spamlds

This OP's question gives each of us a little reason to squirm.  We know ourselves, with all our shortcomings and personal failings, and we rely upon Christ's grace to save us.  I've never known a serious latter-day saint who walks around saying, "When I become a god, I'm going to do things like this and this."  We don't really think about what exaltation will be like, except perhaps having our family relations forever.
We don't tend to dwell upon what our relationship with future spirit children and what our knowledge, power, and character will be like in a million years or a billion years into eternal life.  We anticipate that we will be like our Heavenly Parents, but it seems unimaginable that our mortal spirit children will look up to us worshipfully.  Nevertheless, that's how it may be.
I imagine that my earthly relationship with my own father could be a likeness.  I looked up to my father when I was a child and eventually he treated me like I was his peer when I became an adult.  Nevertheless, my admiration and devotion to him never diminished, even when I was grown up.  I suppose, a zillion years from now, our Father will regard us as "adult" children who can do everything he can do now, but I expect that our devotion and worship of him will be even greater and more perfect than now.  
It's just too overwhelmingly glorious to contemplate for long.  The celestial heavens are likely filled with exalted beings that are bound in eternal families, working together to exalt us lower beings.  It's a more glorious heaven than we can imagine.  It makes heaven all the more personal and connected.  Meanwhile, we tend to focus on the day-to-day challenges of living life in faith, seeking grace, and trying to love one another.  

For what it's worth, when I was a young missionary in France in the 1980s, we were instructed to include blood products in the Word of Wisdom when we taught it.  The French had several traditional dishes that were made using animal blood as the main ingredient.  The basis of that instruction was the New Testament's admonitions against consuming blood.
Interestingly, that New Testament prohibition was mentioned alongside a probition against eating things that were sacrificed to idols.  This was a practice of idolatrous feasts in Roman times and Christians were admonished to avoid even the trappings of idolatry.  In the end, the Church went into apostasy and idolatry took over the ancient Church in the form of the mass.  It's not often that it would happen, but if you have friends with some "New Age" beliefs, that's something tht you might encounter.  For example, people who practice Transcendental Meditation undergo a ceremony where a "sacrificial offering" is made to an image of Guru Dev.  In Asian cultures and in Africa, it is common to offer meals, plates of foods, etc, to dead ancestors as part of a meal. 
Modern revelation doesn't address those situations specifically, but latter-day saints are bound to keep the commandments and counsel of the early apostles as well as the living ones.  We just dont run into those situations very often in our culture, but in other culture, additional guidance is often given by local leaders under the supervision of the General Authorities.

For what it's worth, when I was a young missionary in France in the 1980s, we were instructed to include blood products in the Word of Wisdom when we taught it.  The French had several traditional dishes that were made using animal blood as the main ingredient.  The basis of that instruction was the New Testament's admonitions against consuming blood.
Interestingly, that New Testament prohibition was mentioned alongside a probition against eating things that were sacrificed to idols.  This was a practice of idolatrous feasts in Roman times and Christians were admonished to avoid even the trappings of idolatry.  In the end, the Church went into apostasy and idolatry took over the ancient Church in the form of the mass.  It's not often that it would happen, but if you have friends with some "New Age" beliefs, that's something tht you might encounter.  For example, people who practice Transcendental Meditation undergo a ceremony where a "sacrificial offering" is made to an image of Guru Dev.  In Asian cultures and in Africa, it is common to offer meals, plates of foods, etc, to dead ancestors as part of a meal. 
Modern revelation doesn't address those situations specifically, but latter-day saints are bound to keep the commandments and counsel of the early apostles as well as the living ones.  We just dont run into those situations very often in our culture, but in other culture, additional guidance is often given by local leaders under the supervision of the General Authorities.

I don't mean to toss a wrench in the machinery, but I have some notions that might lead to a different level of understanding.  As background, let me say that I've been dirt poor, lost a business, and struggled with finances for years.  I've also had periods of comfort and relative prosperity.  In the process, I learned some things.  I wrote a book about preparing to live in the united order.  
 
When it comes to money, it's a stewardship.  Our attitude about money largely determines whether we have enough or not.  Our attitude ultimately leads us to make decisions about sacrifice, giving, taking risk, availing ourselves of opportunities, etc.  Some people call it your "vision" for your life. 
 
