&%@#$ Mormons

[Levi]

Yesterday I was doing some yard work and my 'No Soliciting. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons, THIS MEANS YOU!' sign got wet and I took it down.

Well, they must have been lurking, just waiting for the sign to fall, because today they showed up. I was starving and I was about to eat and I was NOT in the mood. I came to the door and I saw them standing on the other side of the screen door and I explained that my sign had gotten wet yesterday, assured them that I would make a new one, and explained, calmly, that I really didn't want to talk now.

"We'd just like a minute of your time to share the good news of-"

"I said no. I don't want to talk to you. Goodbye."

"We just want to talk."

I pointed to the number on my door and I said, "Do you see this number? Remember it. If you are ever interested in leaving your cult and you need some help, I'll try to help you. Until that day, don't come back to this address."

"Do you know what a cult is, Ma'am?"

"Yes, I do. Go away."

"What do you think a cult is?"

"A group of people who all hold the same irrational beliefs without questioning, who dress alike, and who aren't allowed to hang out with people who aren't in their cult. Get off of my porch and out of my yard."

"Where did you get that definition, Ma'am?"

I looked them up and down. "It's an observation I've made."

"We just want to talk to you..."

"Look at these numbers," I said, pointing again to my address, "don't you people have a list of hostile people like me who don't want you to come to their houses?"

"No."

"Make one and put me on it! Now get off of my porch and out of my yard. Right now."

Then one of the little punks, I kid you not, says, "You don't have to have an attitude about it."

I got angry. I went outside. Now we were all standing on my little, tiny concrete porch, face to face. I yelled, "Get off of my porch and out of my yard NOW, asshole. You're tresspassing."

"I am leaving. I just want to talk to you. And you shouldn't use that language in front of your kids." He didn't move, though.

"Do I have to call the cops? Go! Now!" I said. Then I chased them out of my yard.

As they walked away the more obnoxious one said, "You really need an attitude adjustment."

When they left I got the phonebook out and ended up talking to one of their bishops. I described the boys and their behavior. I said that when strange men refuse to leave my yard, I have every right to call the cops. I said that they smarted off to me and refused to leave. He said they'd be "reprimanded".

I'm making a new sign tonight. I'm looking for the URL of a good website about leaving your destructive cult, even though I read tonight that they're not allowed to use the internet. I want to put the URL on my No Soliciting sign.

I had a talk with my kids, too, about how to spot a Mormon and what to say them if they're approached.

Fucking asshole Mormons.

You know, the only reason they get away with this is because of the way they look. If a bunch of hippies or dreads went door-to-door hassling people the National Guard would get involved.

[crummyrummy]

were they on bikes?

[Levi]

No, they weren't on bikes.


Now the signs on my doors say

NO SOLICITING
NO MORMONS
NO JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
YES FREEDOM TO THINK FOR YOURSELF



I always knew that Mormons were weird, and I had read about Joseph Smith and his whole story in a newspaper article, but it wasn't until I went looking for a helpful website that I learned even more bizarre stuff. They can't read stuff that's not approved, for example.

Also, I assumed they travelled in pairs so there'd be a witness if someone just lost their patience and got rid of one of them, but no. It's so that they can supervise each other so they don't go astray while they're out in the world.

For a moment, I wished I belonged to the NRA. Or at least had one of their stickers.

[happykoala]

hate to say it but some of the nicest people I know are Mormon....

[heron]

I know a mormon, she uses the internet.

Its funny, we are all pagan, her husband is pagan
and she is adopted into our tribe.

Shit, maybe the cant use the net, cause im sure
hanging out with pagans is a no no too.

[Kharakov]

You know, the only reason they get away with this is because of the way they look. If a bunch of hippies or dreads went door-to-door hassling people the National Guard would get involved.
That's because hippies and dreads purposefully look the way they do to show their non-conformity with the norms of society. Since the norms of society are peaceful coexistence, purposefully looking different makes the people who purpusefully look the same to make others comfortable feel like the person who looks like a hippy does it to make them feel uncomfortable.

Mormans are trying to help people out, however misguided they are. People like you are the problem, those who react violently to another without understanding that they are trying to make you happier. Yeah, you are ugly and different, but this is just because you reject the love of society and choose the counter-culture because of your hatred for society. Should society respect your hatred or eliminate you?

I, for one, welcome our new hippy overlords... :p

[heron]

I dont look like I do to show non-conformity. I look the way I do because
that is the way I look.

[Fjolnirsson]

For a moment, I wished I belonged to the NRA. Or at least had one of their stickers.
Why?

[Sage-Phoenix]

To scare them off maybe.


Never knew about the internet thing, I know a few mormons through another forum. They're perfectly nice people, took me a while to realise they were even religious and that's only cause they 'fessed up'. Same with me being pagan, so hmm fair play.

We don't tend to get mormons and such around here much, but then Britan is pretty secluar. My parents just refuse to answer the door to them, or let my brother because he sociable and a bit gullible.
I've talked to a few, just out of genuine curiosity and to humour them. Then gone away chuckling about 'do not suffer a witch to live'. If it bothered me I'd just say 'no thank you' and shut the door/walk away.

Know they have some crazy stuff going, but I guess that's true of all religions. Wouldn't necessarily call them a cult.

[feministhippy]

Mormons aren't so bad. It's their missionaries I don't like. Same thing with Catholics and most Protestants (though I don't deny the fact that Fundementalists really get to me). I've known enough in my life to know that as individuals, they are usually quite lovely. The problem is they are taught that they must "spread the word". Which is fine, I guess, but that doesn't mean you get to stand on my doorstep after I told you I'm not interested. How about the 614th commandment "Thou shalt not be an asshole"? Okay, so I made that one up, but I think it would be a wonderful addition.

Jehovah's Witnesses really bother me because I've been told by many that because my family is Jewish, I am single handedly to blame for the death of Jesus. Okay, maybe they didn't exactly blame me personally, but it sure as hell feels like it. And I do take it very personally, even though I'm not very religious, and I do not consider myself unreasonable in doing so.

Now, I know many Christians share that belief, but most are smart enough to keep their mouths shut about it around me. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that perhaps I might not only find that insulting, but I'd be so insulted that I'd be even less likely to want to listen to them as they try convert me.

[feministhippy]

By the way, why don't you have your sign laminated? It'll stay up longer.

[pabsy]

The problem with door to door preaching is that its an invasion of privacy... if its out in the street you can just walk on by...

I sympathise with Levi.... requesting that you neither have the time or inclination to talk should be imediately respected... and staying on your property is trespass...

I am not a christian....but i understand that part of the doctrine is 'seek and you shall find' i dont take that to include harrassment.

To me helping people is all about giving... wether thats in time...physical effort or monetary.... it just isnt about forcing ones personal beliefs on another....

[Oz!]

i've always found a short but sincere "fuck off" to work quite well gettin' rid of them :)

[Kharakov]

Wow, I just tell em the truth about God and they run away. I quote the bible at them, tell them they are messengers of Satan, and they don't come back.

I am really friendly about it too. My girlfriend says I am totally evil when I start sifting mormons or JW's like wheat....

[heron]

I used to get pissed that i kept missing the JW's, so my wife
set up an appointment for them.

I invited my friend over.

We talked, told them about paganism and our gods.
They offered to pray, we told them go ahead, so we
all just hung out and talked while they prayed.

My wife dipped my friend and I our supper, and we told
the JW's "Oh dont mind us, keep talking." So we ate
and listened then told them to leave, of course never offering
them food or drink.

