Rules of Patheos: Midgley appears to violate TOS 10x

[_I have a question]

Wow. So apparently, Midgley hunted down Gina’s husband, then pretended to be a friendly person so he could pump him for personal information about her, which he has already re-written and posted in his fantastical and mean-spirited way (see gemli for how Midgley turns innocuous information into fake nastiness).

This is a new low for Midgley. What lack of character does it take to do ____ like this? How does he preach to those he calls the “gone missing” the Christ-like religion he supposedly follows while being this much of a prick?

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Maxwell Institute dodged a huge bullet by getting rid of this guy. What a complete and utter embarrassment it would be to have your Institute’s name associated with behavior like this. I have a great deal of sympathy for those who have to deal with him in person, once this little prick has decided you are no longer worthwhile (a.k.a. any person not Mormon or who disagrees with him). He is nauseating.

The 6 Types of Stalkers—Plus One

Domestic: stalking a former spouse or paramour. This is the most prevalent kind of stalking and one which can manifest in the workplace, putting innocent bystanders at risk.

Lust: serial predators who stalk victim after victim. Serial rapists and murderers may begin as lust stalkers. For example, Ted Bundy.
Love-Scorned: an acquaintance, coworker, neighbor, etc. who desires an intimate relationship with the victim, but is rebuffed. (A sub-type of the love-scorned stalker is someone with the delusional disorder erotomania. This type of stalker—usually female—believes her target is madly in love with her. The woman who repeatedly broke into David Letterman’s home and stole his car, claiming to be his wife, is one example.)

Celebrity: those who stalk famous people. For example, John Hinckley.

Political: stalking motivated by political beliefs, which could include either agreement or disagreement with the victim. For example, Sirhan Sirhan.

Hit (murder for hire): stalking of a victim by a hired killer in order to commit murder.

I would propose adding one additional category to the list:

Revenge: an angry former employee, an aggrieved business partner, a resentful neighbor, a vindictive relative, or any other person—usually known to the victim—whose motive for stalking is payback. One example is the ex-con Max Cady in the movie, Cape Fear, who stalks Sam Bowden, the lawyer who represented him at trial.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog ... -spot-them

Gina would be well advised to have her lawyer log this incidence of stalking with the police, the local LDS Bishop and Stake President, and with the First Presidency in Salt Lake City.

[_Gadianton]

I also had several people complain to me about the first four and a half pages of chapter 33 of the second volume of Saints.

I think we have a fully developed trope at this point.

Remember how several people came up to him at the FAIR conference to complain about Gemli?

Midgley is always in some scholarly place, and random people approach him to complain about something that Midgley himself is steeped in tunnel vision over. My psychological analysis is that he's seething with anger, can't let it go, but deep down he knows he's making a big deal out of nothing and so his justification narrative involves making it an objective problem others also have. Key to this narrative is that he's approached by others -- it's their idea; 'several' means greater than two. And each is independent of the other: they didn't approach as a group where one of the five had just convinced the others, no no, all five each already had the same issue.

What are the odds that "several" people at that small gathering in Orem independently specifically had issues with "the first four and a half pages of chapter 33 of Saints" and just had to seek out Midgley to let him know?

[_Gadianton]

Wow. So apparently, Midgley hunted down Gina’s husband, then pretended to be a friendly person so he could pump him for personal information about her, which he has already re-written and posted in his fantastical and mean-spirited way (see gemli for how Midgley turns innocuous information into fake nastiness).

This is a new low for Midgley.

I think it is a new low. What blows me away is his complete selfishness in the matter. The least he could have done, given he went halfway across the world to start trouble in the name of God, is show a little diplomacy. "Hey look, Gina's husband, I have to level with you, I'm acquainted with your wife, we've crossed swords on the Internet a few times and I'll be the first to admit I can get a little headstrong; anyway, do giver he my regards and best wishes."