Scriptures condemn "idlers."  D&C 42:42 says "Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."  There are idle poor people who won't lift a finger to help themselves.  They take their bread and garments from those who labor for their own support.  Likewise, there are idle rich, who make their living exploiting the laborer, obtaining their bread and garments from those who work while they manipulate markets and use their money to influence lawmakers.  
 
If you're not an idler and, if you work with a vision of what you want to achieve, God will bring to pass spiritual creation in your life.  In other words, when we work with our "heart, might, mind, and strength," the goals we have in our minds will come to fruition in time.
 
"Heart"--our desires--is the most important factor because it influences all the others.  In the French version of the D&C, the word for "might" is pouvoir, which means "to be able."  It's opportunity.  Desire leads us to opportunity.  Then "mind" is our ability to visualize what we desiire.  Finally, "strength" is the actual labor we exert.  If we follow this pattern, we will be successful in achieving whatever desires we have.
 
When it comes to money, we need to realize that "...the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare..." (D&C 104:17).  The perception that we live in a finite world and universe is a telestial illusion.  From that illusion springs greed, envy, and all  sorts of other evils.
 
When it came to money, Jesus had what he needed, when he needed it.  He had the ability to perfectly envision what resources he needed and create them in perfection.  I believe he wants us to become like him in that regard, just like all of his other attributes.
 
Consider when Peter ran afoul of the tribute collectors in Capernaum, as recorded in Matthew 17.  They were collecting a tax that was used to maintain the temple.  The collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid the tribute.  He answered that Jesus did.  Then Jesus called him on it.  Should the Lord, to whom the temple was built to honor, pay a tribute to his own house?  Peter realized the quandary he had put his Master in.  To rectify the situation, Jesus sent him fishing.  He told Peter to look in the mouth of the first fish he'd catch and there would be money.  The money would be a sufficient amount to pay the tribute.  As for the collectors, they'd have no quarrel with Jesus and Peter would know that the money had been provided by miraculous means.
 
I ponder that passage frequently.  It shows that Jesus had the ability to respond to a need, envision a solution, and manifest it with sufficient power as to make it almost instantaneous.  That's what a Creator does.  That's one of the things we're supposed to learn.
 
Now, Jesus didn't live in luxury on earth.  He suffered fatigue and at times, privation.  Nevertheless, he had what he needed.  He could take a few loaves and fish and feed thousands.  That's the example for us.  We can take the little that we have and multiply it with heart, might, mind, and strength.  It can become enough to take care of others' needs as well.  
 
God provides when we need it.  Mary and Joseph received gold, frankincense, and myrrh before having to take their child to Egypt.  Peter, James, and John caught a boatload of fish to finance their first missions in Jesus' service.  When Jesus needed a colt to ride into Jerusalem and a place for the Passover, they were provided in the moment he needed them.  When his mother and sisters needed a place to lay his crucified body, Joseph of Arimethea provided one.  
 
Since I've come to understand these things, money doesn't stress me nearly as much.  It has been easier to provide for my family.  I understand the importance of goals and having a clear vision of what I desire.  Somehow, when I work with that kind of intention, the Lord opens up the way.  Sometimes it takes longer than I hope, but it just seems to happen eventually.  How much is the Lord willing to give us?  I think it depends on our faith and how strong our desires and vision are.  When we realize that the power is in us, by virtue of our relation to our Heavenly Parents, to create what we need, just like they do, suddenly wealth and riches become a means, not an end.  He that hath eternal life is rich (D&C 11:7).

I don't mean to toss a wrench in the machinery, but I have some notions that might lead to a different level of understanding.  As background, let me say that I've been dirt poor, lost a business, and struggled with finances for years.  I've also had periods of comfort and relative prosperity.  In the process, I learned some things.  I wrote a book about preparing to live in the united order.  
 
When it comes to money, it's a stewardship.  Our attitude about money largely determines whether we have enough or not.  Our attitude ultimately leads us to make decisions about sacrifice, giving, taking risk, availing ourselves of opportunities, etc.  Some people call it your "vision" for your life. 
 
Scriptures condemn "idlers."  D&C 42:42 says "Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."  There are idle poor people who won't lift a finger to help themselves.  They take their bread and garments from those who labor for their own support.  Likewise, there are idle rich, who make their living exploiting the laborer, obtaining their bread and garments from those who work while they manipulate markets and use their money to influence lawmakers.  
 
