What is the biggest draw/attraction to mormonism?

I am curious to know what others see as the biggest draw or attraction to mormonism? For my mom, who was a convert at 23 years old, it was the emotional intensity and the draw of being superior and knowing something that others don't know.

My 6 siblings and I were born into the church so we had no choice in the matter, but out of the 5 who have stayed active TBMs the draw is also the feeling of superiority and the default living. They live by default and don't have to think, parent, etc because they just default to all church teaching and outlines. The attitude of superiority is a hug divide between me and my TBM family members. I don't think that gap will ever be bridged because they refuse to respect the way I live, although I make a huge effort to respect their desire to live TBM.

Just curious to know what others see as the major draw or attraction of the LDS church?

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Permalink Reply by Nathan_The_Gay_Chef on June 4, 2012 at 10:32pm

Mary unless you are into narrow minded people, I don't see you getting too much support and friendship in a church when you aren't even sure that you believe in it or not.

So you want to join a religion built upon fraudulent doctrines and lies just so you can get support? Why don't you try a meetup group instead? Why join a cult to get support?

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Permalink Reply by Marshall on June 4, 2012 at 10:45pm

Not much going on. Just mindless chat. Haven't talked with Micah for a while. How's life been treating you?

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Permalink Reply by Nathan_The_Gay_Chef on June 4, 2012 at 10:46pm

The same narrow people, the same mindless chatter.

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Permalink Reply by Idaho Spud on July 22, 2012 at 11:31am

Good point William. You do come-up with new ways of looking at things.

I hear Joseph Smith was charismatic and Brigham Young dynamic, but somewhere along the line, the doldrums set-in.

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Permalink Reply by Whitewings on June 30, 2012 at 5:52am

Interesting question. I haven't yet read all of the responses, but I think some people need parenting all their lives. I think for some people having rules and boundaries keeps them balanced. I'm certain there are many Mormons who really are truly happy with who they are within the religion. I think it is unfortunate that those who need the religion, impose their rules and regulation on those who do not. We are all individuals, it is impossible to think that one set of rules fits us all. I think just as I will show them respect for what they believe, I have the right to expect them to show me the same kind of respect. I think it is important to point that out.

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Permalink Reply by Don on June 30, 2012 at 2:01pm

There are people that DO need structure in their life, they need someone to overloa=rd and tell them that they are good kids and pat them on the head. Your post is accurate. I view it more like feeding cattle through a trough to get them on a transport truck. "Good Cow", and lead them on with hay, old apples and what ever works towards the owners needs. Salt Lake is no different.

I am sure that there are many head hunters in New Guinea that truly enjoy their life and way of living. It does not make it acceptable. Salt Lake is just damned goofy and so full of itself. They bear testimony to each other on the goodness of their ways and how their ancestors that fought the rough seas and endured terrible hardships to be where they are (in grass skirts and spears with no shoes). Their ancestors, and they can see their faces on the shelf, were blessed and fortunate to do as they did.

I strongly dislike the way Salt Lake does things and have no problem on calling them out on it. I still remember a self believing Mission President stating that this (rainbow discussion book) is inspired and cannot be improved upon. Missionaries all looked at each other, smiled, and said "yes". The, a week later the discussion book that was written by God and could not be improved upon, ...was changed by the advertising department, I mean inspired leaderships, in the COB missionary Department.

Its all orchestration! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYCliZ_wDlw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StMUWG7ad2s&feature=relmfu The people wailing have issues as well

They are so acclimated to their own stink that they do not smell it any more.

Don

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Permalink Reply by Whitewings on July 1, 2012 at 5:27am

I think you make a good point Don and I don't pretend to know or advise anyone on how they should feel on any subject. I just know that for me it is better to accept the good in what I see and not focus on the bad. I have found that when I hate someone or some organization, I am suddenly one with them.

As for me I prefer to look for the good and stay away from the bad and try not to judge anyone for their choices. I rarely achieve my goal, but striving to acheive something positive keeps me balanced in some healthy way.

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Permalink Reply by Idaho Spud on July 22, 2012 at 11:39am

Another excellent post Don. I love the perfect rainbow book story and the head-hunter analogy.

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Permalink Reply by Sari on July 8, 2012 at 1:29pm

Very well said Stacy Lynne. I think fear governs a great deal of the actions of many LDS members. I know it governed me for years.

Life on the outside is hard but it was so much harder trying to live up to expectations that were impossible and blindly following concepts that just don't add up if indeed one does want to use their mind and think.

Thanks for your comment, it helps so much to know were aren't alone!

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Permalink Reply by Idaho Spud on July 22, 2012 at 11:48am

Love your post William. "Try Harder." Ain't it the truth?

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Permalink Reply by Stacy Lynne on July 22, 2012 at 1:34pm

Sari I think I wrote this somewhere but can't find it. I'm on my not so smart phone...attraction to the church is many.... Like its the only true church. You is gonna be ah god... Yeeepee. All other churches are false ... You have the corner market on god . And you belong to something bigger than ones self. The members are all in agreement. Believing the same thing it's like a big ole party of spiritually dead people that are alive. I had to attend my brothers going away on a mission with his wife, not too long ago, as I sat there watching the people and listening to the speakers one after another i felt such oppression and lifelessness, this is one of many reasons i left. No joy in all the faces of these people just sitting there. Anyway it really did make me uncomfortable for a minute. I just am glad i am out. Williams comment about keeping members in line... In my opinion fear is a huge part . The fear of failure not to be good enough. So you try harder. It's a big one but it's not the only one. The churches expectations are so high the goal of perfect is not attainable. It's impossible. Pressure from the church, peers etc make things more stressful. So it's a number of things. I like Williams comments. I just think fear is a huge thing. The church uses worthy way too much. The fear of not being worthy is ah big one.

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Permalink Reply by Sari on July 26, 2012 at 12:42pm

Wow, so well said William! That viscous cycle tortured me for years. It is so hard to look back on my years as a TBM and not feel like they were a complete loss and waste....essentially, a hamster running on a wheel going nowhere!!!