LDS Freedom Forum

hey thought I'd share my INTRO (not all encompassing) of the idea that some apologetics is just as dangerous to a testimony as anti-Mormons. Specific articles coming soon..... If I'm not the only one that finds the topic interesting )

http://www.mormonchronicle.com/apologet ... chotomies/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Most of our readers wouldn’t be surprised that we at The Mormon Chronicle are not fans of anti-Mormon material which is known for its dishonest approach. However, you may be surprised, or even shocked that we would lump “defenders” of the faith in with such enemies of the Gospel.

Anti-Mormons typically begin with a conclusion and then pull “evidence” to fit that predetermined conclusion. They consistently leave out any evidence that would contradict that predetermined conclusion. Unfortunately, Mormon apologists often follow those same tactics, the only difference being their motive and predetermined conclusions.

We believe this to be just as dangerous to the faith of others as anti-Mormonism, and in the interest of expanding faith and knowledge of Christ, we must stand for truth especially when “friends” are the ones decimating falsehoods.

Apologists often start off on the losing side of the argument with the presupposition that the ideas of the modern world are correct.

What’s wrong with being strange or peculiar? There was an apostasy; of course the understanding of those following apostate traditions will be different than those of a restored Gospel! We need to own-up to our differences. Otherwise we lose credibility as well as the understanding of important aspects of the restoration....

Read the rest here http://www.mormonchronicle.com/apologet ... chotomies/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I dunno, I'm not ready to just lump all apologists in with the anti-mormons. I believe you can find genuine people on both sides as well as zealots. We've learned so much because there have been those seeking to challenge the faith. There have been many who have researched the allegations and discovered very interesting pieces of information. The truth rises to the surface in either instance.

I've read some really intriguing stuff out of FARMS and FAIR in the past; not all of it apologetics either. I was happy to read of FARMS' debunking of the proported 'Lehi Stone' discovered in South America. It's important to have people out there analyzing things; I include everything I can get my hands on in my studies as long as I find the sources objective and credible enough.

And, yes, yes, I understand that in the end what really matters is the light of revelation. It is however important to be ready with an answer to those who question and not let the opposition make 'uncontested slam dunks' as Elder Maxwell put it.

While it is true that not al apologists should be lumped together, I think it is fair to say there are multiple levels of anti Mormonism as well.

The point was to show a few inconsistency's mixed with the fact that we should embrace the truth, not run away from it. And when our side does either, they need to be called on it. Honesty is key.