If you're not an idler and, if you work with a vision of what you want to achieve, God will bring to pass spiritual creation in your life.  In other words, when we work with our "heart, might, mind, and strength," the goals we have in our minds will come to fruition in time.
 
"Heart"--our desires--is the most important factor because it influences all the others.  In the French version of the D&C, the word for "might" is pouvoir, which means "to be able."  It's opportunity.  Desire leads us to opportunity.  Then "mind" is our ability to visualize what we desiire.  Finally, "strength" is the actual labor we exert.  If we follow this pattern, we will be successful in achieving whatever desires we have.
 
When it comes to money, we need to realize that "...the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare..." (D&C 104:17).  The perception that we live in a finite world and universe is a telestial illusion.  From that illusion springs greed, envy, and all  sorts of other evils.
 
When it came to money, Jesus had what he needed, when he needed it.  He had the ability to perfectly envision what resources he needed and create them in perfection.  I believe he wants us to become like him in that regard, just like all of his other attributes.
 
Consider when Peter ran afoul of the tribute collectors in Capernaum, as recorded in Matthew 17.  They were collecting a tax that was used to maintain the temple.  The collectors asked Peter if Jesus paid the tribute.  He answered that Jesus did.  Then Jesus called him on it.  Should the Lord, to whom the temple was built to honor, pay a tribute to his own house?  Peter realized the quandary he had put his Master in.  To rectify the situation, Jesus sent him fishing.  He told Peter to look in the mouth of the first fish he'd catch and there would be money.  The money would be a sufficient amount to pay the tribute.  As for the collectors, they'd have no quarrel with Jesus and Peter would know that the money had been provided by miraculous means.
 
I ponder that passage frequently.  It shows that Jesus had the ability to respond to a need, envision a solution, and manifest it with sufficient power as to make it almost instantaneous.  That's what a Creator does.  That's one of the things we're supposed to learn.
 
Now, Jesus didn't live in luxury on earth.  He suffered fatigue and at times, privation.  Nevertheless, he had what he needed.  He could take a few loaves and fish and feed thousands.  That's the example for us.  We can take the little that we have and multiply it with heart, might, mind, and strength.  It can become enough to take care of others' needs as well.  
 
God provides when we need it.  Mary and Joseph received gold, frankincense, and myrrh before having to take their child to Egypt.  Peter, James, and John caught a boatload of fish to finance their first missions in Jesus' service.  When Jesus needed a colt to ride into Jerusalem and a place for the Passover, they were provided in the moment he needed them.  When his mother and sisters needed a place to lay his crucified body, Joseph of Arimethea provided one.  
 
Since I've come to understand these things, money doesn't stress me nearly as much.  It has been easier to provide for my family.  I understand the importance of goals and having a clear vision of what I desire.  Somehow, when I work with that kind of intention, the Lord opens up the way.  Sometimes it takes longer than I hope, but it just seems to happen eventually.  How much is the Lord willing to give us?  I think it depends on our faith and how strong our desires and vision are.  When we realize that the power is in us, by virtue of our relation to our Heavenly Parents, to create what we need, just like they do, suddenly wealth and riches become a means, not an end.  He that hath eternal life is rich (D&C 11:7).

In a faraway land lay a country in turmoil. Beset by troubles, famine, and internal strife, it seemed to many to be on a path to destruction, carrying with it its people. Fortunately, a vastly wealthy benefactor, not of that country, commissioned the good ship Zion as a refuge for those who sought escape from the turmoil, promising to bring its passengers to a far better land. Passage was free; the only price was a willingness to serve as the benefactor (and those he appointed to lead) requested. Among many, it was required that they agree to give all they had for the benefit of the ship, though few were actually required to hand their stuff over. In any case, it was understood that their reward in the new land would vastly exceed anything they offered.
 
Many gladly signed up. Who wouldn't? They were a merry bunch, and many were surprised and even delighted to learn that the ship's crew was staffed entirely by the passengers. This made for an interesting and sometimes uncomfortable dynamic, as the passengers themselves served the other passengers.
 
