Posted by:
derrida
(
)
Date: October 12, 2011 01:44AM
Things the public should know that they don't and really would have a hard time knowing without having been in the church. These are PRACTICAL things, not doctrinal. These things would alienate most Americans about the church.
1. Part-member families and marriages where only one spouse is Mormon are often stressful and at great risk of divorce. If you leave the church you can realistically lose your family and be alienated from your loved ones who are still Mormon.
2. Church members have to put up with regularly scheduled intrusive interviewing from a young age and for the rest of their lives. The interviews are connected to whether they have committed any sins, including masturbation and having paid an "honest tithe," or if they have investigated alternative views about the church.
3. Church members are indoctrinated to view obedience as a primary value. And they are taught from a young age to "follow the prophet." There's even a catchy church song with that title that the children learn and every member knows.
4. There is an elitism built into the church culture based on one's ancestry and how far back it goes to "pioneer" days or the founders of the church. If you are fifth generation Mormon you are more likely to be viewed favorably, or with reverence, by other Mormons than if you are a first generation convert.
5. The church promotes a hero worship view of its leadership. Church leaders speak with the authority of God. Questioning of church leaders is greatly discouraged. (Protestants would have a hard time with this one.)
6. If you are not deemed Temple worthy or you are not a member of the church, you may not enter to witness your Mormon child's wedding "sealing." You have to wait outside while strangers witness your child's actual marriage vows. The Mormons will allow that you can attend a nice reception and maybe a ring exchange if the Bishop allows it.
7. Families have to pay about $400.00 a month to send a child, usually a son, on an 18-24 month "mission," often but not always to a foreign country. The child will be thoroughly indoctrinated during this time, both at the Missionary Training Center and while on his or her mission. During the often two year period the young person will only be allowed to be alone when attending to personal hygiene.
8. Mormons who drink alcohol or tea or coffee or who smoke or use tobacco (or who otherwise fail their "worthiness" interviews) are not "worthy" to enter the Temple or hold significant "callings" or positions of authority in the church. They are considered second-class citizens by other, presumably more "righteous" Mormons.
Any others?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/12/2011 08:36PM by derrida.