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A Brief Critique of Anti-Mormon Propaganda

Bigotry is bigotry, regardless of whether it is directed against Jews, blacks, gays, or Mormons. Of course human beings disagree with one another; I myself am no yes man, and I certainly don't cry "bigot" every time I encounter those whose opinions differ from my own. What, then, separates bigotry from healthy disagreement?

Disagreement includes:
  • Open mindedness
  • Mutual respect
  • A desire to understand differing points of view
Bigotry includes:
  • Close mindedness
  • The intentional spreading of lies to discredit
  • The intent to slander
  • Name calling
  • Disrespect
  • Hatred
Thankfully, our society largely (though not universally) discourages bigotry against most social groups. Strangely, bigotry against Mormons seems to be more socially acceptable—more "fashionable." A recent Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll, for example, indicated that traditional prejudice against Jews and Catholics is fading. Only 15% of Americans stated they would never vote for a Jewish president, and only 10% said the same of a Catholic (see The LA Times). Alarmingly, nearly 40%—including nearly 40% of those who share the same political philosophies embraced by most American Mormons—said they would never vote for a Mormon president. Said Cal Thomas of Tribune Media Services, "The poll found that while anti-Semitism and anti-Catholicism are fading among voters, anti-Mormonism is not. Thirty-seven percent of those questioned said they would not vote for a Mormon presidential candidate. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution forbids a 'religious test' for those wishing to serve in public office, but it can do nothing about voters who wish to apply a religious test to candidates" (see Globe Gazette).

In speaking of anti-Mormons, keep in mind that I am not referring to those who respectfully disagree with certain points of Mormon doctrine, nor do I speak of those who pass along false information about Mormons simply because they are misinformed. I'm speaking of those—and there are many—who despise the LDS Church and actively seek to discredit it by intentionally spreading hatred and falsehoods. It is this type of intentional misinformation that fuels the common misconceptions about Mormons reflected in the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll mentioned above.

A perfect example of anti-mormonism can be seen twice a year in Salt Lake City, when the Church holds its biannual General Conference. Many Mormons travel from distant lands to Salt Lake on a sort of spiritual pilgrimage, excited to listen to sermons by Church leaders. This pilgrimage is often interrupted by the screams of "street preachers" informing Mormon participants that they are going to go to hell. The following video, compiled from other sources, illustrates the extent of the bigotry these pilgrims face.

Video62

How would a Muslim feel if this kind of bigotry manifest itself at Mecca? How would the Jew feel if a "street preacher" like this decided to visit the Wailing Wall?

Fortunately, not all anti-Mormons are this confrontational, but the world is full of astute and sophisticated individuals who harbor this same bigotry. Many of these even mascarade as "informative sources," hiding their true agenda behind a mask of feigned objectivity. Even the Anti-defamation League recognizes this more sophisticated breed of anti-Mormon. In response to an anti-Mormon "documentary" Anti-Mormonproduced by one of these seasoned groups, Rhonda M. Abrams, Regional Director of the League, wrote: "I was impressed by the high production values of the show. Clearly, this is not the work either of amateurs or those with very limited resources. The film obviously cost a lot of money to produce and...used the talents of a fairly sophisticated film-maker...Had a similar movie been made with either Judaism or Catholicism as its target, it would be immediately denounced for the scurrilous piece that it is..." (See FairLDS.)

The Internet is likewise replete with anti-Mormon web sites. But if an anti-Mormon webmaster is really interested in helping people discover the "truth" about Mormonism, why doesn't he ever provide links to the official LDS websites (www.lds.org and www.mormon.org)? Could it be that these enemies of the Church know what Mormons believe better than Mormons do? Why let Mormons tell their own story, right? While we're at it, perhaps we could learn more about the Jews from the Nazis and more about African Americans from the Ku Klux Klan!

But it doesn't have to be this way! The LDS Church recently invited prominent teachers of a faith whose members are often critical of Mormon beliefs to speak at the Mormon tabernacle in Salt Lake City in what was called an "Evening of Friendship." Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary, one of the largest seminaries in North America, was the first to speak. Mr. Mouw is a great example of what it means to be a Christian—a real Christian. He said:

"I am now convinced that we...have often seriously misrepresented the beliefs and practices of the Mormon community. Indeed, let me state it bluntly to the LDS folks here this evening: we have sinned against you. The God of the Scriptures makes it clear that it is a terrible thing to bear false witness against our neighbors, and we have been guilty of that sort of transgression in things we have said about you. We have told you what you believe without making a sincere effort first of all to ask you what you believe...Indeed, we have even on occasion demonized you, weaving conspiracy theories about what the LDS community is 'really' trying to accomplish in the world."

