Read this article, good explanation of the links between the exmormon and ex evangelicals.
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Anti-fundamentalist influencers who spoke to Salon almost universally described their community as one grappling with massive trauma inflicted by conservative religion. At the same time, an irresistibly infectious sense of fun informs their debunking of conservative Christian ideas.
"It's so liberating, not only to question but to laugh," said journalist Sarah Stankorb, the author of "Disobedient Women."
"Why Don't Mormon Influencers Wear Their Garments?" asks one popular video by McKay Forsyth and his wife, Jordan. The video is an amusing explanation of what the "magical underwear" worn by Latter-day Saints actually is, and why so many popular Mormon influencers clearly are not wearing it. Garments that cover the body from shoulder to mid-thigh, the Forsyths explain, are mandatory for all adult members of the church — which probably turns a blind eye to influencers who show up online in miniskirts and tank tops, serving as attractive, relatable symbols of their faith.
But if people actually join the church, McKay Forsyth said, they will find the garments are not optional. It's just an effort to sell "a more palatable version of Mormonism" and get people "started down their high-demand religion path."
Karen Alea, who hosts the podcast "Deconversion Therapy," told Salon that she and her co-host, known only as Bonnie, wanted to share the "funny and odd experiences" they and others like them had "growing up as Christians." One listener described how, as a child, he was finally given the stuffed Smurf he'd longed for, only to see it burned in a church bonfire targeting "demonic influences." He saw "Papa Smurf flying over his head into the fire," Alea said, followed by a cloud of "blue toxic smoke."
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2024 07:39AM by anybody.
Good article. I like the discussion towards the end of the piece about how Christian fundamentalism can lead to radicalization. I'm glad that there is now a counter-narrative to Christian fundamentalism.
I also liked the discussion about how what you see online from the tradwife influencers does not reflect reality. For instance, the Ballerina Farm/Beauty Queen has farmhands, a teacher for her kids, a PA, etc. She and her family do not do this lifestyle on their own.
As I have pointed out, one big breakthrough for this article in the demolition of the contrived barrier between Mormonism and the "Christians". Finally. Us disaffected types have been saying for years that the distinctions are largely semantic, and that the larger world needs to wake up and see that the dangers of religion override any piddling distinctions that the churches like to throw up as distractions from the real problems.
But the church leaders must be beside themselves with ecstasy. They have been orchestrating the church for decades into a clone of the evangelicals/Southern Baptists, with the final goal of being accepted into their milieu. Well, they have finally succeeded. The author of the article boldly points out that there are no real differences between the two groups. The Brethren have succeeded. Now they have to live with their decisions. And I hope and pray that it only gets worse now that the journalistic gloves are off.
Yes, the author clearly equates the Christian fundamentalists (of different stripes) with the Mormons. She also equates the exvangical movement with the exmo movement. It takes some knowledge of Mormonism to be able to do that. But other writers along with influencers will pick up on that.