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Why we are trapped by Mormonism
Sam's comments from "Recovering from Mormonism" BBS, April 22, 1999
Posted by Sam on April 22, 1999 at 19:14:29:
I was reading from a book by Albert Jay Nock, called the "Disadvantages of Being Educated." He stated, "Some philosophers think that society is an organism, moving instinctively always towards the immediate good thing, as certain blind worms of a very low order of sensibility move towards food. From the long-time point of view, this may often be a bad thing for the worm; it may get stepped on or run over or picked up by a boy looking for fish-bait. Nothing can be done about it, however, for the worm's instinct works that way and, according to these philosophers, so does society's, and the individual member of society has little practical choice but to go along."
I was trying to relate this to the society of mormonism and the society of our mormon families. Most members, when considering their future with the church, focus on the short-term, even if it will hurt them and future generations in the long run. If a member decides they can't stand home teaching or leaders controlling them, or the busywork of callings, or find it difficult to fake belief in bogus beliefs, etc, etc, they consider options at least briefly. Immediately they feel the threat of pain when considering abandoning or reducing their commitment to church. That pain is the anticipated scorn and rejection by family and church leaders and friends. So, like the worm, most turn away from that threat, and return to the fold, even though they'll suffer long-term
I disagree that we have "little choice but to go along," though I confess I have occasionally thought that, pertaining to the church, going along may have been easier. But I've come to realize that even though leaving hurt in the short term, it pays off later as my immediate family and I gain freedom. The more we all just "go along," the more we become someone's slaves, be it in government, religion or whatever.
I enjoy this site because it attracts people who have the foresight and courage to shoot for the long-term good.
This foresight requires some learning and thinking. I've debated whether learning and thinking are good, as those who do little of them sometimes seem happier (ignorance is bliss?). Thinking and intellectualizing can be overdone, and for some it can be an addiction to avoid uncomfortable issues that need to be faced squarely. I have been such a person. (And leaving the church doesn't solve all our problems, but eliminates a distraction from facing them)
I have concluded that life is about feelings, and we should experience them, and not fear them. (I was raised in a home where they were either suppressed or so intense during fights that I chose to avoid them.)
Though most of our time should be spent feeling life, we need to spend some time learning and thinking to provide boundaries and direction for our feelings. Those who can put some thought into life and the church, and go beyond the stimulus-response mode, can have better feelings, as they can avoid traps, harm, and wasted energy.
I'm glad I now know that at least for me, the church is a trap and the wrong direction.
This reminds me of the military cliche, "We don't know where we are or where we're going, but we're making really good time."
Thanks, Sam
Page Modified June 12, 2004