Instead, he basically sells himself as a friend and neighbor and great all around guy -- no regrets, nothing to hide. If there were to be future contact, the angle he's going for is to get buddy-buddy with him, and then goad her into saying something, and then he could say, to husband, "look, I'm telling you this as a friend -- you've got to do something about her."

It's really unbelievable to me that after tearing her down, he could chat up the husband to make himself look good and no olive branch offered.

[_Doctor Scratch]

Wow. So apparently, Midgley hunted down Gina’s husband, then pretended to be a friendly person so he could pump him for personal information about her, which he has already re-written and posted in his fantastical and mean-spirited way (see gemli for how Midgley turns innocuous information into fake nastiness).

This is a new low for Midgley.

I think it is a new low. What blows me away is his complete selfishness in the matter. The least he could have done, given he went halfway across the world to start trouble in the name of God, is show a little diplomacy. "Hey look, Gina's husband, I have to level with you, I'm acquainted with your wife, we've crossed swords on the Internet a few times and I'll be the first to admit I can get a little headstrong; anyway, do giver he my regards and best wishes."

Instead, he basically sells himself as a friend and neighbor and great all around guy -- no regrets, nothing to hide. If there were to be future contact, the angle he's going for is to get buddy-buddy with him, and then goad her into saying something, and then he could say, to husband, "look, I'm telling you this as a friend -- you've got to do something about her."

It's really unbelievable to me that after tearing her down, he could chat up the husband to make himself look good and no olive branch offered.

True: the whole thing is mind-blowing. Midgley is legitimately an unrepentant scumbag and a shockingly dishonest person. Seriously, can you imagine spending your "vacation" doing something like this--i.e., tracking down the spouse of one of your online enemies, and then faking like you are a nice person in order to get an "in"? And this guy is seen as one of the major "mentors" of the Mopologetic movement!

Either they need to disown him, or suffer the consequences of their deep association with him and his deeds.

[_Dr Exiled]

I think Midge has read too many spy novels or is still upset that the FBI/CIA wouldn't take him (too unstable for spy work) and so fancies himself as a spy for the Lord. Anyway, I think his obsession is a tell that something is amiss in his belief system. One who is sure about their position sleeps the night away and is not easily agitated by those who question. They actually want questioners so they can have a chance to gently show the questioners the right path. They are patient and don't hide behind rhetorical tricks and name calling.

However, our buddy, the midge, is the exact opposite. He wants to find out whatever, furtively, so he can then smear poor Gina Colvin on the internet. He is constantly rude and obnoxious to those who disagree with him. He's been this way in all my interactions with him either online or in person. I first met him back in the 70's when he was whining to Elder Simpson about how the SLC crowd was running the precious New Zealand missionary society and didn't give him a chance to contribute/control it. He complained to no end about the Rose Park stake center where the reunion was always held (too poor a neighborhood for his professorial rank, although, the SLC crowd could have bought and sold him several times over and yet they liked Rose Park. Go figure). He is still the same jacka$$ today as he was back then.

Come on Midge, lighten up a little bit. Try to emulate the Mormon Jesus of 3 Nephi 12-14 and not the attack Mormon Jesus of 3 Nephi 8-9, you know, the Jesus who slaughtered everyone instead of trying to convert them. He could have converted them, being a god and all, yet, he (probably humbly according to you) chose to murder his brothers and sisters. Don't be that guy. Be the guy that gives his coat also or goes the extra mile or LOVES HIS ENEMIES for heaven's sake. You only have a few more years of life left. Don't waste them on invented wars that can't be won.

[_moksha]

For example, in an email describing his actions at a 2002 book signing by Grant Palmer, Midgley wrote: "I asked a few questions. I was aggressive. I would insist that I raised a bit of hell with Palmer. When I finished all who looked on my wizened countenance despaired and knew fear, for I had come to bury Caesar not to praise him. I left elated and had a renewed sense that I would insult enemies whenever I defined them. I was the greatest. I shone like a bonfire and smelled like elderberry."