Yet some felt to criticize the appointed officers, even supposing that they themselves would be better suited for command. Even the captain himself was not spared such berating. And so the ship sailed on, but not has happy or as productive as it might have been. Some of the passengers took a very long time to figure out -- and some never did figure out -- that being an officer on board was utterly irrelevant. They were going to a new land, a promised land of plenty, where the strifes and turmoil of their home country didn't exist. Having been brought up in and infected by the evils of their home country, they foolishly thought that position among the crew or status as an officer was somehow meaningful in the long term.
 
But the humble, those that didn't worry about how they thought their neighbor might perceive them, kept in mind their goal and the reason for their journey. They kept quiet about the bilge water, the sometimes less-than-restaurant-quality mess, the inevitable slip-ups by the hands or deck officers, and even the occasional rat darting about. They kept their own berth shipshape and tried to do well at their duty onboard, whether it was manning the brow or cleaning the head. Because they remembered that, however fun or frustrating the voyage was, the destination was their goal, and that those who learned to live with joy aboard the good ship Zion would also know how to live with joy in the promised land.

Before I joined the Church or even knew anything about Mormons at all, I had a conversation with my mother.  I had been reading the New Testament and, in particular, the Acts of the Apostles.  I remember asking her, "Wouldn't it be amazing if the Church today was all one like it was back then and had apostles and prophets in it?"  I was really inspired and prepared by reading that.  When I found the Restored Gospel, I understood that it was that same Church. 
 
Miracles happen in the Church, big ones and small ones.  Revelations happen, big ones and small ones.  Healings happen, big ones and small ones.  Every temple built is a revelation.  Every patriarchal blessing given is one.  Every mission call is one.  There are men who hold the keys of the kingdom.  What an amazing thing!  When I read in the New Testament, not only about Peter, James, John, and Paul, I also think of the lower-level officers like Ananias, Cleopas, Timothy, and others, some of whom were bishops and Seventies.  It thrills me to think that we have men of that very same power and office who lead us today. 
 
When you look at your bishop, you should see an "Ananias" who the Holy Spirit could call to restore someone's sight.  When you have a Seventy at stake conference, imagine that you are listening to Phillip or Timothy, who were companions to the Twelve.  Their messages are being given by the same authority and Spirit.  It's a marvelous thing!

Before I joined the Church or even knew anything about Mormons at all, I had a conversation with my mother.  I had been reading the New Testament and, in particular, the Acts of the Apostles.  I remember asking her, "Wouldn't it be amazing if the Church today was all one like it was back then and had apostles and prophets in it?"  I was really inspired and prepared by reading that.  When I found the Restored Gospel, I understood that it was that same Church. 
 
Miracles happen in the Church, big ones and small ones.  Revelations happen, big ones and small ones.  Healings happen, big ones and small ones.  Every temple built is a revelation.  Every patriarchal blessing given is one.  Every mission call is one.  There are men who hold the keys of the kingdom.  What an amazing thing!  When I read in the New Testament, not only about Peter, James, John, and Paul, I also think of the lower-level officers like Ananias, Cleopas, Timothy, and others, some of whom were bishops and Seventies.  It thrills me to think that we have men of that very same power and office who lead us today. 
 
When you look at your bishop, you should see an "Ananias" who the Holy Spirit could call to restore someone's sight.  When you have a Seventy at stake conference, imagine that you are listening to Phillip or Timothy, who were companions to the Twelve.  Their messages are being given by the same authority and Spirit.  It's a marvelous thing!

Here's an article I wrote for the Examiner that got picked up by Mormon Times, Deseret News, and some other sites.  I think the only surviving version of it now is on this site:
 
http://www.ldsliberty.org/partisans-and-the-saints-choosing-a-side-or-choosing-the-right/
 
Using politics to divide the Church is dangerous.  The Lord will take care of dividing the sheep from the goats.  There are people on the extreme right and left in the Church who have the spirit of apostasy.  Both sides criticize the General Authorities.  The left criticizes them for their stands on same-sex marriage, etc.  The right says that the General Authorities aren't telling us about the "Illuminati" or other conspiracies.  Both of these extremes will take themselves out of the Church eventually.  In the middle, where there are liberals and conservatives who believe and follow the leaders of the Church, they will find common ground and build Zion.  The partisanship and rancor lead us away from Zion.  
 
