Mormons have invited us to examine, question, and challenge not only the Book of Mormon but their entire religion (as seen in this post). Well, I’ve found three exceptions to this open invitation. I’ve provided a list of the three people that–if they question Mormonism–most Mormons will just dismiss them with prejudice and will not seriously listen to anything they have to say.
1). Other Mormons
2). Ex-Mormons
3). Non-Mormons
Additionally (and for clarification) I’ve included below the reasons they dismiss any and all critics who fall into one of these three categories without ever considering the validity of their challenges.
1). OTHER MORMONS (those who are currently members of LDS):
This is because the LDS organization does not welcome free-thought because they are told to “never speculate about Church Doctrine” (Gospel Principles, Page 2).
And according to Ward Teachers Message, Deseret News, Church Section, Page 5, May 26, 1945, “When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done.“ Who within LDS would dare risk anyone else knowing that they’re struggling with questions about LDS doctrine? This instruction in the Deseret News continues: “When [our leaders] propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.” This certainly doesn’t leave room for anything but blind obedience, even if evidence to the contrary is overwhelming. This indoctrination continues with a quote from Joseph Smith, “That man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church . . . is in the high road to apostasy; and if he does not repent, will apostatize, as God lives.” So it is plain to see, if any Mormon is bold enough to question LDS doctrine, anything he says should be dismissed immediately because he is questioning the leaders and he is considered to be in apostasy.
2). EX-MORMONS (those who used to be Mormons but have since left the organization):
This is because Latter-day Saints are indoctrinated to believe that no ex-Mormon could possibly have left the organization because they discovered the truth. Instead they–all of them, every single one, without exception–must be disgruntled with the LDS organization and are therefore spreading nothing but lies.
3). NON-MORMONS (those who have never been Mormons):
This is because, they argue, no non-Mormon could possibly understand their history and faith as well as they do, thus whatever they say cannot possibly be true.
There you have it: If you’re not a current Mormon, an ex-Mormon, or a non-Mormon, then you are free to discuss with them the plethora of problems, contradictions, inconsistencies, falsehoods, fallacies, mistakes, false prophecies, and insurmountable errors of Mormonism and they will surely listen with an open mind. So next time a Mormon sticks his fingers in his ears and says, “What you’re saying can’t possibly be true because you’re a fellow-Mormon, an ex-Mormon, or a non-Mormon,” now you know why.
Christ Alone Wyoming 
Doesn’t that include EVERYBODY? You’re not really open-minded if you’re open-minded to no one. DUH!
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I’m coming looking at this as an ex-mormon myself. I’m not angry at the LDS ( The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) Church, in fact, I think that it does an amazing amount of good for an astounding number of people. For some, it is the best way to be happy, and I am not going to sit here and judge anyone for that. I am not arrogant enough to say that another person’s way of life is or isn’t good for them.
For me, I know that it doesn’t work. I gave it my all when I was Mormon, and I was always taught to question things, even when it wasn’t convenient. Now, I agree with you that the conclusion expected when one questions their belief would be that in line with official church doctrine. Is this really unique among a group of people or an organization that truly believes they know the truth? In other words, if my answer is correct, then how could I reasonably accept any conflicting answer?
It is the hierarchy of the LDS Church organization which is bothersome to many. They believe in the concept of Modern Day Revelation, which means that Church Leaders aren’t simply reflective interpreters of scriptural text, but actively revealing truths in this modern day (REMINDER: I personally don’t believe this). In theory, any individual can be shown the Truth, the problem is that the hierarchy involved means that this truth cannot supersede those of higher authority. This was part of why I have struggled and continue to struggle with the idea of “mormons” who take and leave different aspects of the religion. The hierarchy doesn’t seem to leave room for this.
However, I would argue that this is either explicitly or implicitly a part of most “organized” religion. I wouldn’t jump to criticize the LDS Church for doing this when this brand of “blind faith” is rampant among many sects of Christianity, even if it is on a smaller scale (i.e. from Church congregation to Church congregation).
I can agree with you in many ways, but I’m not sure if the picture you have painted is complete. Surely, I agree that there are “the plethora of problems, contradictions, inconsistencies, falsehoods, fallacies, mistakes, false prophecies, and insurmountable errors of Mormonism”, but that’s true of everything from the United States Government to the Bible itself.
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LOL,
Yes, Jonny H, it does include everyone, i’m pretty sure that was the point of this post.
Pilgrim,
Certainly this is true of many members of the LDS church. But, like “A man debates” pointed out, this same criticism can be made about many people in nearly all religions. Members of the LDS church just happen to have quotes from many prior general authorities to back up their pig-headedness.
At the same time, there are plenty of forums where members of the LDS church are more than willing to debate/discuss with others. You just have to find those locations.
Try here: http://www.ldsblogs.org
I really think you could make the same argument about people and politics.
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