When Mormons talk about happiness what do they mean? We will deconstruct how the Church uses the concept of happiness to control and gaslight members.
SHOW NOTES:
Mormon Stories
- 1688: The Happiness Letter (Joseph Smith’s Proposition to Nancy Rigdon) w/ LDS Discussions – 28
- 1723-1726: Mormon Convert Resigns – Liz Lambson
- 1744: Recovering after Mormonism – Dr. Steven Hassan
- 1586: The Mormon Plan of Salvation – Extended Edition with John Larsen
- 1562: Mormonism and Logical Fallacies – w/ John Larsen
Other sources:
- The Happiness Letter – A Reading | Thoughts on Things and Stuff
- Nancy Rigdon and the Happiness Letter – Exploring Joseph Smith as a Sexual Predator | Mormon Discussions
- Secular Buddhism Podcast w/ Noah Rasheta
- Ex-Mormons Ask Cult Expert Steven Hassan Questions. Eyes Get Teary.
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6 Responses
The mormon church tells you what to do to be happy and therefore you can never be your authentic self.
As soon as you stop lying to yourself and can be your authentic self you are way more happy.
As always I quite enjoyed the mindless banter all the way up until the 11:30 mark where Brother Larsen once again refused to appropriately use correct definitions.
“Happiness” as anyone will tell you is a 1990 album by the group The Beloved which can be found here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoJljFflUEo&list=PLA5la7CgC9OkJBrVKZPx5f587KjJboLqr&index=3
– thus negating the need to listen to three blowhards for hours on end. I’ll refrain from using my standard one star review as I’m sure others may have enjoyed this episode although I have no idea who the hell they are or were.
Although this episode aired on the 21st, it is imperative to note that the following article on Happy-Ness appeared in the propaganda outlet which shall not be named here:
https://www.deseret.com/2023/2/27/23591623/arthur-brooks-interview
I do not feel that an accusation of plagiarism would be warranted without input from former President Bateman. I find it rather disheartening that the intolerable on both extreme sides of the culture wars are now parroting each others’ nonsense.
Also, the search for Happy-Ness can be compared to the search for the Loch Ness monster. The Loch Ness monster is fuzzy, wet, and most definitely not real although worth diving in fore.
Great discussion. Food for thought from all 3 of you.
Mormon happiness is an oxymoron
Such a great presentation and discussion. Thanks!