this description by smac97 of the issues in the CES letter is quite fascinating.
This list was designed not to inform, but to maximize shock value. Through decontextualization and sensationalism. It was designed to foment anger, even hatred. Against the Church, and its doctrines, and its leaders, and its members. And it is effective at achieving these objectives.
Cheap shots presented for shock value. Presentism. Facile criticism. Misrepresentation by omission and distortion. A determined effort to keep these topics decontextualized and sensationalized. Sarcasm. No effort to study or meaningfully understand.
These are the tools of Runnells's trade.
Thanks,
-Smac
http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/674 ... 1209921988
Wow. So not one single reference to a topic or problem, and no indication of where information can be found, just accusations that the issues noted represent “no effort to study,” and no effort to “meaningfully understand.” Plus an unwarranted attack on Runnels, that again bypasses the issues being presented.
Smac is really showing himself as panicked and desperate here. Does he really think a person will read his list of (obviously fabricated) problems with presentation, and mistake that for information about the actual issues? Anyone who reads his diatribes, with the exception of Scott Lloyd, maybe, will be put off by his attitude and investigate for themselves, so there is that to be grateful for, I suppose.
)