[SaraiLoruhamah]

Why not offer them food or drink?

[heron]

because i was going out of my way to be rude and torturous, they wanted to
be there, so i let them, but continued my day as if they werent.

[Lying in a field]

I was once interrupted by mormons while masturbating. It was embarrassing.

[WayfaringStranger]

this is a fun thread. i really dont care much for mormons, except maybe on an individual basis, but get them together and they seem to be politely trying to out do eachother in being proper and pious, and its all faked. then you get into what they actually believe and its a friggin joke. theyre definately a cult. im all about bein down with christians and bein down with pagans and bein down with diety of your choices, but man i cant stand cults.

[Lying in a field]

Does anyone ever get pamphlets like these from the Jehovah's witnesses?

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/mrcrisis/scan2.jpg

If their idea of heaven is a bunch of people living off the land, being friendly and picking fruit, why don't they just put all their money together and buy a farm.

Because we're all imperfect sinners incapable of living without money and in harmony right? God they are a bunch of twats, haven't they heard of communes.

[Stillravenmad]

My idea of heaven generally involves me indulging in some of my favorite deadly sins. A lot. Fucking around will eating a lot and being really lazy for eternity? Yes, I think I will. ;)

[Gentle]

Oh yes, people who know the exact way to "God" and heaven but cannot understand the concept of get off my fookin property. Tell them to learn manners and come back, I dunno lol any I don't hold that to any sects, all can be that way.

peace, God bless

[Rainbow gatherer]

Levi states:

I had a talk with my kids, too, about how to spot a Mormon and what to say them if they're approached.

You have a litmus test? So the actors/actresses on Napoleon Dynamite...

You'll know in the first five minutes whether you'll like this movie, but if the idea of Napoleon decked out in moon boots and sporting a red curly fro has you giggling weakly, then this is definitely your kind of movie. In his directorial debut, writer/director Jared Hess (a 24-year-old Mormon) teamed up with his wife Jerusha (also Mormon) and an almost exclusively Mormon cast and crew. Who knew Mormons could be so funny?

http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=26060

Not exactly people fashioned from a cookie cutter.

Some more famous Mormons that might really confuse your kids since they seem, well, not to fit the general tone of your thread:

Science fiction author Orson Scott Card

Singer Gladys Knight

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid

Massachusttes governor Mitt Romney

Here's a few more --

http://morgannews.us/ent.html (sorry, this site does not include politicians, scientists, doctors, etc.). By the way, if you like TV once in a while thank a Mormon (philo Farnsworth).

[Lying in a field]

I don't know what you're getting at Rainbow Gatherer, but admittedly that was really insightful.

[NaturaAtraSpiritus]

When they come around here since we live in a small community usually a family member calls and warns us that "the jehovah witnesses are on the prowl" so we close all the doors and when they come I like to mess with them by peeping through windows and making noises in the house. Next time they come I will answer the door naked or something.

[MollyThe Hippy]

Shit, maybe the cant use the net, cause im sure
hanging out with pagans is a no no too.
they can only use the net if another mormon is with them otherwise its prohibited

[jonny2mad]

I used to be a morman and Ive done tracting thats going door to door doing missionary work this was 20 years ago .

as a bunch of people I allways found mormans very nice I still dont hold that bad feelings for them, getting in touch with their bishop was a good move.

we used to have a tract book with every address in town and you would slowly go over the streets house by house, what you need to say is that you have heard their message and you reject it and that you with this noted in their tract book .

the sign is good but would be better if you said that you had heard their message and rejected it , they see it as a duty to give you the chance to hear it if you reject it well then its up to you .

[teh-horace]

the way i see it...
is that you can't hate all mormons just because of a few annoying ones
or because simply the only mormons you've ever "met" are annoying
i dunno
maybe i'm too open-minded for my own good :rolleyes:

[Rainbow gatherer]

MollytheHippie states:


they can only use the net if another mormon is with them otherwise its prohibited
Never heard that one. Think you have to be with another LDS person to access sites for Mormon nudists?

http://www.ldssdc.info/

[FollowTheButterflies]

they can only use the net if another mormon is with them otherwise its prohibitedI'm not so sure about that. I'm friends with a Mormon and she uses the internet all the time for school work. I also knew a few Mormons back in Junior High who used the internet without a 'supervisor' there. These Mormons are very proud of who they are and would never do something against their religion. So either they do things differently where I live or they're going against what they've been taught.

Maybe it's okay in school since schools tend to use the internet alot? I know whenever we're assigned essays to do the internet is recommended. Plus, in my Physics class our homework is all internet-based. We go off of this thing called 'Webassign' and my friend (the one I mentioned the first time) has been doing these 'webassigns' alone as well.

[Lying in a field]

I just remembered. John Safran (an Australian who made a documentary series about different religions) wen't to Utah and he knocked on people's doors in a mormon outfit and tried to preach atheism on a saturday morning. The mormons were really agressive and forced him off their properties, one of them even with his rake.

See how they like it.

[TrippinBTM]

My Chemistry lab partner in high school was a mormon, he was cool, and even though I later learned that he was pretty into his religion, I only knew he was a Mormon because people called him "Stormin' Mormon" (he played football). He just never talked about it.

And, I work with a Jehova's Witness, and he's one of the nicest, friendliest people I know. He never preaches, though we do sometimes talk about religion (I'm interested in spirituality). And even though he'll sometimes say weird stuff about how he can't vote, or can't celebrate holidays, or that he already knows the future, it's not really a problem. You know, these people ARE more than simply their religion. At least, most are.

[teh-horace]

I just remembered. John Safran (an Australian who made a documentary series about different religions) wen't to Utah and he knocked on people's doors in a mormon outfit and tried to preach atheism on a saturday morning. The mormons were really agressive and forced him off their properties, one of them even with his rake.

See how they like it.that's golden
pure awesome i say
can anybody say "hypocrites"?

[jonny2mad]

I just remembered. John Safran (an Australian who made a documentary series about different religions) wen't to Utah and he knocked on people's doors in a mormon outfit and tried to preach atheism on a saturday morning. The mormons were really agressive and forced him off their properties, one of them even with his rake.

that would be funny to see

[jonny2mad]

just found out its John Safran vs god episode 5 and its on a file sharing programme I use so most likely will see it

[Lying in a field]

cool, if you can download the whole series. Its really fun and interesting. Because over the series he experiments with a lot of really exotic and paganistic religions on the last episode he gets a pentecostal preacher to perform an exorcism on him. Its incredibly fucked up and goes for the whole episode, he curses in hebrew and everything, its so funny.

[jonny2mad]

they have the whole series so will look at some others for sure thanks for telling me about it.
does look very interesting

[jonny2mad]

just saw the morman episode very funny most atheists would find the series funny and well worth watching

[Lying in a field]

I think even religious people would find the series funny, except mormans of course! If you watch the whole thing you'll find if anything he gives shit to atheists tooo

[Sera Michele]

I used to work with a mormon. They are actually pretty organized when it comes to witnessing. Every mormon in the chuch does missionary work at some point, and no tihs isn't going around the neighborhood, but leaving town to stay with other mormons and witness. This kid I worked with went to Oregon, his brother went to Paris, and it all was paid for by the church. They go out full-force when it comes to missionary work.

