Three Types of People

For a very devout and observing Mormon, there are only 3 types of people in the world. I know I have a couple of Mormon readers, and I would have to say that this rule does not generally apply to them. The fact that they still read this blog is testament enough that they're pretty open minded - or else completely self-loathing masochists!!

Anyway... So the three types of people:

1. Members in Good Standing
   
   Mormons like these people because they're in the same boat. They're good God-fearing people. They know how to act around them, and how to be seen by them. They're convinced that they'll all end up in the same special place which God has prepared for us.



2. Non-Members and Less-Active Members
   
   Mormons generally like these people too, but it's more a liking of what they could become than a like as to who they are in the moment. A non-member could always find the truth at some point, at which time, they would be welcomed into the fold. Less-active members have simply lost their way a little and need to be loved back into the fold as well.



3. Ex-Members
   
   These people are the scum of the earth and to be avoided at all costs. Anyone who leaves Mormonism will become a self loathing bed of hate and bitterness. They will spend their days trying to tear down the one true Church of God. Of course because it's God's Church they will fail miserably, and end up a dysfunctional mess facing the wrath of God for rejecting his servants.
   

I'm not sure exactly where I fall... As far as the general body of the Church are concerned, I'm think I'm somewhere between 1 and 2. I've obviously lost my way a little, hence the special invitations to attend basketball and football games, and the invitation to attend the temple a few weeks back... "Um, you need a recommend to do that right?!?"

For those who read this blog, you'll probably put me somewhere between 2 and 3.

I can honestly say I've met very few people who meet the definition of #3, at least not past the Ex-Member part. There are a few who obsess over tearing it down, but ironically enough these people are either still caught up in the religion itself, or ironically entangled in some other fundamentalist religious ideology, which is not too far different.

Earlier this year, during an altercation with a family member of mine, they referenced my association with my wife's family and other ex-communicated members of the Church. I think it was meant as an insult and to be honest, I was a little offended that they would categorize my wife's family as such, knowing what they think of ex-members. My wife's family are devout, and while they support and sustain Glenn Beck as an additional prophet, they're actually really decent people.

Those who read this blog, and are ex-mormons themselves... I've been delighted to find that for the most part, you're excellent examples of the person I hope one day to be. Critical thinkers who generally keep their emotions under control, and understand and offer empathy and advise for the challengers I and others are facing. I have the utmost admiration for you.

I'm going to explore this third group of people a little more during the coming week. At some point I also need to elaborate on my Green post about cheap energy being part of the American Dream.

Stay Tuned!