That having been said, I'm sure Richard Mouw does not agree with Mormons on many points of doctrine. But he did not let this philosophical difference lead him to bigotry. Instead, he was frank and open rather than odious and close-minded. We could all—Mormons and members of other faiths alike—learn a lot from this great man.

Unfortunately, many choose not to follow Richard Mouw's example of mutual understanding and friendship. Many choose to express their bigotry in the form of web authoring. Most anti-Mormon sites adopt one of four techniques for disseminating their message.
  • They tell outright lies. I've been amazed at some of the things anti-Mormons have claimed we believe. Some of these claims differ so significantly from actual Mormon beliefs that the possibility of a simple misunderstanding is remote. It is apparent that in many cases anti-Mormons simply invent stories to spread their message of hate. This technique of spreading lies to further a bigoted agenda is not new; in the middle ages, for example, some accused the Jews of eating babies!
  • They mention some past practice that is no longer relevant to modern-day Mormonism. This past practice is usually misrepresented, and the sociohistorical context in which it took place is ignored. But how can a Church of God change, you ask? Isn't God the same yesterday, today, and forever? Of course! God is constant, but man lives is an ever-changing world. One of the central tenants of Mormonism is that God is not dead; He continues to speak to His Church, to help it adapt eternal principles to changing times. If Mormonism was static, what would be the purpose of continued communication with God? God helps us navigate changing social circumstances, and so change is to be expected.
  • They often tell partial truths. This technique has an obvious advantage: Mormon leaders can be quoted as "having said such and such," lending an air of credibility to the web author's bogus claims. But what of the context of the quote and the circumstances in which it was given? What of the comments proceeding and following the statement? Was there a general consensus among all Church leaders regarding the matter, or was this a single Church leader expressing his opinion? When these questions are ignored, "quotes" from Church leaders can be made to support just about any ludicrous position.
  • They take advantage of commonly-held misconceptions about the LDS faith even though they know that those misconceptions are unfounded. By exploiting this misinformation, they intentionally spread falsehoods rather than correct them.
To illustrate these techniques, let's create some statements that defame kitty cats. First, we could create some outright lies, making them sound official...

"It is known that certain breeds of cats, when young, often acquire distinct cravings for human blood. One kitten, known as Snow Ball, reportedly killed its owner as she slept."

"Baby cats appear innocent enough, but don't be fooled! Eons of evolution have made them cuter with every passing generation, cuter so that we'll let them into our homes and hearts where they can do the greatest damage."

Now let's mention some fact from the kitten past that is no longer relevant. Better still, let's misrepresent it a bit for added bitterness.

"In the centuries following the death of Christ, many Christians were murdered by the Roman empire. One popular method was to place the poor victim in an arena with a lion, allowing blood-thirsty spectators to enjoy the carnage of his death. Many of these lions reportedly began life as kittens, or, as biologists call them, 'cubs.'"

Now let's throw in a partial truth to make kittens look really bad.

"If mother cats are allowed to spend time with their kittens outdoors, they often teach the young ones in the skillful art of how to kill."

Finally, let's take advantage of some unfounded misconceptions about kittens popular in western culture...

"Witches and kittens have long been bed-fellows. Apparently the feline is drawn to the evil side of human nature."

Wow! The LDS Church sure is lucky not to have me as an enemy! If I can make kittens look bad, imagine what I could do if I decided to start an anti-Mormon website!
37 Comments » Leave a comment
  1. Mary from Alberta

    Thanks! You eloquently put what I have tried to say to others at various times. :) It is frustrating trying to have an open minded dialog with someone who is not open. Even more frustrating to deal with those who would disrespect your beliefs, yet have a fit if anyone disrespected theirs in the same way. If everyone lived their religion, whatever religion it is, the world would be a better place.

  2. Jake Albiston

    What you wrote is so true! Anti-Mormons need to read the facts. I've been trying to explain this to people I know but never could. You gave me awesome ideas! Thank You!

  3. Joe from Wisconsin
    9-3-2007, 05:52:33 AM

    This is a very well written piece. I'll never buy a kitten now! :)

    Webmaster: Yeah, I'd watch out for those blood-thirsty fur-balls of death if I were you. :)