I really hate any version of christian that tries to witness to me. The point of missionary work is to spread the word of christ to people who haven't heard it before. I have heard it all before. Living in America I have had plenty of chances to hear about christ, I am well aware that there are all kinds of churches dedicated to worshipping and serving him. They are wasting my time trying to lecture me about my lifestyle and all the things they think I am doing wrong. I didn't live in a cave all my life so any christian can safely assume I have heard about god.

[Lying in a field]

ha, that was well put.

I used to know a pair of mormon missionaries that wen't round shopping centres and used most of the time to play arcade games. It was so funny seeing two guys in white shirts and name badges playing Time Cop.

[HotChronic]

You're the type of person who dogs get pee'd on.

[teh-horace]

You're the type of person who dogs get pee'd on.that doesn't make any sense......
maybe "you're the type of person that dogs pee on"...? mebbe?

[Miss Nina]

this is interesting... Im Joseph Smith's great x w/e grandaughter. My dad's mormon, lol Im Nina Smith.. But no, Im not very mormon, very very constrictive like any christian faith and not for me. But the missionaries that come to ur door have different guidelines than the other congregation- they have to maintain a very humble and true venture for a year or two (''mission'') to see if beleiving is truley in their hearts to where they wanna teach ppl about it and spread the love and info.. If they complete their mission than that's like a vision quest, or finding urself and ur faith typa thing and u can treasure ur venture down that path in ur life. I loved how u reacted, they deserved it if they were acting rude and that destruptive to u, they're just tryna spread their message tho, keep that in mind ;) Im with u tho, not very much room to think or express, and I dun like that. Im tenfold to the extreme now naturally and comfortably b/c of all the restriction as an adolescent, everything I had to do w/ my mom (catholic) or all secretly by myself, lol My dad's a jack mormon tho, he'f for it all but he doesnt practice it. lol rescriction in religion is pointless.. I love the teaching of love <3

[Lying in a field]

restriction in religion is pointless.. I love the teaching of love <3
Its nice to hear people speak sense once in a while, if only we could hear religious people talking like that.

[Green]

This reminds me of a story my World History teacher told me. He told me that when he was in Japan, the Jahovas Witnesses followed him there. They knocked on his door, and he answered in like nothing but his underwear.

I've never been bugged by religious people coming to my door really. Thats probably because my parents answer it. My mom left the Baptist church, and my dad left the Methodist because they're hypocrites he said. My parents raised me without religion.

[Miss Nina]

Its nice to hear people speak sense once in a while, if only we could hear religious people talking like that.aw, thanku for that love ;) And i feel u- if we had religious leaders and such come forth with what's only in their hearts as the guidlines for life the world would be a much more accepting, related, brotherly-sisterly ppl. I'm still waiting on that.. lol
To what green said, it seems to me that every christian is a hypocrite, and i say that only b/c with the standards that are set and reasons that are spoon-fed to their congregations, it seems like unperfect ppl trying to be perfect robots.

[Lying in a field]

it seems like unperfect ppl trying to be perfect robots.
You forgot the fact that they actually think they are perfect, think they know what a perfect person is, and try to tell everyone else that they should be perfect just like them.

[Miss Nina]

You forgot the fact that they actually think they are perfect, think they know what a perfect person is, and try to tell everyone else that they should be perfect just like them.exactly!! Ur exactly right :D

[Eugene]

On the DC beltway there are a series of "s" curves because back in the day when they were building it they couldn't get the emminent domain rights to a morman church.
That section of the beltway is almost always the most fucked up and the most dangerous. Fuckin mormons wouldn't move their wizard of oz esque church so people have to die...

[Kris?]

When Ii was in Salt Lake City I visited the Mormon Temple Square....And got kicked out for asking a simple question....."Sir what dose that pentegram mean?" They had a big big pentegram on their musem's entrence......Wrong symobl to ask about i guess!

[Green]

When Ii was in Salt Lake City I visited the Mormon Temple Square....And got kicked out for asking a simple question....."Sir what dose that pentegram mean?" They had a big big pentegram on their musem's entrence......Wrong symobl to ask about i guess!
When the Mormons split my anscetors were the ones who left.

[Levi]

Levi states:


You have a litmus test? So the actors/actresses on Napoleon Dynamite...


http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=26060

Not exactly people fashioned from a cookie cutter.

Some more famous Mormons that might really confuse your kids since they seem, well, not to fit the general tone of your thread:

Science fiction author Orson Scott Card

Singer Gladys Knight

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid

Massachusttes governor Mitt Romney

Here's a few more --

http://morgannews.us/ent.html (sorry, this site does not include politicians, scientists, doctors, etc.). By the way, if you like TV once in a while thank a Mormon (philo Farnsworth).

My problem is with obnoxious, persistent people hassling me at my home even though I've told them not to.The young men that knock on my door and refuse to leave are all dressed exactly alike. And, if my kids are playing outside when they're approached, or if they mistakenly answer the door, I want them to be able to spot Mormons and say, "Read the sign! Mom's busy!"

[Levi]

the way i see it...
is that you can't hate all mormons just because of a few annoying ones
or because simply the only mormons you've ever "met" are annoying
i dunno
maybe i'm too open-minded for my own good :rolleyes:

OOOOOOOOOOokay....well I don't like people who repeatedly show up at my house uninvited to talk to me about something I'm not interested in, and then refuse to leave. Mormon or not.

I also don't like it when the schools, including my kids' school, triy to get every kid in the neighborhood to sell me the same crap that my kids are being asked to sell.

I don't like it when people representing poloiticians show up on my freaking porch. Send me a freaking post card or some shit, but when I am at home, leave me the fuck alone.

And I don't like being called by telemarketers. I realize that very few people actually want to be telemarketers. They do it out of desperation, because they really need a job. All the same, when I'm at home, don't call me to sell me shit. Don't. Just don't.

You know what I do? If a telemarketer calls and asks for Mrs. My-last-name-before-I-got-divorced, I give them my ex-mother-in-law's number. Because 'm not 'MRS." anything anymore. Ha ha.

SOOO...if it makes you feel any better...I don't hate Mormons. I hate strange, obnoxious people who won't get off my porch.

[Noctifer]

My aunt once bought one of those videos advertised on TV with the mormon choir singing in the temple, and the choir, or at least a choir, arrived to present it and watch it with her. So, being the nice person she is, she made them cups of tea, and they sat round, and watched for a while, then the mormons left, then they came back another day. Then they came back another day. At some point, one of them kicked my aunt's cat because the cat is white, and he was getting white hairs on the mormon's black suit. Not hard or anything, but he still kicked the cat!!
However, my aunt politely asked them not to call again, and, as yet, they haven't. I dont think shes planning to order another video anytime soon!

[Lying in a field]

They had an American doco on Australian TV the other night about WASP.

Anyone seen it? It has changed my view about mormons. They are bad people.

Anyway the general jist is that this Mormon organisation is running several schools around the states and in the west indies in wilderness areas for "troubled teenagers". They are using outdated, medieval like methods of behavioural modification, which includes beatings, solitary confinement etc. all away from the knowledge of parents, many of whom are taking legal action for extreme mental abuse of their children, many of whom come out highly disturbed.

[mr.morrison]

thats fucked up man

[mr.morrison]

http://www.mmoutreach.org/mormon/articles/facts_mormon_wont_tell.htm

pretty funny site. who the fuck would think there are people on the moon? well it would be pretty cool to be a god and make your own world and have your own chosen people and shit.

