Deseret News | Pundit bashes Mitt, Mormons

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Scott D. Pierce: Pundit bashes Mitt, Mormons

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Re: Danny | 11:57 a.m. Dec. 16, 2007

You stated and quoted: "Joseph Smith believed that all religious sects were wrong and that "all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all ccorrupt; that: ï¿½they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.ï¿½"

See, that's the difference between you and mormons. We don't believe Joseph Smith wrote this. We believe he merely quoted it from the original source.

And so it goes with religion...this is why religious "beliefs" CANNOT be the standard by which people in political service are judged; they are too personal and sacred to be cast before ignorant masses for evaluation or consensus.

James Warr | 12:43 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

That is the type of attitude that starts "religious wars". It completely contradicts the Christian values Mr. O'Donnell supposedly espouses. It is the kind of rhetoric that Protestants and Catholics used against each other in Ireland. It is the kind of slander that Nazis used against the Jews. It is of the class of lies that todays terrorists use to inflame their followers to murder innocent women and children. I suppose if Mr. O'Donnell had it in his power, he would do the same to Mormons.

Forgiveness | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

The Savior said we are to forgive all men, nowhere did he say we are to wait until they apologize. I have never, ever read that in any of the scriptures and I have read and studied them numerous times.

Please read Matthew 7 and D & C 64:8-11. For non LDS they can go to the church's website and look at the teachings and scriptures and find the Doctrine and Covenant scriptures quoted above.

For the pundit I would suggest he study a little more about Moses and who was permitted to hold the Priesthood, only the Levites. I would suggest he read about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with their multiple wives. As far as Joseph Smith, he was accused of many things, but was always found innocent or let out of jail because the charges simply could not stick.

Comments continue below

Already in a war | 12:53 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

The START of religious wars?
The first shot was fired when Mormons called every religion but theirs and abomination.

David | 2:40 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

I agree with the proactive stance. We need not get offended by his comments, but express our concerns to MSNBC concerning this incident. It hurts me worse to think that others are misinformed towards ignorance. That is what happened through O'donnell, but we can be proactive to prevent further occurrences such as these.

I appreciate the views of others on my faith, but it should never be done in a feeling of animosity. That burns bridges and the world has enough rubble already. I hope I and others can discuss differences through understanding and love--these are the building blocks of society.

PaulC | 4:45 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

I heard O'Donnell's comments and found them to bigoted, filled with hatred towards something he obviously knows little about. While the Group says they are only his opinion, they reflect upon the show and what rants they allow. I use to watch this program, but will view it again. It is the only leverage I have.

ron in oc | 5:00 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

What O'Donnell and Huckabee and all the rest say really has little significance. Those who believe will most likely continue to believe and those who don't most likely will not believe. I doubt anything said in this and other blogs has really changed anyone's core beliefs. "Let us all rant on in the name of the Lord...

That's right | 5:14 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

The "war" was already started, but the awareness wasn't as much there. Search your heart and your minds and make the changes necessary to end the hurt.

shecky | 6:11 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

Opinions, pro or con, never did really matter, relative to truth.

RC | 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

After viewing Mr. O'Donnell's segment, if Mr. O'Donnell, thinks the LDS Church is so bad, perhaps it bears investigating. Perhaps it is really very good. Mr. Romney seems very sincere and articulate, his positions well reasoned and thought-out. There's quite a contrast to observe here.

To: Tim | 7:34 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

I believe you have been selective in your reading. There are many who's comments are simply defending what we know to be true. If you were truly interested in the church, the ideas presented here would do little to dissuade you. Those who are truly desiring to know if the teachings of the LDS church are true or not would make a bit more effort than reading these posts.

I would admit, as well, that there are many who are LDS that have expressed here outrage and, perhaps, vitriol. I do not condone this nor defend it, but it shows that we are all free to choose and decide for ourselves what is right and wrong. That is one of the great doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We can choose to be hypocrites or we can choose to follow the Saviour. This is no different than in any other time in history. To base your belief on how other people act is like putting your faith in shifting sand. I would encourage you to look for more concrete forms of faith-building blocks like the scriptures and prayer.

