Doctor Scratch wrote:Do all of the apologists feel that they are on a God-appointed mission to annihilate the apostates? Beastie, one of the most knowledgeable and scholarly posters in all of online Mormondom seems to think so. I know that DCP, the de facto leader of contemporary Mopologetics, has stated that he views his role in a divinely-sanctioned light.
This is a point that isn't brought up very often. I feel like there's this weird juxtaposition with the
Jihad going on here. Could it be -- and this is a stretch I admit -- that there is "bridge-building" going on between the apologists and the more violent Muslim factions, something to the tune of, "Hey, look how we treat
our apostates, aren't you impressed?"
Also, I think it's worth pointing out that I have never, ever---in the entire history of Mopologetics, be it in print or online---have ever heard an apologist decry this sort of attitude. I have never seen an apologist openly oppose the sort of thing that both Shermer and Schryver have described. And it's chilling. One would hope that one---any---of the apologists would suggest that there is some kind of moral line that should not be crossed, even in defense of the Church, but I have never seen an apologist do this.
I agree. In fact, most recently, DCP just shrugged off and ignored some of the most rude and hateful comments I've ever seen on this board, from W.S. to Harmony. Now, while it is true that Will is overplaying his part, that he's overcompensating with the "tough guy" attitude as a defense mechanism for most likely very deeply hurt feelings over feeling owned on Book of Abraham issues yet too prideful to back down, the behavior was still way out of bounds and uncalled for. But while some of the Mopologists don't go this far themselves, they tacitly approve of it from others. And I wager are laughing inside.
Mister Scratch wrote:Do you remember how many critics came out to decry WjExMo's threat to target DCP's family? Can you imagine the apologists rising up in a similar manner? Because I sure can't. The dehumanization just goes on and on and on.
I can't imagine it either. Every time a well-meaning yet naïve critic such as Trevor takes defense of a Mopologist, I shudder. I think, bro, this is a one way street!. They love soaking up the "...sometimes we critics have gone to far" admissions, but never will make a similar observation when it's their side that crosses the line. They simply deny responsibility for anything from anyone but themselves, yet bridle the crtics with guilt over other critics that haven't been denounced properly in the Mopologist's view.
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