Present day Mormon techniques?

[Marie5890]

Anyone know how the LDS laity are taught to deal with people who are not of their faith these days?

I have been having a pleasant dialogue with a Mormon. They know I am a serious Catholic. I know that they are a serious Mormon.

It was clear to me that they kept trying to draw me into a we vs them discussion of who is right and who is wrong, but I have always kindly pushed back against this, wanting to keep it a friendly and non-competitive dialogue.

I had hopes that the Mormon church would have lightened up some when it became clear to a member that someone they were having a friendly association with really was not interested, yet would still wanting to continue on with said friendly association.

But I feel like I have been dropped like a hot potato.

I was truly enjoying the association, but I certainly have no desire to re-join the faith.
It’s disappointing. It’s not like this person is a missionary with time constraints.
Deep sigh

 

[jane_doe]

I’m Mormon and love inter-faith dialogue . I have many non-Mormon friends, >95% of my friends actually.

Members are encouraged to treat all people with respect, as a child of God. Even just this last General Conference there were talks about loving people whom have different beliefs.

 

[Marie5890]

I’m Mormon and love inter-faith dialogue . I have many non-Mormon friends, >95% of my friends actually.

Members are encouraged to treat all people with respect, as a child of God. Even just this last General Conference there were talks about loving people whom have different beliefs.

Perhaps this person missed that talk.

Ah well. It was pleasant while it lasted. Too bad that they couldnt just let me be Catholic and be ok with that.

 

[XuDan]

Anyone know how the LDS laity are taught to deal with people who are not of their faith these days?

I have been having a pleasant dialogue with a Mormon. They know I am a serious Catholic. I know that they are a serious Mormon.

It was clear to me that they kept trying to draw me into a we vs them discussion of who is right and who is wrong, but I have always kindly pushed back against this, wanting to keep it a friendly and non-competitive dialogue.

I had hopes that the Mormon church would have lightened up some when it became clear to a member that someone they were having a friendly association with really was not interested, yet would still wanting to continue on with said friendly association.

But I feel like I have been dropped like a hot potato.

I was truly enjoying the association, but I certainly have no desire to re-join the faith.
It’s disappointing. It’s not like this person is a missionary with time constraints.
Deep sigh

This would be the resource you are looking for: Linkified!

This is the manual they give anyone with a calling to teach. Since all LDS are considered member missionaries, they are encouraged to read, understand, and employ the tools in this resource in their missionary efforts. I remember when this was first handed out to the ward, we (elders quorum) spent an activity night going through it so that we all understood it and could discuss it.

 

[Horton]

This would be the resource you are looking for: Linkified!

This is the manual they give anyone with a calling to teach. Since all LDS are considered member missionaries, they are encouraged to read, understand, and employ the tools in this resource in their missionary efforts. I remember when this was first handed out to the ward, we (elders quorum) spent an activity night going through it so that we all understood it and could discuss it.

I can see why many LDS are inconsistent when speaking about the LDS. The manual stated a teacher can alter the lesson after praying about it. I would guess the teacher rarely tell the student it is their opinion they are teaching rather than actual dogma. Sounds a little bit like relativism to me.

 

[XuDan]

I can see why many LDS are inconsistent when speaking about the LDS. The manual stated a teacher can alter the lesson after praying about it. I would guess the teacher rarely tell the student it is their opinion they are teaching rather than actual dogma. Sounds a little bit like relativism to me.

Correct, all by “the prompting of The Spirit,” of course. It is no wonder members can say they have been taught opposing things about the same subject.

 

[Marie5890]

I can see why many LDS are inconsistent when speaking about the LDS. The manual stated a teacher can alter the lesson after praying about it. I would guess the teacher rarely tell the student it is their opinion they are teaching rather than actual dogma. Sounds a little bit like relativism to me.

Very astute observation. I will remember that.

 

[Marie5890]

This would be the resource you are looking for: Linkified!

This is the manual they give anyone with a calling to teach. Since all LDS are considered member missionaries, they are encouraged to read, understand, and employ the tools in this resource in their missionary efforts. I remember when this was first handed out to the ward, we (elders quorum) spent an activity night going through it so that we all understood it and could discuss it.

Thanks!

(Just did a quick browse. Yep, I was the object of being their project. They certainly were following this kind of “outline”. Wow, treat me with lack of dignity by making me their personal project. What a way of dealing with people. )

 

[7_Sorrows]

We live in a neighborhood that has a lot of Mormons.
They are really cliquish. I worked with several too. They have a very wholesome appearance and generally are very nice, but it is like they won’t let you get too close. There was a man of Mormon faith who participated in the 40 Days of Life with our group. So I thought that was nice that he wanted to join us for that.

 

[Marie5890]

There was a man of Mormon faith who participated in the 40 Days of Life with our group. So I thought that was nice that he wanted to join us for that.

That is very nice.

Im leaning towards agreeing with you about the cliquish part.
I was very much enjoying the new association I had with this Mormon and was patient with their promotion of Mormonism on me. At one point I did need to remind them that I was Catholic and devoutly so and was not interested in being Mormon.

They have since been MIA.
Something so very wrong in that.

 

[Marie5890]

This would be the resource you are looking for: Linkified!

