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Extraordinary Claims => Religion General Discussion => Other Religions => Topic started by: Desdinova on September 16, 2014, 02:06:23 PM

Title: Mormons
Post by: Desdinova on September 16, 2014, 02:06:23 PM
I stumbled accross this video while searching for DaFuq material.  I really don't know a lot about Mormons.  I know some of you on here are former Mormons or live where Mormons do (Stromboli?) or know about them, so I was wondering if you would care to comment on what this video presents.  I find it extremely odd, particularly the part about blacks and the promise of endless celestial sex.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BqLZ8UoZk
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: PickelledEggs on September 16, 2014, 02:23:22 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46PXaJxzuDE
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: PickelledEggs on September 16, 2014, 02:24:55 PM
I think I posted this video a while back and Stromboli confirmed it 100% (if memory serves correctly). But I do also remember that he said since this video was made, some changes has been made to the faith of Mormonism.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on September 16, 2014, 02:25:49 PM
Simple.. Replace it all with BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH and it's all crystal clear..
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: PickelledEggs on September 16, 2014, 02:40:52 PM
Quote from: AllPurposeAtheist on September 16, 2014, 02:25:49 PM
Simple.. Replace it all with BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH and it's all crystal clear..

While that would make the video make more sense, I prefer the MC Hammer style remix.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Desdinova on September 16, 2014, 03:35:51 PM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on September 16, 2014, 02:40:52 PM
While that would make the video make more sense, I prefer the MC Hammer style remix.

Yeah, that's priceless.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 16, 2014, 04:20:18 PM
The video was true when it was made, back in the 70's. The Morg has since rewritten a lot of their literature, changing stuff like the Nephites/Lamanites being the sole source of Native Americans to "one of" the sources. They have a lot of problems with that because, obviously, DNA screwed the pooch on that.

The blacks are now taught a different message, I'm not sure what. But not long ago the church came out and basically threw Brigham Young and several deceased church authorities under the bus, saying they were either incorrect, lying or just stating opinion, not making scripture. All to whitewash their decidely racist past.

There are numerous problems now with DNA evidence, geographic locations of events that make no sense, complete lack of archeological data, insisting that the Nephites had horses, chariots, steel weapons, built large cities, had huge battles, etc.

You can understand why the church PR department works overtime to deal with all this shit. And they still get people to join. Go figure.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Minimalist on September 16, 2014, 06:22:39 PM
Yes indeed.  It seems when the mormons were about to be sued for violating civil rights laws in the 70's the Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler got a telegram from Kolob.  Apparently god's legal team had been looking into things and told him to go easy on the black stuff.

Mormonism is shit from the word go.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 16, 2014, 07:48:11 PM
Quote from: Minimalist on September 16, 2014, 06:22:39 PM
Yes indeed.  It seems when the mormons were about to be sued for violating civil rights laws in the 70's the Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler got a telegram from Kolob.  Apparently god's legal team had been looking into things and told him to go easy on the black stuff.

Mormonism is shit from the word go.

Yeah, that episode of Mormon history is an epic example of selling bullshit to farmers. The response was everything from WTF? to glowing reports (by my high priest brother) about how the "brethren" had prayed for an answer and got visited by Peter, James and John, Jesus, God, every dead church president and the deceased members of the 1912 New York Yankees outfield. Shit like that. It was about then I started thinking some shit was kind of hinky about the religion.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Desdinova on September 17, 2014, 09:46:30 AM
I had NO CLUE about all of this.  I just thought they were another run-of-the mill branch of Christianity.  I knew they thought Christ visited the Americas and the part about Smith basically making up a new religion on the fly.  But the rest of that shit is incredible.  I mean, what's the deal with the underwear? 

Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: SGOS on September 17, 2014, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: Desdinova on September 17, 2014, 09:46:30 AM
I had NO CLUE about all of this.  I just thought they were another run-of-the mill branch of Christianity.  I knew they thought Christ visited the Americas and the part about Smith basically making up a new religion on the fly.  But the rest of that shit is incredible.
Yep, Mormonism stretches far and wide, and has touched the hearts of vast numbers, and it's totally wacky, even by normal Christian standards, but there are a lot of Christians that think about it like you: "It's just another run of the mill branch of Christianity."  It only becomes as wacky when you actually learn about it.

Now presuming Mormons must learn about their religion, it's a breathtaking wonder why they stay in it.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 17, 2014, 11:16:43 PM
Mormonism is a highly authoritarian religion with an all-inclusive lifestyle, that involves you in as many ways as it can. Children are taught in primary, attend Mutual during the week, are involved in baptism for the dead and other activities to keep them in it. Almost every church has a basketball court to draw in young athletes to play in their leagues, Relief Society ropes in the women, and there is a network of communication that beats the NSA for speed and information. I once read that the most remote member of the church, probably some barefoot dude in Papua, New Guinea, will get the latest pronouncement from church central within 72 hours. It is THAT good.