[Lying in a field]

^^^^

Good site ;)

Those mormons have issues. But i don't think any pentecostal ministry has a huge right to judge...they're far below on the scale of madness, but still mad and corrupt (not all of them)

[MeMilesAway]

^^^^

Good site ;)

Those mormons have issues. But i don't think any pentecostal ministry has a huge right to judge...they're far below on the scale of madness, but still mad and corrupt (not all of them)
^^^^^^ explain to me your love for Kids in the Hall...did Australia show their shows when they were on?

Like Kris I have had some very funny experiences in Utah...once on the way back from Bryce, stopped into a little restaurant/church. While eating 'bumbleberry pie', I got into a convo with a waitress..."Rah rah" I'm a christian; she's mormon; then suddenly she says to me all smiley, "well if you were mormon you could have more than one wife." I started to choke on my pie crust. She wanted me.

[Cosmic Butterfly]

I think showing people needless agression just reinforces their beliefs. On top of that your training their brains to associate all pagans, hippies, or anything else as mean, and nasty snobs.
You shouldnt be filling your kids with your ego issues. Thats kinda messed up to help them "spot a mormon". http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif

My husband's boss is a Mormon and he is black. It is quite interesting because he looks kinda like an overweight Mike Tyson. The guy is very nice.
All the mormons I know are good people. When they come to the door, I am polite and simply express my beliefs. I tell them have a very good day, and good luck spreading the message. It always works well.

[bryans_saturdays]

From a Mormon:

Levi, Those two young missionaries should have left your porch the first time you asked. However, I hope you won't think all 11+ million of us are rude because those two were.

Everyone else, I have read all the posts in this thread and I've giggled more then a few times at some of the incorrect ideas about my religion... and I thought I had heard them all!

"Mormons can't use the Internet unless they are being supervised."

Wrong. 100% wrong. Not even close. Wow.

"The Mormon church pays for the young men to go on missions."

Wrong again. I served a two year mission in France and I paid for every penny of it... cost me over $20,000. I started saving at the age of 12 when I got a paper route. Every missionary pays their own way. In fact, nobody in our church gets paid, not even the Bishop you called to complain.

"Mormons think they are perfect."

Well, I can't speak for all of them, but the ones I hang out with, and your truely included, have no such illusions. A recognition of our own imperfections, and a continual quest to improve and over come weaknesses, is a large part of our religion.

"Mormons are ____" (fill in your favorite cuss word)

Of course it's hard not to take such attacks personally, and I think you would feel bad too if someone insulted you in such a way.

But mostly it makes me sad. I think that most people who say such things either A) have never taken the time to *honestly* get to know a Mormon, or B) have had a bad experience with one or two. Yes, there are bad apples in every religion, including Jews and Catholics and Pagans and Muslims and Lutherans and on and on and on. I think we would all agree that just because there are a few bad members of the _____ religion, that this does not mean all _____'s are bad people.

About point A in the last paragraph... I am really puzzled why, when people want to learn about Mormons, they seek out people who don't like Mormons to learn about them. The Internet is loaded with "Why I Hate Mormons" web sites. And, the world is full of "I Hate Mormon" preachers. Question: are these really the best places to learn about us?

If you wanted to learn about the benefits of eating meat, would you ask a vegetarian? (Okay - not the best example but I just pulled it out of the air.)

Now, a bit about me: I have been a Mormon all my life. I'm married and have two young kids. We are very, very active in our religion. I'm an active outdoors enthusiast, a weekend wild life photographer, and an Internet Developer by trade. (Funny, I don't have another Mormon with me at work all day long making sure I'm not being naughty.)

My wife and I are addicted to having fun and taking vacations... our favorite Friday night activity is to hire baby sitter and go dancing at some of the clubs in Minneapolis. (I'm 36 years old but I can still move like I'm 18!).

We also attend a lot of concerts and plays. Sarah Brightman came to town a few months ago - wow can she sing! The Coldplay concert was one of the most enjoyable I've been to in years. We had planned to go to New York and spend a boat load of cash on Broadway, but child number two waylaid those plans for a few years.

We just got back a few weeks ago from a family trip to Disney World in Orlando, and in August we will spend nine days in Paris and southern France. Truth be told, we'll spend some time on a nude beach and maybe even skinny dip a little! That topic is controversial among Mormons, and not all of them would agree with me.

My point here is that most of the people posting here - and most of the people in the world, have a very distorted view of Mormons. The news, the movies, and TV shows love to portray us as stiff, conformist, cultists who all dress and act a like, and who spend all of our time reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and planning how to convert our poor, lost, godless, unsuspecting, heathen neighbors.

Have all of you forgotten that Hollywood makes its living by using stereotypes? And you believed them? Ha! Jokes on you!

In all seriousness... before you judge us, why don't you try to get to know us?

Peace and love to all of you,

Bryan

[MollyThe Hippy]

mormons are politgamits and are on the fbi's most wanted litst so be careful

[Eugene]

mormons are politgamits and are on the fbi's most wanted litst so be carefulFirst of all it's Polygamists, and for that matter, lists.
Secondly, the FLDS (Fundamental church of latter day saints) is not a good example of mormonism. They are a personality cult that broke off from the LDS a long time ago. It's kindof like saying that muslims spin in circles in order to connect with the devine (sufism), and while it might be an accurate description of mystical islam it is not true of all muslims.
Oh, and polygamists are kicked out of the church of LDS.

Now, i think that the mormon religion (like all religions except for buddhism, which really isn't a religion at all) is F*cking crazy. The founder was probably a huckster who wanted power/money, and most of their myths are just made up hogwash.... but that's true of pretty much any religion. Now, that doesn't mean that the LDS are bad, or that their church is any less a religion. Hell most mormons I've met are nice, well behaved and fun people, i wish the same could be said of hippies or democrats (i'm both btw).
And isn't that the real benefit of religion? The shared values (they must come from god in order to have any legitimacy, it's hard to convince people to act nice for niceness's sake) that produce good people.

[steffan]

I miss them comming to my door and having a nice calm debate for about 30 seconds then watching them run away. i must be on some kind of list now, but i like to think I've helped guide a few into the light

[pschool]

From a Mormon:

Levi, Those two young missionaries should have left your porch the first time you asked. However, I hope you won't think all 11+ million of us are rude because those two were.

Everyone else, I have read all the posts in this thread and I've giggled more then a few times at some of the incorrect ideas about my religion... and I thought I had heard them all!

"Mormons can't use the Internet unless they are being supervised."

Wrong. 100% wrong. Not even close. Wow.

"The Mormon church pays for the young men to go on missions."

Wrong again. I served a two year mission in France and I paid for every penny of it... cost me over $20,000. I started saving at the age of 12 when I got a paper route. Every missionary pays their own way. In fact, nobody in our church gets paid, not even the Bishop you called to complain.

"Mormons think they are perfect."

Well, I can't speak for all of them, but the ones I hang out with, and your truely included, have no such illusions. A recognition of our own imperfections, and a continual quest to improve and over come weaknesses, is a large part of our religion.

"Mormons are ____" (fill in your favorite cuss word)

Of course it's hard not to take such attacks personally, and I think you would feel bad too if someone insulted you in such a way.

But mostly it makes me sad. I think that most people who say such things either A) have never taken the time to *honestly* get to know a Mormon, or B) have had a bad experience with one or two. Yes, there are bad apples in every religion, including Jews and Catholics and Pagans and Muslims and Lutherans and on and on and on. I think we would all agree that just because there are a few bad members of the _____ religion, that this does not mean all _____'s are bad people.

