Exmos, Critics, Investigators:Lend me your Ears

[Anonymous]

As the majority of people who leave the LDS church probably don't come on message boards and discuss their exit from the Church, I was wondering: What are your reasons for coming here??

Mad about being duped by the whole LDS subculture?

Pissed off at all organized religion?

Joseph Smith wasn't honest?

Economic Issues?

Historical Issues?

Social Issues?

Specific Issue? --Racism, Polygamy, Joseph Smith, etc.

--what are your reasons for coming onto the board and discussing Mormonism?

Bond

edit: Title change from "Exmos and Antis" to "Exmos, Critics, Investigators"

[_Runtu]

As the majority of people who leave the LDS church probably don't come on message boards and discuss their exit from the Church, I was wondering: What are your reasons for coming here??

Mad about being duped by the whole LDS subculture?

Pissed off at all organized religion?

Joseph Smith wasn't honest?

Economic Issues?

Historical Issues?

Social Issues?

Specific Issue? --Racism, Polygamy, Joseph Smith, etc.

--what are your reasons for coming onto the board and discussing Mormonism?

I find Mormonism fascinating.

[Physics Guy]

As the majority of people who leave the LDS church probably don't come on message boards and discuss their exit from the Church, I was wondering: What are your reasons for coming here??

Mad about being duped by the whole LDS subculture?

Pissed off at all organized religion?

Joseph Smith wasn't honest?

Economic Issues?

Historical Issues?

Social Issues?

Specific Issue? --Racism, Polygamy, Joseph Smith, etc.

--what are your reasons for coming onto the board and discussing Mormonism?

Bond---you rock.

My reason is simple: I enjoy discussing these topics, and hope that in some small way, I can help to affect change in the LDS Church.

Edited to add: I do not consider myself either an "exmo" nor an "anti."

[_harmony]

As the majority of people who leave the LDS church probably don't come on message boards and discuss their exit from the Church, I was wondering: What are your reasons for coming here??
[snip]--what are your reasons for coming onto the board and discussing Mormonism?

I haven't exited the church. I come here to find congenial people with whom to discuss fascinating subjects.

[_Bond...James Bond]

Me personally:

As a History and Archaeology major I would say I disagree with the historical and archaelogical arguments put forth for the Book of Mormon. I really don't see very much evidence to support the Book of Mormon narrative.

Beyond that I would say the overall social problems caused by large families, tithing, and young parents is something I find to be a volatile combination. Plus the overall authoritarian nature of the religion and the lack of critical thinking and reason used when comparing fact and faith (which could apply to just about any religion I guess.)

Also the idea of a lay priesthood giving advice on subjects that should be in the realm of professional doctors based on faith and feelings is something I find very dangerous.

[_Runtu]

Me personally:

As a History and Archaeology major I would say I disagree with the historical and archaelogical arguments put forth for the Book of Mormon. I really don't see very much evidence to support the Book of Mormon narrative.

Beyond that I would say the overall social problems caused by large families, tithing, and young parents is something I find to be a volatile combination. Plus the overall authoritarian nature of the religion and the lack of critical thinking and reason used when comparing fact and faith (which could apply to just about any religion I guess.)

Also the idea of a lay priesthood giving advice on subjects that should be in the realm of professional doctors based on faith and feelings is something I find very dangerous.

Excellent points. It's kind of amazing that we didn't see any of that while we were immersed in it. Are you sure you're not just suffering from cognitive distortion? ;-)

[_Bond...James Bond]

I guess this should be a new topic but how do you do quotes??

Bond

[_Runtu]

I guess this should be a new topic but how do you do quotes??

Bond

Two ways: that little "quote" button on the upper right side of a post, or you can click the quote button at the top of a new message before and after the stuff you want to quote.

[_Bond...James Bond]

Two ways: that little "quote" button on the upper right side of a post, or you can click the quote button at the top of a new message before and after the stuff you want to quote.

Practice.

Excellent points. It's kind of amazing that we didn't see any of that while we were immersed in it. Are you sure you're not just suffering from cognitive distortion? ;-)

The saying goes: "A fish never realizes it's wet". If you're born into a way of thinking (religious, political, whatever) you only know the reality which is presented to you. I guess the way to break the cycle is having a curosity for the world, including the often taboo areas outside of one's conform zone. Only by new experiences do we learn anything in life. Fear of the unknown or fear of new things are the main things keeping people in check, along with fear of upsetting or being forced out of the herd (and the herd is a safe annoymous place ;).

Bond

[_Bond...James Bond]

As the majority of people who leave the LDS church probably don't come on message boards and discuss their exit from the Church, I was wondering: What are your reasons for coming here??
[snip]--what are your reasons for coming onto the board and discussing Mormonism?

I haven't exited the church. I come here to find congenial people with whom to discuss fascinating subjects.

I cleaned up the title.