Ex-Mormons held to Double Standard against Active Mormons
By Brig Bagley
A recent article outlines the double standard Ex-Mormons are held to when it comes to sharing their beliefs. The article first praises another article, "When the Saints go Marching Out," which is an explanation of the massive exodus from the LDS church for various reasons. Then a response article, "When the Saints go Marching Out-of-Control," which criticizes the first article and mentions the phrase that Ex-Mormons "Leave the Church, but cannot leave it alone."
Why is it that Mormons shut down when someone tries to share beliefs, or truths that conflict with the Mormon Doctrine? Mormons--from as early as Primary--are taught to share their beliefs with others around them. 18-19 year old teens are even expected to serve missions for 2 years in a strange place to "declare the gospel to the world". Missionary efforts are 1 of the 3 missions of the church. Converts are expected to bring their friends and families into the church. But why is it that when one person comes and tries to explain a truth, a contradiction to the LDS faith, that the Mormon turns a cold shoulder and immediately rejects it?
This double standard is all too real, yet often missed, since Ex-Mormons often feel guilty for trying to "ruin" the beliefs of the active Mormon. But whatever an Ex-Mormon believes, there must have been a very compelling reason for them to leave the church, often a doctrinal issue. This truth rang so strong with the Ex-Mormon that he/she decided to alienate him/herself from friends and family just to follow what he/she found to be true. How is that any different from a convert joining the LDS church? Is a convert no also often leaving friends and family to follow their new-found belief? Yet it is noble for the convert to the church to proselyte, and disrespectful for an Ex-Mormon to explain their beliefs to convert the Mormon away from the LDS church.
This is just another example of how the LDS church culture places its beliefs (using the privilege of religious freedom) above and in front of any other argument as what is "best" for society as a whole. The LDS institution does uphold some great beliefs and standards, but most of these can be found in other religions, and even in non-religious people.
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