Posted by:
SusieQ#1
(
)
Date: November 05, 2011 03:51PM
Now you might understand why I take the position I do --
leave other people's religious beliefs alone.
Respect their RIGHTS to their beliefs just as you want yours respected.
It's not my job to try to change other people's religious beliefs.
They will do it on their own, if they see a need, and have a desire to change their thinking and their beliefs.
It's ok to have different beliefs. We don't all have to be the same. Unconditional love requires we love others: as-is.
I'm a strong advocate of taking a positive, loving approach; using positive, kind, polite terms, and words, and treating everyone in a positive manner as much as possible.
That is my definition of a tribe for Mormonism:
Mormonism, in my long experience and observation is more accurately described as a patriarchal-line of authority, generational, cultural, religious tribe with it's own sacred clothing, music, and language. The word: tribe is used in their lexicon. (As an adult convert, I was considered an adopted member of the tribe. )
Considering how tribes universally manifest, it is, in my view, the best way to understand how Mormonism creates a whole paradigm for the individual in a typically generational, patriarchal, familial, societal, religious context aka tribe complete with it's own unique rituals/ordinances, music, and language including special garments (underwear) to be worn day and night.
I refrain from using words that have taken on a pejorative meaning like: cult. That is a negative word that shuts down acceptance, closes doors,instead of opening them.
I have found that any kind of recovery, in my experience absolutely requires a positive, loving, approach. Otherwise negativity as in bitterness, anger, resentment, etc, takes over and there is no room for the kind of recovery that is peace of mind.