Which scripture? | 8:01 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

Which faith? May I remind you that you faith is only one of many and small in number.
I find faith in the beautiful world, a child's eyes and life....not religion.
Merry Christmas (Happy Yuletide)

Vegas Ed | 10:25 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Let crazy people like O'Dummy say what they want. What a hateful person.

Anonymous | 10:25 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

I have read every comment, honest, and I must confess that I am worn to a frazzle. I have spent over fifty years in "ignorant" bliss as an LDS convert, having converted from the Baptist faith in Texas in 1950. Never have I read so much ill-informed trip-trap from so many ill-informed people in one place in my whole life.

To comments@mclaughlin.com | 10:39 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

I submitted this message to comments@mclaughlin.com. I suggest others chime in. Let's show a little outrage! Join the conversation like Elder Ballard said!

=====================

Larry O'Donnell has shown us a modern-day example of intolerance, bigotry and downright sleaze in journalism. His frenzied ranting about the Mormon church is absolutely unacceptable in this day and age. Your program insulted Mormons and all viewers with this outburst.

You abuse the freedom of speech we enjoy in this great nation by condoning his abusive and deceitful actions. He and your program, owe an apology to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its millions of sincere, god-fearing adherents, as well as all viewers for this egregious misstep. His bigoted bias is inappropriate, his facts were wrong, and the credibility of your program suffers as a result.

We are a greater nation than this. Please take a higher road and raise your journalistic standards! We should NOT tolerate this blind bigotry on national television. Please show greater respect your viewers (aka fellow-man).

Interesting | 10:47 p.m. Dec. 16, 2007

that the Mormon Church Authorities have never responded to drivel or serious accuations unless ask. I do believe you haven't heard from them but once since Gov. Romney hit the Presidental race. I think it had something to do with what Gov. Huckabee said about Satan and Jesus being brothers. I guess when the Church says, "Our mission is to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ NOT elect politicians." they really mean it. Kinda gives a whole new meaning to the Second Amendment to the Constitution. In fact, I'm wondering if O'donnell and Gov. Huckabee are what the Founding Fathers were fearful of when they wrote the Second Amendment and about religous tests to hold office. Are we looking at two extremes with no acceptace of divergent opinions? The United States being left without honest leadership, only extremes?

Bob Tait | 12:15 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I trust that decency in broadcasting as well as exposing bigotry for the hateful, divisive passion that it is, will lead talk shows such as the McLaughlin group to stop giving the O'Donnells of the world credibility. Who in the world invited this poor excuse of a man to participate in what has been up until now, a credible program. Scary Larry demonstrated the capacity of his peanut size brain and the absence of intelligence of any kind in his comments. This is a true intellectual pigmy devoid of any level of spiritual sensitivity coupled with an arrogance that transcends anything previously produced by the entertainment world. I am reminded of a quote made by a movie producer, the name of whom escapes me,during the Marilyn Monroe era as he described the compassion in Holly wood. Quote: "You can take all the sincerity in Hollywood and put it in a knats navel and have room left over for two carraway seeds and an agents heart." (If anyone knows who this quote was attributed to let me know._

Anonymous | 6:43 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Since the Neocons of America is so jingoistic as of late, let the religious wars begin!

Todd Weiler | 10:39 a.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Lawrence Oï¿½Donnell made bigoted comments against Mormons last week on The McLaughlin Group. His comments would not have been tolerated had they been lodged against Jews, Catholics, Muslims or Baptists.

Earlier this year, media mogul Don Imus was terminated after a public outcry over his racial comments. Mr. Oï¿½Donnell, on the other hand, has not even offered an apology. Mr. Oï¿½Donnell did not limit his comments to Mitt Romney or his speech -- instead he mocked and attacked the religious beliefs of 13 million people.

