An Ugly Attack on Mormons

article.nationalreview.com ^ | December 3, 2008 | Jonah Goldberg

[Publius804]

An Ugly Attack on Mormons

The easiest targets for an organized campaign against religious freedom of conscience.

By Jonah Goldberg

Did you catch the political ad in which two Jews ring the doorbell of a nice working-class family? They barge in and rifle through the wife’s purse and then the man’s wallet for any cash. Cackling, they smash the daughter’s piggy bank and pinch every penny. “We need it for the Wall Street bailout!” they exclaim.

No? Maybe you saw the one with the two swarthy Muslims who knock on the door of a nice Jewish family and then blow themselves up?

No? Well, then surely you saw the TV ad in which two smarmy Mormon missionaries knock on the door of an attractive lesbian couple. “Hi, we’re from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!” says the blond one with a toothy smile. “We’re here to take away your rights.” The Mormon zealots yank the couple’s wedding rings from their fingers and then tear up their marriage license.

As the thugs leave, one says to the other, “That was too easy.” His smirking comrade replies, “Yeah, what should we ban next?” The voice-over implores viewers: “Say no to a church taking over your government.”

Obviously, the first two ads are fictional because no one would dare run such anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim attacks.

The third ad, however, was real. It was broadcast throughout California on Election Day as part of the effort to rally opposition to Proposition 8, the initiative that successfully repealed the right to same-sex marriage in the state.

What was the reaction to the ad? Widespread condemnation? Scorn? Rebuke? Tepid criticism?

Nope.

The Los Angeles Times, a principled opponent of Proposition 8, ran an editorial lamenting that the “hard-hitting commercial” was too little, too late.

[greyfoxx39]

Nice of you to talk behind my back Reno....That's what I get for leaving the computer for an hour.

You see anger in what I post...because I call you apologists out on your prevarications and obsfucations and I do it in plain language.

Actually, I am smiling when I post, because most of you can't seem to present the mormon beliefs without editing them to hide the facts that you don't want others to see as you did in your post 655.

Tsk, Tsk...promising that Christians will "ultimately receive all the blessings the Lord has in store for them." (read as "they won't get the blessings the Lord has in store for US!...neener, neener") ;)....Smiling here, Reno.

"We believe that most will not go to hell b/c of their beliefs." (Read "they won't go to HELL, 'cuz we don't believe in hell, but they will be kept at the very bottom of the mormon "three degrees of glory, while WE will sit at the top!"

The way to avoid my "angry" posts is to simply post the truth of your beliefs, and stand up for them....you can wager that SOMEONE will challenge you when you try to dodge the truth.

[Reno232]

Wow! Even though I respect your opinion, that might very well be the most convoluted explanation of faith vs. works I've ever seen. No offense intended I assure you, but how do you wrap your head around that one?

But more importantly, we obviously have very different views on the subject as many other Christians here would as well. How do you know you're correct? What makes your opinion better than ours? Definitively, why are you correct, & we (LDS & other Christians) wrong?

[DelphiUser]

Why do QUOTES from your past leaders UPSET you so?

They way 'we' say it... HA!

To paraphrase my favorite president

it's not what you post that's the problem, it's what you post that isn't so.

I have chased most of these down with you on other threads, and some with other posters, and they are all misquotes from anti sites that are either nonexistent, or taken out of context. It does not bother me for anyone driven off by your juvenile antics is not ready anyway, you do however keep threads visible by posting so for that, thanks.

[greyfoxx39]

I’ve been down the traditional Christian path & thus have that understanding & perspective as well.

One would question the depth of that "understanding and perspective", given your comments on Christians. (Big smile! ;)

[DelphiUser]

Is THIS doctrine?

Nope, it's just a cool quote.

[DelphiUser]

I see, what we have here is a lack of common definitions.

Somewhere you fell under the mistaken impression that you could speak for us and give our definitions...

Don't call us, we'll call you, now log off and wait by the phone...

[DelphiUser]

Why does your Organization® send out so many missionaries; trying to tell folks what IT'S 'reality' is then?

Your Organization® is not GOD, either.

Perspective, like testimony cannot be forced on another, only offered. We offer it.

[greyfoxx39]

you try to tell others falsehoods about us, then I'll have to set you straight.

Examples? Other than your whine about being "persecuted"?

[greyfoxx39]

>snort!!>

[greyfoxx39]

Name calling is a form of persecution? Really?

>Snort!

[colorcountry]

"Mormons who equate questions and disagreement with persecution need to do some serious rethinking. In my opinion, Mormons who lump those who challenge the truth claims of Mormonism with the persecutions of the past actually bring dishonor to the Mormon pioneers who truly suffered. Considering what some of the early Mormons went through, I am sure they would view with contempt a modern Mormon who whines about being “persecuted” simply because someone challenged their faith. "

Anti-Mormon: The Mormon N-Word

[Reno232]

First of all, please accept my apologies for not pinging you. It wasn't intentionally talking behind your back. Have you ever forgot to ping?

We believe that ALL Christians will have the opportunity for Celestial glory. In fact we believe all mankind will. You should know that. That includes folks in China that have never even heard of Jesus Christ, let alone had the opportunity to accept him as their Savior. That's the mercy of the Lord.

As far as MY post 655 is concerned, post 655 was actually your post. Not sure what you're talking about there. See, people make mistakes.:)

You claim to know what we believe, & yet so misrepresent our beliefs it's almost beyond comprehension. But listen, I can see your dander is up again & I'd rather not be the cause of that. Let's call it a day here. I sincerely wish you the very best & a great weekend my FRiend.

[delacoert]

Is THIS doctrine?

Nope, it's just a cool quote.

What it the most recent utterance from an LSD president that could be taken as LSD doctrine?

[Elsie]

Moo!

[Elsie]

At 14° I DO wear a FUZZY hat!

[Elsie]

With a few glaring exceptions everything you post here is wrong.

CALLING it so does not MAKE it so.

You have shown nothing to DISPROVE what I've posted; have you?

[colorcountry]

You have the cattle, els....you definitely have the cattle - AND the hat!

[Elsie]

However, anyone who observes you for any length of time knows you are doing your best to be a tar baby and just walks around your attempts at ensnaring discussion.

No problem; I'll just continue to post your Organizations output and let the chips fall where they may.

[Elsie]

it's not what you post that's the problem, it's what you post that isn't so.

There you go again!

[Elsie]

I have chased most of these down with you on other threads, and some with other posters, and they are all misquotes from anti sites that are either nonexistent, or taken out of context.

Ha ha!

SHOW us MISQUOTES!!