>>But sometime, Lord willing, I shall return to Nauvoo’s ‘Mars Hill’ and testify the truth to whoever I may.
Fair enough as we send our missionaries to preach wherever Evangelicals live.
Actually there is one reason any FReeper worth their salt has to go to Nauvoo. For the collection of Browning guns (including his patents and machine gun) in the Browning gunsmith shop and home in Nauvoo. He was the most influntial inventor on modern weaponry and weapon systems in WWI and WWII. His patents were used in more weapon systems by the US military than any other inventor.
What I find interesting in this thread though is the fact that there is such ire raised over a threatening email while there is no mention of the circumstances of the Nauvoo exodus. Yes the SLC man is decidedly wrong and an idiot, especially for threatening a veteran.
For example, a 70 year old man was beaten to death on the steps of the original Nauvoo temple. He was left on the steps pleading for water for 2 days while he died from his head wounds. The mob wouldn't let anyone near him to help. The Winter Exodus occurred at gunpoint similar in manner to the Trail of Tears with a trail of blood left by the women and children in the snow. One woman crossed the river with her 2 and 4 year old, Then tied them to a tree so they wouldn't wander away and get lost while she went back accross the river to get her 6 year old. The historical record is plain on the atrocities committed against the Mormons there. Over 500 children ages 0-5 are buried at Winter Quarters Nebraska where they were forced to winter. Some anti-Mormons try to justify the actions against the Mormons with some arguments of moral equivalence. While there were wrongs committed on both sides any objective reader of history who cares to search the matter can find the truth.
Another example, some like to cite the fact that Smith destroyed a printing Press to show he was against Freedom of Speech. But they fail to mention the fact that a mob of non Mormons had already done it to the Mormons, tarring and feathering the printers and burning it down. They even took some potshots at young Mormon girls who ran away with some of the printing paper which the Doctrine and Covenants was printed on. Smith was wrong to destroy the press but it wasn't done in a vacuum.
>>>My wife just loves the old homes of the era, all the antique furnishings, etc. The fact that she didn’t want to do the tourist thing, and walk through them, was a clear sign to me of just how upset she was to the sad deception that took place there, and still does.
The primary mission of the Nauvoo tour guides is not proselyting but strengthening the testimony of members. Of course they will promote the Church to non members but that is not their primary focus. They are considered service missionaries rather than proselyting ones. The young men in suits are the ones dedicated to full time proselyting.
I've found both the Mormons and non Mormons there to be pretty friendly. The rest of the country could learn a thing or two about good Midwestern Values and Courtesy. Good luck Preaching in Nauvoo.