About point A in the last paragraph... I am really puzzled why, when people want to learn about Mormons, they seek out people who don't like Mormons to learn about them. The Internet is loaded with "Why I Hate Mormons" web sites. And, the world is full of "I Hate Mormon" preachers. Question: are these really the best places to learn about us?

If you wanted to learn about the benefits of eating meat, would you ask a vegetarian? (Okay - not the best example but I just pulled it out of the air.)

Now, a bit about me: I have been a Mormon all my life. I'm married and have two young kids. We are very, very active in our religion. I'm an active outdoors enthusiast, a weekend wild life photographer, and an Internet Developer by trade. (Funny, I don't have another Mormon with me at work all day long making sure I'm not being naughty.)

My wife and I are addicted to having fun and taking vacations... our favorite Friday night activity is to hire baby sitter and go dancing at some of the clubs in Minneapolis. (I'm 36 years old but I can still move like I'm 18!).

We also attend a lot of concerts and plays. Sarah Brightman came to town a few months ago - wow can she sing! The Coldplay concert was one of the most enjoyable I've been to in years. We had planned to go to New York and spend a boat load of cash on Broadway, but child number two waylaid those plans for a few years.

We just got back a few weeks ago from a family trip to Disney World in Orlando, and in August we will spend nine days in Paris and southern France. Truth be told, we'll spend some time on a nude beach and maybe even skinny dip a little! That topic is controversial among Mormons, and not all of them would agree with me.

My point here is that most of the people posting here - and most of the people in the world, have a very distorted view of Mormons. The news, the movies, and TV shows love to portray us as stiff, conformist, cultists who all dress and act a like, and who spend all of our time reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and planning how to convert our poor, lost, godless, unsuspecting, heathen neighbors.

Have all of you forgotten that Hollywood makes its living by using stereotypes? And you believed them? Ha! Jokes on you!

In all seriousness... before you judge us, why don't you try to get to know us?

Peace and love to all of you,

Bryanman, shut the fuck up, i'm from utah, i used to be mormon, my whole fucking family are mormon. Most mormons do think that they're perfect, or at least better than people who arent mormon, the church will pay for your mission if you tell them that your can't, and i can barely use the fucking internet, my dad checks the history every time i get off. In the scriptures it says, "by their fruits ye shall know them", so why don't you pull your head out of your ass and look at the members around you, maybe take a look at yourself.

[steffan]

want to watch a mormon go pale? ask them if they think they will be amoung the 144000, when they say yes, say 'Oh you dont think there have already been that many more mormon than you, seriously messes with there mind

[heron]

It's kindof like saying that muslims spin in circles in order to connect with the devine (sufism), and while it might be an accurate description of mystical islam it is not true of all muslims.

Thats no even kinda the same. Sufism still falls in the Muslim category, and arent outcasts for one thing. Second, if it were a common practice that all muslims did, then went out of fashion and some still did it, then it might be the same.

Fundamental LDS believe they are doing it right. You think they are wrong because your leaders say so. I hate that shit though, its part of the religion, they refused the new law, and remained to their roots. I say they are the real mormons.

Thats like saying that Catholics arent christian because the "newer" church doesnt do what they used to.

[gnrm23]

mormons are politgamits and are on the fbi's most wanted litst so be careful

wha???

_many_ FBI agents are mormons, dearie...

[bryans_saturdays]

From the Mormon guy....

Molly The Hippy said:

"mormons are politgamits and are on the fbi's most wanted litst so be careful"

My Reply:

Me thinks you have been watching too much HBO. Eugene is right... Polygamists (note spelling) are not Mormons, and Mormons are not polygamists. But, it certainly is understandable why you would be confused. No hard feelings on my part.

As for me, one wife is enough! Thank you very much.
__________________________________________________ _

Pschool said:

man, shut the ** up, i'm from utah, i used to be mormon, my whole ** family are mormon. Most mormons do think that they're perfect, or at least better than people who arent mormon, the church will pay for your mission if you tell them that your can't, and i can barely use the ** internet, my dad checks the history every time i get off. In the scriptures it says, "by their fruits ye shall know them", so why don't you pull your head out of your *** and look at the members around you, maybe take a look at yourself.

My reply:

First, I'm sorry you have had so many bad experiences

Second, you don't know anything about me other then what I offered in my first post, and thus your advice to take a look at myself holds no weight.

Third, by lumping me into the same mold as the Mormons who you know, you are using the weak and falty logic of sterytypes. I could easily classify all people who use the F word three times in one paragraph as stupid, ignorant, fools who lack the abilty to otherise express themselves, but, it would be unfair for me to judge you based on what little I know about you.

Fourth, your father's choice to monitor your internet activity has nothing to do with Church rules. He's just being an over protective dad. There are no rules anywhere in the LDS religion that says someone must be with you to use the Internet.

Fifth, and this is my main point: It's a sad fact of human nature that when large amounts of people who think the same way gather together in close proximity, they all begin to think that their way is the only way, that their team is the only team, and that their manner of thinking is the only way of thinking, etc. It's a human thing, not a Mormon thing. We all do it, every one of us. If you think you never have, you have your head in the sand. All the Mormons in Utah are just one example.

You assume that because I am Mormon that I must live in Utah. Here are a few facts for you: Within the US, there are more Mormons outside of Utah then in. In the entire world, there are more Mormons outside of the US then inside.

I don't live in Utah and I never have. I've been there many times, but I could not take living there... too many Mormons! :-)

P.S. - You are right about one thing, the Church will pay for your mission if you, your family, your extended family, your friends, and the other people in your ward are unable to do so. There are also some private funds set up that will donate towards your mission as well. Having the church pay is a last resort, however, not a first.
__________________________________________________

Stephan said:

"want to watch a mormon go pale? ask them if they think they will be amoung the 144000, when they say yes, say 'Oh you dont think there have already been that many more mormon than you, seriously messes with there mind"

My Reply:

<smile> You have us confused with the Jehova's Witnesses. I know nothing about any 144,000. Let's get our facts straight, people!
__________________________________________________ _

Peace, love, and happiness to all!

[steffan]

so some dude walks out of the woods and says " hey, everybody is wrong, god talked to me and those others god talked to almost got it right, but the creator of the whole universe fucked up and they didnt realy understand him, but he told me and this is whats up, and by the way ,,you know all those wives i have? well god says thats ok"
fuck,, who you trying to fool?
only yourself, because even the retards arnt that gullible

[Mt. Star]

Eh, there is no religion that doesn't have something a little hard to believe. Buhhdism, Christianity, Hinduism, etc. It's a matter of faith, and who cares if somebody chooses to be a Mormon. I don't like people who go around and are so preachy about their religion, and totally self righteous all the while. At the same time I don't like people who go around and tell everyone how wrong they are to believe something so stupid. Or how such and such belief is crap and there is no god. Be respectful of people choices and faiths no matter how hard it is for you to believe it. I'm not a part of any organized religion but I still respect other peoples choice to be part of one.

[Rainia]

Umm....I'm Mormon....Am I really that bad? All this stuff seems pretty harsh....

