The Gum Tree for 2007 October 30

Two comments that can be found in their context here. Christopher; it isn't secrecy or ambivalence towards truth. We simply prefer to not cast our pearls before swine. And I am simply incredulous at the claims you insinuate as to the integrity of the Church's leadership (which is made up of, by-in-large, lay ministers except at the very top). Now the Mormons are not ones to criticize other religions, but a word of caution: perhaps you should first make sure your Catholic and Protestant houses are in order before criticizing the Mormons; who as the fifth largest religious body in the U.S. have had relatively few scandals or moral crises notwithstanding your claims of widespread corruption at the top of the Church's hierarchy. Having said that, I have tremendous respect for many of my Catholic and Protestant friends and hope my words aren’t interpreted otherwise. I would expect such total disregard for the faith of millions of people to come from somebody who is amoral or atheist. I already know they have totally disregarded moral truth, but such venomous attacks on one's personal faith coming from those who profess Christian Charity always seems to sting much more because of it's duplicity. So, for the record; Mormon's only seek the approval of one Man--Christ, and even though we don't recognize the truthfulness of attacks against our personal faith in a personal Savior, we sure would hope the rest of the Christian world would get past excluding people from salvation in the next world and start working together on the important social/temporal problems that affect us all in this world. #2 Stuart and Christopher: Just like all forms of bigotry, I cannot convince you of your error any more than I can convince a white supremacist of his error in racism. You are not experts of my religion. I have served in leadership positions myself, and I have studied this religion for the better part of 25 years. Your baseless claims that I have perpetuated lies to my congregations have support in neither reason nor evidence. Furthermore, I think it is fair to say that I know much more about the tenants, history and customs of my religion than do you. Perhaps you should take a long look in the mirror and see who is really perpetuating lies and libel. Almost 2000 years ago a wise Jew gave this advice:

Take heed of yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; he was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered and brought to nought. After this rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him; he also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:34)

I commend that advice to you in the conduct of your lives, and hope that someday we can get past your bigotry of our religion to do substantive work towards helping our neighbors live better lives, regardless of their religion; through humanitarian service and political action.