  4. Verl Doman
    5-14-2007, 08:27:14 PM

    Is it bigotry to call Mormons non-Christian? We all appreciate reverend Al Sharpton's efforts to apologize for implying that governor Romney and members of The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) do not believe in God. In subsequent interviews, the reverend maintains that many Christians have a negative view of Mormons and do not believe they are Christian. Governor Romney has been quoted in response to Sharpton's original comment by saying, "it shows that bigotry still exists. " Sharpton and Romney raise two issues that suggest that we need to determine acceptable definitions of bigots and Christians. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines a bigot as: " a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance. " Merriam-Webster further defines a Christian as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ." The LDS Church has as it's first article of faith: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:1) Some people do insist publicly, "obstinately," and "intolerantly" that members of the LDS faith are not Christian. These people are bigoted, and they are obviously creating a new definition of what a Christian is. Some have explained that the rationale for this new definition of Christianity being applied to Mormons is that they do not believe in the Nicene Creed concept of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. An examination of that rationale shows that the Nicene Creed was created 325 AD under the influence of the Roman emperor, Constantine. It is recorded that he called the Council of Nicaea in an effort to unify different factions of religion in his empire. Members of the council determined that the cornerstone belief of Christianity would be the concept that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one substance, even though the creed also emphasizes that Jesus was begotten of the Father. The Nicene Creed is not in the scriptures and is not scriptural. The scriptures are clear that Jesus and the Father were separate beings, as witnessed, for example, at the beginning of Christ's ministry by John the baptist: "and Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17) There are many references where Jesus is praying to the Father. One such prayer was in the upper room the evening of the Last Supper: "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, o Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (John 17:4 - 5) Then, that same evening, in the garden of Gethsemane, Christ pleaded, " o my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:39). On the following third day, when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb the morning of the resurrection and found it empty, Jesus appeared to her and " saith unto her, touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:17) In the account of Stephen, as he was being stoned " being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55) These, and many other passages, create a biblical theme about the nature of God, the Father and the relationship Jesus had with him. Part of the Lord's great prayer at the Last Supper was: " and this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3) There are references where Jesus taught: "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30); However, this oneness is made easy to understand when Jesus, again at the Last Supper, prayed to the Father for his disciples: " that they may be one, as we are" (John 17:11), and "neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17:20 - 23) Where does the nicaean "one substance" concept come from? If this is such an important doctrine, why then, do the scriptures so clearly demonstrate the distinct separateness of the Godhead? I am confident that the authors of the Nicene Creed either misinterpreted or disregarded the Holy Bible in arriving at the "one substance" concept of the Godhead. Could we say, then, that those who believe in the Nicene Creed are not Christian? Not according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary definition of a Christian: "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ."

  5. Didzis
    10-6-2007, 07:16:21 PM

    Finally someone has the courage to tell the truth about kittens! I've been warning people about those little Satan-spawned furballs from Hell for years, and I'm glad to see that others recognize the feline menace as well. Spread the word!

    Webmaster: Would you join me in creating the allaboutkittens.com website?

  6. Nik
    10-19-2007, 09:52:37 AM

    Your piece is well written. I only have one question: Why not respond directly to the "anti-Mormons" questions with facts and answers instead of using allegories?

    Webmaster: In response to your question, I seriously considered addressing anti-Mormon questions directly on my website but decided that wasn't the direction I wanted to take. (My site is not about anti-Mormons, but rather about actual Mormon doctrines). Part of my motivation for not going in that direction is that there are many other sites that do a great job of dispelling anti-Mormon dishonesty/misinformation. Probably the most "famous" is FairLDS and its accompanying wiki.

  7. Efialtis
    11-28-2007, 02:40:38 PM

    I have had the opportunity to go head to head with some very prominent Anti-Mormons, and some of the questions they cannot or will not address are as follows:

    While "protesting" the LDS Conference several Anti-Mormons (some who had traveled for hundreds of miles to protest in Salt Lake City) stated that the LDS Church is false and their own Church is true. I then asked if they also protest every other big religious gathering, such as the Jehovah's Witness events, the Pope coronations, and other large and popular religious gatherings. Their answer is always the same ("no we don't protest the others") to which I ask, "Why?" They have no really good answer. But if their's is the only true church, why do they not treat all other churches with equal disdain?

    Online at ARM (news group Alt.Religion.Mormon = not recommended) the same arguments in use today to (supposedly) refute the LDS beliefs were in use as far back as 1830. Many of these "anti-arguments" have been soundly refuted by "Mormon Apologists" and the argument goes away for a few weeks, only to resurface and be refuted again. A) Either Anti-Mormons are immune to "input," B) they really don't care about the truth, or C) they simply have to have someone to argue with. Do they also spend countless hours arguing or disputing with Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, or any other religion they do not ascribe to? The answer to this is the same as above. No they don't.

    Any logical person would then have to conclude that there is something different about the LDS Church that attracts so much attention from people that no other religion is capable of mustering. I will leave the conclusions to you...

    So my challenge is, as it has ever been, Mr. Anti-Mormon: bring me a new argument, one that hasn't been hashed and rehashed on ARM or any other Anti (or Pro) Mormon web site. Bring me that new point that makes the "LDS Church false" and I will have a discussion with you. Until then, I don't see any new arguments, which means what? Do you believe that "if you say something often enough, it becomes the truth"?

