Posted by:
WarriorPrincess
(
)
Date: January 13, 2013 08:54AM
There are several kinds of arrogant in the church. There is the "niave arrogance" that I think stems from the cautions taught constantly of who do we dare relate to. Or, who are "good" company to keep. I mean it's the "OH NO! They drink coffee and and therefore must be a sinner!" The coffee becomes the "red flag." Like a fear that is conditioned by the repetitive lines they are fed, it's part of the culture of brainwashing that keeps one in the special group.
Then, there is another kind of arrogance in people who have done and continue to do horrible, evil things. While, still wearing the righteous "mask" of mormonism and claiming that as who they really are...still attending the temple, still claiming holy superiority over others by the "appearance" of religion. Yet, abusing, stealing, lieing their way to worthiness. These, I think are the worst. One mo-man that I grew up near, and who has done horrible things, dropped me on fb when I questioned something mormon in a status. Yes, he's married in the temple. But, so what. I know the real mo-man and the evil side of him. Who is he to judge me for the mormon facade that he expects to see kept up?
And then there's the arrogance that blows me away. You know the one? The arrogance mormons shun each other with. They have the blessings of the gospel. Therefore, they feel chosen and that they are special to God. More so than other people. It's as if they are looking for any sign of their own superiority.
For example, they may feel more deserving than their mormon neighbor who can't afford that new car. Or, they were raised on the "right" side of town. This too is seen as a sign of their more worthiness than others of their own faith. It's as if they truly believe that their wealth, or whatever it is they feel blessed with that someone else doesn't have (even if it is stolen or ill gotten gains) are signs of their betterness, and that God loves them more. I've been treated this way for years in the church, and even by people who by all standards did not have anymore than I did. But, they were somehow more deserving. This was especially so after my divorce. Suddenly, I was looked down on for yet another reason...how dare I divorce someone who cheated and abused me? My bishop told me to "go back to your husband where you belong. It's not my job to help you!"
Anyways, what's even more disturbing is that many of us have been these people in the church. Or, maybe we haven't and that's why we questioned and began to move along. I think that I could have been seen as "niave and arrogant." I hope the "arrogant" didn't apply.