I am wondering what my spiritual path should be. I was born into a catholic family; I didn't relate to Catholicism, it never awakened within me any kind of joy or connection (although, I like Pope Francis). I married two non-believers. Both good men (first one had mommy issues he refused to deal with). My second love, who is extremely loving and kind, kind of rolls his eyes at my belief in energies ( I feel them strongly from environments and people), and my feeling that there exists something greater/something more. He tells me to join whatever church I want but he won't be attending, so I'd be on my own on my spiritual exploration!

Here's what I know: I don't care for the born again Christians' way of life nor do I support the belief that one can be a terrible person but magically transform upon being "saved". Our area has a good amount of LDS people; my SO works for them, and half of his co-workers are also LDS. The more I learn about their lifestyle, the more intrigued I become. I've never fit in entirely to one group, but I find that I deviate from mainstream culture these days. The world is in disarray. We're not allowed to refer to men and "he" and women as "she",
being drunk is glorified (and really what good has drinking done anyone? It even effects people who don't drink when some drunk hits them on the road). It seems to me the LDS church maintains an order in this disorderly world. They seem to
have what my parents would call "good values".


I'd like to make a few more friends who at least share my values. I don't drink. I don't smoke. No coffee. I don't eat meat. I believe in traditional gender roles where the man provides and the wife keeps the home (I've done this in both of my marriages, although I have a hairdressing license and occasionally do hair for friends and neighbors). I don't want to spend time around people who are drinking gambling, etc. I'm against porn. I've not fit in socially to any one group and previously had no idea there was an entire group who seemingly shared my values.

Here's what I don't like:
There's one thing that scares me about LDS types and that's the "my truth is the only truth" semi-judge mental "I'm part of an exclusive group" attitude. I was brought up around stuck up folks who looked at every little thing others had and did. Even though we were in an ideal way financially that snobbish attitude made my skin crawl. So, I fear being around those types again, as I find them insufferable and not genuine.
Is that the norm? Also, do they really make you tithe 10%? Is there no option to give what you can here and there? I've heard mixed things there.

Would I be a good candidate? I don't want to make the mistake of joining then regretting it. Also, given the fact that my SO wouldn't join me, I'm nervous. Would they make me go with singles? Are the women really distrustful of women in the church?i've heard this. Would I really have to stop touching myself? How would they know anyway? I'm just filled with questions and I feel like I'd get one sided answers if I asked a missionary.

You seem mostly concerned with the "lifestyle" aspects of Mormonism. That's like saying you like to eat tomatoes on your spinach salad because you like the way the red looks with the green.

Mormonism is a lie. Literally. If you're comfortable pretending to believe in a lie so as to reap what you perceive as "lifestyle" benefits, go ahead and become a Mormon.

You'll be pressured to stand up in front of the congregation once a month and say that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet, even though that's a lie.

You'll be pressured to say that the Book of Mormon is true, even though that's a lie.

And if you pay your 10% and don't commit other alleged sins (such as masturbation) you'll be allowed to go to the temple, which is arguably the biggest lie in the church (although an effective revenue stream, as it encourages people to pay their 10%).

If you have no problem with the above and other lies, then you have no integrity. If you have no integrity, you'll make a good Mormon.

Your old church and Mormons are both exclusive groups for men to dominate women (male priesthoods). If you are a woman, I hope you will consider that.

It sounds like you are looking for a social/emotional support home. Do the actual origins and bogus beliefs of the religions bother you at all?


Mormonism is far more controlling and secretive but the rituals and costumes are lame compared to Catholics! Mormonism is a young religion still struggling with lying about their history and allowing vocal contrary views.

Only you know what you are looking for. There might be some good suggestions from other Christians here.

If you are not part of an active family, you would experience a different kind of snobbish in Mormonism.

I'm more aligned with your SO's views. You sound fairly credulous. Who knows, you might enjoy Wiccan types who might tolerate your "energy" stuff. Mormons will quickly explain those types of things to fit in with what they believe.


Maybe spend some time reading before you jump in to another group. Check out Age of Reason by Thomas Paine (short, about the Bible, and available everywhere). Then read Demon Haunted World by Sagan which will help you hone your bologna detection skills.

I hope you can find a spiritual home that is best for you. I hope it is focused on charity and not petty social dynamics and goofy teachings.

Good luck in your quest! The journey can be rewarding and enlightening.

