you know what i agree with? the fact that you need to get over your little vendetta against Mormons & stop asking all these hateful, dumbass questions about them. just shut up already, you think all this crap makes you look any better than them? once again, i wish there was a function that allowed me to block all the idiots on Answerbag, because you're in that category, my friend.

Get used to it. I agree with ya pal. Christians, Muslims, Mormons, regardless, if you're not with them you're against them in their own eyes. And they all have one thing in common- they just are in LOVE with being 'persecuted'.

In the last presidential election, were you: 1. pro-Obama 2. anti-Obama 3. pro-McCain 4. anti-McCain Four possibilities, but only two ways to vote (unless you voted for a third party candidate). PRO- and ANTI- define where the main focus lies. If I was pro-Obama, I wouldn't care about McCain or the other candidates; I'd build up Obama. If I were anti-McCain, I wouldn't care who won - as long as it wasn't McCain. I would vote for whoever I felt had the best chance of beating McCain. Either case results in me voting for Obama, but with a world of difference as to motivation. I am a pro-Mormon. I herald Mormonism's good traits, while generally ignoring the other candidates. There's no need for me to tear down, attack, or sling mud at the other religious camps; I know what Mormonism offers, and I like it.

This implies a very black and white way of thinking. Only 2 extreme options are plausible - right or wrong, yes or no, for or against. The reality of grey areas in life and one's ability to see good (or bad) in 2 or more conflicting theories or beliefs is ignored. I could be "pro Mormon", supporting and practising its religous ideology, while at the same time be "pro Buddhist", recognizing the value and truth of Buddhist teachings and incorporating them into my life. It is wrong to make the assumption that if a person is "for" something they must be against whatever else falls into the same category.

I would disagree. I am very Pro Mormon but can honestly say I am Pro Catholic, Islam, and any other religion that helps people lead a better life. Although I follow the doctrine and principles of the LDS Church (and believe them), I recognize the good other religions have to offer people. . When two people from any religion discuss their beliefs in a mutually respectful manner, I believe they both walk away with a better understanding of their faith and appreciation for others.

Joe, I think that Religious Journalist Richard Ostling addressed this well in his classic book, "Mormon America: The Power and the Promise" (http://www.amazon.com/Mormon-America-Promise-Richard-Ostling/dp/0060663723) "The thin-skinned and image-conscious Mormon can display immature, isolationist, and defensive reactions to outsiders, perhaps because there is no substantive debate and no "loyal opposition" within their kingdom. With some, it almost seems that the wilderness is still untamed, the federal "polyg" police are on the prowl, and the Illinois lynch mob is still oiling muskets and preparing to raid Carthage Jail. All too often Saints use the label "anti-Mormon" as a tactic to forestall serious discussion." ("Mormon America: The Power and the Promise (2007 Edition)"; Richard N. and Joan K. Ostling; p. 115) I repeat - in caps for emphasis: ALL TOO OFTEN SAINTS USE THE LABEL 'ANTI-MORMON' AS A TACTIC TO FORESTALL SERIOUS DISCUSSSION. Thank you for asking.

This is in response to another answer... http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8171069 In Mormonism, there are really only 4 choices... 1. Pro-Mormon 2. Anti-Mormon 3. Pro-Christianity 4. Anti-Christianity 5. Pro-Christ 6. Anti-Christ 1. Pro-Mormon, 4. Anti-Christianity Due to their exacting similarities, these two belong together. Some of Joe's loving prophetic words about other religions and what his god told him... (Regarding Joseph Smith's alleged first vision where celestial personages appeared to him.) . . .) "My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right — and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight: that those professors were all corrupt . . ." (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 5-6). "What is it that inspires professors of Christianity generally with a hope of salvation? It is that smooth, sophisticated influence of the devil, by which he deceives the whole world," (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, p. 270.) (In questions directed to Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism . . .) First -- "Do you believe the Bible?" If we do, we are the only people under heaven that do, for there are none of the religious sects of the day that do." Third — "Will everybody be damned, but Mormons?" Yes, and a great portion of them, unless they repent, and work righteousness." (Teachings, page 119.) B Young referencing Joey... "But He did send His angel to this same obscure person, Joseph Smith jun., who afterwards became a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and informed him that he should not join any of the religious sects of the day, for they were all wrong," (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, 1855, p. 171). John Taylor speaks highly of Christianity... "We talk about Christianity, but it is a perfect pack of nonsense.... Myself and hundreds of the Elders around me have seen its pomp, parade, and glory; and what is it? It is a sounding brass and a tinkling symbol; it is as corrupt as hell; and the Devil could not invent a better engine to spread his work than the Christianity of the nineteenth century," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, 1858, p. 167). "Where shall we look for the true order or authority of God? It cannot be found in any nation of Christendom," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 10, 1863, p. 127). The Book of Mormon, another testament of Joseph Christ... "And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth" (1 Nephi 14:10). "And when the day cometh that the wrath of God is poured out upon the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church of all the earth, whose foundation is the devil, then, at that day, the work of the Father shall commence. . ." (1 Nephi. 14:17). 2. anti-Mormon I am not sure who would be considered an anti-Mormon. Perhaps some of the ex-mormons may be. When a person leaves the LDS cult, they are labeled by the LDS. Their husband or wife is strongly pressured to leave the person. The children are strongly pressured to have nothing to do with the leaving parent. They are told that the apostate person is evil and will influence other family members. Of course this is a lie. In actuality, the church is afraid that the truth the supposed apostate person realized might be spread among other cult members. Also, the LDS are taught that the bible is in accurate. That the BofM is the most correct book. When the LDS member’s world comes tumbling down, after the realization of all the lies... the fact that it was drilled into them not to trust the bible, leads exmo's to become Atheists. So, I can see how an exmo might become an Anti. This leaves one more... 3. Pro-Christianity For a Christian to expose the strange teachings of Mormonism, or even more importantly, to refute them with the Bible, is not being anything but loving. Their message is not the same as the Bible’s and, therefore, is not from God. Sincere people have been deceived by Mormonism and desperately need to know the truth of God before it is too late. Being pro Christianity is part and parcel to being pro Christ. 4. Anti-Christianity Covered in the first section. 5. Pro-Christ As you can see by the previous comments from LDS leaders, Mormonism sees Jesus as a prophet. His dieing on the cross is not sufficient enough to cleanse a Mormon from sin. Jesus served one purpose, to open a gateway for people to, once they have done all the work, progress to a higher level of heaven. Mormonism has taken all that Christ has done for us and diminished it to merely opening a door for man to go through.

