Deseret News | Hard lessons for LDS Church from Romney's presidential campaign

Reader comments
Hard lessons for LDS Church from Romney's presidential campaign

Lee | 6:19 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

The Evangical leaders do understand us. They aim to intentionally distort us, including the one who aspires to be president of the USA. It's all about retaining members, money, property, status, power, etc. It's very sad. Bigotry still exist is the United States. They will not prevail. God is in charge. He will take reign. History has proven that over and over. America should wake up and open their eyes to see what is happening and reject these people at the polls.

VIEW | 6:53 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

As someone who only discovered the Mormon faith a few years ago, I hardly knew it even existed. I have allways given close attention to events that shape our country and world. But I must say, I was introduced to the Latter Day Saints religion in a strange way, involving a "wrongfull adoption", of a grand child by the church's family services, which has brought a horrific amount of mental anguish to my family. When I was imformed that it was "LDS", I had no idea what or who this was. Since, I have become somewhat educated, trying to undertand how a "church of faith", could cause this to happen. I believe it was due to the church's well documented stance on removing a child from a single parent and adopting the child, resulting in the child being raised in a home with two "Mormon" parents, in which the haste to acomplish this, has caused this tragedy. But in my opinion, the overall view of America is the mystery of a private, cult-like, religion- mostly unknown to most of us outside the Church. It would do the church well to steer away from unpopular stances, portrayed by the public.

Dalene | 7:33 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I agree that this has been a wake-up call and that the bigotry has been disheartening. What's surprising to me, however, is that no matter where I have lived, here and abroad, people who know us have, for the most part, been friendly and accepting to me and to others of my faith (I am LDS). This may be why so many of us have been surprised. It appears that thought we have been tolerated by most on the outside, there seems to have been this undercurrent of animosity that caught us completely off guard.

Comments continue below

JediToby | 7:44 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Now let someone LDS (not Romney nor Reid) run for President under the Democratic Party, where the evangelical bloc isn't a factor; where religion isn't as important as policy. Would Utahns, who so strongly supported Romney's bid, support an LDS Democrat in like manner?

JohnJ | 9:01 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I love Jesus Christ, the people, and the good I get from the church. The bad feelings from those outside the church has been with us since the early days of the church. We have brought this on our selves. We as a church have not been honest with our history or treatment of some groups of people. iIt will take a while for us to be accepted. Romney has done some good for the church, but I say to him save your money and try again in 200 years.

Paperboy | 9:04 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

The close connection between organized religion and the U.S. government that has occurred over the past 28 years, since Reagan was elected to the office of President has forced the public debate of religion. Personal religious beliefs of candidates for office were once was kept fairly private and out of the public discourse but now have now become "fair game" in the vetting process. Moreover, when an organized religion claims to be the one and only true church of Christ and God and whose members are organized to zealously engage in aggressive recruitment of new members, a backlash should be expected. If the traditional separation of church and state, a foundation upon which this government was built, was again wholly and completely embraced, the privacy and right of personal religious belief issue might be allowed to re-establish itself. The key question facing Mormonism today is whether it is able to extend an olive branch by ameliorating its doctrine and positions relative to other religious systems of belief. Doing so would signal the arrival of the Mormon Churchï¿½s position in the mainstream of society and would lessen the tension and help alleviate the animosity and distrust towards Mormonism today.

Reality | 9:11 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

The general populace has difficulty understanding mormonism because they try to measure and compare it using a christian gauge for reference. Mormonism is better understood using an islamic measure of muslim history and believe.

Tai H. | 9:20 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

This article is DEAD WRONG! To attack Mitt Romney is not the same as attacking the Church.

Mitt Romney represents liberalism. The Church represents Truth Restored.

russ | 10:09 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

OK, let's make sure we actually read what was printed in the DN. Well before Mitt let it be known that he was going to run for President, the Mormon hurch went out across the nation to calm the waters about Mormanism. You know, the church that says categorically, daily, 24-7-365, that is doesn't get involved in politics. The Mormon church, by its own admission, went out and plowed the ground for its member.

