The subject of Mormonism is viewed and understood in two ways: forward or backward.
Forward Mormonism starts with the first vision of Joseph Smith and declares salvation by obedience to the principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. They believe “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify [them] for the work.”
Backward Mormonism starts with the King Follett Discourse, the last conference talk of Joseph Smith, where God is man, salvation is earned, and the purpose is to glorify ourselves to eventually gain our own planet with our multiple-goddess wives.
In forward Mormonism, Jesus Christ is central. He is Alpha and Omega, our Advocate with the Father. Our exemplar, The way, the truth, and life.
In backward Mormonism, there is no significance of Jesus. He’s the brother of Satan. He’ll pay for your since IF you qualify, which you never will because it’s impossible to do all you can do.
Forward Mormonism says your mind is darkened if you treat the Book of Mormon lightly.
Backward Mormonism views the Book of Mormon as an imaginary tale, sprinkled with Bible scripture.
Forward Mormonism focuses on truth. It makes logical sense. It’s found in scripture (which members call “the standard works”) it’s found in repeated statements of apostles, prophets, and other ordained leadership, in conference addresses, magazines, etc., and discerned by the fruits of the Spirit.
Backward Mormonism has no organized methodology of determining doctrine. Everything said by anyone by the church is of equal value. It’s often contradictory. Things which align with the Bible are dismissed, but the REAL beliefs are the only ones that support the narrative above.
Forward Mormonism focuses on what IS. Because “Mormonism is Truth” it can be found and accepted at face value. Teaching can be found everywhere: at church, in scripture, and manuals for every single class and function of the church, etc. which can be found online, nothing is hidden. The beliefs are shared from the highest authority (the prophet) down to the newest member.
Backward Mormonism always seeks to redefine reality: “real” faith, “real” grace, the “real” Jesus, and “real” Mormons. The “real” beliefs are deep and buried. “Real” teaching begin at the temple, oppose the Bible, and hang on mysteries that can never be proven: (ie. the origin and corporeal nature of God, the exact moment man receives salvation, etc.) True understanding is always measured by how long you have studied it, the greatest authorities are called “experts”.
In forward Mormonism, members lead each within their own capacity, fulfill leadership callings, teach lessons, they are called to give sermons to the congregation at sacrament meeting every Sunday, etc.
In backward Mormonism, church members don’t know what they “really believe” the ones who know the most are the ones that have renounced their religion and left the church. Members only do those things out either being manipulated somehow, or seek to manipulate. They need to come to forums like this to be taught what they “really” believe.
In normal Mormonism is truth-seeking, & honest. Members are counseled to read the scriptures, individually and with family, daily and pray “with a sincere heart and real intent”. They are counseled by leaders to become spiritually self-provident. They have diversity of thought and opinion.
Some mysteries and principles are interpreted differently, but only on the things that don’t affect salvation. Members accept that each person is on their own learning journey.
Backward Mormonism focuses on falsehood. You’ll have the truth when you know Mormonism is FALSE. There’s no diversity in views or opinion. If you don’t believe the teaching (according to the “experts”) your no longer a “real” Mormon. You are told what you believe, and then told how you will go to hell if you believe it. If you are an active member of the church, you are publicly shamed of your dishonesty if you dare challenge the “experts”.
In forward Mormonism, you’re encouraged to set goals (spiritually, physically, professionally, and socially)and live a balanced life. “The Holy Ghost tells you all things that Ye should do.”
Backward Mormonism takes up your entire life. The “experts” and the advocates thereof labor day-in, day-out teaching their message. If you leave a forum like this, and come back a year later, chances are the teachers will still be here saying the same thing over-and-over.
In Forward Mormonism, Members meet together weekly. Class discussions are open, where the teacher leads a discussion and each “speak [one] at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.”
Proponents of backward Mormonism meet every 6-months with signs in front of temple square, or at special occasions like the Manti pageant. From a distance you can hear them yelling over each other. And if your fortunate to enter a discussion your taught by debate, denigration, and strife.
Forward Mormons are taught to be spiritually self-reliant, read scriptures, pray to know if something is true, worship God within the dictates of your conscience, and be led by the Holy Ghost. They are invited to share their testimonies monthly, and tell non-members “bring all the good you have, and see if we can add to it.”