I figured out a long time ago that the Church thrives in the tension that exists between the two sides.  If either side gained dominance, left or right, it would destroy the Church.  The sectarian Christians already tried to do this in the 19th century. If they held complete political power without opposition, we'd never get approval to build another temple.  They would use their political clout to block the work.  Likewise, if the left had all the power without effective opposition, we'd face similar efforts to hinder the kingdom's progress.  We benefit from the tension between both sides keeping each other at bay so that neither gets a monopoly on power.

Here's an article I wrote for the Examiner that got picked up by Mormon Times, Deseret News, and some other sites.  I think the only surviving version of it now is on this site:
 
http://www.ldsliberty.org/partisans-and-the-saints-choosing-a-side-or-choosing-the-right/
 
Using politics to divide the Church is dangerous.  The Lord will take care of dividing the sheep from the goats.  There are people on the extreme right and left in the Church who have the spirit of apostasy.  Both sides criticize the General Authorities.  The left criticizes them for their stands on same-sex marriage, etc.  The right says that the General Authorities aren't telling us about the "Illuminati" or other conspiracies.  Both of these extremes will take themselves out of the Church eventually.  In the middle, where there are liberals and conservatives who believe and follow the leaders of the Church, they will find common ground and build Zion.  The partisanship and rancor lead us away from Zion.  
 
I figured out a long time ago that the Church thrives in the tension that exists between the two sides.  If either side gained dominance, left or right, it would destroy the Church.  The sectarian Christians already tried to do this in the 19th century. If they held complete political power without opposition, we'd never get approval to build another temple.  They would use their political clout to block the work.  Likewise, if the left had all the power without effective opposition, we'd face similar efforts to hinder the kingdom's progress.  We benefit from the tension between both sides keeping each other at bay so that neither gets a monopoly on power.

Here's an article I wrote for the Examiner that got picked up by Mormon Times, Deseret News, and some other sites.  I think the only surviving version of it now is on this site:
 
http://www.ldsliberty.org/partisans-and-the-saints-choosing-a-side-or-choosing-the-right/
 
Using politics to divide the Church is dangerous.  The Lord will take care of dividing the sheep from the goats.  There are people on the extreme right and left in the Church who have the spirit of apostasy.  Both sides criticize the General Authorities.  The left criticizes them for their stands on same-sex marriage, etc.  The right says that the General Authorities aren't telling us about the "Illuminati" or other conspiracies.  Both of these extremes will take themselves out of the Church eventually.  In the middle, where there are liberals and conservatives who believe and follow the leaders of the Church, they will find common ground and build Zion.  The partisanship and rancor lead us away from Zion.  
 
I figured out a long time ago that the Church thrives in the tension that exists between the two sides.  If either side gained dominance, left or right, it would destroy the Church.  The sectarian Christians already tried to do this in the 19th century. If they held complete political power without opposition, we'd never get approval to build another temple.  They would use their political clout to block the work.  Likewise, if the left had all the power without effective opposition, we'd face similar efforts to hinder the kingdom's progress.  We benefit from the tension between both sides keeping each other at bay so that neither gets a monopoly on power.

Here's an article I wrote for the Examiner that got picked up by Mormon Times, Deseret News, and some other sites.  I think the only surviving version of it now is on this site:
 
http://www.ldsliberty.org/partisans-and-the-saints-choosing-a-side-or-choosing-the-right/
 
Using politics to divide the Church is dangerous.  The Lord will take care of dividing the sheep from the goats.  There are people on the extreme right and left in the Church who have the spirit of apostasy.  Both sides criticize the General Authorities.  The left criticizes them for their stands on same-sex marriage, etc.  The right says that the General Authorities aren't telling us about the "Illuminati" or other conspiracies.  Both of these extremes will take themselves out of the Church eventually.  In the middle, where there are liberals and conservatives who believe and follow the leaders of the Church, they will find common ground and build Zion.  The partisanship and rancor lead us away from Zion.  
 
I figured out a long time ago that the Church thrives in the tension that exists between the two sides.  If either side gained dominance, left or right, it would destroy the Church.  The sectarian Christians already tried to do this in the 19th century. If they held complete political power without opposition, we'd never get approval to build another temple.  They would use their political clout to block the work.  Likewise, if the left had all the power without effective opposition, we'd face similar efforts to hinder the kingdom's progress.  We benefit from the tension between both sides keeping each other at bay so that neither gets a monopoly on power.

