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Cary martinez - writer, speaker, translator
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CONFESSIONS OF A TBM

3/6/2015

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Although I spend a lot of time on the computer, until recently I have not spent much of it reading blogs. I don’t use social sites much and my other internet activities are very focused; I don´t do a lot of surfing. So, you must forgive me when I say that I really didn’t know much about the so-called “bloggernacle” until recently.

When I read about the bloggernacle for the first time, I thought, “This is great. People writing intelligent blogs on important gospel topics. I figured there would be a little fluff; you know, cultural items of interest only to cultural Mormons, also known as Utahns (Sorry. That might be just a little unfair. Many Utah Mormons are quite devoted to their religion. It’s just that many also tend to confuse religion with tradition).  I do not really have much interest in that stuff. I have not lived in Utah since the age of five, and I am not overly concerned with the cultural niceties of being a Mormon. My interest is in the meat and potatoes of the religion: the power of the priesthood, the essence of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation, the possibility of knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. I want to read about the power of the gospel to change people’s lives, and the ways the Church can carry that gospel those who need it.

As I started reading more blogs and articles, imagine my surprise as I discovered that the bloggernacle was not just good natured and well-intentioned Mormons bearing testimony and sharing knowledge and ideas! It also includes mean spirited rants by ex-Mormons with bones to pick, PAMs (dontcha just love that term, Professional Anti-Mormons), people who got hurt by a Mormon and blame the whole church, Mormon intellectuals who think they could run the church much better than the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, and the most insidious group of all, “active” Mormons who want the church to change to keep up with the times.

In the course of my new discovery, I came across a term that confused me: TBM. The writers who use this term just assume that everybody knows what it means and therefore do not always explain it. I had to do a little research to understand the term. It was important because it seems that many writers use it so derogatorily. I found three different explanations, which at first glance all seem to mean the same thing, but are really quite different. They are:

            1-Totally Brainwashed Mormon
            2-True Believing Mormon, and
            3-True Blue Mormon


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Totally Brainwashed Mormon

It probably comes as no surprise that I absolutely reject the term “totally brainwashed Mormon”. Although the term “brainwashed” has its place, when referring to someone’s strongly held belief or opinion it usually means that the person using the label cannot convince the labelee of the rectitude of the labeler´s position or belief. In other words, he uses the term in frustration, because his arguments have failed to convince. It is his version of “Oh yeah?” It is silly, offensive, and disrespectful of others´ beliefs. It does nothing to further the user’s cause or argument, and serves only to further alienate him from the allegedly brainwashed person. It is nothing more than childish name-calling.

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True Believing Mormon
This a label that, although often used in a derogatory manner, is not inherently offensive in any way. In fact, it’s a title I could get behind! It’s a badge I can wear proudly.  


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True Blue Mormon
This is another great title, with an interesting history, although many who use the term may not know it. In the book, “Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith”, Smith tells a wonderful story from his early life.

Smith served as a missionary in the Hawaiian Islands from the time he was 15 years old until he turned 19. He writes of an experience he had on his way home to Utah in 1857, which demonstrated his integrity:


It must be said that the feeling against the "Mormons," first, on account of the exaggerated reports of the Mountain Meadows massacre, and secondly, because of the coming of Johnston's army to Utah, was exceedingly bitter on the coast. As an illustration: While they were in Los Angeles, a man, William Wall by name, came near being hung because he had confessed he was a "Mormon." A mob of men had passed sentence on him, and had prepared every detail to hang him. It was only through the wise counsel of a man among them, whose better judgment prevailed, that he was not hung. This man pointed out to the mob that here was a man who had not been near Utah when the massacre took place, a man who had no sympathy with it, who could in no way be counted as a criminal. Why should he suffer? And so Wall was finally discharged and given time to get out of the country. It was under such conditions, and such prevailing sentiment, that President Smith, then a lad of nineteen, found himself on his journey home, and on his trip to San Bernardino.

With another man, and a mail carrier, he took passage in a mail wagon. They traveled all night, and at daylight stopped near a ranch for breakfast. The passenger and the mail carrier began to prepare breakfast, while Joseph went a short distance from camp to look after the horses. just while the carrier was frying eggs, a wagon load of drunken men from Monte came in view, on their road to San Bernardino to kill the "Mormons," as they boasted.

The oaths and foul language which they uttered, between their shooting, and the swinging of their pistols, were almost indescribable and unendurable. Only the West in its palmiest frontier days could produce anything like its equal. They were all cursing the "Mormons," and uttering boasts of what they would do when they met them. They got out at the ranch, and one of them, tumbling around, caught sight of the mail wagon, and made his way towards it. The passenger and the mail carrier, fearing for their safety, had retired behind the chaparral, leaving all the baggage and supplies, including the frying eggs, exposed and unprotected.

