Kishkumen wrote:Speaking for myself, you couldn't be more wrong here. I welcome with great joy the existence of thoughtful and informed LDS people who are able to converse in a fair and civil manner (e.g., Kevin Barney, David Bokovoy, and others). I bristle at the flagrant misbehavior of those who are either incapable or choose not to do so. To the extent that you present yourself as the former type, I will be very happy to have you around. At the same time, I make no bones about the fact that I do not condone or even well tolerate those who treat others shabbily in the name of Jesus Christ.
And do you apply this standard impartially?
Simon Belmont wrote:You might want to inform Calculus Crusader / Milesius, and thews in particular.
Kishkumen wrote:Do they subscribe to LDS beliefs, Simon?
No.
Does that give them a free pass?
Kishkumen wrote:I had hoped you would be rather sharper than that, Simon. Oh well.
You see, based on LDS theology regarding stewardship, the priesthood, and certain obligations pertaining thereto, a person who knows of these things is likely to expect those who profess LDS beliefs and hold the priesthood to govern their lives accordingly. Such a person would undoubtedly not expect a thews or Milesius, two persons who do not subscribe to such beliefs and who have not taken up such obligations, to hew to the same standards.
Clearly, you think it does.
The trouble is that your argument really looks a lot like partisan special pleading. You see, the only people who are really entitled to hold others to the standards you mentioned are those who themselves accept them. Otherwise, such a one is attempting to impose upon others standards of behaviour he has no intention of adhering to himself, and that is mere hypocrisy.
The fact is that Thews and Calculus Crusader/Milesius do regard themselves as Christians, and they justify their shabby treatment of believing Latter-day Saints by the zealotry of their religious beliefs. Or to put it in your terms, they are, par excellence, "those who treat others shabbily in the name of Jesus Christ."
So I guess it's time to put your money where your mouth is, Kish. Is your opprobrium going to be impartially applied, or is it merely a partisan slogan?
Regards,
Pahoran