Deliberately changing religious beliefs

[wmw999 2,498]

I think that some people are strong believers in (atheism, catholicism, judaism, bonk-bonk-ism, whatever). Others see it as a path they are choosing, but are accepting of (or even intrigued by) the thought that there might be more than one path.

So maybe it's not as fundamental a belief for those folks, and maybe, therefore, not as much of a stretch for them to move.

After all, some consider it to be a pretty major move to go from Presbyterianism to Lutheranism; others can't even tell the difference.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Skyrad 0]

bonk bonkism! Now I'm intreagued tell me more my dear....

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[wmw999 2,498]

The world was actually formed 3 days ago. All memories and evidence of otherwise were implanted.

(note: the name of the belief set was thought up by an American, not a Brit who would have a double meaning)

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[rehmwa 2]

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The world was actually formed 3 days ago. All memories and evidence of otherwise were implanted.

It was actually nearly 3 years ago - some of the Magrethean rebuild permits are dated from the start of the rebuild process. The rebuild just finished 3 days ago.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[ExAFO 0]

I like kittens. They're fluffy.

Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW.

[shropshire 0]

The use of the words thought and American in the same sentence.... beggars belief

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[wmw999 2,498]

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The use of the words thought and American in the same sentence.... beggars belief

Hush

You should be polite to your elders

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Gawain 0]

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In order to wed in the Mormon temple, she had to go through some sort of "training",

The Catholic Church also has a sort of "orientation" for those that are not Catholic prior to a wedding service. However, non-Catholic persons are still allowed in the Church.

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and none of her family and friends were allowed to attend the wedding because they're not Mormon. Personally, I find such exclusivity snobbish,

I find it elitest and snobbish too.

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but that's not really the point of this post. What's more curious to me is that she was able to intentionally say "I have previously believed X, but I love this man so I will choose to believe Y from now on".

Belief is belief. Personally, I think that it is quite leap for someone to "suddenly" believe something different. Now, the only real difference with Mormons is that there is a third testament (in a broad stroke), why they're so detached and prohibitive is beyond me. One could also question the character of someone who might give up their beliefs so quickly. If it were to happen over time, through one's own investigation of the doctrine, then maybe.

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And why do so many people of any faith (Mormon, Christian, Atheist, Muslim, or Jew) insist on a significant other who shares their beliefs?

You answered your own question. The institution of marriage was originally based to enable the consumation of a relationship to allow for children.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[jkm2500 0]

I know that you have a hard time believing that other people have beliefs that differ from yours. The temple marriage thing is not something that happens overnight. The person must be a member in good standing for at least a year prior to entering into the temple. The exculisivty thing is for the same reason. The temple is a sacred place, and so only members in good standing are allowed in the temple. There are members who are not even allowed in the temple because of personal worthiness issues.
Follow the links to read what the first presidency of the church has outlined as far as temple marriage goes.
http://www.mormon.org/welcome/0,6929,403-1,00.html
http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1298-1,00.html

As far as the girl goes(the original poster), why dont you ask her how long she has been investigating the church, when she became a member, and what her beliefs are.

The primary purpose of the Armed Forces is to prepare for and to prevail in combat should the need arise.

[ExAFO 0]

Hmmm...So the Temple is a museum of Saints, not a hospital for Sinners... No thanks.

Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW.

[billvon 3,044]

>One could also question the character of someone who might give
> up their beliefs so quickly. If it were to happen over time, through
> one's own investigation of the doctrine, then maybe.

Alternatively, one might have beliefs that are as congruent to the mormon religion as they are to the protestant or catholic religions. They're all very similar from a 10,000 foot view.

>You answered your own question. The institution of marriage was
> originally based to enable the consumation of a relationship to
> allow for children.

Actually, as you know, if you go far enough back it was as much about property rights and economics as it was for children. People tend to have children no matter what sort of 'unions' are set up - we're programmed to copulate, and do so at the drop of a hat.

But in any case, how is a union of a mormon and a catholic any less likely to produce children than a union of two mormons?

[shropshire 0]

sorry sis... twas the vodka made me do it.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[Gawain 0]

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Alternatively, one might have beliefs that are as congruent to the mormon religion as they are to the protestant or catholic religions. They're all very similar from a 10,000 foot view.

I agree.

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But in any case, how is a union of a mormon and a catholic any less likely to produce children than a union of two mormons?

A little sex can do quite a bit can't it?

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Gawain 0]

Dude...were you talking to me??

Just in case, I have no problem with what a person believes, it's their actions that define and display their character.

On matters of faith, exclusivity harms more than it helps. Who helps the members "not in good standing" with their struggle to become a model citizen again, since they aren't allowed to worship with their fellows?

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Nightingale 0]

Mormon temples aren't the only place of worship. There are a little over 100 temples, I think, but many, many churches (over 7,000). Anyone can enter the buildings used for regular worship, but only Mormons in good standing can enter the temples, because they are considered to be a very sacred space.

[BIGUN 1,357]

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I think that some people are strong believers in (atheism, catholicism, judaism, bonk-bonk-ism, whatever). Others see it as a path they are choosing, but are accepting of (or even intrigued by) the thought that there might be more than one path. So maybe it's not as fundamental a belief for those folks, and maybe, therefore, not as much of a stretch for them to move. After all, some consider it to be a pretty major move to go from Presbyterianism to Lutheranism; others can't even tell the difference.