Just as the drunken man approached, President Smith came in view on his way to the camp, too late to hide, for he had been seen. The ruffian was swinging his weapon, and uttering the most blood-curdling oaths and threats ever heard against the "Mormons." "I dared not run," says President Smith, "though I trembled for fear which I dared not show. I therefore walked right up to the camp fire and arrived there just a minute or two before the drunken desperado, who came directly toward me, and, swinging his revolver in my face, with an oath cried out: 'Are you a - - - - - - - - 'Mormon?"'

President Smith looked him straight in the eyes, and answered with emphasis: "Yes, siree; dyed in the wool; true blue, through and through." (Bold italics added)

The desperado's arms both dropped by his sides, as if paralyzed, his pistol in one hand, and he said in a subdued and maudlin voice, offering his hand: "Well, you are the - - - - - - pleasantest man I ever met! Shake. I am glad to see a fellow stand for his convictions." Then he turned and made his way to the ranch house. Later in the day, on seeing President Smith, he only pulled his slouch hat over his eyes, and said not a word. (Gospel Doctrine, page 518)

This young 19-year old, who would one day become an apostle and prophet of the Lord, and the 6th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints showed some pretty incredible integrity, even at the peril of his life. I hope that I can, in my own small way stand with him, and say as I am sure he would if he were alive today, “Yes, I confess, I am a TBM!

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INTRODUCTION

3/5/2015

2 Comments

 
As a Mormon, watching the political controversies swirling around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am saddened. It´s becoming a bit more uncomfortable to be a member of the church than it has in the past; not that it has ever been comfortable or easy. The church has been a target ever since its restoration, since Joseph Smith received his first vision in 1820. To be honest, persecution wasn´t even new when it happened to Joseph Smith. It has happened to all sincere followers, regardless of their religion, starting with Abel, who suffered death at the hands of his brother. If one is going to follow a belief that demands that he act at times in opposition to popular beliefs, then one must be prepared to suffer the consequences, which are ridicule, persecution, and in some cases death. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has always been the subject of ridicule, and at times severe persecution, in some cases backed by the governments in countries where the church functions. Recently, it seems that attacks are coming from all sides now, and even from within the church membership.

 

What exactly are the controversies surrounding the Church today, and who or what is behind them?

 

WOMEN AND THE PRIESTHOOD

There are a small number of LDS women demanding to receive the priesthood. When pressed on the issue, they say that they are not demanding to receive the priesthood, just insisting that the President of the Church, whom Mormons consider to be a prophet, seek a revelation from God to see if He wants women to hold the priesthood. They claim to accept the President as a prophet. Yet, as the answer comes back to them, “No, not at this time”, they reject that answer, because it’s not the one they want.

 

One of the interesting things about this group of women is that they are supported by women who are not LDS, most of whom practice no religion, and don´t believe in the power of the priesthood anyway. For them it is just a political issue, a women´s issue, or simply a way to poke at the church. Faithful LDS women involved in this cause ought to take a look at who their supporters are, and what that says about their cause and organization.

 

I am not a women hater, nor do I insist on dominating women (just ask my wife). If the Lord ever revealed that the time had come to give women the priesthood, I would be on board 100%. I know a lot of women. I like women; I love a good number of them. I want them to be happy

 

HOMOSEXUALISM AND THE CHURCH

There are homosexual members who are demanding to have all of the benefits of belonging to the Church. Some even want to be married to other homosexuals in the temple (a place considered especially holy by other Mormons and where only Mormons in good standing are allowed to enter). The Church has gone as far as it can go in this respect. The church does not excommunicate homosexuals for having homosexual feelings. The Church backs anti-discrimination laws. Homosexuals can be members of the church, hold callings, hold the priesthood, go to the temple, etc. What they cannot do is practice homosexual behavior, and remain in good standing as a member. We are not waiting on some new doctrine in this regard. This has already been revealed. It´s scriptural. Homosexual activity, just like all forms of sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage between a man and a woman, is considered sinful. As apostles have stated recently, that just is not going to change, and those who think that it will are sadly mistaken. Church doctrine does not change. Period.

 

Recently, there has been a related controversy, when the Church announced that along with its backing of homosexual anti-discrimination legislation, it would like to see protected the rights of religious people who oppose homosexuality and its practice. This created quite a backlash in the homosexual community, because of course, their civil rights take precedence over everybody else’s, especially in terms of those constitutionally protected rights of free speech and practice of religion. Some governments are also getting on the bandwagon, such as the Salt Lake City Police Department (surprised anybody?), and the State of California (no surprise). Blog posts to follow on both of these stories.

