But they tend to stick together in a small secluded group.
@DiverDude:
Actually that is quite false. They are very involved in the community and are always willing to help anyone...Not just those of their faith. They are no different than any other religious organization...only difference is, you have stereotyped them. They have no problems associating with any person, however, there is a moral code that is taught and maybe, just maybe, your life is unacceptable in that - therefore you are the one secluded, because of the life that you live & they do not want to associate with that. Although, I do not see that simply as a Mormon thing, I see that as, well heck, there are people I choose not to associate with because I do not condone their attitude, behavior...whatever you may want to classify it. Even still, it is taught to be forgiving and accepting of your neighbors... so, sorry you FEEL that way, but, all in all, it is a false statement.
And what is it to you anyway, if someone is proud to say "and I am Mormon"? I mean, you don't have a problem if someone says and FIGHTS to say "and I am Christian". I bet you, that if this same thread was started but substitue "and I am Christian" - you would have sorts of people jumping down your throat about it - or more than likely, you would be appalled and upset that someone was having a problem with THAT.
They have a certain "moral code" they teach and are suppose to live by (CTR is one), which there is NOTHING wrong with that...
And therefore, they say "and I am Mormon" I live by this moral code and I move among you the same as your neighbor...proudly.
Because the proper name of the Church is: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We call ourselves Latter-Day Saints (LDS for short), meaning that we are followers of Christ. We don't get offended at being called Mormon, but that title erroneously implies that we follow Mormon. We prefer LDS because it defines who we are.
No one is going to correct you taramay when you call them Mormons. The leaders of our church have asked us to identify ourselves as LDS not Mormons. Either way is fine. There is a lot of negative conotations about the word Mormon and some people don't realize that LDS and Mormon are the same.
True!
And the younger generations, or not solid followers, do NOT know or understand that the leaders have asked & prefer for one to say LDS vs. Mormon. - so if you ask "one" it is not surprising that they answered "they did not know what you were talking about".
And yes, a reason for it is to remove theirselves from the negative stigma that "Mormon" tends to automactically bring - like plural marriage - which is not taught or tolerated.
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