User Comments

(Add a Comment) Mormon Comments RSS Feed (Return to Previous Page)
I find the best way to deal with "protests" at general conference is to laugh and keep walking. It drives them crazy.

Comment by Glad to Be LDS
I really do not think most anti-Mormons understand the LDS Church. Our history, theology and culture can be very complex. They pick out the worst or the supposed worst of everything we have ever said or done and represent that as our belief. The problem with that is you have to read more than just the worst or most controversial to really understand any faith. If I just looked at some parts of the Bible, I would think people who believed in the Bible killed witches and that they believed in a three headed god that sends everybody to a burning furnace. Start by reading the Book of Mormon and then read the other literature. Without reading the Book of Mormon first it is very hard to understand.

Comment by Larry
I walked past one of these protesters during a non-conference day as he picketed the temple grounds. As I walked through the crowd my arm brushed his arm and he jumped about 20 feet back, accusing me of attacking him and saying that he would take me to court for touching him. He sneared at me like a venomous snake and hissed at me with total and complete hatred. He hissed that I was going to hell and that he was going to heaven. The interesting thing is that I had never said anything to give him any indication that I was a Mormon. It was as if my touch were poison to him. I felt sad for him; his mind had obviously been seriously brainwashed in such a negative way and with so much hate that he acted as if my touch burned his flesh. It deeply saddens me that men would take such a young man's mind (he could have only been about 19) and fill him with so much hate, that his very acts were snake-like. It was very strange and disconcerting. Those who have brainwashed such individuals will be held accountable before the Lord someday for the destruction of these impressionable young minds, and for filling them with so much hate. Such hate and disdain for others that they do not even know is completely unnatural and wrong.

Comment by Anonymous
It is painful to see this kind of behavior among people that believe they have the right. I am a convert to LDS, and I am heartbroken to see those who have such anger towards neighbors. People are far from living like Jesus Christ when they have so much hate and fear; hate and fear do not come from God.

Comment by Anonymous — 6-23-2007, 01:05:45 PM
No matter what you believe about the Church, people should never act so inhumane towards one another. I am a member of the church. Not the strongest or brightest. I may not follow all of the teachings, but I do understand that people will believe what they want to believe. Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is making people rude.

Comment by Alexandria Thomas — 7-12-2007, 03:16:05 PM
I've never been faced with serious protesters like that, but it really saddens me to know that people actually think that what they're doing is right. It's kinda funny that our religion is criticized more than almost any other. BRING IT ON!!!

Webmaster: If you'd like some experience with "crazy protesters," try becoming the webmaster of a pro-Mormon website. You'd get a good laugh at some of the regular "protests" delivered to my email inbox. :)

Comment by Mormon and Proud of It — 8-16-2007, 10:19:04 AM
I am a convert to the church going on five years now. I went to General Conference last October for the first time. I was nervous and excited to be there to have a wonderful spiritual experience. I could not believe the protesters around temple square. No one ever told me about them. I was astonished. I didn't realize we were so hated still in this country. What happened to freedom of religion? Anyway, I couldn't believe there were so many protesters. I traveled from St. Louis to attend and I know that members from across the world came. I never saw one member of our church lash out or argue or have any altercations with any of the protesters. We love everyone and know it's only their ignorance about what we believe that fuels their protesting. We pray for these people and know that God loves them for they are his sons and daughters as we are. It saddened my heart to observe such hatred, but President Hinckley spoke and told the congregation to love everyone, even those who were speaking against us. I may have felt only an inkling of what the pioneers who moved on from Nauvoo, Illinois felt. It was a learning experience that I'm thankful I had.

Comment by Charlotte — 10-15-2007, 12:09:04 AM
I was LDS for 8 years, though I have not been for 3 1/2 years now. Although I do not agree with the LDS beliefs, it still makes me sick to think of how these "street preachers" try to destroy something that is important to so many people. How can they call themselves Christians? Is that something Jesus would do? I think not.