 

Again, I know some homosexuals. I like some of them. I can´t say that any of my closest friends are homosexuals, but there are some family members with whom I have very limited contact, and a few at church with whom I have friendly relationships. I also want them to be happy.

 

INTERNET MISCREANTS

Then, of course, there is that group of undeterminable size who just hate Mormons and post hateful garbage as commentaries to articles, create nasty blogs, and otherwise hide behind the internet wall of anonymity while hurling verbal dirt clods at Mormons who may be passing by. I don´t know any of these people because they hide in the dark. I don´t like any of them, because they are trolls. I´d like for them to be happy so that they would quit being trolls, but I don´t see that happening any time soon.

 

To clarify a statement I made in my first paragraph. When I say I am saddened, please understand that I am not concerned about the church, not really. Anyone who knows the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints understands that the church and its members have been through some bad stuff and come out all right. Our ancestors went through horrible hardships including the murder of the church leaders (tacitly approved by local and state government), an extermination order executed by a state government, and constant persecution by governments and other groups almost since its inception. Yet, here we are, strong and growing.

 

I am however especially saddened by those members of the LDS Church who write blogs or newspaper articles in which they claim to be active members of the church in good standing, and then proceed to attack the church doctrine and the teachings of its leaders, sometimes personally attacking the leaders themselves. Their statements make it obvious to all members in good standing who make the mistake of reading their tripe, that they really do not understand their own religion, and are what is becoming known as "cultural Mormons".  I call them "MINCOs": Mormons in Name and Culture Only. They don´t see the Church as a religion. They see it more as their heritage and/or social club. Let me explain something to the MINCOs. Things are going to get a whole lot rougher for you. The church is not going to come after you; there will not be wholesale excommunications, as some silly writers would have you believe. However, as our society becomes more and more permissive and accepting of those behaviors that the Lord has specifically labeled as “sin”, it is going to get progressively harder for you to identify as Mormon. It won´t be popular, it won´t be fun, not even in predominantly Mormon communities. The time will come when only those who are truly dedicated to the doctrine, who know for themselves of its veracity, will be able to withstand the persecution. I suggest you climb off the fence now, one side or the other, before it becomes really uncomfortable.

 

In conclusion, I don´t believe that writing this blog is going to change much of anything. I don´t have that big an ego. However, as all writers know, writing about something you consider important can be extremely cathartic. I get very angry about the lies and distortions in the media and in the “bloggernacle”, and venting that anger would be unchristian. It would also, of course, would make me a target of those who enjoy attacking the church through the faults (which are legion) of its members. And so, instead of getting angry and returning insults, I will write, and try to set the distorted record straight.

 

I will try to be coherent, kind, and not let my anger shine through. My purpose is not to be contentious, but rather to correct and to allow one more testimony to shine forth. If I think or believe something to be true or false, I will say I think, or believe. And when I know something to be true or false, I will say that I know. I hope there will be no confusion about my feelings, or my knowledge. To borrow from President Boyd K. Packer, I know what I know. Sometimes ones feelings simply do not convey the depth of knowledge.

 

If there are errors, let me know, and I will correct them. Although I am an active member, (I hold a calling, a temple recommend, etc.) I in no way officially represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My opinions, statements, knowledge and testimony are my own, and no one else´s. So blaming the church for any inaccuracy or shortcoming in this blog would be wrong, dishonest, and even a little cowardly.

2 Comments

    Author

    Just an LDS man tired of reading the garbage and attacks on the internet, and feeling a need to respond. I am not one of the Church´s general leaders, nor do I represent the church in any way.

    MY BLOG POLICIES AND RULES:
    Everybody is welcome to comment, even the trolls. You can try to “correct” me if you like, but be prepared to back it up. I am firm in my beliefs, and in certain cases, I know what I know. Part of what I write I base on documented evidence, and all of it I base on personal spiritual experience and confirmation. I give equal weight to both. I welcome healthy debate, and I am not afraid of opposing opinions, but, I will not tolerate the following from commenters:
    1-Personal character assassination, especially unverifiable
    2-Obscenity

    I reserve the right to remove comments and block commenters from participating in the future if these terms are violated. In other words, I will shave you from this blog like a bad haircut!

    Also, keep a couple of other things in mind. Although I am happy to claim membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am not one of its leaders nor do I represent the Church in any way. If I make any mistake in representing the doctrine of the Church, well, that is on me; although I am sure that if I make any mistakes the trolls will jump on the Church like a fresh billy goat! Sorry Church, I´ll try not to let you down.


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