Backward Mormonism is reliant on “experts”. One is instructed to never become to closely associated with members. It’s too dangerous and you might get brainwashed. If you’re ever in a discussion with a Mormon, never think for yourself, or use common sense - consult an “expert” that will tell you which books to read before you discuss further.
Forward Mormonism is taught in truth in love - like you actually feel like people care what you think, feel, and experience.
Backward Mormonism is taught in fear. Active Members are told by the “experts” what they “really” believe, and often educated on how they feel, think, and behave, and what they intend. Any positive experience wasn’t “real”, it’s all a result of the brainwashing.
Forward Mormons invite to “Come and See”, to pray and know for yourself. They respect the agency of the investigator. They share the message out of love with their families and friends. Members defend their beliefs when challenged, and stand as witnesses of God in all things and all places.
Proponents of backward mormonism have a savior complex. They determine It is up to them to warn and teach the falsehood that is not to believed, while recovering the lost members who believe it. They act in kind and loving ways, until you disagree with them.
Forward Mormonism gathers family and members together. They view all mankind as children of God.
Backward Mormonism divides families and friends. Proponents of backward Mormonism are elitist in their own right. You must believe like them, and actively forsake your beliefs (whether the glorify God on the surface or not) to be saved.
Proponents of forward Mormonism use scripture and cite sources to justify their beliefs.
Proponents of backward mormonism frequently steer away from the topic, ignore the sources, and make the subject the opposition’s tactics or character of the member. Discussions almost always result in activity of head games and psycho-analytics.
Forward Mormonism teaches “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Backward Mormons, especially the non-Christian ones, rejoice in the inquity of others by fault-finding, and continually challenging authority. Some even make podcasts and build a following by doing so.
Believers of Forward Mormonism seek the praise of God. That’s how they can stand coming into a forum like this and continually be told how they think, feel, and act while defending their beliefs. Mormons even challenge the views of fellow members.
Proponents of backward Mormonism frequently create a circle of public praise and social acceptance in their echo chambers. Any topic that challenges their beliefs of truth are moved to a different forum, to ensure a one-sided conversation and always have their opposition on defense.
Most importantly, remember:
Forward Mormonism is painted as a cult by Christianity.
Backward Mormonism, according to Christianity, leads you to “the truth that will set you free.”
Forward Mormonism starts with the first vision of Joseph Smith and declares salvation by obedience to the principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. They believe “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify [them] for the work.”
Backward Mormonism starts with the King Follett Discourse, the last conference talk of Joseph Smith, where God is man, salvation is earned, and the purpose is to glorify ourselves to eventually gain our own planet with our multiple-goddess wives.
In forward Mormonism, Jesus Christ is central. He is Alpha and Omega, our Advocate with the Father. Our exemplar, The way, the truth, and life.
In backward Mormonism, there is no significance of Jesus. He’s the brother of Satan. He’ll pay for your since IF you qualify, which you never will because it’s impossible to do all you can do.
Forward Mormonism says your mind is darkened if you treat the Book of Mormon lightly.
Backward Mormonism views the Book of Mormon as an imaginary tale, sprinkled with Bible scripture.
Forward Mormonism focuses on truth. It makes logical sense. It’s found in scripture (which members call “the standard works”) it’s found in repeated statements of apostles, prophets, and other ordained leadership, in conference addresses, magazines, etc., and discerned by the fruits of the Spirit.
Backward Mormonism has no organized methodology of determining doctrine. Everything said by anyone by the church is of equal value. It’s often contradictory. Things which align with the Bible are dismissed, but the REAL beliefs are the only ones that support the narrative above.
Forward Mormonism focuses on what IS. Because “Mormonism is Truth” it can be found and accepted at face value. Teaching can be found everywhere: at church, in scripture, and manuals for every single class and function of the church, etc. which can be found online, nothing is hidden. The beliefs are shared from the highest authority (the prophet) down to the newest member.
Backward Mormonism always seeks to redefine reality: “real” faith, “real” grace, the “real” Jesus, and “real” Mormons. The “real” beliefs are deep and buried. “Real” teaching begin at the temple, oppose the Bible, and hang on mysteries that can never be proven: (ie. the origin and corporeal nature of God, the exact moment man receives salvation, etc.) True understanding is always measured by how long you have studied it, the greatest authorities are called “experts”.
In forward Mormonism, members lead each within their own capacity, fulfill leadership callings, teach lessons, they are called to give sermons to the congregation at sacrament meeting every Sunday, etc.
