Internet vs. Chapel

I ran across an insightful page regarding “Internet Mormons vs. Chapel Mormons”. There is a difference between Latter-Day Saints who discuss their faith in online message boards and those who don’t. I was absolutely a “Chapel Mormon” before leaving the church… although I participated in a huge variety of message boards in a variety of technical and hobby topics, religious discussions simply weren’t something I was interested in. Here’s a summary of a few major points (excerpted, the original is much longer):

• Internet Mormons believe that the words “Lamanite” and “Native American” refer to two entirely separate cultural and linguistic groups.  Chapel Mormons believe that the words “Lamanite” and “Native American” are interchangeable.
• Internet Mormons believe that Noah’s flood was a localized event, covering only a certain area.  Chapel Mormons usually believe that Noah’s flood was a global event, covering the entire world.
• Internet Mormons believe the Lehite colony landed in a New World filled with Asiatic inhabitants.  Chapel Mormons believe the Lehite colony landed in a New World devoid of inhabitants save, perhaps, for at least one remaining Jaredite.
• Internet Mormons believe that the scriptures supersede the living prophets.  Chapel Mormons believe that the living prophets supersede the scriptures.
• Chapel Mormons believe that a prophet is a foreordained man of the highest moral caliber.  Internet Mormons believe that a prophet is not necessarily any better than his societal average.

I thought the link at the bottom of the page was telling, where a mostly-average member made similar observations between “Elite” religion and “Common” religion: http://www.timesandseasons.org/archives/000739.html