Close Topic Options

Open Or Closed Minded

This is a follow up from a Topic that Question started in the "Studies of LDS" Board. Here is my view. I was surprised by the answers, but I think it is based on perspective. I think LDS Members are generally closed minded. Consider some of these things:

1. LDS Members are taught that there is only one true Church all the time, so when they hear of other Church doctrines they cancel it immediately

2. It takes a lot of open mindedness to even study some of our own Doctrines, consider just for one the Topic of Plural Marriage and you will easily see how closed minded most Members of the Church are. Keep in mind, I am talking about most not the few exceptional Members who really dive into Doctrine.

3. I believe an open minded person would still study other Religions for greater understanding of how people think, most LDS will not do this. Some may even find it apostate that I even have or indirectly promote other Religions in a Community like this.

Minded Closed Open

I would have to say that you are right on all 3 counts. However, open-mindedness is very much a relative measurement. Many Mormons are very open-minded concerning tolerance for other beliefs, consideration for other peoples' opinions, etc. But are very close-minded concerning doctrine, as they believe that whatever is in the Ensign is absolute. Thus, because one person said that such and such a doctrine is wrong, it is most definitely WRONG! This despite the fact that Joseph Smith or Brigham Young taught it as a true doctrine.

I don't know whether I am open-minded or not. I have some strong opinions, but am willing to examine evidence on many different subjects.

I sure know a lot of people who are very close-minded on most subjects, though.

Open Or Closed Minded Studies Doctrine Mormon

I understand what you mean. Here is another example of close mindedness among Members... it is a unique kind, but it is in existence in a big way and that is if you are trying to do your best and follow those things that are commanded then you are 'too good' or 'too churchy'. In other words they cancel you out as 'trying to be better than them'. You can see this from the many so called LDS that come here and want to instruct us on how we should answer and behave in their presence.

This can be referred to simply as pride or envy, but it is more than that... it is an unwillingness to see if by following the commandments you can really be happier.

Minded Closed Open

I've seen or understand all the examples you've given. There is also the mind-set that we, here, can't possibly be as good as they are - particularly given the discussions we have in some of our LDS topics. I'm all for being instructed and edified by someone else's opinion or research, but don't insist that I believe it or live it without studying it for myself.

Minded Closed Open

How about the one where the Member is infatuated with the GAs to the point that they seem them as infallible? Then when you try to explain to them that they are just men who are striving for perfection like everyone else - you are now seen as apostate.

Open Or Closed Minded

Good points, specially the one about GA. Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable during testimony meeting to hear people praising GAs all the time, and not even mention Jesus Christ. It is a shock for me.

I think in general members of the Church are pretty-narrow minded, not only with other people beliefs but within our own past doctrine. One sister I know personally told me over the phone while talking about Plural Marriage that she does not want to study about it because it concerns her so if in the Millennium we will live this law again, then she will decide to see if she can accept it. I told her that THIS is the time to learn and prepare yourself in case that happens. She then (long time after) joined the site and wanted to access this board immediately, probably to check the thread "In that day seven women will be..." (Plural Marriage) but I knew she was not ready.

I think some of them are closed minded because they are in denial mode. Since they are comfortable to what they belief, anything that can challenge that or take a different look on the Church and its doctrine is something that they may be a little concerned about even though they do not openly say it.

Edited: LDS_forever on 2nd Nov, 2006 - 1:34pm

Open Closed Minded

I have not witnessed this among "most" who have expressed themselves. Rather, I find most people arguing that other churches have truth, but merely lack some essentials necessary for exaltation.

However, I HAVE heard this viewpoint mentioned. I just don't think it is as prevalent as you might suggest.

I think that's true at Church. But I believe that's important, as we should spend our time working as a community of Saints in worshiping our Lord. Were we to introduce potentially divisive topics, that would not be helpful to the worship.

Also, I would not expect most members to be ready for the deep doctrine. I'd expect that it takes a real desire and a need to delve further and truly understand. Thus, by nature, I'd expect it to be a minority of the Saints (and thus not an indication by numbers of closed mindedness).

Completely agree. I'd add that I see it as a person who has a thirst for knowledge. I know that I do.

Open Closed Minded Mormon Doctrine Studies

I think most of us have doctrines that we cannot understand.

And for some of us (myself included at times) there is a "mental automatic shut off" that occurs when we hear a doctrine that disturbs us. I am ashamed at this, because it has limited my ability to open up to new ideas. It seems that I have a unconscious brain gate I've built that can only let so much in. I have always tried to read and learn so that I could overcome this natural tendency to protect my own spiritual phyche.

As to LDS Members being more closed minded then others, I am sure this is more a human condition rather then strictly a LDS one.