| Mormons and Politics |  |  | |
| Archive | |||
|
Posted by: Johnny Gee ® 04/03/2002, 20:50:59 Author Profile Mail author |
Can someone inform me as the role of the LDS church in politics? Does the church tell members how to vote? Is the goal really a theocracy? Any references would be appreciated. I live in Arizona and became interested in the LDS organization because of its seemingly disproportionate influence in state and local politics. Over 20% of our state legislature is now LDS. The Chief Justice of the the Arizona Supreme Court is LDS. The leading candidate for governor, Matt Salmon, formerly a US Senator from Arizona, is also Mormon, as is Jeff Flake, a currently member of the US House of Representatives from Arizona. |
| | Recommend | Alert | Previous | Next | Current page |
Replies to this message
Re: Mormons and Politics Re: Mormons and Politics -- Johnny Gee Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Tyler ®
04/04/2002, 03:30:07
Author Profile Mail author
Hi Jonny Gee! Glad to see another Arizonan on the board. I'm from Tucson, but I confess that I have not been too actively involved in local politics, and had no idea that the Mormon influence here was so pervasive. I knew that the state was fairly fundamentalist, but I was unaware of the Mormon influence. They're everywhere!
As for mormons and their politics, I can tell you that, yes, the hierarchy does tell their members how to vote. And not only in general elections, but on specific issues. The church is adamantly opposed to civil rights for minorities, gays, and women, and often campaigns directly against any measures that seek to give these groups more rights. One particularly egregious example was the church's active campaigning for the Orwellian "Defense of Marriage Act" in California. This act made it law in California that the state would not recognize gay marriages performed in other states. Thus, a couple married in Vermont would not be recognized as a married couple, and would not be allowed the benefits of marriage, in California. There are other issues like this where the church has been instrumental in defeating civil rights measures. This is why Utah, for example, is such a backwater.
The mormon church, like many other religious groups, is very conservative. Conservatives want to conserve, and what they want to conserve is power. Those in the church hierarchy enjoy a completely artificial prestige due to their position that they maintain through the dishonesty of religious indoctrination. They use whatever means are available to them to maintain this power, and this often involves political action.
The ultimate goal of the mormon church is a theocracy. This is no secret, and is intrinsic to the religion. The early church was a real theocracy, and this is the model toward which they work today.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: Mormons and Politics Re: Re: Mormons and Politics -- Tyler Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Johnny Gee ®
04/04/2002, 15:01:54
Author Profile Mail author
I think if Arizonans were made aware of LDS theology regarding people of dark skin, women and gays, many of them would be less likely to support Mormon political candidates. Unfortunately, this is Arizona and some would be more likely to support LDS candidates if they knew about the inherent bigotry of Mormon theology. Arizona has a lot of bigots. I believe that the founders of this religion pandered to the baser prejudices of people of the time to facilitate the influence of their organization.
Here's an amusing URL I found: http://www.bible.ca/mor-racial-slurs.htm
I have met Mormons who did not appear to be bigoted. I wonder how they rationalize the teachings of church founders who argue that dark skinned persons have the mark of Cain and that the penalty for interracial marraige should be death. (Brigham Young)
Mormonism was the Scientology of its day. I would not surprise me if L. Ron Hubbard modeled Scientology, to some degree, on Mormonism.
I have no problem with whatever silly shit people choose to believe, but when they start passing laws imposing their beliefs on me, then I have a problem.
It worries me that the next governor of our state is likely to be a TBM. I am considering moving.
Modified by Johnny Gee at Thu, Apr 04, 2002, 17:11:22
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: Mormons and Politics Re: Mormons and Politics -- Johnny Gee Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Alf Omega ®
04/04/2002, 19:08:10
Author Profile Mail author
It appears that I have acquired the role of being the voice of the reasonable ex-believer on this forum. This grows out of my largely affectionate view of the faith of my fathers. I recognize the operability of political machinations within the Mormon hierarchy now, but I also know the Mormon people (I still am one), and there are no vast conspiracies going on here. So let me address your question under three categories:
1. Private political influence by Mormon general authorities. I have no doubt that there is a lot of influence peddling going on from LDS Church headquarters, some of it subtle and discreet, some of it bald-faced and overt. It will probably be another generation or two (after the principals are dead) before we will begin to have a good idea of just what forms this power brokerage is taking. I have no reason to believe that it is any different than the typical lobbying that goes on from all moneyed quarters. (Granted, that's bad enough.)
