Living LDS
Labels are important to people. There have been many instances when the term of Latter Day Saints has been attributed to some negative characteristics and has been avoided. Living LDS as a matter of fact, is not really that different from living like a Christian of the catholic or orthodox creed. So why all the negativity associated with LDS members?
The primary concern of non-Mormons is the veracity of Joseph Smith and his dealings with the angel Moroni, which led to the writing of the Book of Mormon. Other Christian denominations believe this to be untrue – but do they take into account their own beliefs? Catholics, for example, believe that the Pope is the direct successor of Saint Peter. The Pope can give out edicts that immediately are put alongside the teachings of Christ. While we are not here to judge, it is important to see how much faith can do and achieve.
If Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was allowed access to the golden plates which told about the prophets that were settled in the Americas – how can anyone deny them that? It is their fundamental right to believe in anything they choose to believe in and no one should be able to make assumptions and put a negativity stain on their central belief system.
Another concern of non-LDS is the fact that Mormons have a lot of children. There is no direct link, however, that shows that living LDS has anything to do with the tendency to have a lot of children. After all, there are a lot of families on the planet that have more than two children. This is a decision that belongs solely to the parents – not a Church. LDS members have given statements in which they state clearly that they are single children or only have one brother or sister. Why would anyone have a problem with children should elude most people.
This is not a pro-living LDS article and should not be regarded as such. The main idea is to see that there is more to a creed that meets the eye. And before anyone makes a statement denouncing the veracity of the LDS faith, they should take a closer look and find things they might not want to make an issue out of. For example, living LDS pushes its members to take into consideration major calamities that would make normal lifestyles impossible to pursue. They urge them to save up on canned goods, water and be prepared at all times to face disasters. This protection extends to the whole family – where the man of the house is in charge of offering it and educating the rest of the family on what should be done. No one can possibly deny that this is a great thing to do and that the LDS Church really cares about its members.
So let’s all take a second and look at the facts before saying that living LDS is bad. It’s one thing not to want to join in, another to blame and demonize. A world where people get along should be what we’re striving for, not a world of separation due to belief systems.