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

The Midglet updates us on his hit job:


Reply
−
Avatar
Louis Midgley
3 hours ago edited
Professor Peterson and his wife offered to pick me up and deliver me to that nice dinner with old friends at the Bombay House. Some of those at that dinner I had not seen even once from the early days of the publication of the FARMS Review. I must admit that I did not even know where the Bombay House is located.

At that dinner I did not hear a single comment about the current Maxwell Institute, which very much pleased me.

And I was pleased to be able to report on my encounter in Christchurch with Dr. Nathan McCluskey, who just happens to be the husband of Gina Colvin, a notorious critic of the Church of Jesus Christ who has posted as Kiwi Mormon. Nathan has his PhD in political science, while his wife has one in journalism. Gina seems to me to have been intellectually colonized by current fads and hopefully temporary fashions that have taken her out of the Church of Jesus Christ. She has become some sort of an Anglican lay preacher, though she admits that she knows exactly nothing about the Church of England.

She is obsessed with the terrible impact of British colonization of New Zealand. There is some irony in this, since she has been blessed to have a PhD and the power and prestige that currently goes with it by the very thing she laments. And she has become hostile to the Church of Jesus Christ, which took root among Maori who had turned away from their earlier Anglican faith because it denigrated Maori culture and faith, which was strongly supported by Latter-day Saint missionary endeavors.

This does not, however, mean that we did not challenge and try to avert the vices that Maori very soon acquired from their new British overlords, since they very quickly picked up the worst elements of the new dominate culture, all of which we have been remarkably good at overcoming among faithful Maori Saints.

I am also pleased to report that Nathan told me that both he and his wife have read everything that I have written about the Maori Latter-day Saint historical narrative. And he agrees with me, while she detests--he used the word hates--what I have written. If for no other reason, knowing this was well worth the expense and effort involved in my recent, and most likely, last visit to Aotearoa/New Zealand.

[_Lemmie]

(ETA: oops I see Doc Cam just posted this also. Sorry for the overlap.)

Sigh. More imaginations from the mannerless Midgley about Colvin

Louis Midgley • 2 hours ago • edited

Professor Peterson and his wife offered to pick me up and deliver me to that nice dinner with old friends at the Bombay House. Some of those at that dinner I had not seen even once from the early days of the publication of the FARMS Review. I must admit that I did not even know where the Bombay House is located.

At that dinner I did not hear a single comment about the current Maxwell Institute, which very much pleased me.

And I was pleased to be able to report on my encounter in Christchurch with Dr. Nathan McCluskey, who just happens to be the husband of Gina Colvin, a notorious critic of the Church of Jesus Christ who has posted as Kiwi Mormon. Nathan has his PhD in political science, while his wife has one in journalism. Gina seems to me to have been intellectually colonized by current fads and hopefully temporary fashions that have taken her out of the Church of Jesus Christ. She has become some sort of an Anglican lay preacher, though she admits that she knows exactly nothing about the Church of England.

She is obsessed with the terrible impact of British colonization of New Zealand. There is some irony in this, since she has been blessed to have a PhD and the power and prestige that currently goes with it by the very thing she laments. And she has become hostile to the Church of Jesus Christ, which took root among Maori who had turned away from their earlier Anglican faith because it denigrated Maori culture and faith, which was strongly supported by Latter-day Saint missionary endeavors.

This does not, however, mean that we did not challenge and try to avert the vices that Maori very soon acquired from their new British overlords, since they very quickly picked up the worst elements of the new dominate culture, all of which we have been remarkably good at overcoming among faithful Maori Saints.

I am also pleased to report that Nathan told me that both he and his wife have read everything that I have written about the Maori Latter-day Saint historical narrative. And he agrees with me, while she detests--he used the word hates--what I have written. If for no other reason, knowing this was well worth the expense and effort involved in my recent, and most likely, last visit to Aotearoa/New Zealand.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/danpeters ... 4819071588

According to Tom, Gina’s husband didn’t even recognize Midgley’s name. I really doubt he has “ read everything that [Midgley has] written about the Maori Latter-day Saint historical narrative.“

And Dr Exiled has some great advice for midge:

Dr. Exiled Louis Midgley • 2 hours ago

No, Dr. Midgley, I am here to see if you actually have anything worth considering. I might come back if you do. Until then, I don't think the personal attacks work and it shows the weakness of your position. However, I think you only run at one speed where everyone who doesn't believe the way you do are the enemy.

