That is an interesting perspective. It does seem clear that the LDS makes public pronouncements of many of its charity works. It also is true that, at least at one time, the LDS church was the most likely to have a commercial on TV touting family values, thus bringing them publicity.
On the other hand, I know of many things the local LDS stakes are doing that are not advertised at all, and I only know them because I work with several members of the stake.
Much of my “personal feelings” about Mormons are in fact shaped by my work relationships with Mormons — our organization recruits from BYU, so we have what might be a disproportionate share of LDS members, and I’ve been able to have excellent relationships with every one of them.
One of my best friends, unfortunately, is LDS, and will not be pursuaded of the error of his religious view — although I hold out hope that through my nagging he might have a way to saving faith regardless of his inability to leave the church (being a Presbyterian, I don’t really believe that nagging will win him over, but being a human being I still feel it could help).
I’ve generally believed that the LDS publicity is meant to counter negative publicity they regularly receive.
And given that on a political level they are often on our side, I find myself torn when they are under attack, wondering if it is because of a legitimate question of doctrinal error, or because of their work against liberal causes.
Anyway, I thank you for your considered response.
One of my best friends, unfortunately, is LDS, and will not be pursuaded of the error of his religious view — although I hold out hope that through my nagging he might have a way to saving faith regardless of his inability to leave the church (being a Presbyterian, I don’t really believe that nagging will win him over, but being a human being I still feel it could help).
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Feel free to freepmail me any one you want me to put on my personal (i.e. private) prayer list.
You may want to check out this book online called “Born Again Mormon). The author used to be LDS, but the book is based on the premise that someone inside the LDS church can have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and still (at least for a time) remain in the LDS church.
The focus is on bringing the LDS to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ first and then letting HIM extract them from the doctrinal errors of Mormonism.
http://www.bornagainmormon.com
The online book is free.