  8. James O
    12-1-2007, 12:40:19 PM

    I have heard a lot of people say that they would never vote for a Mormon even if he supported all the ethical stances of the voter, and even if his opponent was opposed to all that the voter thought right. I cannot comprehend that attitude! As a believing Catholic, I read and hear constantly attacks and misrepresentations of my faith, so I want to know what Mormonism actually teaches.

  9. Anonymous
    12-7-2007, 02:24:13 PM

    I can't understand how it's right to assail people in the street, following people with a book, knocking on doors unwanted, yet when someone does the same in front of your house, it's sudenly wrong.

  10. ScottyDoesntKnow
    12-21-2007, 07:42:06 AM

    You hit the nail on the head. If everyone could disagree peacefully (open mindedness, mutual respect, and a sincere desire to understand the opposite viewpoint), we could all be much more civil with one another.

    Thank you for your site. If each of us had more time, I'd be interested in an exchange of ideas and thoughts about various things. I'm learning and understanding more and more about the LDS faith. I'm pretty sure I'm not in agreement with it, but it's interesting to learn about and it's good for me to disspell some of the myths that I had taken as fact when learning them.

  11. Aaron
    5-26-2008, 07:08:34 PM

    I would never don't go to a Catholic priest, to learn about Evangelicals, Jews or Islam... I have no idea why anyone wouldn't go to the "source" to learn about the people they accuse of being so "strange" or evil... Especially when some groups have so much to gain from the Mormons demi$e... Doesn't it make you wonder why they spend so much time on them in the first place? Hmm...

  12. Aaron
    7-13-2008, 11:20:16 PM

    Thank you for this site. I think it is very beneficial for people to learn about mormonism. I've referred people here from my site at www.Graceforgrace.com

  13. Nephi
    7-29-2008, 10:07:52 PM

    Prejudice against the LDS religion is alive and well in our day just like prejudice against jews was alive and well in the 30's. This must stop.

  14. Wonkysnark
    2-17-2009, 12:12:47 PM

    Your site is a refreshing breath of air. As I read, I kept expecting you to also fall into the denigration of others (as this is often the case). The one accusing the other is more often than not also guilty of the crime. How refreshing that you obstained from this practice yet were stll able to adequately express your ideas (I loved the kitty cat descriptions). Well done!

  15. Thomas More
    2-17-2009, 12:50:33 PM

    Your page on anti-mormons hits things right on the head. When I was investigating the church, the little anti-mormon literature I read was so obviously inaccurate, that it actually encouraged me in my investigation of the church.

    Your page makes the point that bigotry is not open minded. Well said.

  16. Right Wingwakko
    3-10-2009, 09:39:43 AM

    We need to defend the church. The question is: how do we do that without becoming what those we defend it against are? Just like faith, the worst kinds of persecution start with a seed. We must never forget or trivialize the brutality suffered by our pioneer ancestors nor the pseudo-intellectuals that fueled the frenzy with their words. Passive naivete has never worked yet we cannot resort to the mudslinging that the ignorant use. I would dearly love to be able to take on the anti-mormons face to face, but, it seems, my basic nature won't allow me to do it without resorting to the Porter Rockwell part of my personality. Therefore, I am happy that we have an army of missionaries and brilliant levelheaded writers to proclaim and promote the truth on multiple fronts while maintaining the utmost dignity.

    Webmaster: I think there's a little Porter Rockwell in all of us! :) Thanks for your comment.

  17. Rhonda Mcleod
    4-14-2009, 09:25:52 AM

    Mormons are the perverts? Hmm. Religious bigotry is the most senseless of all bigotry. I don't follow any specific religion, but I work in a nursing home where one of our residents belongs to your faith. He is dying from cancer, with no family or friends for support, so I decided to learn as much about LDS as I can to help comfort him. He gave me the Book of Mormon to read and I've been researchng various sites on the internet for more interpretation.

    This is what I've found... Mormons are the most gentle, community-minded individuals I've seen in a long time. You don't judge others, of any race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. You don't "force" your beliefs on anyone, you simply engage in intellectual, friendly debates and uphold the utmost respect for those in opposition. What I respect the most about your followers is the "family" feeling in your faith. You really live that lifestyle, not just at church picnics and such... But in your community.

    Just remember this when you are being judged by these heretics... Jesus was ridiculed too in every city at every gathering. Judge not lest ye be judged.