While some LDS politicians may be susceptible of private manipulation by Church leaders, I wouldn't assume that the Church gets exclusive influence over any politician's actions. They compete with other lobbyists as well.
2. Official political promotion. Sometimes the Church takes an official political position. It opposed the development of the MX missile system (mainly because it was going to be deployed near the Utah-Nevada border) and the Equal Rights Amendment. It also waged a nudge-nudge-wink-wink-unofficial campaign for California's "Defense of Marriage" Act. (rpcman has some helpful links here.) The unofficialness seems to have been lost on many members, who don't grasp the tax exempt issues the church could be exposed to if it is caught in overt advocacy.
The Church has not, in my recollection, ever endorsed or opposed a particular candidate for any office. The current mayor of Salt Lake City is a cantankerous liberal ex-Mormon named Rocky Anderson. The second counselor in the First Presidency is James E. Faust, who was a Democrat last I heard.
3. Ideological tendencies in the membership. There is no denying that Mormons are political conservatives. The Reagan years were nirvana. This is, of course, a generalization with a whole lot of exceptions. In my experience, you can hold almost any political persuasion you like if you don't promote it at church. But like any social group, the more you fit in, the more you feel at home.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: Mormons and Politics Re: Re: Mormons and Politics -- Alf Omega Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Johnny Gee ®
04/04/2002, 19:31:53
Author Profile Mail author
There is no conspiracy, we all just think alike. Since we are in sole possession of the Truth, we have the right to impose it on you.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: Mormons and Politics Re: Mormons and Politics -- Johnny Gee Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Tanner ®
04/07/2002, 16:10:26
Author Profile Mail author
My first post! Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am 18 and I live in Utah. I was born in a mormon family and was baptized when I was 8. Not to long ago I found out the mormon church is not true. Boy, have I taken a lot of crap since then. Anyway, the mormons are not in a huge conspiracy, but they do think that they have the truth and everyone should think the same way they do. That is why they take strong political stands.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
let me be the first.... Re: Re: Mormons and Politics -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: rdl ®
04/07/2002, 18:29:30
Author Profile Mail author
to "officially" welcome you to the forum. The more active and senior posters are all apparently at church today. ;-)
I hope you enjoy and learn as much as I have.
regards,
rdl
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: let me be the first.... Re: let me be the first.... -- rdl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/07/2002, 20:21:47
Author Profile Mail author
rdl states: The more active and senior posters are all apparently at church today. ;-)
Vicki: Well I was, but I don't think our Agnostic or Athiest friends were! Hey rdl! Let's find out about Tanner shall we?
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: let me be the first.... Re: Re: let me be the first.... -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: rdl ®
04/07/2002, 21:24:45
Author Profile Mail author
Hey Jersey Girl! Let's let Tanner tell us about him/herself of him/her own volition....besides, of course, that he/she is 18 and a first time poster. (was I ever that young...and did I care about the stuff that gets discussed on this board then?)
ps. glad to see you posting regularly. I'm hoping that it means your life is on a more even keel.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Tanner!! Re: Re: Mormons and Politics -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/07/2002, 20:24:31
Author Profile Mail author
Hi Tanner!
I have several questions for you, let's start here. HOW did you come to find out the Mormon Church was not true?
Vicki
p.s. And might I join rdl in welcoming you to our happy/angry/ fun/ annoying/informative cyber community! You can't leave now Tanner....you belong to US!
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Let me be the first to... Re: Re: Mormons and Politics -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Aaron V. ®
04/07/2002, 21:02:20
Author Profile Mail author
...apologize for the antics of the posters (Martin in particular*)! I would hope you will continue to post here, and to a variety of thread topics -- the more varying ideas we have, the more interesting a place this becomes. At any rate, welcome to the board!
Aaron
Note to Martin: Please don't hurt me!
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Aaron, IMHO Re: Let me be the first to... -- Aaron V. Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/07/2002, 21:15:55
Author Profile Mail author
that was particularly uncalled for.
Vicki
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
really...? Re: Aaron, IMHO -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: rdl ®
04/07/2002, 21:46:29
Author Profile Mail author
Martin can be a pretty scary guy sometimes...and to tangle with him can be very scary and require a strong sort of constitution.* I don't think that Aaron was out of line. I would also assume that Tanner has been lurking and has a pretty good idea of what to expect. just IMHO.