A quick reply -

There are many better organizations to join. In fact, it would be difficult to find a religious group worse than Mormonism. There are plenty of great people all over. Do not limit your search to some superficial items. The reality of Mormonism can be read here.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/31/2016 11:33AM by Eric K.

Mormons are forced to lie almost every day of their lives. It's called milk before meat or lying for the Lord.

They're expected to use kindness as a manipulative tool to "help" investigators want to join and to "help" other members become more dedicated to the church program and image.

They hide much of their weird doctrine until a convert is stuck in the live style and would have too much to lose if they left. That's what they call milk before meat.

They twist facts to suit the listener and the situation. That's called "lying for the Lord" which they don't actually consider as wrong.

They must also lie to the bishop every time they go for a temple recommend interview because the "commandments" and expectations are not suited to any normal person living a normal life.

Mormons are proud of being fakes and will expect you to join the game as you're able to stomach it.

Lying for the lord? Do they know they're lying are are you speaking of people who are brainwashed or what? Explain the "proud of being fakes" would you go into that a little deeper now that I'm freaked out officially!?

They lavish fake praise and attention on newcomers and don't mean any of it, but only think they are "fellow shipping." As soon as the new member is baptized and settled in, mormons start to cool off and lose interest.

They spin facts about their church to suit the perspective of whoever they're trying to impress. Or they withhold information entirely if they think the person isn't ready to hear it. This is called lying for the Lord or milk before meat. They see it the same way as not giving a baby meat when it can only digest milk. But we're not talking about babies. These are adults they're trying to convert and mormons refuse to answer their questions honestly so the investigator is buying a product without seeing its reality.

You would not like being a Mormon once you are in. Do you know about the regulation underwear all must wear once they have gone through the Temple? Do you know that Joseph Smith, the founder, had many wives, and that they still believe polygamy is practiced in the Celestial Kingdom, their heaven? There is no break on the 10% tithing, to be a full member you must comply.

You might look into some more conservative congregations of the Methodist or Presbyterian churches. They started out as being against drinking, but now it is a matter of personal choice. Many of their values would be in line with yours, generally nice people and trained clergy, and you would not be questioned or pressured or asked to contribute anything except by your own choice. You can attend services without joining.

Be careful, Calienne. The Mormon church is, quite frankly, a cult – severely authoritarian, highly controlling, and demanding, much like the Jehovah's Witnesses. The church has the conceit that it owns its members, and that it has the god-given right to make any claim on them, whether of time, money, or anything else it may want.

Here’s some of what you can look forward to as a Mormon.

– Three hours of church every Sunday. Three solid hours of being bored out of your mind, sitting among others who are also bored out of their minds. Everyone at church will have heard the same lessons hundreds of times already, and no prospect of anything new. All they want to do is get out and go home.

– When you do get home, you have to "keep the Sabbath day holy." That means no recreational activities. Church activities only, like reading the Book of Mormon or doing your home or visiting teaching. Which brings me to…

– …Callings. You'll be given a "calling," which is an opportunity to provide service – to the church. Maybe it's working in the nursery or waving your arm around while pretending to conduct the music. More likely, though, it will be visiting teaching, where you'll be assigned several other female members to visit each month, giving them the same lessons they hear in church, and making sure they're all hewing to the prescribed gospel path. You'll get a VT as well; same purpose, same lesson.

– This is one of our favorites. The church doesn't employ janitors or custodians, even though it's a multi-billion dollar corporation. And so you, along with all the others, will be assigned cleaning duties. You'll be expected to take precious time out of your Saturdays to vacuum, dust, and clean out church toilets.

– Tithing! Mormons are commanded to give 10% of their earnings to the church. And although the basis of the 10% is left vague, and they can't enforce it, you'll be heavily pressured to pay 10% of your gross earnings (top-line gross, before expenses or taxes). "Do you want gross blessings or net blessings from the Lord?" You can't go to the temple unless you pay a full tithe, and the Mormons want you to go to the temple. Tithing is so important that you are expected to pay it even if you have no money left over for housing or food. I am not joking about this. The church wants its cut, no matter what.

– Incessant lectures and sermons on the importance of obedience. Obedience to your local and regional priesthood leaders, and especially to the great ones in Utah. These men (always men) claim to receive direct inspiration and revelation from god because of their priesthood and piety, and having been baptized, you've bound yourself to obey them, even if you think they're dead wrong. Oh, and you're not allowed to criticize them in any way, even if the criticism is true.

