LDS Only: Self-righteousness in our midst

[Katzpur]

The following was posted by a fellow Latter-day Saint on another forum:

I've found that Mormons are pretty good at accepting different beliefs outside of the church (like they can understand that a Catholic just hasn't found the truth yet but are trying to find it at their pace) but any difference of opinion within the church is not so lovingly accepted.

What do you think? I've seen a lot of self-righteousness on the forum lately, and comments made by Latter-day Saints towards other Latter-day Saints. Why do you think we're more tolerant of differences between our members of Church and members of other Christian denominations than we are of differences between us? Why do some Latter-day Saints feel that holding holding one opinion as opposed to another makes them more righteous than another members of the Church? The patronizing tone of posts that imply, "If you were a really good Mormon, you'd believe..." is so un-Christlike! I personally see it as a sign of insecurity. How about you?

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

The following was posted by a fellow Latter-day Saint on another forum:

What do you think? I've seen a lot of self-righteousness on the forum lately, and comments made by Latter-day Saints towards other Latter-day Saints. Why do you think we're more tolerant of differences between our members of Church and members of other Christian denominations than we are of differences between us? Why do some Latter-day Saints feel that holding holding one opinion as opposed to another makes them more righteous than another members of the Church? The patronizing tone of posts that imply, "If you were a really good Mormon, you'd believe..." is so un-Christlike! I personally see it as a sign of insecurity. How about you?

I'm not sure . . . (as I wrack my memory . . .) I hope I don't come across like that. But I do get rather passionate about my religion and have to be honest.

[Orontes]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

The following was posted by a fellow Latter-day Saint on another forum:

What do you think? I've seen a lot of self-righteousness on the forum lately, and comments made by Latter-day Saints towards other Latter-day Saints.

Hello,

Emotionalism is not a substitute for reason. Charges of self-righteousness, in either direction, are similarly uninteresting. If someone makes an assertion that view X is a morally tainted view, then the wherefore of the claim should be open to analysis. Insofar as Mormons and Mormonism makes moral claims, the highs and lows of those claims and whether they apply in a given situation seems fair game.

As to the LDS focused, California Constitutional Amendment thread: I have read several fairly strong opinions, but I have yet to read any sustained argument against the First Presidency's stance. Most positions I've read haven't moved much beyond the emotive.

[Katzpur]

I think that comments to the effect that "we have our free agency" can come across as, "We can choose either right or wrong, good or evil, obedience or disobedience." They hardly ever come across as, "We can have legitimate differences of opinion without one of us being wrong, evil or disobedient."

[Katzpur]

Well, there has been more than enough emotionalism on both sides of the issue to go around, hasn't there? I, too, have read several fairly strong opinions, but I have yet to read any sustained argument for the First Presidency's stance. It's interesting how everyone automatically assumed which thread prompted this one, when I said nothing to indicate that. I don't want this thread to just be a continuation of that one. I'd rather discuss the issue at hand, which is, "Why are differences of opinion seen as unrighteous choices?"

[madhatter85]

It's what the Lord says, "Thou mayest choose for thyself"
especially when he gives options and tells you what the right one is.

we always have our free agency. I think it's silly not to support our prophet whom we sustained in General Conference as the only person in the world with the authority to excercise the keys of prophecy and revelation.

This is a revelation, the prophet would not ask us to do something unless the Lord told him to.

and i'm sure he went to the Lord and asked, and then asked the apostles to do the same, and they all came to the same conclusion before announcing it.

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I think that comments to the effect that "we have our free agency" can come across as, "We can choose either right or wrong, good or evil, obedience or disobedience." They hardly ever come across as, "We can have legitimate differences of opinion without one of us being wrong, evil or disobedient."

I'll definately keep that in mind when I'm tempted to use that phrase. But what do you do if you genuinely think someone is wrong? Not evil, or disobedient, but just plain wrong? I am trying so hard to understand different viewpoints and to keep my answers "soft". But what do you do? Especially when it feels like Pres. Monson's decisions are under attack?

I hope I never came across as holier-than-thou. That has never been my intention.

[madhatter85]

Satan Is the spirit of Contention, Contending with our prophets is NOT of God.