Official Discussion on the Mormon/LDS influence in Idaho (Boise: 2010, university)

[joelbella2007]

But religion does make a difference in people not being happy here for a number of reasons. I would say its a valid reason to consider when moving to a place like Rexburg.

I grew up in a community with every kind of religion. We all got along. Some of those folks were LDS. I have no problem with their religion, their practices or them as people. One of my good friends growing up was LDS. However, there is a difference between having LDS friends in say NYC and living in a town that is 95%. Yes, some are wonderful and some are quite pushy and judgmental. Like all religions, its a mixed bag. Someone non-LDS notices this more in a town where most people are the same religion like Rexburg. Some people especially the young will feel out of place. People bring up religion on the job which I never experienced much in a diverse place. It can be quite overpowering. Then there are those that won't date someone of a different religion.

Also if you are from a city and you are a twenty-something single, you won't find a bar, coffee shop or live entertainment. And before someone makes a comment that "oh that's what makes Rexburg wonderful" I'm not agreeing or disagreeing. However, I could see where some people would hate it here because of that.

I believe there are more cons than pros for non-LDS people living here. I also think age plays a part in it. If you are young, you might have more problems relating and mixing in. If you are older and a married couple without teenagers, you will be much happier.

If I knew what I knew now, I wouldn't have taken the job. Not because LDS people are horrible people or I dislike them because I like many. But I don't want to live in a town ran by religion. I loved having all my friends from different religons, walks of life and political parties because everyone can fit in and be themselves. Here, there isn't something for everyone. I miss that.

[jufrbo]

I went to High School, with a decent amount of Mormons. They were nice people and one of my best friends was a mormon, a Jack Mormon, but there definately was a rift between the gentiles and the mormons, It seemed like it was us vs. them. The mormons had the money, we didn't. They were treated well by the administration and got away with what we couldn't. They were inadvertantly(sp) rude. There was always a certain air(sp) about them like they were enlightened and you weren't. I don't think this happened until the high school years, when they starting to get status in their church, about to leave on missions and all that business.

[tevitapota]

While it is true that many LDS individuals refer to themselves as "Mormon", it is still a slang and most I believe including myself would rather be referred to as "LDS". I'm sure you can find many African Americans that have in the past been referred to as "N" and it was accepted by them, but not preferred.

It is a gradual change that will take time, but the term "LDS" is more respectful to the faithful than "Mormon".

[jufrbo]

How come the official website of the so called LDS is mormon.org?

[SergeantL]

Originally Posted by JustinFromBoise

How come the official website of the so called LDS is mormon.org?

Actually, mormon.org is a sub page. The official site is LDS.org. Mormon.org links to Church information in the event people search using the word “Mormon.”

Now, without desiring to appear argumentative, Tevitapota is correct as far as his or her preferences are concerned; however, I am well versed in the issues surrounding the use of the term Mormon, and I do not find it even remotely analogous to the “N” word. Other than Church members, virtually no one in general society is aware of the history surrounding the derogatory application of the word; therefore, there is no “N” word intention when it is used.

In my opinion, any objection by Church members to the use of Mormon in today’s society is an expression of hypersensitivity, especially when one considers that even the leadership of the LDS Church has given up trying to make society understand the difference.

[jufrbo]

uhhhhhhhhhhhh So why is their holy book the Book of Mormon, i don't know what the NAACPs manuel is called but im sure its not... never mind

[SergeantL]

Originally Posted by JustinFromBoise

uhhhhhhhhhhhh So why is their holy book the Book of Mormon, i don't know what the NAACPs manuel is called but im sure its not... never mind

Perhaps you should ask this question on the religion forum, or go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You will find the answer to your question on either site.

[TohobitPeak]

One of the main reasons that active LDS members would rather be called Latter Day Saints vs. Mormons, is because it is a way to differentiate the mainstream church from the break-off polygamist groups.
There was a guy named Mormon who was considered a "prophet", hence the name Book of Mormon, so I don't think that Mormon is a negative word because the book and the church are named after one of their earliest prophets.

[izzy]

I agree with TohobitPeak's last post. That the recent case in court concerning polygamist, and the use of the word Mormon, when referring to the group...makes me want to clarify the difference by using the term LDS.

But most folks don't realize that Latter Day Saints are Mormons. They look at you with a puzzled look on their face until you make the link for them with the word Mormon. In fact I was talking to my best friend about the Church of Latter Day Saints. Then I mention that was the church I attend, she said "That's the Mormon Church?"

Folks just don't make the connection. As far as being called Mormon...doesn't bother me a bit. I use the term all the time. I didn't hear anyone questioning the term "Jack Mormon". You know I never thought about where that term came from.

My understanding of the term is folks that have been members in the past or current members who....don't exactly follow the guidelines of the church or they are not attending church. A mormon who doesn't go to church, drinks coffee, but still considers themselves mormon...Our family refers to them as "Jack Mormon". But what did Jack ever do to have his name used in this way?

Izzy

[JAJA]

My family moved here from the East Coast {yes, the grandchildren thing} and in the East, we dont ask people what is their religion, nor do we really care. It is not until one is treated disparingly that one is more likely to wonder what in the persons social/economic background causes the disparaging behavior.

My point? I have heard complaints that women are not addressed with credibility or respect by LDS men when the women have something to say.

This statement might very well not be true, but it could be that Westerners and Easterns are from two different habitats and we need to be patient as we learn our new environment.

If we give power to those who treat us with little respect, regardless of their religiosity, then they feel power-full and will continue to treat one disrespectfully. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If the line is cross, turn away and find another sand box to play in. After awhile, they get the message.

But wait, Easterns have a problem with Catholics and Protestants...dont we, lol....my point.