I disagree. there are millions of us who could care less about being a member of the church of jesus christ latter day saints. we arent pro or anti.

I disagree. -- Anti-Mormon is not an ignorant phrase, it is sometimes a missused phrase, and usually Anti-Mormonism would be more accurate, or Anti-Joseph Smith could also work (I assume you fall into this category unless you are pro-fruad) -- The deffinition of Pro-Mormon doesn't include anti-everything else. It simply doesn't. Lets list some reasons: 1. Mormons are very pro-singing and pro-dancing, pro-wrestling? (it could happen) My point is even if Mormons were against every other religion on the planet there are still many things left, anti-every other religion does not equal anti-everything else. 2. Mormons are not anti-every other religion. We do believe that no other church is truly led by God, and the greatest happiness will not be achieved through any outside precepts. But we also believe that there is good to be found in most religions and truth to be found in all religions. When it comes to other religions there is room for a Mormon to be anti-some, neutral to others and pro-others. I for example certainly favor Christian religions over non-Christian ones. And among the non-Mormon Christian religions I have my favorites as well, the prefix of pro could be applied there. 3. One does not have to be a Mormon to be Pro-Mormon, they don't even have to believe everything taught in LDS doctrine. I've known many a people who admire the church, think it's the best one out there, but don't join because they disagree with this doctrine or that. Included in those doctrines is the doctrine of one true church. 4. And if you really want to get technical with these definitions a person who is Pro-Mormon is really just a fan of 5th century American Prophet Historian/General.

Well Joe you sure kicked up a tempest in a tea cup with this question! SHORT ANSWER: The "Anti-Mormon" label is incendiary, disrespectful and belittling of those that who have legitimate criticisms and concerns regarding Mormonism. . It is a 19th Century label based on 19th Century rhetoric that IMO, needs to be left behind so we can all move on. The term "Mormon Critic" IMO, is MUCH better. LONG ANSWER: I'm going to repeat what I said in a comment in attempt to try to get this thread on more of an objective, productive footing: "THIS is the problem that I see on BOTH sides of the divide (and I use the word deliberately). . I see BOTH Mormons and Christian taking absolutist, binary, bifurcating stances that are silly and unproductive. . Applying the "Anti" label doesn't help anyone or anything. . Rather a BETTER, more precise label would be: . "Mormon Critic" . And I encourage those on BOTH sides of the divide to start using that label rather than "Anti" anything! . The REAL issue that I have with the Mormon side is how they slap "Anti" on anything that they don't agree with or like - even those in their own ranks - so they don't have to consider or deal with their evidence, concerns, or grievances. . AND that is at the core of the problem."

I guess you can be pro-Mormon without actually being a Mormon. My understanding was that you belonged to a particular religious faith because you Believed, not because you benefited personally (i.e. better life, afterlife, ends justifies means) If you're basing opinion on corruption, hypocrisy, etc, they all lose....No faith has been untouched by notoriety in some form or other. How about those who don't give a hoot either way? How about atheists, deists, naturalists, pagans?

Sounds like more talk of a bigot to me. Religious bigotry seems to be a growing problem among many people.

I am so tired of this phrase, yes! However everythign contary mormon belief, critical of it, or challenging is normally classed as anti-mormon. While pro-mormons are cometimes anti anything that would make them question their faith, and thus act in defence, they are normally not 'anti-everything else' although sometimes it does feel or seem this way.