Comment by Jill — 11-19-2007, 11:53:56 AM
I appreciate the effort you're making with this site. I recently started a blog to help curious non-Mormons see what we believe: whatdomormonsbelieve.blogspot.com

Comment by Thaddeus — 1-20-2008, 11:56:07 PM
I am an LDS and I felt really sad reading some articles in this site, especially about those street preachers. I know that there are lots of people who criticize with regards to our religion and I'm so sorry for them, for they know not the TRUTH. I won't judge those people because they are also children of God, and He commanded us to love our enemies, and be forgiving. We know that in obeying what God has commanded us to do will give us eternal happiness and will be saved at the last day and live in His presence again. For those people who still censure our religion and beliefs, well, if that's what you want then just go ahead. We are really sorry for you and we are still praying for you to be able to find light in your minds and ponder on the wicked things you've done and repent.

Comment by aya — 1-27-2008, 12:00:23 AM
I have seen hatred against mormons going around a lot. I am appalled that people in this country are labeled as hatemongers when they criticize other religions, but when they criticize, or even physically hurt, Mormons, it is widely accepted. It is a disgusting trend our country has fallen into, and I am sure our founding fathers would disapprove heavily of what has been going on, since they fought for freedom of religion.

Comment by Anonymous — 5-14-2008, 02:54:28 PM
I can tell you right now that videos make me very mad towards brothers like this trying to block our mind set but I hold no grudges and there just lost.

We do all we can to bring the gospel and share the doctrine of the church with all.

Comment by Anonymous — 8-24-2008, 08:14:38 PM
I do not believe what the Mormon church teaches on most every issue, but this is ridiculous.

Comment by Anonymous — 9-16-2008, 07:22:24 AM
I have friends of multiple religions of many types, and I have the upmost respect for them. Mormon, Muslim, Cathlic, Prodestant, all the nine yards. I have my opionions and you have yours. But when people start putting religion before peoples feelings and what they belive in that crosses the line. I love my friends for who they are and what ever they believe in. Love yourself and most of all love other people for what they hold on most, even if you disagree with them. :)

Comment by (Butters) — 10-2-2008, 09:40:47 PM
A wise man studieth to answer-Proverbs

Comment by Jeffrey Hixson — 5-27-2009, 11:43:23 AM
In about 4 weeks I will be baptized and become a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am so excited. Watching this protest just makes me want to join even more. It saddens me that alot of people just dont know. They dont feel the "Spirit".

Webmaster: Congratulations on your upcoming baptism! I hope you find the same peace and joy I've found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Comment by Anonymous — 10-10-2009, 01:23:10 AM
To this day I am amazed at how people can care so much about what others do. I thought one of our rights as citizens of the United States of America is to worship were and how we please. What I don't understand is how are the people that oppose the mormon religion affected? Do the missionaries or members ask for money from them? Do the members/missionaries stand infront of their houses of worship and scream and shout? No. Over the history of the church, members have always had people who didn't like them-- why would people care so much? Could the real reason be because it is the true church and satan, in his many forms and thinkings, have sought to try and destroy the church because it is true and he wants the people of this earth to be ruled by hate, envy, jealousy, and murder? I don't know. But I think it so strange and disrespectful not only to the persecuted church but to our own country that religion, a freedom we all share, should be treated as it is. The Book of Mormon is important to the LDS church as is the Bible, both equally important and valued. They are Christians and have a love of God. Why does it matter then? It is the choice of a person whether to join one faith or the other and it is that person who will be judged in the end for his/her own choices in this life. I say, let's think at perfecting ourselves and no one else because in the end, our choices are all that matter.

Comment by Anonymous — 11-14-2009, 01:01:26 PM
Love is drawn to love, peace is attracted to peace and hate is attracted to hate. The only ones that would agree with these so called street preachers are the ones of the same spirit or very weak minded. Yes it is sad.

Comment by James Kruithof — 1-5-2010, 06:27:15 AM
May God bless them, cause they dont know what they're doing and talking about.

Comment by Emmanuella — 7-6-2010, 11:00:12 AM
Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. This makes me cry. Honestly, do they not have anything better to do than spew these hateful words at people who are just practicing freedom of religion? While watching this, I wanted to pick up that Book of Mormon, and kneel in front of this man and pray to my Father in Heaven to forgive him of his hatred! That book is so precious to me, it hurts me to see it so carelessly thrown around!

Comment by Anonymous — 7-19-2010, 01:26:24 PM
Who would waste their time doing this? I understand politic protesters, but religion? I'm sorry for you all, and I'll pray for you.