Personally, I'm opposed to all "...isms," they always end up in a war with some other "...ism."

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[kallend 2,088]

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I think that some people are strong believers in (atheism, catholicism, judaism, bonk-bonk-ism, whatever). Others see it as a path they are choosing, but are accepting of (or even intrigued by) the thought that there might be more than one path. So maybe it's not as fundamental a belief for those folks, and maybe, therefore, not as much of a stretch for them to move. After all, some consider it to be a pretty major move to go from Presbyterianism to Lutheranism; others can't even tell the difference.

Personally, I'm opposed to all "...isms," they always end up in a war with some other "...ism."

What's wrong with polymorphism?

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Gawain 0]

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What's wrong with polymorphism?

They exist on so many levels, the monomorphs have had it.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[jkm2500 0]

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Hmmm...So the Temple is a museum of Saints, not a hospital for Sinners... No thanks.

It's more of a place to get in touch with your spiritual side. It is a sacred place. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sacred
A place to get away from people talking about the normal day to day things, and focus on spirituality.

You are welcome to visit any of the thousands of meetinghouses throughout the world. http://www.mormon.org/question/worship/1,8578,797-1,00.htmlThose are where most of the sinners are healed....if you will.

And as far as I can remember, all of us are sinners.

The primary purpose of the Armed Forces is to prepare for and to prevail in combat should the need arise.

[jkm2500 0]

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Dude...were you talking to me??

Sorry Max,
It was a general response. A lot of people are quick to criticize and I am sure that most are religiously unaffiliated. They are going off of what a friend of a friend said about a religion. The original poster was a little miffed about family not being able to attend the sealing ceremony. If you ask me, that is a huge price to pay for the girl. She obviously believes very strongly in her religion. Strongly enough that she is willing to offend friends and relatives in order for her to do what she thinks is right. How many are willing to stand up like that for what they believe?

As far as exclusivity goes, it is what it is. There are a few times when it offends, as in this case. The members not in good standing are supposed to attend their regular meetings, and meet with their bishops. Does this make sense?

The primary purpose of the Armed Forces is to prepare for and to prevail in combat should the need arise.

[Shotgun 1]

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She obviously believes very strongly in her religion. Strongly enough that she is willing to offend friends and relatives in order for her to do what she thinks is right.

If she was a devout Christian and changed to Mormonism just so that she could marry a guy, that seems to indicate that she doesn't believe very strongly in her religion at all. To me, it seems to indicate that marrying this particular guy is more important to her than her own religion. (Which is fine by me, if that's what makes her happy. Can't say I understand though.)

[ExAFO 0]

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Hmmm...So the Temple is a museum of Saints, not a hospital for Sinners... No thanks.

It's more of a place to get in touch with your spiritual side. It is a sacred place. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sacred
A place to get away from people talking about the normal day to day things, and focus on spirituality.

You are welcome to visit any of the thousands of meetinghouses throughout the world. http://www.mormon.org/question/worship/1,8578,797-1,00.htmlThose are where most of the sinners are healed....if you will.

And as far as I can remember, all of us are sinners.

And apparently you have to kiss some old guy's arse and be sure to give enough of your money to some door-to-door pair of bicycle riding dorks to be considered worthy enough. Gone are the days of repent and be forgiven....

Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW.

[skydyvr 0]

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The use of the words thought and American in the same sentence.... beggars belief

The UK is our bitch.

. . =(_8^(1)

[AggieDave 6]

I dated a fairly devot Mormon for over 3 years. Although I'm not an uber-christian, I do follow the beliefs and have a strong grasp on the theology. The thing that ended up breaking the relationship up, even though we did love each other, is the extreme differences in beliefs. Although we knew we could make it work individually we knew that if we had kids we would probably end up having a divorce over if the kids would go to church at all, or to a Christian or to a Mormon church.

Believing Christian beliefs, overall, I can understand faith and how it applies to people, as well as to how someone can believe something that some people believe to be a fairytale. I can also understand other religions and how someone can believe in them, having studied some about Islam, Judism, Buddism and a few others. While in that relationship I wanted to give Mormonism a fighting chance, so I got a Book of Mormon and studied it in detail. Maybe it was my indepth knowledge of Christian theology, but I was absolutely blown away with how "out there" it was. That and I also found their KJV of the bible to be different then other KJV of the bible. Which I found odd. Different translations of the bible is good and all, but you would think that a major religion wouldn't change a version and keep calling it the same version unless there was another reason.

With that said, I have nothing against Mormon's personally. They have been some of the most honest and genuine people I have met in my life. Ever. Much more honest and genuine then a large majority of "Christians" I've met. I also respect their choice in religion, I just personally can't believe in their religion as my own.

*shrug*

It worked out for the best overall though, since a few years later I met my wife and if you're reading this thread having known me for a while, you'd know how good that's been for me. Not to mention how happy she has made me.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[BIGUN 1,357]

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What's wrong with polymorphism?

Which one? It can't even get along within itself.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.