The Mormon Church and The World Wide Web
Posted by: Andee / Category: Church, Mormon, Religion, Resignation
Many years ago I was taught that I should automatically ignore and mistrust any information I came across online that was negative of the church. My leaders told me it was simply a group of angry, bitter, bored anti-Mormons that would do and say anything to tear down your faith. These people were sad and lonely, and found this kind of thing fun and exciting. These people would love nothing more than to tear the church down. We were to simply ignore what they said, and not even bother reading it.
Thank God I didn't listen to those leaders.
When I first started doing my research a year ago, the first thing I came across was a website about the Book of Abraham. My brain went into auto-pilot and I immediately became defensive and angry about the person spreading lies about Mormonism. I didn't realize that everything I was reading was 100% true, and that the Book of Abraham couldn't possibly come close to be true scriptures. It's obvious now that Joseph Smith made it up.
Then, I came across photo of Joseph Smith using a peep-stone in a top hat. I assumed the author of the website was making fun of the South Park episode which shows the same thing. I remember thinking that the person who made the website obviously didn't do his/her homework. How wrong I was. I soon realized that the stories I had been told in church and church functions were incorrect, and that the paintings and drawings that were shown to me were false.
Who can't trust who now?
The church has been concerned for a very long time about people going online and reading these websites. They tell members that reading the websites will make you lose your testimony in the church, and they are right. They will. It's pretty clear that most of the websites out there are just being honest. There *are* sites out there that are extremely negative, and that paint a worse picture than necessary, but in my opinion the authors of these sites are angry. I am angry too! I was lied to! These websites are talking about things the church simply wants to keep quiet. By telling their members that they should automatically ignore sites like this, they are trying to hold onto that member... trying to keep their version of events alive.
A recent Ensign article is now asking members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to go online and defend the church. Personally, I think this is great news. If members of the church go online and get into discussions they might actually have to THINK critically. They might learn something about church history that was kept from them on purpose. They might actually realize that the brethren are not as honest as they would like you to think they are.
The article from the church magazine goes on to say that members of the church should never become rude or arrogant while talking with those who disagree with you (something I believe is right! Being hateful doesn't get anyone anywhere.) and that being kind is the best way to show them what Mormonism is about.
Most Mormons are amazing, kind, sweet, intelligent people. I think the church now realizes that trying to keep members from the internet isn't going to work. People are going to go online, it's a part of everyday life now. They can't control it any more. So instead of hanging back and asking members to stay away, they want more people out there defending the LDS Church.
M. Russell Ballard, the author of the church article, spells it out for those reading the magazine... he says, "Our position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends in the same room would have, always guided by the prompting of the Spirit and constantly remembering the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, which reminds us of how precious are the children of our Father in Heaven."
Mayhem, a member of PostMormon.org said:
I sincerely hope that more members of the church realize that they are being treated like children. No man in Salt Lake City should have the power to decide what you should and shouldn't know about the history of your own church.So I guess no matter what you come across just remember, it doesn't matter, the church is true.
All church members should have all the information, and I still stand by the fact that it is morally wrong for the church to teach investigators inaccurate information to get them baptized.
Who knows, maybe we will get more people involved in the mass resignation thanks to this very article?
July 2, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Russel Ballards idea for members to get on the Internet and define Mormonism will fail.
Those who know the real issues and historical stuff will unlikely be swayed by a TBM's " I know its True" so there atitude.
I think many church members will most likely get disillusioned when they find out the ugly stuff .
And anyway why should ordinary members defend and define the church? Why doesn't Ballard and his felow GA's do it.Afterall members don't speak for the church, so what is the point !
Who actually does speaks for the church?
July 2, 2008 at 3:17 PM
Andee,
Thanks for the mention in your blog, I'm enjoying reading it daily.
One of the biggest things that has shocked me as I've begun my search for "further light and knowledge" pertaining to the church, it's history and it's doctrine is the extent of mind control that the leaders exert over the membership. You're taught what to believe, how to act and what to read and study. If you deviate from this then your sinning or putting yourself in the path of the adversary and his temptations or you simple don't have enough faith to follow the "prophet". If you read objective material about the church that might not be endorsed by the church then you're looking at "anti" mormon literature and you're at risk of becoming an apostate.
This push for the membership to flock to the internet will expose this fact as I'd venture to say that 80% of the membership know very little of the actual history of the church and it's past doctrine. If anything, this will hopefully lead many to know more about the truth of the LDS faith and it will expose those who have allowed themselves to be raped of their critical thinking skills.
Mayhem
July 3, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Grandma's old saying is still true "If it doesn't kill you, it can make you stronger". :)
You are correct, Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to learn and grow and weigh many matters which may stretch their scope of belief. The information age has SuperSized now! It gets a bit dizzying for any human being now. One of the church articles of faith states 'If there is anything lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things'. Latter-day Saints do not hide themselves away from society, they are seekers of info. The key then is in the processing of all the information
No man or leader of the church has ever told me how to think or feel, or made decisions for me! Many men, women, leaders and fellow members have, however, offered me teachings and instruction that have guided my personal quest for truth and knowledge. It is only when we rely on the Holy Ghost that we are able to find the truth.
Joseph Smith wisely stated regarding each member's role; "We teach them correct principles, and then allow them to govern themselves"
God does the same thing. He teaches, He gives commands to safegaurd His children, He invites. He never forces.
To me, Elder Ballard's invitation to members to get out there and be a part of the world conversation is exciting! It is a testament to the principle of the freedom that members are allowed to think, act, speak and feel for themselves. And it reaffirms that our church is as far away from being a cult as one can get! ;)
As I have stayed close to the Holy Spirit, I have found that for me personally, my beliefs have just naturally aligned themselves to the teachings of the prophets.
Best wishes on your own spiritual journey! It is an amazing time to be alive!
July 3, 2008 at 2:02 PM
MormonSoprano,
Thank you for being so respectful. Most believing Mormons come to this blog and lash out as if I had done something to them personally. I really appreciate the tone of the things you had to say.
It's cool that you are a believing Mormon, but I can't get past the things that were purposefully kept from me when I was active.
You are allowed to think, feel, and speak as you wish. I agree. It's just when you speak to other Mormons about these feelings that you get into trouble. There are more excommunications due to this very thing than you will probably know.
Take care of yourself.
Andee