Maxrep wrote:Scottie wrote:I know that a lot of you here believe that absolutely nothing good can come from the Mormon church. I strongly disagree with that. Some people are just pre-programmed to need religion in their lives. Mormonism isn't a bad way to go for these people. I believe that these kinds of people are truly more happy with Mormonism in their lives than without it. They need the structure.
Completely agree. I will give props to the institution for the positive influence it provides for those who enjoy the format. This fact is overshadowed by the lack of choice in the matter that most members experience in real life.
At the ripe age of 8, how many children whose parents are TBM, decline baptism? The answer is none, as there is no choice in the matter for all practical purposes. I'll be blunt is well, there is a level of brainwashing that takes place with Mormon youth.
Why is it that any apologist could take their social, educational, and economic peers, allow them to study the whole of Mormonism, and then not have any success with their conversion? The answer is simply that without indoctrination, and with a REAL choice, our peers want nothing to do with the church. They have no family ties, social ties, or heritage to influence their participation in Mormonism.
I believe any critic can recognize good where it exists freely, but not under force or coercion.
I'll agree with most of what you say here. Yes, there is a level of brainwashing. But, I believe that those that are pre-programmed to need religion will stay Mormons. A few that are more apt to a non-religious lifestyle will stay a member due to this brainwashing, and they will most likely find Mormonism an empty, unfulfilling way of life. But I also believe most of these types will eventually find their way out. Especially now with the internet becoming such a force.