• Registered: 2005-03-07

Topic: To Write or Not to Write

In the last year a friend of mine dropped out of the Mormon religion, and now wants to write a book explaining how and why it is a fraud.  I've considered doing the same, and I'd like a writing partner. 

It's been done before, of course, but...well, the fraud continues. 

We talked for two hours about it tonight, talking about possible layouts and points to be made, etc., etc.  And now I'm feeling an inertia of second-guessing.  A part of me is questioning whether or not the inertia I'm feeling is the result of control energies; another part of me is questioning whether the inertia I'm feeling is the result of "knowing better."  ...I mean, is it a fight that can be won? 

Neither of us have any delusions of turning the LDS church on its head.  All we really want, deep down, is for those we love to be un-deluded.  But even that...I mean, is that a fight that can be won?

Yet I strongly feel a difference could be made.  Okay, cliche, cliche, but even if one person is undeluded (even if that one isn't a family member or friend), the book-writing would be worth it, I feel. 

Maybe the inertia I'm experiencing is just the anticipation of attack.

To write or not to write?

You can't change a tiger's stripes,
but you can avoid its teeth.
  • montalk
  • montalk
  • forum-keeper-upper
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2004-03-24

Re: To Write or Not to Write

It depends on whether those you are trying to reach are simply naive and don't know better, or willfully ignorant or hopelessly programmed. Then they would either be responsive to reason if given a chance to read something reasonable, or else refuse to give it a chance or resort to circular rationalizations. If a book is too much work, you could economize your energies by writing a shorter pamphlet containing an itemized list of the most important points, perhaps with a personal anecdotal intro to set the context.

Acquiring fringe knowledge is like digging for diamonds in a mine field.

montalk's Website

  • Registered: 2005-03-07

Re: To Write or Not to Write

Those I'm most interested in reaching are the naive--the ones who just haven't been informed.  I don't have the energy to take on the wilfully ignorant and they who spin ad-hoc theory after theory to fill the yawning holes.

My original idea was to write a pamphlet.  My friend is thinking of a "book" that's fifty pages maximum.  None of us are interested in a comprehensive rebuttal of Mormonsim.  We think there are a few "hanging threads," that--if pulled by a reasonable person--will unravel the fraud.

...I hadn't thought too much in the way of personal anecdotes, but my friend's story would help contextualize it all because he was--for so long--an adamant defender of Mormonism.

There are differences between a book and pamphlet, too, that aren't related to word-count.  Pamphlets can be left under windshield wipers, left in public places, can stir a person without requiring them to pay.  There is an inherent givingness in a pamphlet.  Or can be by intent.

As I consider the idea more seriously I can feel energies moving against me--internal and external.  Tonight I've felt weirdly nauseous--and I don't think it's anything I've eaten. 

I always learn by writing.  Writing, especially about something controversial, draws out my shadows.

You can't change a tiger's stripes,
but you can avoid its teeth.
  • Registered: 2006-01-11

Re: To Write or Not to Write

dreamosis, given your energetic pressures against it, perhaps you can instead do it as a two-phased thing, and set up your intentions accordingly.  The first intention would simply be to write this pamphlet/mini-book, regardless of any attempt to get it out there in the public eye; treat it as if it's initially just for you and your friend and no-one else, and that you're just writing it to write it, to get it into the open even if that just means your own personal consciousness.  That way you'll be writing from the heart regardless of any external factors.  If your intentions are clear on this, the pressures will hopefully lighten.

After that's done, and you see what you have in front of you, then you can evaluate it as it stands and decide how to proceed and which kind of battles (if any) you're prepared to confront in terms of broader exposure.

  • Registered: 2006-02-06

Re: To Write or Not to Write

Dreamosis....if you need any "Mormon stories" Ive got some for you.

In man's analysis and understanding of himself, it is as well to know from whence he came as whither he is going.   Edgar Cayce

Beliefs are tools for social conditioning, rather than expressions of inner realization or inner truth.   unknown
Ad Verecundiam
  • Registered: 2005-03-07

Re: To Write or Not to Write

treehugger, I would love some.  I always enjoy hearing "war stories."  I've got a few myself.

You can't change a tiger's stripes,
but you can avoid its teeth.

7 Reply by titmouse_ (edited by titmouse_ 2006-08-17 20:51:44)

  • From: Shores of Lake Titikaka
  • Registered: 2006-05-25

Re: To Write or Not to Write

Planting seeds is a careful act. Some will germinate and some will not. Over time it is good to have knowledge, but the heart is the wisest and most fertile ground. Cast your thoughts to the wind and wait for the best of them to grow. Take no credit for your efforts and yet earnestly face all the arrows with the confidence of a great warrior questing in a great cause; but do not use the sword of truth as a hammer. Truth and Grace are revealed to those with seeking eyes and ears. Most people see only what they can conceive from the seeds previously sown.


"Wildflowers prosper where soils are harsh, avoiding alligator shoes and careless hearts"
~~carefulcarpenter

Fun fact: Great Tits are common in Europe

To know love is to know trust; to know oneself is to know truth
~~carefulcarpenter

1+1=1