I have a radical position when it comes to these issues.  The solution is to preach the Restoration.
 
I think it was President Hinckley who told the story about feeling ineffective as a missionary.  He became discouraged and thought about giving up and going home.  He and his companion were getting a lot of persecution and not having much success.  They decided that they would avoid controversy and contention by preaching from the Bible and just testifying of Christ until they could build a bridge to people of other faith.  
 
When he prayed about the opposition they received and the lack of success, the answer came to him said that he should be preaching the Book of Mormon, testifying of Joseph Smith and the Restoration.  He and his companion returned to doing this and the Spirit infused their mission and they had success.
 
A lot of well-meaning saints seek to join with other denominations to solve the world's problems.  They fail to realize that one of the chief causes of the problems is the world's rejection of the Restoration.  
 
God has imbued the Restoration with everything we need to save the world from its troubles and establish a place of safety and refuge to which the righteous may gather.  There is no power in ecumenism.  Here's what the world needs to discover from us:
The Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith. They told Joseph to "go not after" the other churches; they were all in error. An angel was sent by God to deliver the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith. Heavenly messengers restored the keys of he kingdom to Joseph Smith. Revelation and the keys continue in the Church today. The Church of Jesus Christ is the kingdom of God on the earth today. No one else but latter-day saints can testify of this.  This is the saving message that God committed to our charge.  Of course, we wish for goodwill from other denominations, but they truly have no power to save the world.  The points above are the saving points of unity.  We love others, but our love can't save them if they reject our testimony.  There is no more effective effort that can be made than to preach the gospel.  Letter-writing and road-shows aren't going to cut it. 
 
Here's what history has shown us.  In the 19th century, before secular progressivism began to corrupt the foundations of civilization, the man-made, creed-based churches tried their best to destroy us.  It was they who could not bear the message of a newly called prophet and felt compelled to destroy him.  The Church has thrived in the tenuous balance between liberal secularism and conservative religionists.  If the pendulum swings too far one way or the other, persecution comes upon us from the side that has the temporary advantage.  Today, that pressure is coming primarily from the left.  Previously, it came from the right.
 
Personally, I don't have any faith that joining with other churches will accomplish anything.  However, it buys us time to preach the Restoration and save souls.  The restored kingdom of God is what ultimately saves civilization from total destruction.

One of the reasons I started tracking this was that you can't always tell what the motives for vandalism and arson are when they occur.  Acts of violence happen sometimes because missionaries are in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The elder who was killed in Virginia and his companion just happened to walk up on a drug deal in progress.  
 
Often the motives aren't determined until weeks or months later when investigators complete their work.  By then, the media has usually moved on and you don't hear about it at all.  By tracking many items, you can see regional trends and sometimes you can correlate them to specific anti-Mormon activity.
 
One of the things that anti-Mormonism does is create an environment that tacitly says it's OK to persecute Mormons, treat us unfairly, or attack us with hostility. People would never say the the same kinds of things about Jews, Muslims, or any other minority.  We're the last minority it's OK for politically-correct people can bash.

We don't have "Danites" today, but the Lord did command the Church in Section 123 to gather up all the libelous information published against the Church and preserve it, noting the authors, and publishers in the process.  This "evidence" is to be presented to the heads of governments in a final plea for redress and justice for the persecuted saints.  This will be one of the last steps be done before the Lord judges the nations for their persecution of the Church.  You can be sure that, since the Lord commanded this, that there is some department at Church headquarters that is involved in doing this.  Records are kept and they will be part of "the books" from which the world will be judged.

One of the reasons I started tracking this was that you can't always tell what the motives for vandalism and arson are when they occur.  Acts of violence happen sometimes because missionaries are in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The elder who was killed in Virginia and his companion just happened to walk up on a drug deal in progress.  
 
Often the motives aren't determined until weeks or months later when investigators complete their work.  By then, the media has usually moved on and you don't hear about it at all.  By tracking many items, you can see regional trends and sometimes you can correlate them to specific anti-Mormon activity.
 
One of the things that anti-Mormonism does is create an environment that tacitly says it's OK to persecute Mormons, treat us unfairly, or attack us with hostility. People would never say the the same kinds of things about Jews, Muslims, or any other minority.  We're the last minority it's OK for politically-correct people can bash.