– You must conform to their mode of dress. Women are especially restricted. Women are not to expose their shoulders to the gaze of men, lest they tempt the men into lustful thoughts. I am not kidding. "Modesty" is the rule, and this rule even applies when not at church – on your own free time or at work.

– The church is never wrong, never to blame, never at fault. It's always the members, so they end up blaming themselves and each other when church blessings don't come as promised.

– The church teaches that there is no real happiness to be found outside of the church. Any non-Mormons that appear happy, therefore, aren't "really" happy, even though they think they are. Conversely, since Mormonism is supposed to be the only sure way to happiness, there must be something wrong with Mormons who aren't happy. So unhappy Mormons must pretend to be happy in order to avoid being judged by all the other miserable Mormons. Can't let the infection spread through the hive.

– You'll be pressured to bring the rest of your family into the church. They don't want to? They have minds of their own? Too bad. The church will say, if you have enough faith, they will join. And when they don't, the church will blame you for your lack of faith. You can't win.

– Once you go to the temple, you 'll have even more rules to follow, and your lifestyle will become even more restricted. Let's hope you don't get that far.

Seriously, even if you think the lifestyle looks appealing from the outside, joining up with them will be a colossal mistake. You'd simply be back here in a few months, asking us how to get out of this awful mess. Please don't hook up with a cult.

I left because of the LDS church's beliefs, not because of the life style. I still don't smoke, rarely touch alcohol (I'll have a tiny bit of wine about once or twice a year tops), I don't do drugs etc etc. And there are other people I live around and work with who are like me. Mormons don't own that. On the contrary, many LDS people I know have really unhealthy eating habits overall despite the Word of Wisdom that they follow religiously, and my non-mormon friends are much more health conscious, perhaps because they take personal ownership of their health.

The Book of Mormon is the centerpiece of the LDS Church. If you don't believe in it, it will all fall apart for you pretty fast.

The Book of Mormon is racist. Members would cry that THEY are not racist, but they believe in a racist book. The Book of Mormon teaches that dark skin is a punishment for sin and that a brown or black person can turn white again through righteous living. Previous church presidents taught that black people would reach the highest kingdom in the next life, but ONLY as SERVANTS. Blacks were not allowed to hold the priesthood or go into the temple until 1978. That's pretty recent!

The Book of Mormon is gender biased. It teaches that a woman can lose her virtue and chastity if she is raped. I believe those are things that a woman must give up and that it can't be taken from you. The church continues to be gender biased in other ways, as no woman can hold any church position which puts her in any sort of authority over a man.

The story of how the Book of Mormon came to be is . . . false. They teach that Joseph Smith translated it in a very brief time, all by himself, through the spirit of God. But there's actually quite a bit of evidence that points to him plagiarizing other works and having assistance from other people. And if you want to really freak out, the LDS church doesn't ever talk about this, but it also no longer disputes it, that Joseph Smith originally claimed to translate the Book of Mormon by putting a rock, a "seer stone" in a hat, then pressing his face into the hat, then reading the translation word by word as they divinely appeared on small scrolls of paper. People who assisted as scribes describe it this way as well. It was just a bunch of 19th century mumbo jumbo that Smith hoped would pay off. And it did.

Live a healthy life. But live it among people who don't believe in a racist, bigoted book written by a man who wanted to use religion to gain power, women, and money.

Please consider. ....

You will be interviewed, in private, behind closed doors at least once a year by thr bishop.

He will delve into your sex life and finances.

He will want to know if you masturbate, and may ask pointed questions about you interactions in bed with youd husband.

He will demand an account of your finances. He will demand you pay 10% of income to the church. He will try to get you to pay on your husband's income as well. The church teaches to pay them before food, medicine, mortgage and utilities.

There will be pressure to convert your family. Including any children. Some bishops advocate divorce of a non member or non believing spouse and remarriage to a faithful member.

I hope you can find a place where belonging means you fit in and not a place where belonging means you are owned by them.

PS thd answer to your question is definitely HELL.

Ask me about my sex life? Really? I know they keep an eye on the flock there but that's...just wow. I don't have seperate income so they'd be getting no money. I guarantee my husband wouldn't pay.

I hope you don't like to shop for groceries on Sundays. That's prohibited.

Do you believe a man can communicate with God using a rock he puts in a hat?

Yes

You can't be baptized a Mormon unless you sustain Joseph Smith as prophet, seer and revelator. You also have to sustain and support the leaders of the Church. If you do any serious research, there's no way you can see Joseph Smith as anything but a scoundrel. In fact, once you know the truth about how the church works, and you value truth, it's almost guaranteed you won't be able to sustain its leaders. So, you may be overthinking it. Honesty excludes you from becoming a Mormon.