In backward Mormonism, church members don’t know what they “really believe” the ones who know the most are the ones that have renounced their religion and left the church. Members only do those things out either being manipulated somehow, or seek to manipulate. They need to come to forums like this to be taught what they “really” believe.
In normal Mormonism is truth-seeking, & honest. Members are counseled to read the scriptures, individually and with family, daily and pray “with a sincere heart and real intent”. They are counseled by leaders to become spiritually self-provident. They have diversity of thought and opinion.
Some mysteries and principles are interpreted differently, but only on the things that don’t affect salvation. Members accept that each person is on their own learning journey.
Backward Mormonism focuses on falsehood. You’ll have the truth when you know Mormonism is FALSE. There’s no diversity in views or opinion. If you don’t believe the teaching (according to the “experts”) your no longer a “real” Mormon. You are told what you believe, and then told how you will go to hell if you believe it. If you are an active member of the church, you are publicly shamed of your dishonesty if you dare challenge the “experts”.
In forward Mormonism, you’re encouraged to set goals (spiritually, physically, professionally, and socially)and live a balanced life. “The Holy Ghost tells you all things that Ye should do.”
Backward Mormonism takes up your entire life. The “experts” and the advocates thereof labor day-in, day-out teaching their message. If you leave a forum like this, and come back a year later, chances are the teachers will still be here saying the same thing over-and-over.
In Forward Mormonism, Members meet together weekly. Class discussions are open, where the teacher leads a discussion and each “speak [one] at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.”
Proponents of backward Mormonism meet every 6-months with signs in front of temple square, or at special occasions like the Manti pageant. From a distance you can hear them yelling over each other. And if your fortunate to enter a discussion your taught by debate, denigration, and strife.
Forward Mormons are taught to be spiritually self-reliant, read scriptures, pray to know if something is true, worship God within the dictates of your conscience, and be led by the Holy Ghost. They are invited to share their testimonies monthly, and tell non-members “bring all the good you have, and see if we can add to it.”
Backward Mormonism is reliant on “experts”. One is instructed to never become to closely associated with members. It’s too dangerous and you might get brainwashed. If you’re ever in a discussion with a Mormon, never think for yourself, or use common sense - consult an “expert” that will tell you which books to read before you discuss further.
Forward Mormonism is taught in truth in love - like you actually feel like people care what you think, feel, and experience.
Backward Mormonism is taught in fear. Active Members are told by the “experts” what they “really” believe, and often educated on how they feel, think, and behave, and what they intend. Any positive experience wasn’t “real”, it’s all a result of the brainwashing.
Forward Mormons invite to “Come and See”, to pray and know for yourself. They respect the agency of the investigator. They share the message out of love with their families and friends. Members defend their beliefs when challenged, and stand as witnesses of God in all things and all places.
Proponents of backward mormonism have a savior complex. They determine It is up to them to warn and teach the falsehood that is not to believed, while recovering the lost members who believe it. They act in kind and loving ways, until you disagree with them.
Forward Mormonism gathers family and members together. They view all mankind as children of God.
Backward Mormonism divides families and friends. Proponents of backward Mormonism are elitist in their own right. You must believe like them, and actively forsake your beliefs (whether the glorify God on the surface or not) to be saved.
Proponents of forward Mormonism use scripture and cite sources to justify their beliefs.
Proponents of backward mormonism frequently steer away from the topic, ignore the sources, and make the subject the opposition’s tactics or character of the member. Discussions almost always result in activity of head games and psycho-analytics.
Forward Mormonism teaches “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Backward Mormons, especially the non-Christian ones, rejoice in the inquity of others by fault-finding, and continually challenging authority. Some even make podcasts and build a following by doing so.
Believers of Forward Mormonism seek the praise of God. That’s how they can stand coming into a forum like this and continually be told how they think, feel, and act while defending their beliefs. Mormons even challenge the views of fellow members.
Proponents of backward Mormonism frequently create a circle of public praise and social acceptance in their echo chambers. Any topic that challenges their beliefs of truth are moved to a different forum, to ensure a one-sided conversation and always have their opposition on defense.
Most importantly, remember:
Forward Mormonism is painted as a cult by Christianity.
Backward Mormonism, according to Christianity, leads you to “the truth that will set you free.”
