676 Responses to:
HOW ABOUT TOLERANCE FOR ALL?

# 1. 10/7/03 12:31 AM by Michael - Provo
Those "preachers" make me sick.

And they remind me of Matt. 23:13--"But woe unto you, scribes [lawyers] and Pharisees [religious fanatics], hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in."

# 2. 10/7/03 12:38 AM by K - Clinton
It is too sad that every where we go- good is called evil and evil is called good. Oh yea- they spoke of that during conference, However, President Hinkley also reminded us-- to be better people - to control our tongues etc. We have been told over two thousand years to turn the other cheek.

The entire story made me sad- Sad for the people who went to all the work to go to general conference and sad for their families.

It's a crazy world that protects the evil and destroys the right.

# 3. 10/7/03 12:39 AM by Marc Olson - S.L.C. Utah
Bob, The street ministers are out of line, What about showing some respect, I would like to see this noise go away. This is the U.S.A. and let folks worship in peace happened to taking the higher road. I see and here the noise makers down town,and it is not a good thing hope S.L.C. has a bitter cold winter and the noise makers go away. S.L.C. is a fine place. I hope it will always be that way.

# 4. 10/7/03 1:04 AM by Burt - Rochester
I thought I heard something about freedom of religion in this country, but it must have been a rumor

# 5. 10/7/03 1:18 AM by Old Guy - Henrietta, NY
There are a number of words disappearing from our daily lives which may eventually lead to our demise: respect, tolerance, civility, honor, integrity, commitment, dedication, devotion, duty, allegiance, morality, distinction,reverence, dignity, principal, obligation, consideration, achievement, sincerity, dependability, obedience, patriotism, understanding, truth and love. Add your own to the list if you want freedom to continue to ring for all of us.

# 6. 10/7/03 1:37 AM - Sandy Ut.
that ok. As a late in life convert to the Church of Jesus Christ. Nothing testifies to me that is true more than the intense opposition to it. funny when I first heard of the persecution of heearly Mormons I was shocked and realy had a hardtme beleiving that it happened. Now I understand. I have heard and seen many supposed "men of god" bash Christs Church. I do pity them. I also thank them for strengthening my faith.

# 7. 10/7/03 1:46 AM by singing the blues
Apparently those Christian evangelist are not educated on Mormonism or Christianity. Isn't Mormonism and Christianity the same?

# 8. 10/7/03 2:27 AM - Salt Lake
It saddened me so much to hear about this. "They know not what they do." Why is it okay to still mock and ridicule Mormons? Why do we have such intolerance? Why do they care so much what others believe and hold so dear? Do other religions have this happening to them right outside their doors? Such ful things are not christian. "By their fruits ye shall know them.?

# 9. 10/7/03 2:28 AM by Bruce H. - Ogden, Utah
Hi Bob, Before I begin my comments, may I say I miss you very much. KNRS is not the same without you. I really hope that you are once again, on SLC radio. As for the preacher's involved: May God punish them appropriately. Being an active LDS member, I hold my garments sacred. It sickens me to hear of such vial conduct. How dare they!!! (And even more disgusting, who supplied these so-called preacher's with the garments?)

# 10. 10/7/03 2:36 AM by Akiva - Jerusalem, Israel
Bob; As an Orthodox Jew you know I don't believe in the Mormon faith but I am horrified at the incident you have written about. Does the U.S.A. not have hate laws!

I agree with you that they would never get away with this in front of any other religious group. Heck, I don't think they would get away with this at a Rotary convention.

# 11. 10/7/03 2:45 AM by Travis
It is interesting that these "preachers" appear to be the very false witnesses that they claim to be preaching against. They profess Christianity. They profess to love their fellow men. At least the Bible that they do profess does. And yet, they do not live up to the principles of their Bible.

# 12. 10/7/03 3:17 AM by C.B.
Beyond the pale is about all I can say. Thankfully I don't know enough about Christianity to even guess what these "protesters" have aproblem with. Where's that army the Mormans used to have? May be just about time to bring it back.

# 13. 10/7/03 3:38 AM by Dolores Purrington - Clinton, Utah
Mr. lonsberry, Exactly where is the NAACP on the issue regarding the Mormons? Where is Jesse Jackson? Where is Al Sharpton? I get so frustrated with the double standards when it comes to religion. Where is the justice? Why were those so called "Christian Preachers" not charged with something? Is is not the same thing....in regards to the wearing of "believe sacred clothing"? To me, it doesn't matter if I believe a particular religion, it is being "Christ-like" it is being "tolerant" to others and YET it these issues are only traveling on a one way street. It is a very sad state of affairs when the "law" only protects some and not all.

