Mormons????? (Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert: relocating, vacation, jobs)

[esselcue]

I live in Chino Valley (Yavapai County) out in a rural area and we occasionally have Mormon's come to the door, as well as Jehova's Witnesses. The Mormons are polite and not pushy...the Jehovah's Witnesses will not accept "No, Thanks" as an answer and they drive me nuts! But in truth, I would prefer that no one come to my door to offer their religious beliefs to me...although they do have every right to do so.

[AZ Momma]

They dont call it Mormon Mesa for nothing! I have lived all over the Phoenix area. I have lived in Chander for about 3 yrs now and like it much better than Mesa. I do have Mormon friends but not any in my neighborhood. I have had problems in the past with my kids being outcast at school simply because they didnt go to the LDS church. The LDS parents encourgae thier kids to only play with LDS kids. I live in a very nice area called Sun Groves and recently have had problems with bullies. This is my first experience with this problem and after talking to other parents I found out its been a really big problem for both the elementary and jr. high. Also, I wouldnt recomend buying a house here right now, they are still a little overpriced and will come down quit a bit more..

[Observant Person]

I was raised Catholic and later accepted the lord as my personal savior now my cousins are Mormons but we never felt separatedness from them per se. I moved to Arizona 9 years ago into Mesa (large Mormon community) on every corner there is a Mormon church (so to speak) and next door to every high school a "seminary" or place where they are allowed to worsip during school hours - the "school boards are combined primarily of "Mormons" -- who in my opinion have set some exceptional standards for student academics and behavior. "No complaints there."

Recently, being displaced in my normal occupation ...I came to work in a LDS run company that specializes in health products ---- may I say that ....I have encounted some of the most arrogant and racist individuals that I have ever met IN MY ENTIRE LIFE inclusive of my father whom when I was a child believed him to be prejudice. However, they are passively aggressive in their demeanor ....two face......say one thing to your face and talk without end behind your back. The customers they service (who they profit off of) are talked about in such a derogatory manner when on hold --- its pitiful and while they are against caffeine (thats all we sell) to other people. How hypocritical is that ....its like the good cop selling drugs on the side and profiting from it.

They speak nothing and emulate nothing of Jesus Christ ...only separate themselves by referring to the health aspect of their religion and going on a mission is not an act of God as with most "true religions" but rather something done to give "honor to their family" (perhaps that is why the most converts they have are outside of the U.S and the have the smallest retention rate of any religion) its all for appearances and for their family not for the true love of people as Jesus Christ displayed from the Mary Magdalene to Saul of Tarsus.

While I believe they have some "Great Family Values" they distinguish themselves as BETTER THAN OTHERS --- and the fact is their Book of Mormon (changed 400 times) according to social acceptability speaks for itself.


One of the people I work with is a wonderful Mormon woman but the whole gang banger thing does not apply to Latinos ....a gang is a click and they are "clickish" and can make your life unpleasant (when in a tight setting) as I am in now ......by excluding you .......so the method may be different and more acceptable but still its the same in principal ........this is our group and you are not part of it except that a "gangbanger" is he is violent in his methods "traditionally" speaking anyway (another stereotype).......but you know what he is ....they present themselves to be different but practice the same mentality (as long as I am a part of a gang or group "I have purpose" and you are the minority ...that to me is "weak" at best).


I just think the golden rule covers a multitude of sins "Treat People the Way you Want to be Treated" --- it covers all the 10 commandments and every aspect of decency................if we all followed that rule irrespective of our religions or high opinions or low opinions, our environment and our nationality ...this world would be less violent and a heck of alot better place to live.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Wow Observant Person, that was one impressive post. I realize that their are many within the Church that act as you say. That is too bad for them as they are not living the religion that they choose to be a part of. Not sure where you ended up with the 400 changes in the book of Mormon as I have many copies from many different years and have not seen any changes that I have noticed. Maybe you could please list the changes so that I can know what to look for.

Many of the people that I know within the religion are passionate about the Savior Jesus Christ. Maybe those that you know are not. Also maybe they have lived around others of their kind so long that they forget that we are all children of God and brothers and sisters regardless of what religion that we are a part of.

