Reader comments
Jewish family makes peace with LDS baptism

Why can't all people learn to be tolerant of others' beliefs like this person did (including LDS people). I am LDS, but in my home growing up we had MANY exchange students from all over the world live with us. If they went to church with us, then we went to church with them. In other words, the best way to learn to be tolerant of others' beliefs is to get to know that person and WHY they believe that way. That is what this Jewish lady did with her cousins. It's a GREAT ARTICLE.

I hope Manya reads these comments because I find no other way to express my deep gratitude for this story. It is lovely. I hope many others will learn the valuable lessons contained in this story. Baptisms for the dead are done out of love for family. There is not force or coercion. There is only love and choice. I am so happy Manya chose to forgive, accept and to love. Thank you Manya for a great and thoroughly enjoyable story!

Its all smoke and mirrors.Religion overall is much abused by all faiths.

No ones fate is sealed when they are baptized after a person has passed away. They have the right to accept or reject the gospel.

The statement" Fated is sealed" is not correct. Every person that is baptized after they have passed away has the right to accept or reject the gospel!

Puts a nice human touch to this issue.

I'm amazed that this article originated in the Chicago Tribune, the pinnacle of sensationalistic journalism.

More importantly, thank heaven for this wonderful individual who sees, not divisiveness, but unity in mutual respect for each other's religious beliefs.

This is a wonderful, sensitive and thoughtful article about what is for many a very difficult subject.

Whenever i hear people talk about baptism for the dead on radio or tv i always wish they would make the point that the author does in this article, they still have choice. I'm grateful that this was pointed out by the author. I hope many people read this wonderful article and understand the author's point.

This was absolutely fantastic. What a thought-provoking lesson of understanding. Thanks to the author and to the Deseret News for reprinting this for the rest of us.

Thank you for publishing this. This is the kind of religious dialog that should be taking place in our country. We might not agree on each other's religious beliefs and practices, but if we let faith divide us, it will be to our own demise.

What a great story!! Yes, I surely understand why non-LDS would be shocked to hear about this doctrine of baptism of the dead, but the article points out that those who have passed on can choose not to accept it. It is definitely an offering of love and never done as a way to offend our non-LDS neighbors.

I really appreciate the author's tolerance and understanding since the Church has never ever taught me to be anything but try to be a good neighbor, citizen, parent and friend. When I personally don't measure up (like all of us fail at some point), the Church's teachings are there to help me get up and try again.

Tolerance is one of the bedrocks of Christian values.

I enjoyed this story because it makes me determined to be more open minded about other religions. Manya was very balanced in what she wrote about the Mormon church and accepting of a practice by Mormons that at very least is suspect to other religions. If we all had attitudes toward others, including me, we would all get along better.

I pray that those of us who are LDS can be as kind to, and understanding of, other faiths as you have been to ours.

As I read this story I could feel the deep and thoughtful concern on the part of the author and his family. The reasons behind actions and feelings on both sides are beautifully explained. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and share with others whose views may differ. Being LDS, I do all temple ordinances for deceased family members with the hope that my ancestors will be open minded and open hearted, and know that I wish only to offer them a choice. I will still love them if they choose not to accept what I so dearly love.

This is the best article I have read that details the LDS perspective on the doctrines behind baptism for the dead and the power of "choice" that individuals have about accepting religion.

I also appreciate the author sharing her family story in a very personal and tender way. I have attended Jewish Shabbat dinners in England, visited Jerusalem during my college days, and served my LDS mission in New York City. I have a great love and respect for the Jewish people and their strong families. I admire the devotion that they have to their faith and families. This was an excellent article to read.

Thanks for that heartwarming story!

What a gesture of love for your Mormon cousins. What a well written and accurate article about Mormon faith. I love that we can disagree and still love each other in families--and even in religions too.

A very well written and accurate depiction of the mormon doctrine of proxy baptism.

Thank you

Forced baptisms have no relevance to the Holocaust.
Many of the people killed in the Holocaust were baptized Christians. It was a racial, not a religious persecution, although that word is inadequate to describe the horror.
To try and use it as a club to attack others religious practices is a misrepresentation of it and the memory that should be associated with it.