The Mormon Faith: Views and Controversies

I often hear the phrase, 'The Mormon religion sounds strict. I don't think I will make a good Mormon.' But is this really the case? Let's delve into the nature of the Mormon faith and explore why certain aspects may be misconstrued as too strict.

Understanding What It Means to Be a Good Mormon

First, it's important to understand that the phrase ‘not being a good Mormon’ is a subjective interpretation. No matter what someone tells themselves, they are enough. God is with us every step of the way, and the atonement is a wonderful reality that offers tremendous opportunity for growth and redemption. However, the perception of strictness often comes from the perspective of external moral judgments rather than an internal understanding of what the Mormon faith stands for.

Common Misbelieves About Strictness in Mormonism

Being a Mormon involves abstaining from things like coffee, tea, alcohol, smoking, and drugs, which many people consider common sense. Not having extramarital sex is another expectation within the faith. These actions can indeed seem strict at first glance, but they are rooted in a broader understanding of moral and ethical living.

Consider a simple moral rule like, "Do not kill." If someone struggles with this, it's not termed too strict; it's understood as a fundamental truth. Strictness in faith is more about adhering to a set of values that may be seen as challenging but not arbitrary. In terms of morality, the difficulty of a task does not determine its strictness.

The Role of Morality in Mormonism

The Mormon religion has a firm foundation in moral principles and beliefs. Many who criticize the faith view these as arbitrary rules. However, these rules are seen as truths and principles that guide towards righteousness and personal growth. The important aspect is whether one agrees with or finds value in these moral teachings.

Improving Oneself vs. Being a Good Mormon

Another common misconception is that one must be a 'good Mormon' to be accepted. No one is perfect, and everyone has room for improvement. The goal in Mormonism is to strive for goodness and righteousness, not to achieve some unattainable ideal. As Brene Brown poignantly stated, 'Comparison is the thief of happiness'. The pressure to constantly compare ourselves to others can lead to a lack of genuine contentment and well-being.

Conclusion: Reassurance and Guidance

Remember that perfection is the goal, not the expectation. While trying to follow the moral teachings of the Mormon faith, it's important to approach it with an open mind and heart. If certain rules seem too strict, it might be an opportunity to reflect on the underlying reasons and principles, or to consider if the church’s teachings are aligned with one's personal beliefs and life goals.

External Perspectives

For further insight, you might find the following video on Mark Gardner's perspectives on why many people dislike the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) but like its members, and his thoughts on the work and expectations required by Mormonism, quite enlightening.

Resources:
1. Mark Gardner's video, "Why do so many people dislike The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but mostly like the members as people"
2. Mark Gardner's video, "As a Latter-day Saint 'Mormon', what do you think about the work you have to do in order to be saved or go to heaven as criticized by other denominations of Christians"