  18. AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster
    4-19-2009, 04:29:50 PM

    Dear Rhonda,

    I wanted to thank you for your kind comments. I am so impressed that you have taken the time to learn more about our church in order to better serve your elderly Mormon patient. My grandfather recently passed away in a nursing home. Fortunately, he had family near by that could visit him frequently. Just the same, knowing that death is eminent must be sobering. That you would take the time to learn more about your patient's culture in order to help him through so challenging a time is touching. Occasionally here in the united states we hear about elderly abuse in nursing homes. Seeing how well elderly patients are treated up in Canada makes me want to move there when I grow older! :)

    I was also relieved to see that you have managed to separate truth from fiction when it comes to researching Mormonism on the internet. It is frightening how many people will believe anything they read . Some biased websites --the ones that contain the words "cult" and "ministry" in their urls--are easily recognized, but others can appear to be objective and fair-minded. If you have any further questions about Mormonism, feel free to post them on this site .

    Finally, because your patient is dying, you might be interested in learning more about the Mormon view of the afterlife .

    Best of luck to you! Thanks again for your kind words!

  19. Becca
    4-22-2009, 01:46:49 AM

    Awesome facts about anti-mormons and I completely agree. I've gone toe to toe with some anti-mormons rather out of context statements from Journal of Discourses. I always point out to anti's have you actually looked up the whole quote from the journal itself?

    It's amazing how many of the quotes from Journal of Discourses are doctored up. Plus the fact that Journal of Discourses is not official doctrines of the church. Of course most anti's then state they refuse to look at official church materials or anything from the church. I guess they prefer to be stuck in there world of anti-ness.

    Webmaster: Anti-Mormons do get a lot of mileage out of the Journal of Discourses. The act of searching through 150 years of recorded Mormon history to try to find any objectionable quote, no matter how minor, is called "quote mining." It seems to be anti-Mormons' favorite pastime, especially those anti-Mormons of the Protestant variety. These anti-Mormons are lucky that Mormons don't dedicate themselves to tearing down others' faith. While I have great respect for Martin Luther, the founder of Protestant Christianity, and believe him to be a man that God inspired, I've come across some of his statements that are quite objectionable as well. Remember, no one's perfect except Jesus Christ!

  20. Hampton
    7-28-2009, 10:39:39 PM

    I have some new neighbors that are mormon. They seem, not surprisngly, like a great, loving family. (I now understand more fully why the 9 year old daughter has a crush on David Archuleta.) I'm certain I will never become mormon, but at the same time it saddens me to think about the prejudices and false information so many people of good will and faith have to endure. I was raised catholic in the Bible belt and I experienced some prejudices because I wasn't "saved" or "born again" as many of my evangelical protestant friends. I work in investment banking and I have a lot of friends who are jewish. I admire their sense of community and close family relationships. It baffles me why some want to tear them down and even do great harm to those I like and respect. It's a crazy world at times. I will admit a guilty pleasure: I enjoy the hbo series "Big love'. Yes, I know it is not representative of the LDS church's belief, but it is an interesting show with good acting. While many of the "compound flds" members are shown as nutty and mean, I think most americans realize that is not representative of the mormom church.

  21. AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster
    8-1-2009, 01:13:06 PM

    Hi Hampton. Thanks for your kind words. If you ever want to move to La Jolla, I'd be happy to have you as my neighbor! :) I think you are right that many Americans realize that Big Love is not representative of LDS beliefs. However, despite our efforts to educate, a large segment of the U.S. population remains misinformed. A recent survey by the Pew Forum, released September 25th, 2007, showed that 27% of those surveyed gave negative one-word descriptions of Mormons, compared to 23% who gave positive descriptions, and 19% who were neutral. The most common negative word given was “polygamy,” followed by “bigamy,” and then by “cult.” Clearly, we still have a lot of work to do.

  22. MaryClaire
    8-3-2009, 01:53:28 AM

    Eloquently put! I am a convert of nearly 31 years who has had both very positive and very negative receptions from non-mormon friends and family. As the Articles of Faith define, while we claim the privilege of our own beliefs, we allow all people the same privilege. Never in a million years will I assume it is my place to judge another persons choice of religion, regardless of how strongly I feel about mine. Thank you.

