?????But they are really nice people.?????

[_Chad (Swedeboy) Spjut]

Often after discussing the subject of homosexuality with other Mormons, someone would invariably say, “But they are really nice people.” This statement was apparently meant to soothe our consciences as we first denigrated and derided those “filthy gays”, and then tell ourselves that in the end they are really great folks

My thinking on this subject has changed a 180 degrees since leaving the Morg. I now recognize what a foolish position it was to take in regard to another’s personal sexual orientation. I have always liked women, no one told me I should, I have just always found breasts, great legs and a firm ass to be admirable qualities in the opposite sex. Yes, I am shallow, but the female form is evidence to me that there is a God!

This brings me to the next point of my post. When I have read statements and interacted with others not of the Mormon persuasion, most often they will qualify their remarks with the same tagline, “But they are really nice people.” Why is this even an issue? Does it make Mormonism less offensive, less fraudulent, less deceptive if in the end those Mormons are really nice folks?

There have been really nice people in all types of cults and political régimes through the ages, but does that excuse what they did and or taught? Stalin loved to ice-skate and serve tea and finger sandwiches with his “Tea with the Proletariat” luncheons every third Saturday. Hitler loved to dance the “Lindy Hop” and share stamp collecting ideas with foreign leaders and pen-pals throughout Germany. Genghis Kahn was world renowned for his good humor and artistic puppetry with the heads of his decapitated enemies. And of course Joseph Smith was known for his in depth “caring” and “compassion” for the women of his community. (I’ll leave it up to you to decide which of the aforementioned examples is actually correct.)

I have since found that I would rather people think me a bastard and a grouch with integrity, character and honesty, than a superficial, smile at your face while I smugly judge you behind your back cretin so often found in the ranks of the “NICE.”

[_Coggins7]

I have since found that I would rather people think me a bastard and a grouch with integrity, character and honesty, than a superficial, smile at your face while I smugly judge you behind your back cretin so often found in the ranks of the “NICE.”

Let's just say "superficial" and leave it at that.

[_barrelomonkeys]

I'm a never-mo. I've been known to generalize Mormons. I think over all (the ones I've met) are very kind people that are leading a life that is trying to be faithful to their religion. I have found individuals within LDS that are not in anyway nice and actually are people that I find intolerable.

I don't know how to think about LDS, or any group in particular, without some generalizations. I recognize that within the group there is tremendous diversity, yet see patterns that allow me to make those vague statements. To me it doesn't matter if the religion is true or not when I make remarks about LDS. I make generalized statements about groups that I find undesirable and still recognize that within that group there is a high probability that there are individuals that do not fit the mold I've created.

If it makes you feel better I will from here on out think of you as a grouchy bastard.

[_KimberlyAnn]

If it makes you feel better I will from here on out think of you as a grouchy bastard.

LOL, Monkeys!

Actually, I know Swedeboy, and he's a real Swedeheart! And an excellent chauffeur. :)

It's good to see you posting, Chad!

KA

[_Coggins7]

LOL, Monkeys!

Actually, I know Swedeboy, and he's a real Swedeheart! And an excellent chauffeur. :)

It's good to see you posting, Chad!

Is this guy's name Dallas, by any chance?

[_Dr. Shades]

Hitler loved to dance the “Lindy Hop” and share stamp collecting ideas with foreign leaders and pen-pals throughout Germany. . . (I’ll leave it up to you to decide which of the aforementioned examples is actually correct.)

Well, the Hitler one certainly wasn't. He actually liked watercolor painting and taking road trips.

[_Some Schmo]

The problem is that Mormon niceness is often conditional on your status as a Mormon. Some the kindest people I knew in the church weren't so kind to me once I left the church, so the kindness doesn't seem all that genuine.

Then there are the jack Mormons like liz, and I find myself loving these kinds of people to death. They don't seem to let their irrational religion get in the way of human decency.

[_Hoops]

Of course you realize you are being just as intolerant as you claim LDS are. But your motives are better so that makes it okay. Or are they?

[_Yoda]

The problem is that Mormon niceness is often conditional on your status as a Mormon. Some the kindest people I knew in the church weren't so kind to me once I left the church, so the kindness doesn't seem all that genuine.

Then there are the jack Mormons like liz, and I find myself loving these kinds of people to death. They don't seem to let their irrational religion get in the way of human decency.

Thanks, Schmo!

;)

*cyber hugs coming your way*

[_Some Schmo]

Of course you realize you are being just as intolerant as you claim LDS are. But your motives are better so that makes it okay. Or are they?

Are you talking to me?