I do know that from the time I was a kid we were taught that some day Jesus would clean out his own house of those people that are not truly following his teachings. Chances are some of the people that you are working for are some of those that will be removed from the church. So sad for them. April 5th and 6th is the Churches General Conference which is broadcast on TV in the Phoenix area. I think on the BYU channel if you have COX Cable. WHy not see what the leaders of the Church are realy teaching. Many of the things they talk about are things that the members are not doing, or things that they should be doing better in. Doing that would give you an idea of what the church teaches and not the people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true, the people can be less than at times. Then again you are only seeing the Church through the eyes and actions of those in Mesa and surrounding areas.

[Olive2Bgeeky]

Originally Posted by MotleyCrew

We fled CA because of the increasing property taxes. We paid over $3,200 for a 1500 sq.ft house and only pay $2,100 for a 2069 sq.ft home here. We could use a Prop.13 to hold the line on property taxes however. Florida is insane between property taxes and home owners insurance. The only state that has really low property taxes is Alabama and I am not sure I would be this happy in Alabama.

Oh my, if that's high, you better avoid WI! It's over $6000.00 a year for a 2350 sq foot home. Yes, insanity, I know!

[dcarek07]

How bout Jack Mormons? I have friends that are Jack Mormon and Mormons, I never yet had a mormon kid come to my door at home well at least not while I was home !

[Sunshinne]

I have lived in the east valley for many years now, and I am not Mormon, but rather agnostic as well. I think that religious diversity exists here in the east valley, and I have never had a negative experience with anyone being pushy. It is just my opinion, but I would say that the majority does a great job at respecting the differences in other's religious beliefs. The east valley seems to almost have just as many mega born again Christian money making churches as it does Mormon wards. A Jahovah Witness is more likely to knock on your door then someone who is Mormon, so just hang a no soliciting sign out and call it good. Like others have mentioned, you should more concerned about other things.

[azriverfan]

Mormons do not push their faith upon people like evangelicals and southern baptists found in many conservative states. Don't worry these aren't the type of people who will tell you that you are going to hell or preach homophobic statements. They are far less judgemental than many conservative religious groups. Part of the reason for that is Mormons emphasize education and clean living so unlike many evangelicals, they are highly educated and are somewhat least emphathetic toward people of other faiths because of discrimination they have endured.

The major criticism of Mormons is their failure to integrate into mainstreat society. They are not necessarily criticized for pushing their beliefs like evangelicals. I think the backlash toward Mormons in Arizona is due to the states significant population of liberals from nearby California and the upper Midwest who have no experience encountering conservative people. It's such a shock for these liberals to discover that some people don't drink alcohol or party. If you have been to red states or areas between the coasts, there are a fair number of neoconservatives who abstain from drinking, dancing and gambling in addition to other forms of entertainment that our society feels is the norm. Having experienced these people, Mormons are the least proselytyzing among the conservative groups.

I do agree with some of the criticisms against Mormons which may not be P.C. I feel that while Mormons are polite, they don't really make an effort to be friends with those outside their faith. Their lives revolve around their church and in doing so they tend to isolate themselves however conservative they might be. On the other hand, I feel that evangelicals try to adopt others into their faith and are much more sociable in regards to living among the mainstream. Personally, I respect the Mormon's position on this more and believe their approach is respectful. I personally don't care what someone believes as long as they don't try to push their beliefs on me.

But to answer the original question, no, I wouldn't be concerned with Mormons. In many ways, having Mormons as neighbors offers many benefits as well. Mormon communities tend to be educated, safe and financially stable. I personally prefer to live in a more open and non-religious community so I chose not to live in Mesa or Gilbert for those reasons. There are plenty of non-Mormon communities in the Phoeix. The majority of people move here from Los Angelas and are pretty liberal like yourself. I would just advise not living in Mesa or Gilbert.

Chandler can't be judged as a Mormon community because it is so big and it depends where you live in Chandler. East Chandler tends to reflect the demographics of Gilbert and Mesa because it borders those areas so east Chandler can have a lot of Mormons. West Chandler is extremely diverse and liberal due to the large number of Asians and young professionals who live and work in the engineering and information technology companies located there. For example there is a Hari Krishna and Hindu temple in west Chandler which was the first of its kind in Arizona

[JensLovinLife]

I was raised Mormon, but have not been a member of their church for over twenty years. I won't state my faith, because I feel we are all guessing and hoping that what we believe in is true and none of us really do know - so why argue about. One thing I remember the Mormon faith taught me is this: "Let people worship how, where and what they may." We should all do whatever works best for each of us!!!