Hmmmmmmmmm. No wonder the rest of the world rejected Mitt. I guess not enough money and time was spent on pouring oil on the raging waters. Was that tithing money? Well spent? Money for the poor? For the farm system? For scholarships for the Y?

Ah mitt, yah really let them down. But they tried to help yah. Love hypocracy, just love it.

flyby | 11:29 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Russ, what in the world are you talking about? Why don't you take a few minutes to collect your thoughts and reply with less emotion and more reason.

Brad | 12:29 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I think " Paper Boy " is brilliant ! Has it ever occured to the fine LDS supporters of Mitt Romney that he was rejected NOT because of is religion, as much as his "slick" personna ?
And like " Paper Boy " wisely opined, when you go out and tell everyone that your religion is right because God told you so, expect some flack.
Sorry, it was not the church that lost but Romney the man. I am not LDS btw.

It often comes down to money | 12:45 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

We all recognize that whoever wins the bid for the White House is the one person that is able to control their identity. The purpose of campaigns is to get one's identity and values across. The opponent's job is to distort their identity. I don't see this changing. LDS church is part of Mitt's identity, so many in politics see it is as open game. The same if it was a Muslim running. Barak's case it is his Black roots, and Hillary's identity of a woman. Opponents will do what they can to distort their identity in whatever form it may be.

Mark | 2:04 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I think the problem is that we as members did not have enough faith. Had we been more faithful, more obedient, put more trust in the Lord, he would have blessed our nation with a president that is not only the most powerful man in the world, but a priesthood holder as well.

We need to BE taller, BE more faithful, BE more obedient. We need to BE better, then the Lord will bless our nation.

Moto X | 2:22 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

The results of these elections have shown us all that religous bigotry is alive and well--not to mention encouraged by other "christian" religions ie. Southern Baptists and Evangelicals. Something they ought to be very proud of. Spreading propaganda in order to confuse and confound.

They obviously fear something that the LDS faith has that they don't possess. Hmmm, I wonder what that could be?

Paperboy? | 2:36 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Yes every religion should "ameliorate" their doctrines so they are all roughly the same. Just accommodate what "mainstream" society wants--then it will be real a religion.

Afterall that is what religion is--what man wants--right? The sooner we eradicate how God actually asked us to conduct our lives and switch to what is easier and more convenient for everyone the less "tension" we will all have. That is what Christ was after when He was here on earth--adjusting His doctrines to what was mainstream and easy for people to do. Yes I am sure of it--that is exactly how He ended up on the cross--amelioration of His doctines.

PLEASE!!!!!

RoseMary | 2:39 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I agree with MARK
I think LDS get a bit too critical of others and sometimes condemn the non-members and our in-active brothers and sisters. We need to be gentler and not place ourselves above the rest of the world. We are no better than the next guy if we are full of hate and displaying such to others. Itï¿½s time to change our look and do what God would have us do. Hateful vengeful actions will only keep us out of the highest kingdom. As it looks not many of are going to obtain this glory. If we donï¿½t change we canï¿½t expect to dwell with the righteous in the hereafter.

Perhaps Mitt will run again. Donï¿½t give up on him just yet.

Mark | 4:03 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Actually, RoseMary, I'm really sorry, but when I posted that it was tongue-in-cheek.

The church that we are discussing here ALWAYS puts the fault on the member. NEVER the church/leaders. Always the member. If you don't feel the spirit, YOU are doing something wrong. You're either not fulfilling your 'calling' well enough, or you don't have enough 'faith', or you're not praying hard enough or some such nonsense.

Mitt Romney didn't make it because of other reasons. God had absolutely NOTHING to do with it.

Jane | 4:10 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Mark,
I agree with you as well. You are absolutely correct in what you say. Good thinking. Perhaps some eyes will be opened.
I agree with you also that it was for other reasons that Mitt didn't make it.
Thanks

Desert Rat | 4:49 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Facts are facts: The polls showed many people openly stating that they had serious reservations about supporting a Mormon for president. Of course there were other factors that lost votes for Mitt, but religious intolerance against Mormons in general is alive and well.

