why me wrote: If the article was antimormon with a disparaging quotation by David O. McKay, it should not be surprising that it is being clicked on from around Utah and other parts east, west, north and south. Plus, it is on this site, plus MAD and I would suppose that a couple of other Mormon/antimormon sites as well.
Obviously LDS in Utah would be interested in something controversial that pertains to their faith and in the wider world, with at least EV believers, the cross is always a subject of interest, being such a strong symbol for them. Add Mormonism into the discussion and you have a topic of great interest. To me, that explains its potential for popularity.
I don't think it's a case of being anti or of quotes being deliberately included to inflame. I could be wrong. I don't do mind reading. But sometimes it seems that if you're too close or emotionally involved you tend to read into things something which may not be there. I would be surprised if Mike wrote his thesis to deliberately fan the flames against Mormonism. But predictably, some LDS may see that there. I don't know Mike or his background but generally at the thesis stage you'd be more focused on making a contribution than on waging a personal vendetta, you'd think. To me it makes more sense that there is at least some degree of objectivity there. If it were otherwise, would advisors accept that? Would it get published? I'm thinking perhaps not.
It could be more worthwhile to focus on what the church leaders have stated and how that and the culture have affected people's beliefs and try to understand it in the early days and its significance for today's LDS rather than always turning every topic and discussion against any non-LDS who has a comment or observation about Mormon beliefs. It's amazing to me the relatively if not wholly benign comments that some LDS see as filth-spewing. There is a wide divide indeed between the different perceptions of the same thing. (The last is a general comment and not specifically to whyme about this one issue). But I see it too with reference to the issue of baptism for the dead. Any question, no matter how benign, and some LDS see attack with evil intent. That is a subject worthy of a thesis all on its own.
Re Mike's thesis, I don't see that he deliberately chose the most inflammatory quotes but rather that some church leaders do insist on making inflammatory comments.
Don't you belong to the Church of 