What is the definition of 'anti-Mormon'? - Anti-Mormon Caucus (Just Kidding)

Mormon Times ^ | March 5, 2010 | By McKay Coppins

[greyfoxx39]

What is the definition of 'anti-Mormon'?

 

I have often heard the criticism that Latter-day Saints classify everyone who disagrees with our beliefs as "anti-Mormon." Of course, the people who say this are usually anti-Mormons. Am I proving their point? I don't think so.

I actually agree that this is a problem in our church. After all, our belief system, if firmly embraced, demands a lot of personal sacrifice, and we often become hyper-defensive when we sense a threat to our faith.

Unfortunately, this often leads to irrational name-calling and blindly neglecting to differentiate between non-Mormons and anti-Mormons.

Of course, that's not to say anti-Mormons don't exist, or that it's unimportant to identify them. We just need to properly define the term.

First of all, we shouldn't call people who simply don't believe in Mormonism "anti-Mormons." We should call them Catholics or Baptists or Muslims or atheists. People who ascribe themselves to faiths or philosophies that contradict Mormonism should not automatically be seen as antagonists. They should be credited with having their own beliefs.

Now, what about people who try to convert Latter-day Saints to their belief systems? Are they anti-Mormons?

No.

The believing Baptist who testifies of his church's doctrine to a Latter-day Saint is trying to do something he believes is constructive. Even if he attempts to point out supposed flaws in Mormon doctrine, if his genuine intent is to save a soul and he maintains a polite, rational tone, I don't think he deserves the anti-Mormon label. After all, should Mormon missionaries be considered anti-Catholics or anti-Protestants?

The line, I believe, that separates non-Mormons from anti-Mormons is motivation. Anti-Mormons are people who put down Mormon beliefs, practices and people simply for the sake of destroying their faith. Not many anti-Mormons would admit that is their primary goal, of course, but that doesn't mean it isn't so.

For the most part, anti-Mormons should be ignored. But before that can happen, they have to be identified

[greyfoxx39]

Disclaimer: I am former LDS and "anti"MORMONISM. I post articles from official mormon sources that often relate to current discussions taking place on the forum to provide a means for open discussion in the Religion forum.

 

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[greyfoxx39]

Ping

[Deaf Smith]

Horned Frogs?

[Safrguns]

“Anti” simply means against.

I am against the teachings of Mormonism.

I am therefore “Anti-Mormon”

I don’t have a problem with it.

I do have a problem with people who try to sugar coat a lie.... regardless of their faith.

If someone is not willing to test their own faith, then do they really have any?

[Andyman]

There’s a BIG difference between being anti-Mormon and being anti-Mormonism. I’m surrounded by Mormons at work and at home. They are among the best co-workers and are the best neighbors I’ve ever had. I can’t believe what they believe, but I love them nonetheless.

[SkyDancer]

Anti-Mormon? To me it’s disagreeing with their theology. You do that and they come back with “you’re anti-Mormon” ...

[colorcountry]

Great article. We see a lot of the knee-jerk reaction here on FR to anyone who tries to talk rationally about the beliefs of Mormonism.

It seems when those beliefs cannot be defended the most common reaction is to attack the messenger.

[CalvaryJohn]

I am anti Mormon theology.

I love Mormons. They make great neighbors. They’re patriotic and conservative. They make good radio hosts. They run really nice hotels.

The theology is a big, fat, joke.

[T Minus Four]

If someone is not willing to test their own faith, then do they really have any?

Good staement. I find on these posts that some LDS are not willing to defend their beliefs, and even openly admit to them.

[T Minus Four]

It's true - I live in Utah and my Mormon friends and coworkers are some the most upright, honest, kind people I have ever known

However, they do not know Jesus Christ and they are horribly deceived.

If I were looking for a social club I'd join the LDS church, but I'm more concerned with my destiny after death, and they are not pointing to where I want to go.

[ejonesie22]

Any non-Mormon who post, even without comment, Mormon doctrine or dogma is an anti-Mormon.

[Graybeard58]

our belief system, if firmly embraced, demands a lot of personal sacrifice

Along with sacrificing reason and common sense.

[ejonesie22]

Pretty good summation.

[TheThirdRuffian]

I thought “anti-mormon” meant anyone who called out Mitt Romney for being the fake RINO tool that he is.

[svcw]

On FR, it is anyone who posts anything (whether word, links to words, personal experiences, etc) that in anyway shines the light of truth on mormonism is anti.

[Grunthor]

“What is the definition of ‘anti-Mormon’?”

A mormon might (not unlike some catholics) consider those who are not mormon to be “anti-mormon.”

My belief is that an anti-mormon is one who spends almost all of their time online in a political forum, posting on the evils of a religion that they disagree with.

[Grunthor]

You are good people.

[Manic_Episode]

I am anti-counterfeit.

[Edward Watson]

Anti-Mormon = a person who distorts the true beliefs of Mormons and attacks and demonizes them BASED on the misrepresentation.

Critic = Someone who condemns or opposes the true beliefs of Mormons, but doesn’t misrepresent them and, due to their integrity, accepts correction when learning the true beliefs.

I have a huge problem with the former but none with the latter.

The players on this forum have repeatedly lied and distorted our true beliefs. I frankly do not care if people join the LDS Church - I’ve moved beyond trying to convert people. If they want to join, fine; if they don’t want, no skin off my nose. What I do not tolerate are the lying and misrepresentation.

[ejonesie22]

And yet you consistently can't point out the lies and distortions or if you think you have are presented with LDS doctrine and dogma the shows no such lie or distortion exists, it is just another in a long line of LDS contradictions and doctrinal slight of hands....

So I guess we are all just critics then.

Well that's progress...