Although I think Paperboy's worn-out assertion that our problems are all because of the evil bogeyman of "organized religion," sadly he may be right about one thing -- perhaps it's because our missionaries are out knocking on doors, which irritates people like paperboy.

Georgian | 4:55 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

No matter the dispensation, the Lord's Kingdom has never been accepted by the outside. There have been times of relative peace and tolerance, but never an embrace.

The onslaught of biogtry and prejudice that resulted from Romney's campaign was as Robert Millet noted in the article, a bit of "wake up call."

I'm grateful to be a member. I love the Church.

A relevant reminder:

"These things I command you, that ye love one another.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." -John 15:17-19

Deseret roots in Wisconsin | 5:18 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

This whole affair has served to prove my suspicions of the last year or so (as if missionary service in Alabama, Georgia and North Florida - and living the last 5 years in Wisconsin did not) - that is to say the view vocalized by KUED's Ken Verdoia in the PBS program 'The Mormons' of last summer that "Mormons are the epitome of the 'mainstream'" could not be farther off the mark. Maybe Ken and those of his ilk have not left Salt Lake enough to have such a myopic view of reality. To be LDS is to definitely not be 'in the mainstream' - but it is to always stand out as somewhere between 'just a little different' and downright 'dangerous' to those who truly are in the mainstream. It is unfortunate but true that a religion founded in the US 178 years ago is still so misunderstood today in the nation of its founding.

mountain man | 6:16 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

The LDS Church was NOT involved in this campaign. Where do you get these opinions? You can be negative if you like, you can dislike the church, you can say what you like, you can dislike Mitt Romney. Distorting the truth, regardless of who does it, is just wasting their words and time. Facts are powerful. Pretty funny that the Dem's are now using the same facts about McCain Romney brought out. Remember, these are FACTS not opinions.
We are ALL Americans and should treat each other with respect. Evaluate facts. Look at voting records. Listen to a candidates ideas. Pick someone who can be trusted in all aspects of life. Talk is easy and cheap...let's see who has the ability to walk with their talk.

where's the proof? | 6:33 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

There is not proof to almost every statement on this board. Where is there anywhere that Mitt states that God didn't let him win, or anything of the sort? Mark, you obviously never listened to the parts where members are told to pray about everything they are told by the leaders to see what God wants them to do. Your comments have no proof to back them up, and it shows that you only hear and see what you want to to support your views. Russ, your the same way. You say that the church "plowed the field" for Mitt first. Where is the proof? You didn't supply one link to back up your statement because you knew there wasn't one. Another bigot making inflammatory claims. I'm sick and tired of people making comments where it is obvious that they distorted or even completely ignored facts that go against their views. Paperboy, how could a church declare its the one true church and yet change its views to fit mainstream religion so it will be less offensive? Jesus was offensive to mainstream religion of his time too. I wish people would practice some critical thinking before posting here.

Anonymous | 7:23 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I say let everyone express themselves on here in their own way. I like reading everyones thoughts. This is what makes the world turn-- Free speech to all!!

wapa | 9:53 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Went to my caucus yesterday. One of my kids is a big Mitt fan, so we went together. 18 people around the table, 8 of them from the local ward. We had to come up with 10 delegates and 10 alternates to send to the county convention. Only 8 of the 18 were able to go, so someone pulled out the ward directory and started working the cell phones. The directory with the small print across the bottom of the page that says it's only to be used for church business. I was embarrassed at the blatant misuse of the information. We ended up with 8 Romney, 1 Huckabee and 1 Paul delegates that are going to the county convention. All the alternates were from the ward.

I don't think there has been any unofficial ground work for Mitt done by the local brethren, but there certainly is an expectation that we "get involved".

In short, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. When Mitt gets 90% plus of the LDS vote (most of it ONLY because he is LDS), LDS shouldn't be shocked when others use that as ONE reason to vote against him.

again, no critical thinking | 12:32 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Wapa, you state what is good for the goose is good for the gander. If there are people voting for Mitt JUST because he is LDS, they are in the wrong. They should be researching the views of all candidates. Well, it is worse to NOT vote for someone solely for their religion. So therefore we SHOULD be shocked when people use someones religion as the only reason why they didn't vote for him. That is exactly like saying "I am not voting for that person because they are black, or because they are a woman". Once again this whole article and the comments show that bigotry towards the LDS is still an acceptable practice inside and outside the church.