By the way, why on earth would you seek out Gina Colvin's husband while you were in New Zealand?

−
Louis Midgley Dr. Exiled • 2 hours ago • edited

Self-Exiled: I did not "seek out Gina Colvin's husband." The Stake President approached me and pointed out her husband to me and told me that he wanted to meet me. Put bluntly so even an unusually dull ten year old should understand, Gina's husband wanted to meet me. And his Stake President was aware of this fact, as he was aware that our group would be there for a Sacrament meeting, which had actually included two Wards that had just been divided as we arrived.

Hm. Not according to Colvin and her husband. From Tom’s earlier post:

Her husband responded that he "had no idea." He saw Midgley's name badge, thought the name was "really familiar," and thought Midgley was one of his wife's "mates." "Guess not," he added (with a sheepish smile emoji).

She later noted that her husband "clearly missed the name" when she read "the rude troll things" that Midgley has said.

And this is just straight up hilarious:

Midgley:

I would like to see you point out anything remotely like a "personal attack" in anything I have published. Have a look at the essays I have published in Interpreter on the Maori Latter-day Saint historical narrative and try to identify anything like a so-called "personal attack."

In addition, I see everyone as potentially sanctified by the Holy Spirit and hence as, hopefully, eventually a Saint.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/danpeters ... 4819114978

Lol.

What is really hitting home from this is that Midgley has an extremely loose grasp on reality when he tells stories. Is he flat out lying? I’m sure he thinks he is not, but it really seems like after an event, he re-tells and re-tells himself the story, reshaping his “memory” into some kind of a fantasy where he is always the hero, always in the right, and everyone wants to meet him and be his friend. And he NEVER personally attacks anyone. Facing the truth may be just too difficult for him.

In any case, his stories obviously cannot be taken at face value. The likelihood he is telling the truth about any situation seems to be very, very low.

[_Lemmie]

Before they disappear, continued.

Kiwi57 Moksha • an hour ago

Everyone thought this would be like another visit to the Tanner's bookstore.
1. That's an unusual way to spell "assumed."
2. The inhabitants of the Sty aren't "everyone," much as you might imagine that.
3. The legend of the visit to the Tanners' bookstore has grown in the telling. The swine (and nobody else) assume that Lou started abusing Sandra. The reality is that Lou and Sandra were having a civil conversation when Jerald started yelling at Lou from the back of the shop.


−
Avatar
Moksha Kiwi57 • 26 minutes ago

Are you trying to spin this story of Dr. Midgley incidentally bumping into Gina's husband?


−
Avatar
Kiwi57 Moksha • 15 minutes ago • edited

Are you trying to spin this story of Dr. Midgley incidentally bumping into Gina's husband?

No.

And it wasn't accidental. Dr McCluskey was looking for Lou.

[according to Colvin, not only is that not true, but McCluskey didn’t even really know who Midgley was.]

Is the "accidental" story going to be the new official version at the Sty?


https://disqus.com/home/discussion/danp ... _to_serve/

[bolding added. ]

[_Gadianton]

Too many logical inconsistencies here.

If Mr. Lou was well-known and discussed by Colvin and her husband, then surely her husband would know how he's spoken about her, and if he were "seeking" to meet Lou when he showed up at the chapel, then it wouldn't be to just get all chummy and make the guy feel like he were closer kin than his own wife. That's just ridiculous. No way he'd run up to tell Lou that he agrees with everything he writes and basically agree in so many words that his wife is a spoiled brat and unreasonable.

Lou's story could only be true if Gina and hubby have a really awful relationship and her husband is vindictive. But no reason to believe that.