Before I offer my two cents to your post I will start by saying that my entire family is Mormon and very saddened by my "rebellion" - but love me dispite our differences. Half of the family try to guilt trip me back and the other half respects my choice to believe what I choose, but they are all GREAT citizens and great caring people!

Its true - There are those Mormons that do exist that give the rest a bad name and yes, some of those pushy Mormons are my own family, I am sad to say. Mormons, or anyone for that matter, can be good or bad, regardless of their faith. It's somewhat like a good cop or a bad cop; a good judge or a bad judge. We've all had the cop that pulled us over and seems to have his/her underwear in a bind, and then another time have the type of cop that rescues us from being a victim. Both cops are supposed to be upheld to a high moral code of ethics - some do not follow them, while others model them beautifully. One can not define the entire group as a whole, by one individual or one post.

I am proud of the fact that my children are 7th generation natives to Arizona, because my ex-husbands family were the Mormon settlers that trekked across the country and settled here in the time of Geronimo!

When I was a child my father was out of work for one year - two seperate times - and they paid our mortgage, electricity, car pymt, etc and ALL of our food and staples that were required to live!!! I love them for this.
BUT I must point out - we were members of their church - a part of their community - and all of us had been paying 10% of our total earnings prior to this and to my knowledge my family still does. That included my babysitting jobs at 11 years of age!!!

In have two answers to your concerns about Mormons:

1) Yes, Mormons really do contribute to making the community you live in a very positive environment because of their strong family values. Anyone who promotes family values can never be too bad in my book. In my opinion, the community is a better place with Mormons as your neighbors. (Although a previous poll stated that there were more Jewish people in 85297 zip code than any other faith).

2) Since you mentioned your concerns about someone pushing their faith on you, I do have one important point to make regarding the Mormons...
If you show an interest in hearing about their faith you might want to prepare yourself to feel some pushing right into being baptized, because they truly do have an incredible program in place to convert those that show an interest. Their faith in what they believe in is deep and they will defend it with all of their might! (I believe some of the responses to your post point that out perfectly).

It is safe to say that a person who is looking for more meaning in their life would be very suspectable to any formal organizations preaching. Anything can sometimes sound good when you feel alone, and the world is dark and dismal. If you are looking for meaning to your life or an answer such as "Why are we here? What's the point?" - it would be hard not to be inspired by and compelled to believe in their "Plan of Salvation."

So if you do not want anyone trying to push their religion on you I would suggest not asking them about their faith or try to get into a debate about their faith. One final observation...Just opening this post has already invited some people on this blog to push their faiths on you - so maybe there is some truth to your premature concerns!

Smiles - Jennifer

[KK85297]

Most of this has already been said, but I just wanted to reiterate a few points-

1. Mormons are "nice" people. They are good neighbors, tidy, respectful, etc.

2. If you aren't Mormon, they probably won't even speak to you, let alone proselytize. Heck, since moving here I have met so few friendly people in Gilbert I'd almost wish to have a Mormon preach to me! Instead, they mostly just ignore you and/or snub you...which is worse.

3. A previous poster mentioned that for non-LDS kids in school, it can be tough. My 8 year old gets blasted at school for "not believing in God" and not going to church. We believe in God ABSOLUTELY- but because we don't go to their temple, we are as good as Atheists. I hurt for him and tell him that parents who teach their kids such things are wrong and mean-spirited and are not living as Jesus told us to live.

Before we moved here, I loved Mormons. I wanted to move to a town full of people with lots of kids, great family values, great pride in their community and strong marriages and ethics. Boy, was I wrong! I have never felt so isolated and out of place in my life- I truly regret moving to such a heavy-LDS part of town. We are relocating to another area of the East Valley this summer and you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll be scouting neighborhoods to minimize our exposure to Mormons.

I wish I had more positive things to say about them because, as I said, I was always a big LDS admirer. I have found them to be highly insular, judgmental and hypocritical. Obviously, not every one is like this- just enough of the ones I've encountered to change my overall opinion of the group as a whole.