And "every member a missionary" also includes "every member keeps tabs on every other member" to the tune of "ya know, Bishop I smelled cigarette smoke from brother --------'s house the other night" kind of shit. Big brother got nothing on the LDS.

Subtle shaming, "love bombing" inactive members, monthly visits by representatives of the church to check up on families, including inactive ones, constant urging to pay your tithing to be worthy to go to the temple, being condemned for not living up to priesthood callings, women admonished they won't go to the Celestial Kingdom if their husband isn't worthy- you name it. You are even wearing underwear made by the church. Hope that gives you some idea.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Desdinova on September 18, 2014, 09:29:37 AM
Fuck.  I really had no idea.  Hopefully there's not a militant branch, hate to see a bunch of Shiite Mormons terrorizing the countryside.  How come more Mormons don't see how fucked up and full of shit it is?   Is there a high defection rate?
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 18, 2014, 10:42:39 AM
Quote from: Desdinova on September 18, 2014, 09:29:37 AM
Fuck.  I really had no idea.  Hopefully there's not a militant branch, hate to see a bunch of Shiite Mormons terrorizing the countryside.  How come more Mormons don't see how fucked up and full of shit it is?   Is there a high defection rate?

There is a high defection rate now, largely because of the internet. I defected in 1992 after 2 years of intensive study triggered by the death of my high priest brother. More information here, if you are interested. Also there is a forum you can see how exmembers feel.
http://mormoncurtain.com/
http://www.exmormonforums.com/

There are a few forums. The church doesn't give out numbers, but at least a million people have left by my estimate.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Desdinova on September 18, 2014, 10:49:05 AM
Thanks Strom.  Yeah, I am interested.  I find the whackiness of Mormon beliefs intriguing, plus I really feel for the people brought up in this system.  They seem to have brainwashing down to a science.  Congrats on getting out.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Solitary on September 18, 2014, 10:52:01 AM
Every atheist I have met in Arizona was either Mormon or Seven Day Adventist before they became atheists.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 18, 2014, 12:45:29 PM
Quote from: Desdinova on September 18, 2014, 10:49:05 AM
Thanks Strom.  Yeah, I am interested.  I find the whackiness of Mormon beliefs intriguing, plus I really feel for the people brought up in this system.  They seem to have brainwashing down to a science.  Congrats on getting out.

It helps now that there is a huge support system for exmos that didn't exist when I left. I was pretty much on my own. The other part is I have a fundie family that dates back to the earliest days (my last name is Young) so expectations in that respect were shattered, so to speak, which alienated my siblings. I believe in following my commitments, but having neighbors you've known for years suddenly not speaking to you is tough; not for me, but for the family.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 19, 2014, 09:34:58 PM
Some idea of the authoritarian nature of the LDS Church- this to BYU students

(https://i.imgur.com/zdAvSUl.jpg)

Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: SGOS on September 19, 2014, 10:04:53 PM
Quote from: stromboli on September 19, 2014, 09:34:58 PM
Some idea of the authoritarian nature of the LDS Church- this to BYU students

Good Grief! That's petty.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Hakurei Reimu on September 20, 2014, 10:56:35 PM
Dear Mr. President,

Nobody cares about the grooming standards of someone who believes their underwear will help them become a literal god.

â€"The World.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 20, 2014, 11:29:10 PM
You can end a conversation with Mormons very quickly by saying that anyone who isn't smart enough to figure out Joseph Smith was a womanizing con man isn't smart enough to talk to you.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Hakurei Reimu on September 21, 2014, 04:54:42 PM
You can drop the second 'm' from 'Mormon' and lose no semantic content.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 21, 2014, 06:02:12 PM
Quote from: Hakurei Reimu on September 21, 2014, 04:54:42 PM
You can drop the second 'm' from 'Mormon' and lose no semantic content.

This is true.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: Desdinova on September 22, 2014, 08:19:54 AM
"Obedience", we can't have people running around in shorts now can we?  Wearing shorts leads to long hair, long hair leads to rock n roll, rock n roll leads to pot, pot leads to acid, acid leads to pretty bunny rabbits dressed in neon stockings running accross the front lawn, and all of this will lead to the one thing we are most profoundlt afraid of..........questioning your religion.
Title: Re: Mormons
Post by: stromboli on September 22, 2014, 09:04:21 AM
Once again, this is true.