Hi everyone,
 
I'm providing this list just in case it should provide some interesting discussions or as a reference for the future.  When I ran the Society for the Prevention of Anti-Mormonism site, I kept track of anti-Mormon vandalism and violence I found in the media for several years.  I stopped maintaining the list in 2014.  This isn't an exhaustive list, but it is fairly comprehensive.  This list is old and some of the links may not work anymore as the hosting web sites may change their contents over time.  Some of the pictures and videos may not link properly.  If I can't fix them, and if the moderators feel that it's not worth it, I can remove them.  
 
I just think this could be a valuable source.  I will probably post a couple other useful references that I developed in the next few days.  
 
 
20 June 1996
 
Five LDS chapels in Sandy, Utah spray-painted by vandals.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/496854/5-LDS-CHAPELS-IN-SANDY-DEFACED-WITH-SPRAY-PAINT.html
27 May 2001
 
Sandy, Utah
Vandals broke into and damaged a LDS meetinghouse causing over $100,000 in damage. Police said it was the worst case they had ever seen. Vandals smashed light fixtures, glass, sprayed fire extinguishers, and damaged every faucet and toilet, causing flooding throughout the building.
 
http://www.mormonnews.com/010601/D1SandyVandalism01.shtml
26 April 2002
 
Magna, Utah meetinghouse vandalized. Window broken, cleaning materials spilled out around the building. 
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/910270/
24 February 2003
 
Vandals in Orem deface LDS meetinghouse.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/966745/Vandals-in-Orem-deface-an-LDS-meetinghouse.html
31 December 2004
 
Sandy, Utah meetinghouse. "Numerous obscenities and derogatory remarks aimed at homosexuals, blacks and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were spray-painted over the majority of the church's outside walls. There was no vandalism inside the church."
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/600101550/Vandals-scrawl-graffiti-on-LDS-meetinghouse.html
4 January 2006
 
Elder Morgan Young, a Mormon missionary murdered in Chesapeake, Virginia
 
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=145847&nid=148
8 November 2006
 
LDS church in Canyon Rim attacked with graffiti, Molotov cocktail.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/650205249/Church-is-attacked.html
24 April 2007
 
Two teens plead guilty to arson in blaze of Sugar House LDS meetinghouse.  Incident occurred 6 November 2006, 
 
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5737686
 
19 November 2007
 
Mormon meetinghouse burned down by arsonist.  Here's the story about the building being rebuilt.
 
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/local/mesa/mormon_church_rebuilt_10_24_2009
5 April 2008
 
Mormon missionary assaulted in Mesa, Arizona
 
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/233064.php
22 April 2008
 
LDS family's home sprayed with anti-Mormon grafitti
 
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/5723152.html
 
2 May 2008
 
LDS missionary assaulted in Richmond, Virginia, leaving him with a broken jaw.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695275658/LDS-missionary-suffers-broken-jaw.html
14 August 2008
 
Cottonwood, Arizona meetinghouse vandalized. Break-in, spray-painted walls and furniture, destroyed artwork on walls, damaged computers in clerk offices, discharged fire extinguishers.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705323563/Arizona-LDS-church-vandalized.html?linkTrack=rss-44
10 September 2008
 
Arson suspected in fire at the St. Paul Temple (which is actually in Oakdale, Minnesota.)
 
http://wcco.com/crime/arson.mormon.temple.2.814345.html
17 October 2008
 
Mormon elders attacked in Australia. One of them was hospitalized for multiple stab wounds.
 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27210832/
5 November 2008
 
The Meridian web site (www.ldsmag.com) was brought down by a distributed denial of service attack. Meridian often ran articles supporting California Proposition 8.
 
7 November 2008
 
A LDS meetinghouse in Orangevale, California was spray-painted with "No on 8" and "hypocrites."
 
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/479857.aspx
 
8 November 2008
 
LDS meetinghouse in Saint Louis Obispo defaced along with several other Christian churches.
 
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/479857.aspx
 
10 November 2008
 
Five LDS meetinghouses in Layton, Utah had their windows shot out with a BB gun. A crowd of 400 protested in front of the Oakland Temple.
 