Helen | 5:58 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Jesus Christ was accepted by a relative few when He walked the earth.
I am not surprised or troubled that there are still Pharisees and Sadducees, people who are happy with their own man made description of Christ, out there in the big wide world. At least the Latter Day Saints worship the Christ who is found in the New Testament.

REP | 5:58 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Just as the rest of america was shocked that 94% of the Mormon faith, voted for Mitt, mostly because he is a Mormon. IT's a MIRACLE.......94%?????

Joe | 7:30 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Lots of opinions... Opinions are nice but have no effect on truth. "Truth" is how things REALLY are, not how we think they are, or should be. Opinions cannot change truth. Wise people always search for TRUTH, not opinions, guesses or popular ideas. The Savior walked the earth teaching truth. Before that he sent prophets to teach his truth. More prophets are on the earth again today. When you find them the Holy Spirit will help you personally recognize them. If you are not wise then you will not sincerely look and will not find them... only a world of opinions that really get you nowhere.

Diamond Ladi | 7:59 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Back to the original premise of the article. I disagree with it. At the beginning it states:
"Mitt Romney isn't the only casualty in his failed presidential bid. The Mormon church, yearning for broad acceptance, also took a beating."
The church didn't take "a beating" The church's message is out there more vigorously.
I think for many people it has become more de-mystified.

"Mormon officials started traveling the country, speaking with reporters and editorial writers about the LDS church and its political neutrality.
The goal was to protect the church. But nonpartisanship handicapped the denomination when it needed a vigorous defense"

Ok, I really disagree with this. First off I doubt that the goal was to "protect the church" unless they mean new converts who could be harmed by this. The goal in all of this is to educate, share the gospel, and open doors for the missionaries.
2nd- the point about non-partisanship handicapping the church I totally disagree with. If it hurt anyone it possibly hurt Romney's campaign vs. Huckabee's who almost openly campaigned in churches. I think most people are pleased and surprised to see a devout religion that many associated with Evangelicals-NOT openly endorsing candidate.

Blaine | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Although I'm LDS, I did not support Romney because of his record on gun control and other issues. However, I find him more acceptable than any remaining candidate of either party. I am appalled by the LDS fervor for Romney simply because he's LDS -- in spite of his record. As for his acceptance as an LDS member while seeking the Whitehouse, I saw some clear ignorance and bigotry. Nearly all my coworkers are non-LDS. Although we occasionally discuss religion, my coworkers are either poorly informed on our religion or misinformed. One coworker is a deacon in his evangelical church and is studying part-time to be a pastor. He said his seminary has taught him that we are not Christians, use our own version of the Bible (possibly referring to Joseph Smith's rarely-used Inspired Translation), still deny priesthood to blacks, wear black clothes and beards, still secretly practice polygamy, etc. When these lies and distortions are deliberately taught to future pastors, no wonder many of my coworkers say they could never vote for a Mormon. When they discover that I'm LDS, they are shocked because I'm so "normal"!

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 11:01 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

If anything, Romney's campaign convinced a lot of Evangelical Christians that, no matter their differences with Mormons on theology, they could still vote for a Mormon to be their president. The polls in even those states where Huckabee beat out Romney showed that many Evangelicals voted for Romney over the former Baptist minister. The US presidential nomination process is so convoluted as to defy rational explanation. Many political analysts believe that if Giuliani had not dropped out, and Huckabee had, Romney would have won more delegates on Super Tuesday, possibly beating McCain.

The process did smoke out the religious bigots on both the left and right. Mormons need to be "wise as serpents" when dealing with the liberal media as much as with the Southern Baptist Convention. At the same time, every Mormon knows a convert whose first introduction to the Church was this kind of virulent attack. The Church continues to grow.