*Martin can also be very kind, funny, caring, helpful and always willing to educate anyone...providing you're willing to learn.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
I suspect Re: really...? -- rdl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/07/2002, 23:38:31
Author Profile Mail author
it is far more forthright to allow newcomers to meet posters as they find them rather than to sensationalize or even bias their judgement of them. Thanks for cluing me in on Martin, I didn't know all those things, sounds like an interesting guy.
Vicki
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Vicki, Re: Aaron, IMHO -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Aaron V. ®
04/07/2002, 22:48:43
Author Profile Mail author
don't you recognize a joke when you see one??
Aaron
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
So that was a joke! Re: Vicki, -- Aaron V. Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/07/2002, 23:42:16
Author Profile Mail author
At whose expense and for what purpose? I wonder how the subject of the joke will receive it? I suppose we'll find out before long. I must be losing my sense of humor...
Vicki
Modified by Jersey Girl at Sun, Apr 07, 2002, 23:44:25
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
It's all right, Vicki Re: So that was a joke! -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Aaron V. ®
04/07/2002, 23:51:44
Author Profile Mail author
In the mean time, here's a little something to settle your nerves...
http://www.earthsoundsmusic.com/satielisten.html
Aaron
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Is it? Re: It's all right, Vicki -- Aaron V. Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/08/2002, 14:51:44
Author Profile Mail author
Aaron,
When my "nerves" are unsettled believe me, you'll know. On first read your comments seemed unnecessary and intended to characterize another poster to a new comer for what purpose I don't know. Second and third readings of your comments produced the same results. I'm wondering though, perhaps you might like to create a new thread intended to characterize all of the regular's here? That way newcomers can pick up their built in biases and preconceived notions at the door when they walk in. You could call it "All about us" and set people up before they even post! Sure would save alot of time.
Vicki
p.s. "antics" , indeed.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: Is it? Re: Is it? -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Aaron V. ®
04/08/2002, 17:38:09
Author Profile Mail author
Vicki,
That was a surprisingly defensive and immature post; I can honestly say I am disappointed in you.
Aaron
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Spare me the sanctimony Aaron Re: Re: Is it? -- Aaron V. Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/08/2002, 19:34:12
Author Profile Mail author
it doesn't come off well in light of your recent gaffe.
Vicki
Modified by Jersey Girl at Mon, Apr 08, 2002, 19:36:57
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Aaron can only apologize for himself Re: Let me be the first to... -- Aaron V. Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Martin ®
04/08/2002, 06:27:10
Author Profile Mail author
Aaron, I'm not angry, but I'll do my own apologizing when and if I see fit if that's okay with you.
You say you were making a joke. If so, it certainly went over my head, but then again I may merely be humor-impaired. Could you please explain the joke to me?
- Martin
Modified by Martin at Mon, Apr 08, 2002, 06:30:09
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Yikes, Martin! Re: Aaron can only apologize for himself -- Martin Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Aaron V. ®
04/08/2002, 17:41:52
Author Profile Mail author
Martin,
Perhaps it was my fault for not making my joshing more apparant. But I certainly was in no way attempting to submit serious commentary. At any rate, I apologize for any confusion.
Aaron
Modified by Aaron V. at Mon, Apr 08, 2002, 17:43:14
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
To Jersey Girl Re: Let me be the first to... -- Aaron V. Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Tanner ®
04/09/2002, 13:29:25
Author Profile Mail author
Thanks for the welcome. I am a male, I think someone wanted to know that. Anyway, I last summer I was thinking a lot about stuff that I had read in the BofM that confused me like horses, chariots, swords, etc. I decided to find out the real story behind the Mormon church. I went to my local library and checked out The Quest for the Gold Plates and a history book. From those two books I decided the history of the BofM didn't match recorded history. I have since become skeptical about everything the church says. I don't see how the foundation of a religion, the BofM, could be false but the rest of the religion is true. I have come to believe that all religion is simply ideas and theories.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Thanks Tanner! Re: To Jersey Girl -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/09/2002, 14:37:01
Author Profile Mail author
You will no doubt enjoy participating on this board then. I would describe myself as a born again Christian with some liberal viewpoints. I attend a Southern Baptist Church but don't necessarily consider myself an SB. Don't let our "in house" bickering scare you away....sometimes we get on eachothers nerves. So Tanner, how do you deal with your family since you've pulled back from church doctrine? Do you still attend? How does it go for you?
Vicki
p.s. If you want to know who we all are...you can ask us for a "Roll Call" and we'll check in with our religious or non-religious affiliation. You've walked into a fine collection of people here. Some of us have been around for a long time...some are relatively new...I personally like it when someone new comes along. Once again, welcome!