# 14. 10/7/03 3:51 AM by Jason - Silver Spring, Maryland
You're right. People who intend to convince mormons that their religion is incorrect should stop offending them and start inviting them to friendly discussions or debates.

People who intend to convince followers of Islam that their religion is incorrect should refuse to eat pigs, and develop a 5-times-per-day liturgy of Christian prayer, then invite a muslim to discuss religion.

The Apostle Paul said that when he ministered to the Jews, he was "as a Jew" (observing the law of moses); So, too, should anyone who intends minister to any person of a different faith.

There is no victory to be won by mocking the person you intend to sway to your side.

Editor's Note: I'm not giving up pork. Especially ribs, ham and breakfast sausage.

# 15. 10/7/03 3:59 AM by Richard - Salt Lake City, Utah
Thumbs up may not sound quite right here, but you are 100% correct. It seems like the lds (Mormon) religion is the one Christian religion it is accepted to criticize in this country. We often note that in the national news, the religion of a criminal is seldom mentioned, unless of course he is a Mormon.

Search Amazon.com and you will find not a single Mormon book criticizing other faiths or detailing what is wrong with them, but they carry books written by pastors and ministers of other faiths criticizing the lds Church and detailing what they feel is wrong with it. There are several hundred of them available at Amazon.com.

A good friend of mine who is not Mormon moved here and had difficulty finding a church where he could worship in the Salt Lake area that didn't exist for the purpose of bashing the Mormons or changing them from their wrongful ways. He finally found one, but after two years of attending, it, too, changed its focus to anti-Mormonism. He and his family stopped attending.

It is my belief that the unending attacks by other churches and ministers is solid evidence of the good found in the lds Church and its teachings and people. When people in competition with such an entity can't best it by better teachings or actions, they generally seek to lift themselves by bringing down those better than themselves. They have been doing it to the lds Church for 173 years now, and I doubt it will ever stop.

I think it is hurting the support for these other churches and factions. The lds Church continues to be one of the fastest growing churches in the world. If it were as bad as the protestors say, I think those who protest it would be more successful than they are.

With more than 12 million members of the lds Church worldwide, and more than 115 million copies of the Book of Mormon having been printed and distributed in more than 100 languages, I would say these distracters are not accomplishing anything, excepting proving publicly that they are, as you say, religious bigots.

It's too bad they don't grant the lds the same religious freedoms they claim for themselves. It's worse that the federal, state and local governments help them in their pursuit of religious bigotry.

# 16. 10/7/03 4:43 AM by Lee Shumway - Syracuse Utah
I was pretty angry about this when I read about it.

It isn't about ministering unto the Mormons. If that were the case, they would be preaching with the idea of bringing over their erring neighbors to the Baptist way of thinking. This wasn't about persuasion. It was about being able to make fun of people at the gates of their church with impunity.

Far from being representative of God, people like Devin Allen and Lonnie Pursifall work for the Master of Dissention.

It's been said many times and places that the Adversary will use the Holy Word to confound and confuse the weak in spirit. It's too bad they are masquerading as Baptists...usually pretty nice people!

# 17. 10/7/03 4:50 AM by Sandee Spencer - Longwood Florida
You are absolutely right. As always the measuring stick as to whether behavior is correct or not is What Would Jesus Do. How sad to see no evidence of the Prince of Peace in the actions of these protesters that consider themselves his followers.

They could have so much better spent this time in study, service to others, or many other good and uplifting causes.

# 18. 10/7/03 4:51 AM by Tom Donovan - Oneonta, NY
Born-again Christians are idiots, so what do you expect from idiots. When people figure out that god doesn't care which religion you are, then we'll have peace and tolerance.

Editor's Note: You are wrong in both sentences.

# 19. 10/7/03 5:14 AM by AJ - Brockport
Once again, a great column!

Go Arnold, Go Bob, and Go Away Mayor Johnson!

# 20. 10/7/03 5:29 AM by Mel - Hilton
LIBERTY POLE 5:30 TONIGHT 10/07/03

Sorry Bob , There's some really sucky people in the world, Not only were they not right, they were not ministers, nor Christians. A true Christian would never attack, defame or deface an article of anything that belonged to another human being, as your well aware there are those among us who walk on a darker side, they are devoid of meaning in their lives and so they try to take what hope or faith the rest of us have left and destroy it so we to will be an empty shell. It Can't be done when there is true faith. The Light will not be put out. I'm sorry for all the attacks against your light, but your candle is still burning bright.