If you agree that such blatant bigotry and hatred should not be tolerated, please share your comments with:

MSNBC on the Internet
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
Tel: (425) 703-6397
E-Mail: letters@msnbc.com

and

The McLaughlin Group
1717 Rhode Island Ave
NW Suite 640
Washington DC 20036
Tel: 202-457-0870 ext.20
E-Mail: comments@mclaughlin.com

Anonymous | 12:48 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

I can now see why it was that Mormons have been run out of every town and village back then.

ABM | 7:07 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Bigotry (i.e., intolerance) exists. Therefore bigots exist. Calling something by its name is not hypocritical. It might be judgmental but so what? A shoplifter is a thief. The truth hurts. ODonnell spoke some truths, some half-truths, and some blatant lies (JS being pro-slavery). So he lied about that. He is a liar. Calling him a liar doesn't make ME a liar. Savvy?

To all who seem apoplectic because LDS scriptures say that the LDS church/doctrine is the only true church and other creeds are an abomination -- why do you care? Rome recently said it was the true church and it doesn't bother me one bit. I hope everyone feels that way about their beliefs, as long as they don't force me to believe it. Grow up.

So What? | 8:51 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

So the Mormon religion was founded upon a 19th century novel - who cares?

The Mormons are mostly nice people, and hard workers. I hire them all the time.

They take care of their families and they tend to be generous and polite.

There's no call to go ranting on them. Want to go rant on someone, go rant on the gangsta rappers. There's a group Amreica could do without!

To ABM | 10:12 p.m. Dec. 17, 2007

Thank you....Finally a rational response.

drops the ball | 5:46 a.m. Dec. 18, 2007

ABM sounds rational - to a point.
Then sounds typically like a spoiled child telling somebody to "grow up."
And that's about as good a defining moment for many of the LDS people that I know.
Childish.

Klimber510 | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Lawrence O'Donnell's bigoted remarks should be an outrage and cause for alarm for any person of faith. It is just such a misinformed diatribe that creates bigots of others who assume it as fact. Jews, Catholics, and Christians of all denominations should be writing in and expressing their disappointment: comments@mclaughlin.com.

Kurt | 4:24 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Good thing a liberal democrat was there to actually defend the Mormon church. Sometimes I wonder if extreme conservatism isn't meaner to the LDS faith than anything a liberal can say or do.

Anonymous | 5:01 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Here is something to ponder:
It is virtually impossible for a liberal to be a fascist.

RELAX | 5:37 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

Religious zealots of all faiths give me a headache. Have a cold one, or a Zanax if you're in Utah.

Anonymous | 11:12 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007

o'connell should be fired and never let on tv again. your right if he said this kind of stuff about another church he would be severely reprimanded, maybe even sent to jail

JesusIsLord | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 19, 2007

After this many posts, it looks like the only thing going on here is people bashing each others posts. Since this seems to be the norm on articles with several posts, here is my two cents worth...The Catholics have their Pope and traditions, the Jehovah's Witnesses have their Watchtower publication, and the Mormon's have their Book of Mormon which is supposed to be "The most correct book ever written". Are we talking about the 1830 edition or the newer version of the Book of Mormon. Since the original B.O.M. was published, there has been over 4,000 changes to the "Most correct Book ever written" It should be called the "Most corrected book ever written" The only way I see people coming to an agreement on the things concerning God is by using God's Word (The Holy Bible) as their only rule of faith. These three major religions I listed above all claim to be the only source of truth. They all three preach a different gospel than each other, so which one is true. I believe the bible is God's word and a complete source of truth. I rather put my faith in God's word than man's doctrine!

To JesusIsLord | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 20, 2007

I am also a firm believer in the Holy Bible. While I appreciate your support of this holy book I am embarassed by your implication that it is true because it hasn't been changed. There are more versions of the Bible than any book out there. If you took the time to really study it's origins you would be amazed. I personally believe the Bible is true because I believe in its principles. When Mormons say the Book of Mormon is the most correct book they are referring to it's principles. They are not referring to grammar, etc. If the veracity of a book was based off the standard you are presenting the Bible would have been thrown out the window a thousand years ago.

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