The soul FARMS saves may not be...

[_Kishkumen]

This brother actually found his way back through an unexpected route. FARMS was not on the journey back:

When I left in '93 there were only printed sources to turn to. You had those of the FARMS variety and Sunstone. I think that Mike Quinn's books from the period kept me from removing my name from the rolls. It was in his wider view of Joseph Smith's experience that I found something in common to my own thoughts. I still went atheist, agnostic, Buddhist, anti, former, reform, etc. as the internet deepened my doubt in regard to established Church history and doctrine. Mormon Stories was the turning point. I found that I could return to my ancestral faith on my terms and without regret or apology. Had I believed that Mormonism was monolithic enough to follow the likes of Peterson I never would have returned. I'm glad there are some of us out there. I'm glad to be back in the halls of those ticky tacky chapels that dot every corner of the **** suburbs of the ********* area.

[_Kishkumen]

Tapirs are a big hit:

Now that I'm more familiar with apologetic arguments, I can see why they're just not enough for most people. A great deal of it is intellectually insulting as well. I mean, tapirs? Really?

[_Kishkumen]

Maybe DCP's article is not having its intended impact:

My primary beef with the article is the way in which he dodges around the primary issue (in my opinion) through insinuation and innuendo. Kym's comment is perfect, if Dr. Peterson believes there is a problem, come out and say it so civil discourse can begin. He is an intelligent and generally open-minded individual (e.g. written some excellent items on Islam) but this article does him absolutely no credit. I feel that many LDS scholars and leadership don't understand that those of us who feel marginalized often believe in the overall premise and principles of the LDS faith, we just want to openly and constructively talk about those things we question or doubt. This desire is healthy and normal except in organizations that have something to hide.

[_Kishkumen]

Here is an interesting perspective on apologetics:

LDS apologetics destroys testimonies of truth only to the degree that they give members an excuse to stop seeking and continue to embrace fiction as if it were fact.

[_Kishkumen]

A poignant reaction:

Sadly the only apology apologetics should be giving is an apology for their apologetics. As a former LDS apologist I would like to apologize for the protective tendency I had and for the unfair manners in which I presented truth. I'm glad I understand the world as I do now, despite the constant pain that view affords me.

[_Kishkumen]

Here's a fellow who is thankful for the "shoddy iron" of apologetics. Some folks are truly wonderful in their ability to make lemonade out of battery acid:

I thank the apologists, including the "bad" ones, for contributing their music to life's symphony. Their iron, shoddy as it might seem to some, has helped to sharpen mine. Namaste!

[_Kishkumen]

I got real lulz from this young woman's riposte:

I stopped reading when he started talking about the rising generation not understanding because their parents & their generation failed to teach. This isn't my problem, it's his. At least that is what I get if I pick up what he is laying down.

[_Kishkumen]

This one was full of good humor and apropos metaphor, in my opinion:

Wow, that article had all the subtly of a John McNaughton painting. Can one of you please get started on a painting of John Dehlin pointing at a burning copy of the Proclamation of the Family?

[_Kishkumen]

This person has some good thoughts:

Dear Apologists: I've been feeling pretty disconnected with everything; having learned many undeniable, obvious, truthes about my LDS faith....Despite this; I started 2 b at peace with myself, God & people around me & was contemplating going back 2 Church once in a while 2 keep my family connections alive...but then I began reading a few article's, like this "piece of work", & realized U believe, & want others 2 believe, people like me r sad, brainless, divineless, creatures whose only glimpse of God in the afterlife will b of him scolding us at that moment of our ultimate damnation. With that in mind, I've decided instead to incorporate a "Mormon Stories Conference" in to a Therapeutic Treatment Plan for myself. Not because I'm sick & afflicted lacking in divine spirit; but because I'm sick & afflicted with people like you. I'm sticking with people & movements that help uplift me, encourage me 2 love myself & others, practice genuineness & more simply put...are trying 2 b more like Jesus. I like my Treatment Plan...

[_Kishkumen]

Another satisfied customer:

I like them (Apologists). Their arguments in general, messed with my cog dis.....just about more then anything else I read. Seeking truth in their words.....shattered my belief faster then any anti film/book or negative Mormon life experience.