# 21. 10/7/03 5:42 AM by Al C - Geneva NY
Well, Bob....surprized? I am not. America has learned that it can hide behind free speech as long as we are speaking freely from a platform of popularity or general acceptability.

I am not Mormon, but I find any attack of this nature divisive and against dying American principals.

I hope as I scan some papers this morning, I'll find this reported...something tells me it won't be. Chiding Mormons has no news worthy shock value for the masses of asses.

America is about entertainment and money and little else anymore. Too bad for us.

# 22. 10/7/03 6:05 AM by Mark - Webster, NY
It is also prudent to note that it is the hard working Mormons that created the beautiful city known as Salt lake. They endured hardships unknown to all that persecute them to create a home for themselves free of all they had suffered by the like of those that attack them now.

And now, after all their suffering, cross country travelling in wagons, sweat and hard work to create a homeland, all those who were welcomed to live amongst them, who came after them, mock them.

For true American spirit, read up on Mormon history and you will learn of their accomplishments in arriving in the valley and building the city of Salt Lake for all the world to enjoy.

# 23. 10/7/03 6:07 AM by Tom Dey - Springwater, NY
Are you SURE they are actually Baptist ministers? I don't want to believe the well-documented news! If so, the Baptists owe the Mormons and our diverse society in general a profound apology. Not the going-through-the-motions kind, but a lengthy, detailed explanation why they are not, as a group, represented by a few bad apples. And they should then summarily censure and defrock their six offending ministers, and launch a massive, open investigation to root out bigotry and hatred from their church. That's the American way!

# 24. 10/7/03 6:09 AM by Pat N
I am forever demanding that Muslims condemn memebrs of their faith who do evil. As a Christian, I hereby condemn these idiots who have brouhg tshame to their faith.

# 25. 10/7/03 6:29 AM - webster ny
where is Rev Graves? Can't he stand up for religious intolerence, even from Rochester?..Darn, if that happened here in Rochester, I bet that he still wouldn't get involved unless it was an African American Morman Church..sorry, I am just so upset by such irrespect of someone's faith...I am sorry that I didn't know about this until you wrote about it; guess I did not read the news too well these last few days...I would have joined those few who tried to rip the garment away from those desicrating them...oh well, I never did fit into the "bigger picture" I guess...Bob, thanks for keeping us involved in this crazy world...

# 26. 10/7/03 6:45 AM by Rick - Kearns Ut
Isn't it interesting how the A.C.L.U. who is suppose to be a defender of civil liberties defends these "Christians" right to mock this particular religion. The A.C.L.U. even has filed a law suit against this church to demand that these "christians" even have the right to mock the church on it's own property. I like how the church leadership has counseled us to just ignore them..Most mormons have chosen to "W.W.J.D" We ignore them. turn the other cheek if you will

# 27. 10/7/03 6:47 AM by Susan - Bergen, NY
That is so sad Bob... those people definitely do not represent any Christians that I KNOW! If it were my church acting that way towards Mormons or any one else, I'd leave the church in utter disgust!

You are 100% right in saying "What Would Jesus Do?" Most people know he would not do what they did. People like those quote-unquote MEN OF GOD, make me embarrassed to say that I am a Christian. These "MEN OF GOD" think that they have WAY more power than they do, and I guess it isn't only in Rochester!

# 28. 10/7/03 6:53 AM by albert vallone - livonia ny
Your last sentence says it all.

# 29. 10/7/03 6:57 AM by Michele - Springville, Utah
Why weren't those Baptists in their own houses of worship on this particular weekend? Or out visiting the poor and sick? Please let your readers understand that these "reborn Mormon haters" aren't real Christians and don't represent the fine religious diversity that exists in Utah. Real Christians don't condemn others for different worship methods because Jesus gave us the example of the "Good Samaritan" and witnessed to the woman at Jacob's Well in Samaria.

Where I live there are Jehovah's Witnesses Halls, a Hari Krishna Temple (with cute llamas), Catholic chapels, and many Protestant church groups, including real Baptists. Nobody around here interrupts those services with childish demonstrations.

Those misguided ne'er-do-wells parading at Temple Square will be doing some mighty fast-talking at the Lord's Judgment Bar, no matter whose religious beliefs come out on top.

# 30. 10/7/03 6:58 AM
Isn't it amazing what the "holyer than God" can do on the days they are not in their own church? It's disgusting. And Why? What was the point? Most, if not all, immigrants came to this great country for "religious freedom"! That's one of the things the USA is all about. Freedom of speech, religion etc.

