Recently through our efforts we got the two stakes to work with a local Protestant church in sponsoring a home through Habitat for Humanity. We raised most the money and provided 90% of the labor. It was a fantastic experience for our members who want to do it again. We raised almost $48,000 in a few months time, put the house up and provided labor. We were offered the chance to "name" the house. Habitat allows the sponsoring organization the chance to do this. We came up with a bunch of names that were more LDS related then settled on calling it the Samaritan House.
We also have a rep from our committee sit on a the area council of churches. We have co sponsored interesting seminars on many exciting religious and social issues and we have done things specifically focused on the Jewish community topics. We recently had a holocaust survivor do a seminar that was held at one of our chapels.
Anyway at a recent training from the area wide full time employee of the Church in public affairs it was emphasized that the Church wants members out and about and on the internet blogging and interacting and so on. But they want them the be Christ like in their interactions. I specifically asked if the Church was aware that some defenders who may tread in areas that can be robustly opposed to the Church may not be acting in such a manner, and some of those may even be somewhat prominent. The Church employee said yes, that they were concerned about it. No more than that.
With that in mind please review the comments by Elder Ballard below. Defenders who come here, do you think you are acting withing the council given by Elder Ballard below? Do you treat the people here that you disagree with like Children of God for whom the atonement of Christ can still apply? Do you attempt to give a soft answer?
I understand that feelings can run high when debating things dear to our hearts. I know critics can be viscous and distort things. I know many here who are out of the Church or maybe never were in can be debase and mean spirited.
Does that justify like treatment? Are you really doing the Church good when you post some of the things you do or in the way you do so?
I know nobody is perfect and we all slip. But there are defenders that come here looking for a fight and are as mean spirited and nasty as they think some of the worst of the critics are here.
Well just some thoughts.
http://LDS.org/ensign/2008/07/sharing-t ... t?lang=eng
Things to Avoid
Every disciple of Christ will be most effective and do the most good by adopting a demeanor worthy of a follower of the Savior. Discussions focused on questioning, debating, and doubting gospel principles do little to build the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul has admonished us to not be “ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). Let us all stand firmly and speak with faith in sharing our message with the world. Many of you are returned missionaries and can carry on a meaningful conversation in the language you learned on your mission. Your outreach can be international.
As you participate in this conversation and utilize the tools of new media, remember who you are—Latter-day Saints. Remember, as the proverb states, that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). And remember that contention is of the devil (see 3 Nephi 11:29). There is no need to argue or contend with others regarding our beliefs. There is no need to become defensive or belligerent. Our position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends in the same room would have, always guided by the prompting of the Spirit and constantly remembering the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, which reminds us of how precious are the children of our Father in Heaven.
May the Lord bless each of you that you will have a powerful influence on those you come in contact with. As I said in the beginning, the power of words is incredible. Let your voice be heard in this great cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ.