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What is a TBM?

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:48 pm
by _moksha
Rollo Tomasi wrote:
I don't see that "hypocrisy," because having a TR does not mean we consider ourselves "TBM" -- I certainly don't feel that I am a "TBM." But I do hold a TR, and rightfully so, in my opinion. If I am wrong about this, then the Lord will take care of it (just as He will with those TR-holders who claim to be Christians, but who adopt a persona on this bb that is antithetical to how Christ treated others).


That got me wondering how others view being a TBM? To me a TBM is an abbreviation for True Believing Mormon. I consider myself to be a TBM because I certainly believe my beliefs are true for me and I try to be true to my beliefs. However, my beliefs certainly do not stand the test of ultra-orthodoxy.

How did this term get wrapped up as a moniker for those who hold a much narrower view of things and who stress obedience as the primary principle of the Gospel?

What are your thoughts?

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:01 pm
by _Who Knows
TBM = Totally Brainwashed Mormon

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:28 pm
by _Mister Scratch
My .02: a TBM, typically speaking, is someone who is unwilling to criticize the Church. "Molly Mormon" and "Peter Priesthood" are doubtless good synonyms for "TBM."

True Believing Mormon

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:44 pm
by _Gazelam
In regards to Rollos comments, I think the measure of being a TBM can be found in the Temple recommend questions.

1 Do you have faith in and a testimony of God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?

2 Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Christ and of His role as Savior and Redeemer?

3 Do you have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel in these the latter days?

4 Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the only person on the earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local authorities of the Church?

5 Do you live the law of chastity?

6 Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?

7 Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

8 Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and other meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

9 Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?

10 Are you a full-tithe payer?

11 Do your keep the Word of Wisdom?

12 Do you have financial or other oblgations to a former spouse or children? If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?

13 If you have previously received your temple endowment:

Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple?
Do you wear the garment both night and day as instructed in the endowment and in accordance with the covenant you made in the temple?

14 Have there been any sins or misdeeds in your life that should have been resolved with priesthood authorities but have not been?

15 Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord's house and participate in temple ordinances?

If you can answer these honestly, then you may also use this as a guide in how you will do on the final day of judgement. After all, these are questions regarding your admission into the House of the Lord. Both here, and there.

Gaz

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:45 pm
by _Sam Harris
Agreeing with WhoKnows and Scratch on this one, Mok. I see you more as an internet/buddhist Mormon. You're too knowledgable, tolerant, and mellow to be a TBM.

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:48 pm
by _Gazelam
GIMR wrote:Agreeing with WhoKnows and Scratch on this one, Mok. I see you more as an internet/buddhist Mormon. You're too knowledgable, tolerant, and mellow to be a TBM.


Am I not those things?

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:49 pm
by _Sam Harris
No.

Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:23 am
by _Roger Morrison
TBM, might mean, "The Bad Mormon", the un-Christ-like-Mormon who tends to think he/she can compensate for meaness of spirit, prejudice, discrimination because of race, creed, sexuality, etc ... by ritualism and cultic adhearance to elitis edicts.

Gaz, thanks for the list. Interesting additions since i asked the questions. It will surely build the Fundy case that LDS are more concerned with THEIR church than with Christ's sense of non-denominationalism as he suggested??? IMSCO Warm regards, Roger

Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:33 pm
by _Bond...James Bond
Well I'm not one...so "TBM" doesn't stand for True British Mormon.

But seriously I think it means the non critical thinking segment of the LDS population who generally does one, some or all of these things:

1) believes everything the LDS leadership says (follow the Prophet etc.)

2) believes all of the history and doctrine (no matter how outlandish)

3) follow all the rules and regulations of the LDS church (WoW etc.)

4) generally are naïve about the realities of the universe as shown by scientific evidence and place too much emphasis on emotional revelation (goes along with #2)

I think True Blue Mormon or Truly Believing Mormon is what it means.

Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:19 pm
by _Pokatator
True Blue Mormon.....

they are very sad.