yourself in order to gain the approval of the church community again.
Aside from worthiness interviews, the leadership may notice some 'misbehavior' on your part, either teaching false doctrine or simply not complying with the whims of leadership in some aspect. This leads to a 'Court of Love', wherein a group of men, having discussed your case will determine what punishment is needed. The choices are usually excommunication or disfellowship. Although its called a court, there is no real defense that can be given, its just them telling you what you did wrong and whats going to happen to you.
Contrast this with the majority of the christian world, where the inherent 'unworthiness' of the christian is recognized. Rather than using this unworthiness to humiliate or manipulate members, most churches help them work through a process of repentance that does NOT involve public humiliation or isolation from the group. They admit that they are "sinners" rather than trying to prove they are worthy of God's graces.
I don't want to romanticize main-stream christianity too much. I know there is plenty of group-think, some humiliation, gossip, etc. But, I do not see it used against the members of christian churches in the same way I see it used against Mormons.
The church has held firm in its stance that worthiness interviews for youth are necessary. I believe this is because they need to control the youth in the same way they control the adults, with fear and shame. This is why they hold so tightly to a practice which is seen by most churches as unwise.
As they do so less people join. And yet more bleed out.