What is this world coming to? Do these men have so much time on their hands that they have to protest another man's religion? If they are so religious why don't they do some good for somebody in their free time? I just don't get it. And I hope I don't have to. And, what's with the local police charging Mormons for stealing? Something's rotten in SLC!

# 31. 10/7/03 7:01 AM by marshall - west point, utah
hey...when you coming back?

Editor's Note: Soon.

# 32. 10/7/03 7:02 AM by Doug - NY
While not a Mormon, I have had the pleasure of attending a special music sevice in the Mormon church on Westfall Rd. Huh?? Funny thing, the people there were just like my family, raising kids and getting on with life. The truth spoken of in this story makes me want to get sick. I pray to my GOD the childern involved do not grow up bitter over this event, shame on those that call themselves ministers. DF

# 33. 10/7/03 7:03 AM by John - Irondequoit
Religious bigotry.

I find both words offensive.

Nevertheless, the actions of the protesters as described are totally reprehensible. I find it telling that only two Mormons lost there composure and tried to defend their beliefs. That shows which group is closer to the ideal of the Christian God.

# 34. 10/7/03 7:03 AM by Brian - Rochester
The behavior of the protestors was disgusting. Until now, I had not heard of this specific event happening. If you have any links or email addresses where one might send a protest, I would be grateful to receive it.

It does seem counter-intuitive that the police can't step in to stop the protestors, but must step in to and drag off to jail those who seek to protect what is precious to them. But think about it: Those protesting are protected by the Constitution. Those who react physically are not. Freedom of speech versus (possibly felonious) assault or theft.

The best and only way to deal with these protestors is to ostracize them. If they are church leaders, their congregation should go elsewhere. If they are individuals, their church leaders should boot them from their churches.

The self-appointed intelligentsia of the commie/lib/dems consider it trendy to denigrate the Judeo-Christian ethic. From their twisted perspective, white Christian males are responsible for all the world's ills, the holocaust was a farce, Palestinians are downtrodden and their bombers are right to kill moms and kids in pizzerias, Israel should not exist, etc., etc. Never mind that without Judaism and Christianity, Western civilization would not exist as it does today.

Anyway, that is why you will rarely if ever hear the media defending Jews or Christians - particularly Christians - from outrageous attacks like what took place in Salt Lake City recently. Besides, when it's Christian attacking Christian, that's even better, in their eyes.

# 35. 10/7/03 7:04 AM by Eileen - Rochester, NY
Bob, there are a lot of people who call themselves Christians, but their actions betray them. There are a lot of people who have the title Reverend, Bishop or Minister, but their actions betray them. There are a lot a churches that proclaim themselves Christian and followers of the Bible, but their actions betray them.

Enough said.

# 36. 10/7/03 7:21 AM
This kind of 'act' is what gives us Baptists a negative reputation! It is always the few that makes the whole 'bad'. I am so sorry that this happened. A Christian is a Christian-regardless of the denomination attached to the church they attend. This will be a rude awaking for many people when they wake up in Heaven one day...that their mansion is next door to a (oh my) catholic or a Mormon or anyone not associated with their particular rearing. There is only one requirement to go through Heaven's door; the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Eph2:8,9.

# 37. 10/7/03 7:27 AM by Gary - Rochester, NY
As a liberal atheist, I very seldom agree with your writings. However, this time you are correct. These actions are despicable. I'm glad that atheists don't behave in such a manner.

# 38. 10/7/03 7:30 AM by Benjamin Stein - Rochester, NY
Interesting. While I do not agree with the mormon church. I would like to know what the man was trying to accomplish. Did he expect the people walking by to say "Hey you're right this is all Hooee" and give up their faith? I have no issue with standing outside and attempting to witness to the passing people but I can't imagine how the people considered that doing such things would help anyone grow closer to God, or show anyone God's Love.

# 39. 10/7/03 7:38 AM by Sharon - Chili, NY
Whatever happened to freedom of religion? I say let everyone practice their religion in their own way and leave them alone. The same holds true of freedom of speech. Looks live the PC police are everywhere. It is getting ridiculous?

# 40. 10/7/03 7:41 AM by Elm - Rochester, NY
As an evangelical Christian my heart is saddened by what happened in Utah. The religious intolerance displayed is unacceptable in American society. People who identify themselves as members of any religious faith should be incensed by what happened there. Actually, all Americans, religious or not, should be incensed by how the beliefs of fellow citizens were disrespected and trampled. You are correct Bob, Jesus would not have conducted himself in that manner.