This is the manual they give anyone with a calling to teach. Since all LDS are considered member missionaries, they are encouraged to read, understand, and employ the tools in this resource in their missionary efforts. I remember when this was first handed out to the ward, we (elders quorum) spent an activity night going through it so that we all understood it and could discuss it.

XuDan,

I spent more time reading that manual. I found it very elementary in it’s approach. It seemed so lacking in…something.

No wonder I felt spiritually starved as a Mormon. It really was all milk. And I needed meat. I was growing up, spiritually speaking, and was becoming malnourished. That is so very clear to me now.

 

[7_Sorrows]

That is very nice.

Im leaning towards agreeing with you about the cliquish part.
I was very much enjoying the new association I had with this Mormon and was patient with their promotion of Mormonism on me. At one point I did need to remind them that I was Catholic and devoutly so and was not interested in being Mormon.

They have since been MIA.
Something so very wrong in that.

I agree.

 

[aidanbradypop]

Perhaps this person missed that talk.

Ah well. It was pleasant while it lasted. Too bad that they couldnt just let me be Catholic and be ok with that.

They believe they have the fullness of truth just like the RCC believes. With the belief comes a desire on their part to bring everyone into the LDS church. The RCC is really no different when it comes to that. They want everyone to “come home” just like LDS.

The problem one will encounter is when both are secure in their faiths. A friend of mine, a Mormon, was told by the local LDS congregation to always try converting every non Mormon. He has even admitted to me that many of his “friendships” die when converting them is not an option. Kind of makes for a lonely time in life.

 

[Horton]

They believe they have the fullness of truth just like the RCC believes. With the belief comes a desire on their part to bring everyone into the LDS church. The RCC is really no different when it comes to that. They want everyone to “come home” just like LDS.

There is one huge difference between Catholics & LDS. Catholics don’t engage people with the sole intent of converting them. The OP stated she was enjoying a new friendship and was dropped when the other person learned she wasnt interested in converting.

As a Catholic I would love to have everyone come home. Am I going to engage people with that sole intent - No. I may pray for them, answer questions they ask but I’ll let the Holy Spirit work in God’s time.

 

[Marie5890]

Yes, it didnt bother me one iota that they were Mormon. The friendly association was really nice.

But apparently, my being a Catholic with no intention of changing was an issue for them.

I find myself truly sad and disappointed.

 

[7_Sorrows]

Yes, it didnt bother me one iota that they were Mormon. The friendly association was really nice.

But apparently, my being a Catholic with no intention of changing was an issue for them.

I find myself truly sad and disappointed.

I feel so sad for my grandson who is 8 because sometimes the other Mormon boys that ride his bus will include him, but then other times they exclude him and he is sensitive so he cries. I try to explain they belong to a different religion and they go to the same church and do activities together, but he doesn’t understand. They don’t seem to teach them about being nice to everybody even if they don’t believe they way you do.

 

[Marie5890]

I feel so sad for my grandson who is 8 because sometimes the other Mormon boys that ride his bus will include him, but then other times they exclude him and he is sensitive so he cries. I try to explain they belong to a different religion and they go to the same church and do activities together, but he doesn’t understand. They don’t seem to teach them about being nice to everybody even if they don’t believe they way you do.

Oh your poor grandson. How sad.

Will pray for him…and the other boys.

 

[XuDan]

Thanks!

(Just did a quick browse. Yep, I was the object of being their project. They certainly were following this kind of “outline”. Wow, treat me with lack of dignity by making me their personal project. What a way of dealing with people. )

I have found that most of the interactions are formulaic. I’m always pleased when they are not, or when I find someone who enjoys and embraces diversity in their friends and associations.

XuDan,

I spent more time reading that manual. I found it very elementary in it’s approach. It seemed so lacking in…something.

No wonder I felt spiritually starved as a Mormon. It really was all milk. And I needed meat. I was growing up, spiritually speaking, and was becoming malnourished. That is so very clear to me now.

I’ve heard this same thing a few times from others who left. it seems to be another common theme for those who walk away.

 

[XuDan]

I feel so sad for my grandson who is 8 because sometimes the other Mormon boys that ride his bus will include him, but then other times they exclude him and he is sensitive so he cries. I try to explain they belong to a different religion and they go to the same church and do activities together, but he doesn’t understand. They don’t seem to teach them about being nice to everybody even if they don’t believe they way you do.

This is so sad. IT’s like you see the natural tenancy of kids to want to include other nice and friendly kids in their circle of friends battling against what is being taught by their upbringing. In the end there is this yo-yo effect to the kids like your grandson. It is hurtful and needless. I’m sorry he has to deal with it this early in his life.

 

[eddie_too]

my nephew converted to Mormon back in the 1990s. while he was doing a mission in Sweden we corresponded regularly until the time I asked him why the Mormons would want to restore the ancient faith when it had failed the first time. at that time, it was a big Mormon teaching that joseph smith had restored the faith brought by Jesus. that was the last time we corresponded. later I learned that the person in charge of the missionaries in Sweden told him to stop corresponding.

I want nothing to do with the LDS religion. its faithful is another matter and any of them with good will toward all I enjoy encountering.