  23. Srm
    8-23-2009, 07:10:38 PM

    Thanks for your insightful approach. My one question through the years has been, what do those anti mormon people believe is right. Mostly, I hear what they think is wrong with mormons but never much about what they believe themselves. Through the years I have known many mormons and find them to be fair minded and tolerant. They are open to hearing my beliefs and having good discussion. What I have also found is that one thing that usually mellows out an antimormon is getting to know a mormon on a personal level. They are generally patriotic, honest, and careful followers of the Bible, particularly the teachings of Christ. My experience is that its hard not to like a mormon. My friend's daughter spent an entire school year every morning in a mormon seminary studying the New Testament and probably knows much more about the Bible than most of her friends. Many of my mormon friends spend both Sunday and wednesday evenings attending church. I find it amazing that anti mormons believe that all mormons are going to hell while most of my mormon friends hold a much more generous view of what will happen to anti mormons in the hereafter and believe very literally in John 3: 16-17 including the part where it says that "God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world." They don't judge me negatively for my preference of religious affiliation because they believe Christ came for the benefit of all people, not just a select few. I say put your mouth where your Bible is. If antimormons knew their Bible as well as many mormons do, they might think twice about their judgmental, condemning version of Christian attitude. Until those Christians who condemn other people's religions (Christian, Jewish, Muslim. Mormon or whatever else), they have broken a variety of Gods rules including "judge not that ye be not judged" and "love thy neighbor as thyself". Until these self righteous hypocrites love with a love worthy of being called Christian, I will not likely set foot inside one of their churches. I'd sooner become a mormon than a hypocrite.

  24. Robert Crook
    9-15-2009, 10:52:23 PM

    I am not and probably will never be a Mormon but I think the behavior of the gentlemen in the video is awful. I feel that in this country a person has the right to worship how ever they want. I have some disagreement with the church over their views on homosexuality but I still feel that no matter how much I disagree with them that they have that right to believe the way that they do. And while I do also believe that the gentleman in the video has a right to his beliefs, I think that there are better ways of getting his point across than by being disrespectful to Mormons by throwing the Book of Mormon on the ground and by being so confrontational. His should spend some time in prayer asking his God to show him the proper way to speak with other human beings. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with someone, but you should try your best to be respectful when discussing your differences.

    Webmaster: Well said, friend. Thanks for your comment.

  25. Manaen
    10-30-2009, 05:16:13 PM

    I like your approach. However, there is no arguing with what this says about us.

    Webmaster: What a crazy site! Who thinks of these things?

  26. Kevin
    12-21-2009, 09:04:56 PM

    Thank you for this very insightful article. While I am not a mormon, I do not consider myself to be anti-mormon. I've met many LDS folks over the past forty years, and every one of them - without a single exception - has seemed to me to be very kind, friendly, and intelligent. I also believe that everyone has a right to be treated respectfully regardless of his or her religious beliefs. This is what Christ did, and he expects us to do it too. However, it does not seem to me to be outrageous to hold the opinion that mormonism is not a type of Christianity. The issue is not about how mormonism is defined, but rather about how Christianity is defined. Traditionally, the boundaries of Christianity have been set by the Nicene Creed, to which mormons do not completely subscribe. Can Christianity be more broadly defined? Sure. For example, someone might suggest that any faith which holds that Christ is divine is, by definition, a Christian faith. But then Christianity could be said to include faiths such as the church universal and triumphant, which holds that Jesus is one among many divine beings, and that he has no unique claim on our worship. This would be beyond the bounds of both traditional Christianity and of mormonism. Where should the line be drawn? It also strikes me as disingenuous for mormons to claim that they are not harshly critical of other faiths. If a person accepts the first vision, then he also believes that God himself literally declared that every single faith that existed in 1820 was "an abomination." I can't imagine anything harsher than that. If a mormon were to tell me that "I believe your faith is an abomonation, because God said so," Then wouldn't he simply be speaking with the courage of his convictions? Thanks again for this website. It really does have a lot of interesting comments. Best wishes for continuing it.

    El Santo Gringo: Hi Kevin. Thanks for your recent message. I can tell that you are not an anti-Mormon, which I obviously think is excellent. :) To be completely blunt, yes, it is outrageous to hold the opinion that Mormonism is not a type of Christianity. This mistaken view is almost universally held by those who are not familiar with our beliefs, often by those who are not even interested in learning about our doctrine. It is not outrageous to suggest that some Mormon doctrines are incorrect, or even that they are unbiblical (though I would disagree). However, to suggest that Mormons are not Christians at all is hurtful and inaccurate. Faithful mormons have dedicated their entire lives to Jesus Christ. They accept Him as their Savior. No group could be more Christian. As Dr. Robert E. Van Voorst, Professor of New Testament Studies at Western Theological Seminary, once stated:

    "…the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…see themselves as Christian, and most experts in comparative religions would view this labeling as basically correct. That they...accept the Christian Bible as their first cannon is a good indicator of this. Moreover, 'outsiders' to [Christianity], such as Buddhists, would almost certainly recognize them as belonging to the stream of Christian tradition."

