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To: CommerceComet

So extreme dislike for an institution doesn’t splash over onto those who aggressively support that organization? I don’t buy it.

That’s like saying you hate Communism, but have nothing but warm fuzzy feelings for individual Communists. At some point, doesn’t a supporter of an organization become responsible for what that organization stands for?

I have no doubt you are more than happy to accept ex-Mormons, or possibly even inactive church members, but active devout members who are trying to trick others into their false religion? You don’t despise them? Really? You have nothing against Joseph Smith or Brigham Young as persons, only against their doctrines?


146 posted on 06/14/2011 8:28:31 AM PDT by Sherman Logan
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To: Sherman Logan
Christians are called to love “our enemies”. We know that we have been greatly forgiven so we desire for all to know The Truth and be forgiven also. No Christian is excited that non-believers are on a path of destruction. Instead, we try to persuade others of their need for a true faith in Christ out of love.

Christians aren't trying to win debate points and humiliate mormons. Christians in threads like this attempt to point out that mormonism teaches doctrine that is incompatible with Christianity.

147 posted on 06/14/2011 8:46:31 AM PDT by Turtlepower
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To: Sherman Logan
So extreme dislike for an institution doesn’t splash over onto those who aggressively support that organization? I don’t buy it.

Fortunately, your opinion doesn't establish truth.

That’s like saying you hate Communism, but have nothing but warm fuzzy feelings for individual Communists.

Not disliking someone is a long ways from "warm fuzzy feelings." I've personally known Eastern Europeans (before the fall of Iron Curtain) who were members of the Communist Party because they had been brainwashed their entire lives and membership was a cultural expectation. Why hate them because they had been deceived? Particularly, since their eyes were beginning to be opened.

At some point, doesn’t a supporter of an organization become responsible for what that organization stands for?

At some point, yes but they would be the small exception rather than the rule. However, even then, I might hate what they do but not them personally. With a few exceptions, I would still view them as victims of deception. As Ephesians 6:12 tells us the battle isn't with flesh and blood (Mormons) but with powers and principalities of darkness (Mormonism).

I have no doubt you are more than happy to accept ex-Mormons, or possibly even inactive church members, but active devout members who are trying to trick others into their false religion? You don’t despise them? Really? You have nothing against Joseph Smith or Brigham Young as persons, only against their doctrines?

Active and devout like BYU professors? I count several as personal friends and have since our days in the Ph.D program, years ago. One of my dissertation committee members was surprised to learn that I was an orthodox Christian and told me that the rest of the faculty assumed I was a Mormon because I was clean-cut and hung out with the Mormons. Because of my well-known opposition to Mormonism within this group, the Mormons thought that this story was hilarious.

With the case of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, I hate their actions and personally I believe they acted with evil intentions and were not just deceived. However, I can't say that for sure and God doesn't give us the right to hate them personally. We can hate their actions.

148 posted on 06/14/2011 4:19:23 PM PDT by CommerceComet (Governor Romney, why would any conservative vote for the author of the beta version of ObamaCare?)
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