Modified by Jersey Girl at Tue, Apr 09, 2002, 14:41:27
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: To Jersey Girl Re: To Jersey Girl -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: mikwut ®
04/09/2002, 15:24:07
Author Profile Mail author
I welcome you as well Tanner. I hope you stay and post often. I hate to take you to task on your "welcome" post but, alas, it is a forum of this purpose.
I am one of the few believing Mormons posting on the board and I am sure you will get back-up to what I am going to accuse you of. But do you really expect me buy your quick-trip to the library has convinced you so matter-of-factly of the falsity of the Mormon Church it appears you were raised in? And that you also made the journey to all religions are just ideas and not substantively correct in a thoughtful and reflective process that I would hope included much more than what you glibly post? I am much more apt to take such posters as Craig C. much more seriously in his journey away from the church to unbelief than I am of a fast-food research project and throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
I last summer I was thinking a lot about stuff that I had read in the BofM that confused me like horses, chariots, swords, etc.
This sounds to be a little TOO cliche and easy for my taste. I am almost sure your little trip to the library and the "Quest for Gold Plates" was more of a "rationalization" for what you obviously have not put ENOUGH thought into instead of a reflective "rationale". You see as I am well aware of the sword of evidence against the church I am also well aware of the evidence for it. Your quick waving of the hand doesn't seem very thoughtful to me.
But, convince me otherwise.
mikwut
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Tell me something mikwut? Re: Re: To Jersey Girl -- mikwut Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/09/2002, 20:58:01
Author Profile Mail author
mikwut,
I thought this post was directed toward me so I naturally opened and read it. Let me ask you something. I'm assuming that you're a TBM. Now, if I'm incorrect on that count please stop me. mikwut, how long did it take for you to believe that the church is true? Can you describe the process by which you arrived at that belief?
Vicki
Modified by Jersey Girl at Tue, Apr 09, 2002, 21:07:27
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: Tell me something mikwut? Re: Tell me something mikwut? -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: mikwut ®
04/09/2002, 21:51:07
Author Profile Mail author
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
mikwut, do you have an answer? Re: Re: Tell me something mikwut? -- mikwut Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/09/2002, 23:40:30
Author Profile Mail author
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
What's with you mikwut? Re: mikwut, do you have an answer? -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/10/2002, 16:51:06
Author Profile Mail author
mikwut,
Here you are pressuring Tanner to give an account of his journey toward unbelief in the church (which he already described BTW) and yet you appear to be unwilling to account for the journey that caused you to arrive at the opposite station--belief. I don't know if you posted prematurely and it went up "no text" or if the shoe's too tight when placed on the other foot...and you're avoiding. What's fair, is fair...isn't it?
Vicki
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: What's with you mikwut? Re: What's with you mikwut? -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: mikwut ®
04/10/2002, 21:15:55
Author Profile Mail author
Vicki,
I don't know if you posted prematurely and it went up "no text" or if the shoe's too tight when placed on the other foot...and you're avoiding. What's fair, is fair...isn't it? - Absolutely!
I sincerely apologize for the misperception my no-text and absent response has created. I pointed out to Craig C. in a current conversation I am having with him on page 2 that I was leaving town on Saturday which is when I also posted to Tanner what I did. I returned home and when I attempted to respond to your post I couldn't click to make a cursor appear. I shut down my computer and tried again and it still wouldn't allow me to write any text, out of frustration I must of hit enter and posted a no-text for which I can see the misperception that would cause. I am indeed sorry. Just to clear up the confusion I am a male, the name is accidental and has just stuck. Mike is the first name and wut is just a composite with my last name. It was actually a typo.
Your question is a good one. I am probably a lot like Tanner although not raised in Utah as I am surmising so far of Tanner, I rather had the opportunity of being raised a Mormon minority in the prettier side of the rockies and the truly good snow of Colorado (I am being bias here). My religious upbringing was probably very similar though as my father and mother are both very conservative, even sterotypical mormon parents. What I do know is that at the age Tanner explained to be at a great many reasons could be why Tanner has abandoned belief - most them not very critical or thoughtful. For that reason I pressed Tanner further; for his brief synopsis is in my opinion cliche ridden of simple anti-mormon bigotry.