[Archemetis]

Umm....I'm Mormon....Am I really that bad? All this stuff seems pretty harsh....how much do you actually know about the mormon church? look up D'nC 132....gods most sacred revelation to joseph smith. also do you know much about the marrige ceremonies in the temple??? the part your mother wont tell you about. ill give you a hint, it involves a holy man, his fingers, and the brides genitals...did you know the founders of that church were not only polygamists, blatent racists, but pedophiles as well. (smith took mulitple brides as young as 15) did you know mr. smith was a con man before a prophet....people used to pay him to find treasure on their property, because he had a magic "seer stone". though he never found any treasure. also the book of mormon makes refrence to steel, but when nephi was around steel didnt exist, it also refrences horses and chariots...but horses didnt exist in the americas until the europians brought them over, long after nephi's days were numbered. i could go on and on and on....actually i was born into that church and left as soon as i started thinking for myself. the great thing about a religion being born after things like the printing press is we know the true history of the individuals involved, do yourself a favor and look into the history....if your still a mormon after that, then you my friend are doomed.

[heron]

15 year old isnt pedophillia, so dont go waving that one around. Mohammed, on the other hand, had an 8 year old wife. That is pedophilia.

BUT, anyway, good on the rest of the post ;)

[astrobreaux]

I know a mormon, she uses the internet.

Its funny, we are all pagan, her husband is pagan
and she is adopted into our tribe.

Shit, maybe the cant use the net, cause im sure
hanging out with pagans is a no no too.the proper term for this type of mormon is called "jack mormon". they are officially still in good standing with the church and have their name in the book of mormon, but don't attend services much and don't really practice much in their faith and sure don't try to convert anyone. i guess you could say we got "jauque catholics" here in south LA.

[Archemetis]

15 year old isnt pedophillia, so dont go waving that one around. Mohammed, on the other hand, had an 8 year old wife. That is pedophilia.

BUT, anyway, good on the rest of the post ;)theres still somthing really wrong about telling someone god commanded him to marry her, and somthing even more wrong about taking on a 15 year old bride before she has matured or had any real life expirience outside of grade school.

[heron]

dude, the early 1800's were not like today. most didnt finish grade school, and 15 was a grown woman, even in the 1940s, 15 wasnt "too young"

[dietcoketree]

mormanism isnt my favorite religion.

but all the hating towards them can go for any religion. if you become obsessed with your religion to the point where you think its a good idea to FORCE your ideas upon others, then thats a problem. and although that is a characteristic of a lot of morman actions; its isnt all there is; and there are PLENTY of other religions that impose just as much.

[Columbo]

I used to get loads of Jehovas witnesses come to the door
but all of that stopped when on the last occassion
I had some Jehovas witnesses knocking for 10 minutes before
I answered
One of them said "hello we are Jehovas witnesses"
I said that I didnt know there had been an accident "did anyone get hurt"?
I sort of pushed past them to look up and down the street,
but they never saw the funny side of it at all.
Anyway I let them do a 30 second doorstep rant before
I stopped them and said "look I will let you talk about
what you believe if and only if you let me come to your house first
so I can teach you a bit about the viewpoint of Sartrean Existentialism"
None have ever knocked the door since

[Morning Myst]

^^^HAHA. reminds me of what I've done once.


I got told there was JW coming, so I dressed up gothic-like (make-up included. I answered the door, let them speak to me and give me their worthless pamphlets, then told them I didn't want to live in their "ideal world" (a pamphlet with people and pandas!) and told them I was happy with my religion.

When they asked what religion it was, I told them I was a satanist (which I'm not). They got scared, they left, and never came back...:rolleyes:

[pschool]

the proper term for this type of mormon is called "jack mormon". they are officially still in good standing with the church and have their name in the book of mormon, but don't attend services much and don't really practice much in their faith and sure don't try to convert anyone. i guess you could say we got "jauque catholics" here in south LA.
the other extreme is molly mormon, the kind that have been fully brainwashed, and yes it is brainwashed, because in the church they will tell you over and over that it is true, no reason no foundation, just "i know this church is the only church" then say the spirit told you so.

[erzebet1961]

The true L.D.S.church gave up plural marriage when the governmet stepped in ....

Those who practice it now are not part of the actual church,

[erzebet1961]

They also believe that there is truth in ALL religions..and that all will go to what people call heaven, and verry few will go to outer darkness.. sounds to me they are pretty fair about other peoples beliefs!

[erzebet1961]

guess what.....Im a Mormon AND a PAGAN !!!!!

[heron]

guess what.....Im a Mormon AND a PAGAN !!!!!

AND an idiot it seems.

[erzebet1961]

why do say that..did I attack you in some way to deserve that??!!

[erzebet1961]

No Problem..Im not into the hate thing..I wont post here again!

[heron]

Mormon and pagan.....gee...how did I EVER draw such a conclusion.....ok...sorry for the attack...tell me how one is a mormon and a pagan...i will save any name calling for afterwards..

[erzebet1961]

Baptised mormon to please a husband ...but raised pagan....brother ..I have nothing but love and judge no one....

[erzebet1961]

why do you feel the need to name call....this is a hippie forum..we promote peace and love and harmony....theres no need for put downs...If I am wrong I am sorry I bother you!

[heron]

If it is to please your husband...then you arent mormon...but made bad choices in your public display....cant call you an idiot for that....honestly...my best brother has done the same thing....for his wife....

See....i take back the name calling...if you had somehow tried to justify a real attempt at a mormon/pagan merger then the name would have stuck.....sorry sister..

[omgimmatt]

also do you know much about the marrige ceremonies in the temple??? the part your mother wont tell you about. ill give you a hint, it involves a holy man, his fingers, and the brides genitals... uhh where do you get this from.

[erzebet1961]

I cant go into detail, but , what you heard isnt true, nothing of the kind goes on, it is a short ceremony, shorter than usual weddings, there are witnesses, and an exchange of vows, and thats it..actually its verry boring!!!

[omgimmatt]

yea that's what i read on many mormon sites including ex mormon sites

[erzebet1961]

Im not sure whre the other stories come from, maybe people who want to paint the L.d.s. church in the worst possible light, but, I were married in the Temple, and I swear none of it is true!

[heron]

Ive been to a mormon wedding...its like a Baptist one...except everyone seems so wholesome.....no genital touching....They dont even touch their own genitals....lol

[erzebet1961]

Thats true!....thank you Heron!

[Archemetis]

lol, interesting, maybe the holy man who married my friend was just that sick, perhaps its not the norm.

[erzebet1961]

If thats true..your friend needs to tell her Bishop..and he will get the report to the 12

I didnt mean stuff never happens..humans are fallable...god isnt

[cswalters]

Sounds annoying, but theirs probably not much you can do though….

[erzebet1961]

Archemetis, if what happened to that girl was true...then what were the people at the wedding doing....what about her husband..and why didnt she report it ? It didnt happen..and..If it did, why condemn an entire church over the acts of 1 man? Thats like codemning the entire catholic faith over a handfull of messed up priests. I would look deeper into your friends story !!! Just because she said it happened doesnt mean it did!..

[erzebet1961]

Lest I forget...Im not trying to argue wether the L.D.S.church is true or not...no religion is right for evrybody, we are all different, I am only trying to inject a bit of thought into such rumors as the one of the wedding...we must all use logic and not jump on stories that are passed around, that is how the witch trials started !!!!!

[Columbo]

we must all use logic and not jump on stories that are passed around, that is how the witch trials started !!!!Erm..... remind me again what logic that is?
The church of any description knows no logic, religion is not based on logic or proof and is therefore a mere interpretation and is founded on half truth, rumour, and belief. It seems inconsistent to call for an end to rumour if a major aspect of your own life is based in rumours
It would seem the rumour about the marriage ceremony is a lesser rumour than the one that god exists and therefore the lesser rumour may have more truth

[erzebet1961]

I meant for people to use their logic and common sense when they here rumors about ANYTHING...not just church....or, do you just believe what someone tells you ?

