Chosen People

Pros of Mormonism from the perspective of the
Believer	Ex-believer
Being a faithful Mormon means that we are part of the chosen generation, which gives a lot of people confidence and strength and happiness. We are important and valiant in God’s eyes; God has reserved us for these latter-days. We are his strongest children. Those in leadership positions are the great and noble ones called before the foundation of the world. We are God’s elect because we hear his voice and don’t harden our hearts, and all those who join the church are God’s elect. We are honest in heart; the honest seeker of truth will know the Book of Mormon and the church is true.	Many ex-believers feel conflicted about this issue. On the one hand, they might miss the confidence and strength and happiness that comes from believing you are a chosen people, and the feeling that we are important and valiant in God’s eyes. On the other hand, some ex-believes rare embarrassed about the arrogance and egocentrism that such a belief entails and see great harm in this.

Cons of Mormonism from the perspective of the
Believer	Nonbeliever
The believer might occasionally realize that this rhetoric of being God’s chosen people can lead to pride, arrogance, and egocentrism. However, they are probably comforted by the teachings that God is love, that God so loved the world he gave his Son, God loves all his children, that all are alike unto God, and his arm is extended to all people. Many believers don’t view this doctrine as harmful, because they know that it doesn’t mean they are better than other people.	A trait that seems to define cults is that members of the cult believe they are special and elite. The elitism of believing you are part of God’s chosen people is one of the characteristics that make some ex-believers consider the church to be a cult. The rhetoric of being God’s chosen people can lead to pride, arrogance, and egocentrism and comes across as very condescending to ex-believers. Some ex-believers feel isolated and looked down on because, doctrinally, they are not part of the chosen people. Those who have lost their faith are told they are not as impressive as those who believe: “Brethren, let me be clear: there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy—anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication, and courage. Those who hold fast to faith are far more impressive than those who give in to doubt when mysterious questions or concerns arise.” When it comes to being God’s chosen people, many ex-believers feel that they have little place in this church.