    While it is reasonable to apply some boundaries to the term “Christian,” it is not reasonable to make that term so narrow that it excludes even Jesus Christ Himself from the Christian fold. If acceptance of the Nicene Creed is required in order to belong to the Christian club, what of those Christians that predated the creeds, including Christ Himself? Is it reasonable to say that Paul and Peter were not Christians? It is worth pointing out that many scholars, even many mainstream Christian scholars, concede that some of the doctrines stated in the creeds are not biblical. New-Testament Christians did not believe in the Nicene definition of the Trinity, for example. Even Harper's Bible Dictionary, a scholarly text written by 180 members of the Society of Biblical Literature, concedes that "the formal doctrine of the [Nicene] Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the [New Testament]."

    Now, just because the Nicene definition of the Trinity is not explicitly described in the Bible does not automatically mean that the Nicene definition is wrong, but it does mean that if you want to exclude Mormons from Christianity, you'll have to exclude Christ and His early disciples as well.

    It's also worth pointing out that many faithful members of mainline Christian denominations do not believe in some aspects of the post New-Testament creeds, even if they think they do. For example, many Christians are not Trinitarian but rather modalist, believing not that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are simultaneously three and one but rather that one God took on the three distinct roles of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These Christians might even call themselves Trinitarian because they don't understand the term correctly. I'm certain there are instances of even "Trinitarian" pastors who are actually modalists. Are you willing to say that these Baptists, Episcopalians, Catholics, and Lutherans are not Christian? Even if modalism is wrong (and I think it is), is it fair to exclude these people from Christianity just because they've misunderstood the definition of “Trinity”? Even if the Mormon view of a social rather than a Nicene Trinity is wrong, is it fair to exclude us from the Christian fold just because we don't understand the term "Trinity" correctly? I thought there wasn't supposed to be a "doctrinal test" for salvation?

    Finally, the Bible makes it very clear that Christ alone will decide who is a true Christian and who is not. Are there true Christians among the mainline Christian denominations? Certainly there are. Are their false Christians among them? Certainly. The same holds true for Mormons. Most have sincerely accepted Christ as their Savior; some few have not. In the end, Christ will decide who was a true Christian and who was not. It is, frankly, blasphemous for any human being to suggest that they can judge another's heart when that judgment is reserved for Christ alone.

    Finally, you should know that the vast majority of Mormons would never call another religion "abominable," as Mormon leaders have taught that we should respect others. Some might call the post New-Testament creeds abominable, since we see them as having added some man-made principles to God's revealed truth, but the individual faith of others is sacrosanct in our conception. Consider, for example, this quote from the First Presidency of the LDS Church, issued in 1978: "...the great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals."

    To accept Joseph Smith's vision is to accept that other Christian denominations, while noble, faith promoting, and well intentioned, have nevertheless adopted some theological principles derived not from God but from men. It is most certainly not to accept that other denominations, even denominations outside of Christianity, are abominable. Hope this answer helps.

  27. Anonymous
    1-6-2010, 01:40:59 PM

    How do we get this web-site to be ranked higher? Live in utah and the anti-mormons are becoming more vocal. Glad to see there are many sites with truth. Thanks for your comments.

    Webmaster: Thanks friend! For this site to rank better on google, more sites need to link to it. Please feel free to add AllAboutMormons.com links to any sites you might have! :)

  28. Nicole
    1-8-2010, 11:53:56 AM

    As a new convert, I am dealing with the anit-mormon propaganda already. I told my friend, who had been giving me a lift to a non-denominational church for almost a year, that it wasn't necessary because I'd decided to convert, something I'd been toying with for five years. "Think really, really, really hard about that before you do it. You know the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ." *blank look* anyway, thank you for this site. I'm learning a lot (I've been a member for less than a month).

    Webmaster: Thanks for your comment, and congratulations on your recent baptism! I'm sorry that you've encountered anti-Mormonism so early on. You might be able to calm your friend's concerns by reminding them that Mormon Christians also believe salvation is through Jesus Christ... I'm guessing your friend has probably been misinformed. May God bless you as you continue on your spiritual journey.

  29. Pamela Dean
    1-10-2010, 06:32:30 AM

    Hey Nicole. Oh boy, do I know where you are coming from! Personally, that's why I make a conscious effort to refer to myself as LDS, not Mormon. That way, I usually get asked "What church is that?" Instead of "Oh."

  30. Anonymous II
    1-12-2010, 12:37:46 AM

    To the webmaster: Dude, you completely destroyed anti-mormons. They must hate you so much, but its ok, whatever. As long as we know what's up.

    Webmaster: Well said, friend. I think I am indeed not beloved in anti-Mormon circles. :)

  31. Keith
    1-29-2010, 08:38:15 PM

    I am reminded of a quotation by George Bernard Shaw that is most appropritate for dealing with bigots of any stripe: "Never wrestle with a pig. You'll just get dirty. Besides, the pig likes it." I left LDS membership for many years before providence brought me back. I explored my philosophies and belief systems in the interim, and found the truist Christians, whatever their professed belief system were those existed through the application of love in the world. I believe a place will be found for them all. As for arguing, I have too much to do, and life is much too short.