Comment by Tyler F — 8-5-2010, 03:12:05 PM
Wow. So, that's what haters do in their free time. It's sad that people think that. God, forgive them. I hope that someday this will be no more. I never had to deal with that kind of hate. The way most people responed to me being a Mormon is "What's a Mormon?" I answer them the best I can. I think people forget that this country was based on rights. Maybe we can remind them of that again.

Comment by Colorado Mormon Girl — 8-9-2010, 09:58:49 AM
There are several posts on here suggesting we laugh at these "street preachers". I can't see anything to laugh about. I am filled with sadness by the preachers actions and expressions of hatred. What a dark and gloomy existence they must live. I invite them to move into the light love, and exquisite joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ by sincerely studying the Book of Mormon and then praying for a simple confirmation from the Holy Ghost that it is true. That's what I did in 1967. It's the best thing I ever did - I was baptised and my life has been filled with spiritual experiences ever since. These personal spiritual experiences nobody can challenge or take away and have maintained my spiritual strength for the past 43 years.

Comment by Anonymous — 8-12-2010, 08:38:35 AM
After seeing this video, I would like to show my respect and appreciation for your religion and beliefs. It's disheartening to see people who claim themselves to be good yelling insults and threats to their brothers and sisters through God. The only good people I see here are presumably mormon, smiling and laughing off these said insults.

I'm quite upset to see your holy ground desecrated with anger. This shouldn't happen on any ground.

Comment by Respectful Non-Mormon — 8-31-2010, 12:38:07 PM
Judge ye these things, but judge wisely, for God will not hold us guiltless if we put to shame those things that are most holy. Remember, that satan moves as a roaring lion across the land deceiving many. If we feel that a brother or sister is being deceived, should we not put our loving arms around them and care for them with love, long suffering and patience? Seeking to help them by following the example of our Savior, even Jesus Christ, whom we so quickly proclaim to be our hope, that we might help them, as we suppose to be reborn from the error of their ways? Lets just say for a moment, that mormons are wrong in their beliefs... Are they not still Christians? As a whole, they teach to live good lives, love one another, seek out God and Christ in all things. Many may say, "I am mormon". But do they live the doctrine that is taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? And so it goes with other religious denominations. We are all subject to err and fail in our quest to follow God. Therefor, the need for a Savior, that we might repent of our folly's and sins, and return again to follow him. Soon, the day will end and there can no work be done in the night. The two great commandments, according the our Lord, are thus: the first, love God with all thy might, mind, and strength. The second, love your fellow man as yourself. Upon these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. So saying, see that we do them. The day will soon come that we all stand before God to be judged accordingly. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...

How very sad indeed to see these things transpire, yet were they not foretold many many years ago. Just as it is written in Jeremiah, I am the Lord, God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for me?

Comment by Ben — 9-6-2010, 10:36:58 AM
Wow, I didn't know that people acted like that around temple square. I don't understand why people would even act that way towards any religion. I didn't see one drop of love from any of those men, especially "the man in black". Did he really have any desire to better anyone's life by what he was doing? Or was he trying to destroy something? I don't think he loved any of the people that he talked to. It's sad to see that some people are so unhappy with their lives that they want to make other just as unhappy. You know what they say! Misery loves company! I don't understand how anyone that is truly open minded and truly seeking peace in this life could put down something like the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love what "Respectful non-Mormon (8-31-2010, 12: 38: 07 pm)" said. I'm glad that there are some people out there that are trying to live the way that Christ lived, and the latter day saints are a group of people that try very hard to do just that, and I think that's why they are so happy. Christ promised joy if we but live the commandments, and anyone that lives the commandments is a follower of Christ no matter what color, shape, size, or place that we are found in. I believe in Christ, and I love Him. I do not only believe in Christ, but I believe Christ. I believe His words. His words are plain and I believe very easy to understand when he said, "... the spirit of contention is not of me, but of the devil... " I love my Savior. May we all come closer to Christ with an open mind and an open heart and learn more of Him. I have read the Book of Mormon and I have prayed and asked God if the message that it contains is true, and I have received an answer from the Holy Ghost that it is true, that it truly testifies of Christ the Son of God, and that he is our risen Lord. That we can have faith in Him enough to repent of our sins and be baptized for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. But it doesn't just end there. We have to go on and endure to the end, following the commandments of God until we can do no more, and then it is up to Christ to make up for the rest, which we are unable to do for ourselves. My faith in Christ has grown so much since I have read the Book of Mormon and as I continue to read it. I'm thankful that God loved us enough to give us two witnesses of Christ to help us truly believe.