[erzebet1961]

Prove to me God is only a rumor !!!!!!!!!

[stormyy]

I didn't read the whole thread, but I had to chime in.
-Mormons are allowed to use the internet, missionaries however are only allowed to use it to write to family-no surfin' the web for them.
-Regular Mormons are not polygamists, Fundamentalist Mormons are. If you really think about it, the fundies are the "true" mormons because they are living life exactly as Joseph Smith directed. The rest of the mormons gave up polygamy when it became illegal.
-Missionaries do not get paid for their work, they have to pay their own way and it is pretty expensive.
-There is no genital touching during temple marraige ceremonies. There were parts of the ceremony that involved being topless, but that was changed quite a few years ago because God said to change it (aka- people were freaked out by some old dude seeing them naked).

[Rainia]

............SOOO...if it makes you feel any better...I don't hate Mormons. I hate strange, obnoxious people who won't get off my porch.

:) Don't we all.

[phriendofthedevil]

many of these comments make me very sad.
religious groups of people - any groups of people - have the right to speak their opinions. granted, they should've politely left after you asked them, but perhaps you could've presented a better attitude.
hating mormons is no better than hating jews, or hating blacks. your ignorant tone brings a deep sadness in me. dont judge, brother.

hate to say it but some of the nicest people I know are Mormon....
why on earth would you hate to say it?


PEACE!

[DirtyVibe]

Sounds like you really over-reacted and were a total jackass.

[Gaston]

Erm..... remind me again what logic that is?
The church of any description knows no logic, religion is not based on logic or proof and is therefore a mere interpretation and is founded on half truth, rumour, and belief. For your own sanity I wouldn't recommend making that statement to a Buddhist "clergyman", especially a Theravadan monk or Tibetan lama.
That's not a challenge, just friendly advice. :)

[APR]

Now this was funny! When I was younger i had a friend that thought Mormons rode bikes because they believed cars were evil. I am Mormon too and have been for over 20 years. I do live in Utah now but lived someplace else before. I became a member of the church when some of those very persistent missionaries came to the door of my house and my mother invited them in. I'm not going to refute what has been said in this site. Mormon guy has done a great job. I just want to say that I'm not perfect, I don't think I'm better than anyone, I don't think I have a free pass to Heaven, I do use the internet very freqyently, I don't have a list of church approved books I can read, You could not spot me at the mall as a Mormon, and I am my husband's only wife. Oh, and I have a car--a van--a Eurovan.

Do we have church leaders that give us recommendations on what we should read, watch, etc.? Yes, it is a religion based on the belief that we should be Christ-like. So we are adviced to stay away from porno; sexually explicit music, TV shows, books, etc; violent media, etc. However, it is ultimatelly our choice what we are going to do with our lives.

Do we think we have the true gospel? Yes, and that is why there are so many missionaries. The gospel is perfect not the members of the church. If we were perfect we wouldn't need a church.

Anyways, I have 25 kids to take care off and have to go worship a statue of Joseph Smith. Just kidding! Only 3 children and I only worship God and Jesus--and sometimes Bon Jovi but that is an issue that has nothing to do with my religion.

[ScrewednChopped]

Im not gonna read every post(way too many pages), but to the first post I respond. Im actually an ex-mormon and most of the stuff you all here about mormons are bullshit. Its only the missionaries, the annoying ones that come to your door, that arent allowed to watch t.v. or go on the internet. That rule is supposed to keep them from getting off task. The missionaries ride bikes because they are very poor during these 2 years. Mormons dont have a lot of wives, only one. The ones that do have multiple wives call themselves Liberal Mormons or something. I dont know, but I dont think they are actually mormon, they just claim to be, since the mormon church today doesnt support that.

And you'd be surprised if you ever attended their church. Its very casual and laid back, not something strict and dark you'd expect. They are actually good people, and not that different from the average person. Do everything the same, cept they're not SUPPOSED to drink, or SUPPOSED to swear, or SUPPOSED drink caffeinated drinks, but i knew plenty of mormon adults who did. They are definatley not perfect like most think.

anyways, im just glad i got out of there :)

[Puffis]

I an I am not Mormon and it sometimes irritating when they go around knocking on doors, but I an I don't know about them being a "cult" although Levi I an I think that everyone should respect all faiths/religions/people. May JAH bless ya
Peace

[stormyy]

ScrewednChopped, Mormons that practice polygamy are called "Fundamentalist Mormons". They are called fundamentalists because they are practicing the religion as it was originally laid out. The LDS church only renounced polygamy when the govt. passed laws against it. Joseph Smith had many wives.

[ChiefCowpie]

there is an episode of south park where the mormon religion is explained for those who want to understand it

[rak]

Yesterday I was doing some yard work and my 'No Soliciting. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons, THIS MEANS YOU!' sign got wet and I took it down.

Well, they must have been lurking, just waiting for the sign to fall, because today they showed up. I was starving and I was about to eat and I was NOT in the mood. I came to the door and I saw them standing on the other side of the screen door and I explained that my sign had gotten wet yesterday, assured them that I would make a new one, and explained, calmly, that I really didn't want to talk now.

"We'd just like a minute of your time to share the good news of-"

"I said no. I don't want to talk to you. Goodbye."

"We just want to talk."

I pointed to the number on my door and I said, "Do you see this number? Remember it. If you are ever interested in leaving your cult and you need some help, I'll try to help you. Until that day, don't come back to this address."

"Do you know what a cult is, Ma'am?"

"Yes, I do. Go away."

"What do you think a cult is?"

"A group of people who all hold the same irrational beliefs without questioning, who dress alike, and who aren't allowed to hang out with people who aren't in their cult. Get off of my porch and out of my yard."

"Where did you get that definition, Ma'am?"

I looked them up and down. "It's an observation I've made."

"We just want to talk to you..."

"Look at these numbers," I said, pointing again to my address, "don't you people have a list of hostile people like me who don't want you to come to their houses?"

"No."

"Make one and put me on it! Now get off of my porch and out of my yard. Right now."

Then one of the little punks, I kid you not, says, "You don't have to have an attitude about it."

I got angry. I went outside. Now we were all standing on my little, tiny concrete porch, face to face. I yelled, "Get off of my porch and out of my yard NOW, asshole. You're tresspassing."

"I am leaving. I just want to talk to you. And you shouldn't use that language in front of your kids." He didn't move, though.

"Do I have to call the cops? Go! Now!" I said. Then I chased them out of my yard.

As they walked away the more obnoxious one said, "You really need an attitude adjustment."

When they left I got the phonebook out and ended up talking to one of their bishops. I described the boys and their behavior. I said that when strange men refuse to leave my yard, I have every right to call the cops. I said that they smarted off to me and refused to leave. He said they'd be "reprimanded".

I'm making a new sign tonight. I'm looking for the URL of a good website about leaving your destructive cult, even though I read tonight that they're not allowed to use the internet. I want to put the URL on my No Soliciting sign.

I had a talk with my kids, too, about how to spot a Mormon and what to say them if they're approached.

Fucking asshole Mormons.

You know, the only reason they get away with this is because of the way they look. If a bunch of hippies or dreads went door-to-door hassling people the National Guard would get involved.
LOL!!