Every Mormon on the Internet has an opportunity to make sure that "the truth is out there" so the lies aren't unrebutted. We can direct people to mormon.org and lds.org and fairlds.org. We can quote the Book of Mormon so people taste its Christ-centered goodness.

Califoromney | 10:55 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

It Makes my heart hurt to read all these comments. A true christian should never judge. He who has no sin ..... let him cast the first stone.
Maybe we could all consider another factor here. Our differences need not be as big as you think. If we all are God fearing people, we should just worry about being the best we can. Stop worrying about finding fault in others. Worry about your own sin. You that have made such hateful remarks about the LDS church are no better than those that you have accused (the mormons) of being. So my point is try the Christ-Like view and by your example be what you would want others to be. That's all you have the right to do anyway. That Golden Rule....... Do Unto Others... As Ye Would Want them to treat you.
It's OK to disagree but not to judge.

party crasher | 11:21 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I voted for Mitt, not because I am Mormon, but because he is the best candidate for the job. If he had been protestant he would have been chosen pure and simple. I can't believe McCain chose the war as his best selling point. That is the most devicive position in America right now. The economy can go te hell, but hey at least we get to kill innocent people.
I may vote democrat for the first time in my life because I am appalled that the Republican party who I have supported all my voting life has shown bigotry and lack of compassion to its greatest supporters. I feel like the US has turned back the time to the 1830's when it was legal to kill a Mormon and steal their property. I seriously feel betrayed to the point that by voting democrat I will be making a statement that "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Sorry that is how I feel.

Missouri Voter | 11:23 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Lousy article, but interesting comments on the article. I just want to mention that while I was involved in the campaign for Mitt, that at one of the phone banks all of the participants, except for one Latter-day Saint (me), were Baptists. Also, I really appreciated information from an on-line group called "Evangelicals for Mitt."

The Baptists and the Evangelicals were very Christ-like in their approach and acceptance of Romney and the LDS who joined their efforts. Some definite good has come from the campaign.

So when is it okay? | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

For many, this may take way too much brain power to understand. But there were several postings on here asserting that it was just silly for the LDS community to vote for Romney simply on the basis that he is LDS. Is this not the primary reason why Huckabee won Iowa? What about those other Southern states he won? Please, exit polls were loud and clear in stating that Huckabee voters voted for him because of his religious background. Ha! Please, explain how it's okay for one and not for the other.

Another entertaining thing I recently learned. On a nationally recognized radio show, they spoke of Huckabee's supporters as being "mainstream Christian's." They (the polsters) asked many of his voters what he meant by the smooth stone plucked from a dry riverbed, that not all the riches and gold in the world is greater than the widows mite, that with the little he had he was able to feed many with just a few loaves of bread and fish, they (the supporters) had no freaking clue as to what he meant. Furthermore, they couldn't tell what story from the Bible he was using! I bet the LDS voters could!

percival | 2:26 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

The LDS church states that more than half of its membership is found without the United States. Is it possible that its leadership, working within a global context, has relatively little interest in the outcome of the republican primaries?

Perspective | 3:00 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Granted, as some have suggested, some attacks on Romney have nothing to do with religion. However, an evident trend of southern states going for Huckabee and James Dobson withholding an anti-McCain endorsement for Huckabee AFTER Romney had suspended his campaign shows bold faced bigotry. Personally, I believe religion had everything to do with Dobson's "relucant" move to endorse Huck or Mitt earlier AND every reason why Huck was able to syphon off so many evan. Had Romney been an "evangelical" and Huck not a Baptist preacher, I strongly believe Dobson would have endorsed Romney much earlier. Not enough space to give detailed evidence, but it's all over the news. Step back and look at the big picture. Being LDS, I generally have great respect for our Baptist friends, but I am disheartend by the potential consequences of such bigoted actions. What would they say if Mormon's returned the overt act on Huckabee? Folks, let's take the high road and not find out.