  32. Valerie in Texas
    3-25-2010, 09:53:07 PM

    I've been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my entire life. I have enjoyed this website and the way you have discussed the issue of anti-mormons and those misinformed about what we believe. It concerns me when members of the church have heated arguments (debates) with anti-mormons. By getting upset and defensive, they only fuel the fire of contempt. When we are in a position to respond to misrepresentations and outright lies about the church, we can be assertive yet respectful and composed, as you have been on this site. It is a privilege and a blessing to be LDS. I also have a great love for people of others faiths, and also for those who choose to be atheists or agnostic. There are kind, warm, intelligent and loving people of many different religions, creeds and cultures. I have learned from them, and hopefully they have learned from me. I would love to convert the entire world to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because I know it contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But I would not, for one moment, rob men and woman of their freedom to choose. I may disagree with their choice, but I strive not to be disagreeable. Jesus Christ is my example. He has said numerous times over, "love one another." This doesn't mean we condone sin, but we can love the person unconditionally as a son or daughter of God. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

  33. Marvin Garcia
    4-24-2010, 02:29:17 PM

    Man, how can you doubt the truth if it's something you feel in the depths of your heart? The spirit testifes to me that your doctrine is true and, just like many members, I am convinced of that truth.

    El Santo Gringo: Hi Marvin. Thanks for the message you recently posted on my website. It warms my heart to hear such strong testimonies from people all over the world. I wanted to ask you, are you already a member of the Church? If not, I invite you to visit with two of our missionaries, volunteers who visit people in their homes to teach them about Jesus Christ. You are also certainly welcome to visit the Mormon chapel nearest your home to see how we worship. Best of luck to you.

  34. Carlos
    5-29-2010, 10:40:42 PM

    You know as a mormon I believe in many things. I even believe in some things from other Christian churches as well. Anyone who knows and follows God and accepts him to me that person is a Christian no matter what belief or faith. If we all belive in God then we are all brothers and sisters. Jesus established a church that was doing very well. And people were beliveing and coming to the faith. Missionaries go out and knock on doors and try to bring poeple to the gospel. Paul the apostle and many biblical missionaries (Peter, John the beloved, Barnabas, Timothy, and Stephen who was the firs one to die for the truth.) "Mormons" as we are reffered to also read and follow the Bible. As one article of faith says: We believe the Bible to be the true word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the true word of God. I respect the views of any religion as Jesus did. Peopel just don't understand and refuse to study about the Book of Mormon. After peopel killed all the apostles no one lead the church there was no foudation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is named after the only begotten, the son of man and the ressurection. Please people come to understand about one's faith. It really does help.

  35. Mark Ryan G. Deiada
    7-15-2010, 01:53:23 AM

    I actually read an article about anti-mormonism, and I didn't feel so much love while reading it, and it seems that the author just made a web discouraging the people to be loved. I'm grateful for this site, because while reading, I felt the boldness for the truth, but meekness in God's love. I pray that people who accuse LDS members such scurrilous accusation might first visit mormon.org, so they might really know what believe for. I'm a Filipino, but I feel that raises don't hinder me to really fell that we are brothers and sisters, and God is our Father in Heaven. Thanks for this wonderful site.

  36. Kyle
    7-16-2010, 11:02:30 PM

    Thank you for this site! I just returned from the Hill Cumorah pageant, and I was appalled at the amount of hate that was pouring out from the protestors in front of the event. They were acting in such a way that was annoying and sickening. Their messages were extremely vague, and the amount of bigotry was very apparent. These people have absolutely no idea what they were talking about. I am not a member of the church myself, but I was shocked by the actions of these people. They are completely clueless. Thank you once again for this page! It helped me understand the difference between disagreement and bigotry. It is unfortunately very apparent at such a fantastic, lovely event such as the Hill Cumorah pageant.

    El Santo Gringo: Very nice to hear from you, Kyle! Thanks for your kind words. :)

  37. Joel Reyes
    7-25-2010, 05:14:35 AM

    Responding to criticism: "One sister asked, 'Why doesn't the church defend itself more actively when accusations are made against it? '... 'In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively—to 'put up our dukes.' But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior's example. Remember that Jesus himself was despised and rejected by the world. And in Lehi's dream, those coming to the Savior also endured 'mocking and pointing... fingers' (1 Nephi 8: 27)... When we respond to our accusers as the Savior did, we not only become more Christlike, we invite others to feel his love and follow him as well."

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