liz3564 wrote:I don't think it's really meant to be a guilt tactic, Simon. I think that we, as Latter-Day Saints, do have a huge responsibility to each other. If someone is wavering in faith, and they take notice of a fellow Saint not demonstrating Christ-like behavior, and further, expelling that energy by tearing down a struggling Saint, what type of message does that send?
Notice that I said we, Simon.
I have been guilty of this, too. I wholeheartedly admit that I was rude to Bob a few years ago, and my comment to him was way over the line.
I have sincerely attempted to change my behavior.
What saddens me about Pahoran is that he really does have a lot of doctrinal knowledge. If he could communicate that knowledge, but leave out the hate, I think that a lot more critics would actually listen to what he had to say. I also think that he would gain respect from those who are struggling and questioning. That seems like a much better way to defend the Church, and maybe even accomplish missionary work in the process.
I've mentioned this to Pahoran before, but he has made no comment.
You asked me to comment on this. Had you not done so, I would have kept my own counsel.
I have read your post. I note your opinion.
Since you asked: I have never for a second believed that LDSToronto was a "struggling Saint." Rather, my impression of him from the first time I noticed him was that he was an outright non-believer who was hostile to everything the Church stood for, especially regarding its public stand on moral issues. I saw him undermining and back-stabbing the Church's leaders at every opportunity. I have observed no "change" in this.
He never presented as "questioning" or open to explanations or persuasion. He presented from the first as openly proselyting for his views, in opposition to the Church's actual positions.
As I said: had you not asked, I would have kept my own counsel. Sometimes, Liz, it is best not to ask.
Now if you'll all excuse me, I think I'll go and get a good night's sleep.
Regards,
Pahoran