Comment by C-Petch — 9-13-2010, 11:23:36 AM
I am a convert to Islam, but was brought up in an evangelical Christian. I disagree with many of the mormon teachings, but what I have just watched is truly saddening. This would not happen where I live in Canada. This man is not just displaying his right to free speech... He is inciting hatred. Why is that allowed in your country? How can someone have so much hate toward another human, especially one so young?

Comment by Anonymous — 9-17-2010, 02:21:36 PM
When do you ever see a mormon doing this sort of thing at anyone else's religious gatherings? I've never heard of it. If you have, please inform me, and I will track them down personally.

Comment by A. Mayberry — 9-18-2010, 06:37:44 PM
I am a Mormon (sister) living in Australia, I was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was a Catholic before my conversion. I just viewed the video on the street preachers protesting outside the conference center, I really feel sorry for these people. We have the right to join the church of our choice. As a member of the church, I have been taught to respect people of all different faiths and backgrounds. I have taught that we are all children of a loving God who resides in heaven and his desire is for all of us to come back and live with him. I have been taught to respect how people worship God. I am so proud of being a Mormon and all the joy that the church brings into my life. People who hate Mormons or spread misinformation around that discredits the good name of Mormons need prayers to soften their hearts. They need to spend a week with a typical Mormon family and see how they live, love and respect their fellow human beings whether Mormon or not.

Comment by Catherine — 10-10-2010, 09:52:40 AM
You Mormons think you're persecuted? Try being a Muslim! At least you don't have to hear lies about your religion from the national media every single day!

El Santo Gringo: It's not a competition, friend. Mormons and Muslims have worked together on various humanitarian projects. Though we have important theological differences, we're on the same "team," so to speak. And, for the record, I do hear constant lies in the media about Mormonism as well. Aside from our joint humanitarian projects, perhaps we can also find unity in our mutual distaste for the sound-bite obsessed, superficial media?

As-Salāmu `Alaykum.

Comment by American Muslim Convert — 12-1-2010, 09:55:53 PM
This religious bigotry amongst the street preachers are on shaky grounds too. I have read a documentry about near death experience this document said religion is about love as well. Dangerous teachings can send people to either spirit prison in our views or hell in other views would be: Bigotry, Hatred, Fundermentalism. And many more but is not applicable to us. Its seems to be fundermentalist have problems in such a way of this manner. I am a convert to this church. I am quite happy with the belief system.

Comment by Vinnie — 12-5-2010, 02:56:12 PM
The Savior speaks about loving our enemies. To me, those "street preachers" are special children of God who have the perfect opportunity to hear the true gospel, but choose to be blinded by the worldly craftiness of men. We should follow the Savior's example in forgiving those "street preachers", as they know not what they say.

Comment by Anonymous — 12-31-2010, 11:33:24 PM
Our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ live within us through the Holy Ghost, which cannot be denied. It is obvious to me that these "street preachers" just think that all of this is a joke, but we'll see who is laughing on judgment day. I pity them. This video is one of the milder ones I've seen. Some of them are just beyond the pale.

Comment by Anonymous — 1-7-2011, 09:56:44 AM
I walked right by one of these people and he threw the Book of Mormon down and I kindly bent down picked it up brushed the dirt off and handed it back to him with a smile and he took it and looked at me dumbfounded it was the best thing I could have done for that man

Comment by Anonymous — 2-27-2011, 08:00:25 PM
The Mormon family are people you always want to be with, they love and respect their fellow human beings whether Mormon or not. I am convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so proud of being a Mormon. People who hate Mormons or spread misinformation around that discredits the good name of Mormons don't know what they are doing, well they are also making people know the church in a negative manner...

Comment by Pemu — 8-23-2011, 09:41:37 AM
(Return to Previous Page)