But, I know the feeling. You feel there's something in religion worth keeping. Something missing in modern life. That may be true, but the price you would pay for it in Mormonism is exorbitant.

It's a trap.

Everything everyone has told you here is true.
What they have learned has been hard fought and at a great (make that huge) personal cost.

To touch on some of your major concerns:
- Sex life. -Not yours anymore. Sex is for procreation and control. Pleasure, -not so much.
oh, by the way, Utah has the highest porn consumption rate in the nation. (Repressed Mormon sex lives will do that).

- Lying. Yes, Mormons do, almost automatically.

- Gossip. Get used to it. It is a major tool used to maintain conformity.

If you still have any doubts at all, this is required reading.
http://www.exmormon.org/tract2.htm

It's by Richard Packham, and the info don't get much better.
Honestly.

I hope you like LD$ Inc. kindergarten theology.

Do you think we would all be here if it was "heaven"?

I didn't want to go to (stay in) hell... and therefore found myself here. Well, I found myself as a kid, again as an adult, and again a few years ago here.

You might find a hobby. Spirituality? Or. Religion! Um

Community is the appropriate term. Hope you find it. If not, MAKE IT (baby)-smile

Editing is part the past, part the future but mostly the present -hope



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/31/2016 09:39PM by readwrite.

Read
Listen to_
getbusylivin &
cheryl - lie...
BoJ... Listen!YES
seekyr - BOM -wow!
NO INCOME? = NO YOU!!!!!!!
You won't belong - you won't be long (temporary-temporal disorganization)
Heartless
Babyloncansuckit -
Honesty excludes you from becoming a Mormon.
Erik's help is all you need:
There are many better organizations to join. In fact, it would be difficult to find a religious group worse than Mormonism. There are plenty of great people all over. Do not limit your search to some superficial items. The reality of Mormonism can be read here.
DaveTheAthiest - KT
justducky lie -
readwrite - spirit - community (make it!)


Listen to everybody
Listen to yourself

SHIfT

Well, I'm sufficiently terrified. People PAY to be a part of this organization WHY? Happy New Year from a freaked out Calienne

Sorry to scare you, but the 21st century is a really bad time to be a Mormon because the chickens are coming home to roost and Mormon families are blowing up left and right like a scene out of Kingsmen.

I don't think Mormonism would be a good fit for you.

Some Mormons would think of your belief in energies as witchcraft or devil worship.

Mormons absolutely forbid masturbation and cohabitation. They would be offended and look down on you for living with a significant other.

They would insist on you paying 10% of your income as tithing, and look down on you and deny privileges to you if you did not comply.

Mormons are extremely dogmatic. No free-thinking allowed. You have to conform with the party line, keep silent about disagreeing with it, or else be an outcast.

They sound so rigid! I spoke of disliking the snobby judgemental types I grew up around, well it sounds as if Mormonism would find me realizing I'd jumped from the frying pan into the fire. I actually feel for people who've been born into this and can't imagine anything else, but I feel worse for those who joined later in life and had a rude awakening. For me the worst part aside from
The judgement is being told what to do. They wouldn't like me one bit as I do NOT like to be told what to do. Who would these fools be to judge me...given what I've read I'm pretty sure they'd lecture me on having married a total non believer. It's a shame because I believe they got some things right, but what they've got wrong is sad, and potentially damaging to people and families.

Well, come to the real world.

You've found the truth - in these comments - and in your heart.

If you touch yourself you'd rather not attend here. If you don't PRAY, PAY and OBEY, you cannot DELAY, PLAY, or STAY... not to mention begay!

HELLp?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/01/2017 02:44AM by moremany.

Yes people pay - unless they are gay [happy people, happy <> gutter-minds] - COMING AND GOING... averaging hundred$ of thousand$ over their lifetimes ("deathtimes"?) - some in the millions when you (re)construct their families!

Take a family's earnings of $78,000+ over 40 years = $375,000 (figuring every few years they toss a few extra hundred, or grand [missingaries?], into the pot - you know all monies given the 'church', regardless of the category ["building fund", 'whalefaire', 'fast-profiting', etc.], end up in the same pot [it says so on the tithing slips... so small print the morons don't even notice it], combined with 6 children [add $200,000/ kid], and tscc makes over one and a quarter mil. ON ONE FAMILY!... before the grands.