# 41. 10/7/03 7:45 AM by Larry - Roch,NY
I do not agree with Mormonism. I am a Christian who goes by biblical teaching & always match what I hear preached against the Bible as it is my final authority. Special garments,etc. were for the Jews of old;they are not in the new testament! That being said,I am embarrassed that these"ministers"(no special titles are in the new testament either!)would do this!!How does this further the truth?!!If you look in the bible you will see that Jesus' strongest rebukes were for the "religious leaders" of his day! That's something to think about!! I don't think what these people did was biblical.Maybe trying to talk to some Mormons & convince them of error(though I don't know that it was the right setting.)The bible talks about reasoning together.God & us though I think that can apply to us amongst our selves also.These guys were way out of line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's also to bad this was given media coverage.It seems once again someone was looking for attention!!

# 42. 10/7/03 7:50 AM by Merk - Greece, NY
Right on as usual Bob.

***************************************

RALLY TONIGHT !!!

Rally for lonsberry Tuesday 10/7 @ 5:30 pm at the Liberty Pole

***************************************

WHAM is SCAME :)

Editor's Note: Way scame.

# 43. 10/7/03 7:51 AM by barb - roch ny
It's a sad world we live in but everyone will have to answer for their actions someday.

# 44. 10/7/03 7:53 AM by roy b - swain, ny
Bob, you remember when so-called artists used a crucifix and a jar of urine? There were other unmentionables and it was called art. I guess it is all in the eye of the beholder.

# 45. 10/7/03 7:55 AM by Lee K. - Syracuse, NY
If this article hadn't come from you, I don't think I would be able to believe that it actually happened. What the protesters and liberals are doing to the Mormons, in SLC of all places, is turning my stomach.

# 46. 10/7/03 7:58 AM by Susan - Ohio
I appreciated your column today about the Mormon faith. We as christians do not have the right to hurt another person, faith nor race on this earth. Each is a child of God and should be treated as such. We only owe others love and kindness and mercy and compassion, and nothing less then that. Shame on the acts that was shown at the Mormon convention, and shame on what was done when they tried to protect what they believe in.

# 47. 10/7/03 7:59 AM - Roch, NY
One more proof that the Mormon Church has something that others can't stand. Say what you want about the Mormons, but they must be doing something right. While other churches are dwindling- theirs is growing. While other churches cave in to social pressures, they don't change who can be in their priesthood or who can be a Bishop. That alone has got to rile the hell out(or is it the hell in) of the other "Christian Leaders"

# 48. 10/7/03 8:00 AM by A Patriot - Lockport, NY
makes me feel shame to be a baptist, or an American.

# 49. 10/7/03 8:08 AM by jdt - rochester
AS A CHRISTIAN THIS STORY MADE ME WANT TO THROW UP... AS A HUMAN.. IT MAKES ME WANT TO WRING THEIR NECKS! I WILL DO WHAT JESUS WANTS ME TO DO AND PRAY FOR THOSE SO CALLED CHRISTIANS THAT THEY WILL RE-READ THEIR BIBLES AND KEEP READING UNTIL THEY UNDERSTAND GOD LOVES US ALL AS WE SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER.. I WONDER WHERE THEY LEARNED THAT " IF YOU MOCK PEOPLE ... THEY WILL COME". NOT FROM THE JESUS I KNOW! MAY GOD TEACH THEM TO BE MORE ACCEPTING TO THEIR FELLOW MAN.

# 50. 10/7/03 8:15 AM
I am grateful for your putting into words the feelins many of us have. You are right on. Mormons happen to be on the approved list of targets for which there is little or no protection. That is even more surprising given that it all took place in Salt Lake City.

I grew up in California. My sister in law was a member of another christian church while we were in high school. I hung around her and her friends during lunch and we all seemed to be friends. The group included her pastors son. I never felt alienated for my beliefs. My sister in law ended up joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To my great surprise, the circle of friends I spoke of turned on her and treated her as if she no longer existed. It seems the supposed "Christian" preacher taught that this was the only was to help her see the error of her ways. It was hurtful and very un-Christ like. I wish it made sense. We were all FRIENDS...

So do Mormons treat those who leave the church in a similar way? Not in my experience, and I have close relatives who have left the church. President Bensons' son left the church, he was no ostracised or ridiculed.

I would hate to see others treated this way. Maybe having it happen to me helps me have more empathy for others in other situations. That does not make the actions of others right. How sad that the human family can be so cruel and offensive. Don't they have more productive ways to show their love for God?

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