REP | 5:11 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Allthough it may have been 94% that voted for Mitt, it's quite evident that 100 PERCENT, of Mormons have a rather harsh, vengefull hatred for Mike Huckabee!!!!!. Good thing that it's not back in the days of "Mountain Meadows", maybe all that voted aren't really that religous after all.

shawilli | 6:24 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Mark
what an odd statement to make about Mitt dropping out of the race...so along your line of weird thinking...President Hinckley would still be alive and well today if only the membership of the church had...more faith and more obedience and more trust in the lord...he would still be alive?....get a life dude, learn to seperate fact from wishful thinking.

Robert from NC | 8:07 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

It is a fact that the evangelicals regularly teach that the LDS church is a cult. This is true! So are all of the other churches, clubs, and associations throughout the country. If one is not a member of any "cult" he has no Culture. The problem is that the preachers use perfectly harmless words and make something bad out of them. There is a word the "occult" which is an adjective describing hidden or evil groups that teach evil things. Occult is never a noun, but stupid people don't know that.

Since I have been a member of the LDS church I have been shunned and lied about constantly by formerly close family members. However, I know that the church is the only true church on earth! This means that all of the others are false. Even so, it does not mean that they don't occasionally teach good things. I was a Southern Baptist for 29 years and I learned some important truths there. As I studied the LDS doctrines I found that the Baptist Church was not enough for me anymore. As a youngster I read a lot and was dissatisfied with the Doctrines of the Baptist Church.

a response to... | 10:07 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

"So when is it okay?"

I'm 'mainstream Christian', and I know actually what Mr. Huckabee was saying in regards to the Widow's mite.
Lets not start, stereo-typing.

Threat! | 7:34 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

While Romney's dropping out was disappointing to those of us who supported him, the Church will go on just fine without his being the Republican candidate.
I mean, duh.

My family (converts to the Church) is sometimes privileged to hear snarky asides from my born-again aunt, who calls our church "The Rich Mormons." Romney (and the Church in general) was attacked out of fear, as has always been the case in our history. We very quickly became and still are a force to be reckoned with. Our organization, power, holdings, the (mostly) united front, are all threats to these little churches who can't or won't get together on their doctrines, beliefs, even the day of the week they hold worship services and the clothing they wear. My aunt's bratty comments are just one evidence of this. Romney's rejection is another BIG one. In response, Huckabee and his fans all came out with their petty, yet resounding, comments like "Mormons believe Jesus is Satan's brother," and it worked this time. They may not agree on anything else, but they can all jump on the same "Mormons are scary" bandwagon.

And we're still misunderstood. My neighbor thought we couldn't wear makeup.

Aaron Shafovaloff | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Religious and political criticism is a perfectly legitimate form of free speech, and it is a healthy part of a society that can both promote good ideas and reprove bad ones.

People should stop using loaded language and scare tactics to censor others. We live in a world where our worldviews and truth-claims and ideology are not exempt from the light of public criticism. Instead of cowering to the moral bankruptcy of postmodernism, everyone should be mature in the public marketplace of controversy and openly deal with competing ideas.

Ironically, those who accuse others of "hate speech" are often exercising the very thing they claim to oppose. Instead of tolerating an open, overt exchange of competing ideas, they are practicing intolerance. Whether you are an Atheist, Agnostic, Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Democrat, Libertarian, Socialist, Republican, pro-life, or pro-choice, your beliefs are not exempt from the light of public scrutiny. If what we believe is wrong, then it is worth having criticized. If what someone believes is the truth, then it should be openly promoted in contrast to mutually exclusive ideas. The truth is far too important.

Andy | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

It is not religious intolerance to vote based upon the character of an individual which may or may not include his faith. The only hate speech that is going on here is that of Mormons against the rest of the world they think is out to get them. There is no Bigotry here even in the lightest definition of the word.

And am I to believe that Jesus and Satan are not brothers according to LDS doctrine. If they are then why is the question so foul....

I think we should be more honest in our dialogues and quit using the emotive responses to attack Mormon critics. Lets examine the facts and see if their is truth in and outside of Mormonism.

If this is just going to be another Christian bashing session by Mormons then it is not worth anyone's time. My aunt or friend who is a so and so said this.... seriously you are going to generalize a group of people based upon a few of some of their proclaimed followers. I hope no one does that with Mormons by just thinking of Mark Hoffman......

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