My belief consists of a primary and basic belief that God exists, this facet of my belief I have been consistently defending on the board for several months, it is further structured on the practical results of the gospel understood in Mormonism and confirmatory revelation of the Book of Mormon. My belief has matured and developed as I have grown older which further confirms it for me. It has sustained critical attack very satisfactorily for me and has also answered the universal questions who am I, where I am going, etc.. on a depthful scale that I haven't found duplicated in many years of studying reading and reflecting. Is it infallible - No, could I be wrong, of course. But I sincerely don't believe the general beliefs I have to be in error such as God's existence and love for me and all others, the BoM and Joseph Smith. If I had heard something from Tanner that consisted of a more balanced decision making I wouldn't offer the least bit of opinion to the contrary. A young man or woman raised in the church who abandons belief is unfortunately alienating themselves and a big part of who they are from those that are going to be a part of the rest of their lives, and if it is genuine that is one thing, if it is knee-jerk that is quite another.
Thank you for the question vicki and good talking to you.
mikwut
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: To Jersey Girl Re: Re: To Jersey Girl -- mikwut Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Tanner ®
04/10/2002, 15:35:59
Author Profile Mail author
Do you think I give a shit if you accept the way I came to my conclusions, mikwut? I have come here to hear different opinions on religion. To Jersey Girl, I do have trouble sometimes with my family, but I think they are just trying to do what they think is best. No, I don't attend church anymore, but I do attend seminary through my high school.
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: To Jersey Girl Re: Re: To Jersey Girl -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
04/10/2002, 16:47:12
Author Profile Mail author
Tanner,
Don't worry about mikwut. Considering that he/she asked you for an account of your path to disbelief, I find it odd that mikwut wasn't willing to answer my question concerning his/her path in the opposite direction. Anyway...why do you continue to attend seminary? What are your thoughts on mission work? Do you suppose (with what foresight you can have on this side of the decision) that you will follow through and go on a mission as is customary in the LDS Church? Of course your family wants what they feel is the best outcome for you Tanner. It sounds like your challenge is to maintain your family relationships while remaining true to your inner voice. Not an easy journey for sure.
Vicki
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Re: To Jersey Girl Re: Re: To Jersey Girl -- Tanner Top of thread Archive
Posted by: mikwut ®
04/10/2002, 21:21:08
Author Profile Mail author
Tanner,
Do you think I give a shit if you accept the way I came to my conclusions, mikwut?
No, I don't even know you. But I certainly would expect a more confident and less hostile response concerning them if they are genuine even if I did jump on you rather abrasively. I don't think my questions were outside of the parameters of the very board you visited and posted on, do you?
I have come here to hear different opinions on religion.
Mormonism is a religion, and I do have some opinions.
I am sorry if I came across the wrong way Tanner. Maybe I should have just asked you to elaborate on your decision for unbelief, I am sincerely interested.
mikwut
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
Arrogance of the believer Re: Re: To Jersey Girl -- mikwut Top of thread Archive
Posted by: The Vines ®
04/21/2002, 21:32:57
Author Profile Mail author
Dear Mikwut:
Your feelings keep you in the Church. Others' keep them out, or drive them out. Feelings they are in any case. You cannot force faith on anyone. You choose to have faith, others choose to not have it.
If you consider our newcomer's departure from the Church as immature it is because you are judging with your own standard and with your set of assumptions.
Your rebuttal should have focussed on the issues that cause skepticism in the lad, not in the skepticism itself. Your condescending attitude and belittleing of our newcomer is a clear symptom of the irrationality behind the gut feelings that drive you.... Attacking his feelings rather than his ideas... now that is arrogance.
TV
(P.S. From one believer to another... Seek a little deeper.)
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
and further Re: Arrogance of the believer -- The Vines Top of thread Archive
Posted by: The Vines ®
04/28/2002, 11:34:05
Author Profile Mail author
your reference to newcomer's doubts being more a rationalization than anything else.... may be unfamiliar lingo to many here but not to me. I know what you mean by that... You think there are other issues (probably pertaining to commandments) that are at the base, and he is rationalizing away his contrasting feelings by finding faults in Church belief...
In any case, whatever you meant, he/she has all the right to rationalize... He seeks rationality in a world of irrational faith... of course the consequences are often A CHOICE to not accept faith, as others instead CHOOSE to have it. At least there is a recognition of choice. The majority do not even consider a choice, they simply blindly follow their irrationality and call it rationality, thus avoiding the contrasts of feelings and thoughts that come from having to evaluate and choose.
TV
| Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original Top of thread Previous | Next | Current page
