[Colofornian]

From the press release: Elder Ballard referred to recent research that suggested Mormons can sometimes appear defensive to those who are not members of the Church. The study said that when Mormons are explaining their beliefs, they couch their language in terms that suggest they are expecting criticism.

Well, some beliefs, like "I'm on my way to godhood," naturally trigger a response of ducking.

From the press release: "Could part of the defensiveness that others sometimes see in us suggest that we still expect to be treated as a disliked minority, forced to flee to the West?”

Translation: "We have a persecution complex. Get over it. And get over your thin skin."

From the press release: He also explained that too often Mormons allow others to set the conversational agenda, and subjects such as the long-discontinued practice of polygamy become the focus.

You know, Mormons could sure help "clarify" plenty for us if they would just call a playing card spade a spade and actually dismantle supposed false prophecies made by their leaders.

Example:
Lds apostle Bruce R. McConkie
--in a "Mormon Doctrine" book approved by their First Presidency
--(which includes their "prophet" -- in fact, a then "soon-to-be" "prophet" was McConkie's "mentor" for the revision of that book)
--told us that the Mormon jesus would re-start up earthly polygamy when he returned.

Now, if polygamy was only a yesteryear concept dead & buried & gone forever, these Mormon leaders sure know how to confuse us mere "gentiles." Why, if they'd just speak with one consistent voice -- and label Lds apostles like McConkie as a false prophet on this matter -- we'd be less confused.

[ejonesie22]

If they would just shoot straight period it would help.

Of course they don't have much to work with in that regard.

Some cards really don't help when laid out on the table..

[colorcountry]

I wonder why Elder Ballard doesn’t tell his followers to just tell the truth.

Why worry about defensiveness - just tell the truth. Quit trying to couch anything. That would be a start in the right direction.

[ifear for the children]

Instead of constantly rising to the defense of the LDS doctrine, I would much rather see my Church practice what they preach by becoming more proactive politically. I truly feel that it is not possible to be a Christian and support the Democrat agenda but sadly there are LDS that do, and Church leaders too timid or unwilling to become involved in calling a spade a spade (no pun intended).

[Graybeard58]

From the press release: "Could part of the defensiveness that others sometimes see in us suggest that we still expect to be treated as a disliked minority, forced to flee to the West?”

Translation: "We have a persecution complex. Get over it. And get over your thin skin."

I dunno, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes got my ancestor booted from France....... Wait a minute, that's something I can be thankful for!

[Tennessee Nana]

Apostle Urges Mormons to Speak Up, Avoid Defensiveness
__________________________________________________

Oh, yeah, those shy little mormons...

They need to speak up...

[Godzilla]

Well, so much for that ‘spirit of contention’ thing.

[Nosterrex]

There are two reasons why Mormons appear defensive: (1) most of them don’t know that much about Mormonism. (2) those that do know what Mormons believe also know how wacky their beliefs sound to Christians.

[Elsie]

“In our interactions with others are we expecting always to have to defend ourselves? If so, I think we need to make a course correction.” Elder Ballard said. “It is inconsistent with where we are today..."

INDEED!

We nevefr USED to defend ANYTHING!!

We left that up to our victims.GThey were the ones who wasted their time on defense while we aggressivly went on our way.

Whyu should WE defend all the stupid things our past Leaders and teachers have done and said?

--MormonDupe(I believe what our Living Prophet® says - even when it contradicts what a PAST LP has said.)