I am an evangelical Protestant. I do not agree with the LDS theologically, but I do agree with you that some main stream religious members have anti Mormon sentiments (unfortunately it also includes members in my denomination). Like I said, I do not agree with Mormons on theological matters, but as everyday citizens, Mormons (rarely drink, smoke or swear, strong family values and best preparers for emergencies) are an asset. This accusation that Mormons knuckle to world demands by Catholics is extremely hypocritical. The Catholic Church has a long history of functioning in a worldly manner. Look at all the Catholic politicians that are given a pass on their personal behavior (alcoholism, convenient divorces, infidelity, pro abortion, etc, etc) by the Church leadership. I have not even started with their acceptance of former gay men in the seminary for priethood (gee what happen to the teachings of Ephesians and 1st Timothy on qualifications for a priest) to meet their shortfall of priests and the church’s position on illegal immigration (which contradicts their existing catechism on Catholic immigrants should obey the laws of their host nations). Bottom line is before any denomination starts to go after another denomination, they better make sure that they themselves are squared away.
Jesus gave a great compliment to the outward "assets" of legalistic Pharisees when he said that unless your righteousness exceeded that of the Pharisees & the teachers of the law, "you will certainly NOT enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:20). Yet, later, in Matthew 23, Jesus said:
25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. 27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
Are you saying Jesus' emphasis is to only look upon the outward assets? If so, the Pharisees & the teachers of the law passed your standards w/flying colors and Jesus was mistaken to "diss" them.
Mormons (rarely drink, smoke or swear,...
(Well, so far that describes my pets, too)
...strong family values...
(like eternal polygamy, or the belief expressed by Lds apostle Bruce McConkie in his book carried in most Mormon stores that the Mormon jesus would re-institute earthly polygamy upon his return?)
...and best preparers for emergencies) are an asset.
(Well, kudos to that, but this also describes a decent number of secular govt folks who also take their 10% from folks)
Bottom line, hey, if you're auditioning for godhood, which temple Mormons are, you better be on your best outward behavior.
They merely reflect the official views of your church in regards to Mormonism, which church do you belong to?