[Hryhorii]

there is an episode of south park where the mormon religion is explained for those who want to understand it
The "All About Mormon" episode is far from accurate.

[rak]

What mistakes about the Mormons are in South park?

[Hryhorii]

http://i4m.com/think/southpark/

A non-LDS site that look at the history of the LDS movement compared to South Park's and the official LDS history

[Burnt]

The last time some mormon folks came to my door, I kindly explained that I believe in many different things and was not very much interested in the mormon religion and then chatted with them (not about religion). Then wished them a good day, they thanked me for my kindness of not slamming the door in their face or yelling at them. They have not been back since.

[rak]

http://i4m.com/think/southpark/

A non-LDS site that look at the history of the LDS movement compared to South Park's and the official LDS history
thnx

[ChiefCowpie]

explanation of mormonism (http://lj-toys.com/?journalid=7548568&moduleid=14&auth_token=sessionless:1197493200:embedcontent:754 8568%2614:ef2a76801ee82b8e3cae9d1883a28a3dab1fae53 )

[Moon_Beam]

I'm actually talking to a mormon right now about their beliefs and although I don't agree with it, it makes much more sense to me and doesn't sound as strange as it did before now that it has been explained.

[J0hn]

I don't believe that Mormon is a cult. It is like a later addition to the Bible we all know and trust. I was approached by some Latter day saints in Lewisham. They were young, about 19 or 20ish. They looked like they came from Public school and were non cult-like. They spoke to me, I spoke to them, outside a pub which heralded the title Fox and Firkin. It was a hot summer's day and there was a rumble of traffic etc. I have since read some of the Book of Mormon, and I just wish that there was infact some kind of Mormon community in the UK. It all seems to be in good old America, land of the free, home of the Eagle.

Now Jehovas witnesses seem to be a cult. There is something about them that kind of marks them out from everyone else. They don't tolerate any other religion, they continue to have this thing about turning up on your doorstep.

Jehova is God's name apparently. Now I was unlucky enough to share a prison cell with a JW. Now we spoke about this specific. I still believe that one should address God as God. I mean, you wouldn't say Elizabeth, if you were greeting the Queen of England. It is out of loyalty and respect I suppose that you wouldn't use Gods name. But JW's don't see it like that.
I have had Jws turn up on my doorstep. Typical foot in the door and a sort of longest hour of attempted dogma.

[mamaKCita]

i just answer the door in a tshirt you can kinda see through. they're so flustered when i tell them to piss off that they GO.

[mamaKCita]

i've been around LOADS AND LOADS of JW's (my best friend in high school was devout, but cool) and mormons. frankly, aside from that friend of mine, i pretty much can't stand them.

[Aldousage]

I ALWAYS invite religious door-knockers into my home. I (at least) once converted a J.W. to agnosticism while his elder was standing right there beside him.

As far as hating people for this - of course I don't.

One: That would validate their belief that those outside of their cult are hateful, close-minded and unfriendly..

Two: They mean well. If I believed in the concept of eternal damnation, I'd like to think I'd try to convert as many people as I could. To me, that would be the ONLY ethical thing to do. If I think someone is about to fall into a pit, I feel it is my moral duty to shout out a warning.

Three: I think that loving people, and trying to understand them, is WAY better than the reverse.

Four: It seems that many of these people live in fear. I hate that. When I enter into dialogue with these people, there is a chance I can persuade them into rethinking (what I perceive to be) their bizarre, psychologically-damaging worldview.

Peacelove,
Aldousage

[mamaKCita]

nope. just like telemarketers, they're trained in not taking no for an answer. i don't have that much patience. and i never let strangers into my house. that's just stupid.

[Aldousage]

Why is it stupid to let strangers into your house? Reasons of fear? I personally can't imagine living comfortably with such a crippling, guarded fear of humanity, but I do understand that it's fairly common in some parts of the world.

[mamaKCita]

yeah, welcome to world of women who have been stalked, cornered, abused and threatened frequently. strangers in my house? fuck that shit.

[mamaKCita]

ESPECIALLY to let them drone on about something i've no interest in. i mean, REALLY? no way.

[Aldousage]

I'm honestly sorry to have upset you. I hadn't considered the possibility that you had been a repeated victim of such vicious and frequent violence. That was insensitive and close-minded of me. If I shared a similar past, I would DEFINITELY have severe difficulties in terms of social interaction.

Peacelove,
Aldousage

[mamaKCita]

no worries. a girl has to look out for herself and her daughters.

[J0hn]

I hope this gives you an idea of what Mormon is about. This is the web address the two Latter day Saints gave to me. I now share it amongst my brothers.

http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/

[burnabowl]

damn I wish i'da known about this thread before. I actually served a two year mormon mission. I can tell you that out of those two guys that knock on your door, only one of them will stay true to mormon mythology, so the better the energy you give them the more likely they will use what you say and apply it.whenever I saw a sign that said "no mormons" or whatever, I definitely went out my way to knock on the door. if the person then said "go away" I would without hesitation. I wanted to hear it from the person, not some dumbass sign, that's just inviting them. most of the missionaries I knew were incredibly stupid, and didn't know what to say except the stuff they'd memorized. I wanted to prove the image wrong and listen to people more than lecture them, and no one with a paper sign referred to it after i'd knocked on their door because I didn't piss them off.I prefer missionaries to lay mormons. the missionaries are the ones that are more in touch (even if it doesn't show; most of time they're just trying to reach a quota). the rest of the mormons are so crippled with feelings of entitlement of doctrines of exclusion and denial. they like to think they are accepting of others, but inside they only look at you as a nonmormon. they wouldn't limit themselves so much if they wouldn't think so highly of themselves

[famewalk]

I mistify these guys. They're always appearing on the scene when I'm trying to get that one I liked a lot to review in the right parts of town. Are the Mormons anything polygamous as a sect?

[Blondieblue]

This has been a pretty interesting thread to read with all the differing opinions. It's too bad that no matter what the religion, the minority who are obnoxious or pushy give everyone of the same faith a bad name, once you told them you wern't interested; they should have just left. My mom years ago had an experience with a JW that was even pushier than that, my mom told them politely she wasn't interested, and went to shut the door; and this guy put his foot in the door so my mom couldn't shut it! once the dog came over to investigate though, the guy left :) on the other hand, I went to high school with a girl who was a JW, and was a really nice person; and well liked by the students. Even though she would sometimes go out to try and spread the word, if someone said they wern't interested; she just told them to have a nice day and left them alone.

I saw that someone else mentioned dressing in goth clothing and telling the people who knocked on their door that they worshipped satan LOL; it really does work :) years ago, some people always came to my paren'ts house wanting to convert us; but they always came after we had left for school and work- so a guy staying with us would always run into them. He told them nicely and more than once we wouldn't be interested, but they kept coming back. He finally invited them in one day and offered them a beer, and told them he was a satan worshipper, ( which he wasn't) and they never did come back after that. lol. I just think to lump all people of one faith together because of some that are self rigteous assholes, is to stoop to their level; because they do the same with others who don't think like they do.

[ToastLovesMotherEarth]

It feels like I can never get rid of the mormons. Their always coming to my house, and the Jehovah's witnesses always go to my neighbor's house. I think I'm gonna put up a sign that says "My dogs eat Mormons, Jehovah's witnesses, crackheads, strangers, and cops. Stay out!"

[burnabowl]

I think one sign that actually will keep mormons, etc., away is one that reads: "day sleeper-do not disturb!" that was one that no one in my mission would touch.