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/479857.aspx
 
12 November 2008
 
2500 protesters at the Los Angeles Temple. Some Hispanic women who tried to remove the desecrating signs from the temple grounds were beaten by a mob.
LDS meetinghouse in Sacramento was spray-painted with "No on 8."
 

 
 
http://www.calcatholic.com/mobile/newsArticleMobile.aspx?id=f78a0a5d-afde-4f6b-90f6-5c21123a7f98
 
A Book of Mormon was set afire on the doorstep of a Mormon meetinghouse in Arapahoe, Colorado
 
http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_10964515?source=commented-news
 
14 November 2008
 
Envelopes containing suspicious white powder were received at the Salt Lake and Los Angeles temples of the Church, forcing the sacred edifices to be closed, evacuated, and decontaminated. The FBI was involved with the investigation. It was presumed to be related to the recent Proposition 8 passage.
 
19 November 2008
 
A Syracuse, NY LDS Seminary building was evacuated and police responded with HAZMAT teams in response to a report of a suspicious package received at the building. Police reacted strongly due to earlier reports in the week of white powder in suspicious packages in Utah and California.
 
http://www.abc4.com/mostpopular/story/Suspicious-package-delivered-to-LDS-seminary/qNe7QLWPMEe678SlOmOGZQ.cspx
 
19 November 2008
 
South Park creators announce "Mormon Musical," which ridicules latter-day saints.
 
29 November 2008
Protesters harassed visitors at the Mesa Arizona Temple's annual Christmas decoration lighting.
 
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/11/28/20081128gaymarriage1128.html
1 Feb 2009
 
LDS meetinghouse windows broken, "significantly damaged."  Two arrested.
 
http://www.kidk.com/news/38780982.html
 
17 February 2009
 
LDS and Presbyterian churches vandalized in Oregon
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705285668/Vandals-hit-two-churches-in-Oregon.html
2 April 2009
 
Anti-Mormon protesters disrupt the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant
 
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0407ldsprotest0407.html
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/11/29/20081129B2Story1129.html
 
22 April 2008
 
The Victoria Advocate, reported the vandalism of a Mormon family's home.
 
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/search/archives/?q=vandalism+mormon+family&search_type=archives
15 May 2009
 
 
Suspicious fire in Centerville burns LDS meetinghouse.
 
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=6497677
17 June 2009 
17 June 2009 
 
Las Vegas police investigated a religious-based threat made against local family. The incident included a threatening message written on a driveway, a bomb threat, and anti-Mormon grafitti painted on a street nearby. Police put a nearby school on lockdown while they made their investigation. 
 
http://www.abc4.com/mostpopular/story/Vegas-Police-Anti-Mormon-graffiti-referring-to/KwXu2E21d0CREMIptDGRLQ.cspx
 
11 August 2009 
 
A LDS meetinghouse in Grand Junction, Colorado was vandalized. No apparent anti-Mormon motive.
 
http://cbs4denver.com/crime/Mormon.Church.Grand.2.1124625.html
24 July 2009
 
LDS chapel in Medford, Camden County, New Jersey was vandalized by a retired police officer who, in the throes of an psychological episode, was turned down for a job by an LDS church member. According to the Courier Post Online, former police Sgt. Kurt Levins:
 
"...With a black permanent marker, the 54-year-old defamed an oil painting of Jesus coming out of the heavens, boldly writing a message from 'Lucifer.'"
"Levins -- later determined to be psychotic -- continued down the hall of the red brick church into the chapel room. He defamed a mahogany pulpit on the altar, etching into it a threatening message to Mormon legend Porter Rockwell. Then, he fired nine shots into the back paneling of the altar and left."
http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20110220/NEWS01/102200344/Church-break-in-miraculously-under-wraps
Amazingly, this story was kept out of the press by request of the police department and cooperation from local Mormon leaders.  Levin, who faced up to 10 years incarceration for the charges, received probation with conditions that he be periodically tested to ensure he remained on his medications and prohibits him from owning firearms. 
14 August 2009 
 
Cottonwood, Arizona LDS church vandalized
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705323563/Arizona-LDS-church-vandalized.html
4 September 2009
 
Missionaries in Guyana arrested on immigration charges.  Political motives were suspected because the LDS members were predominantly represented in the opposition party.
 
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7794528
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705327723/LDS-missionaries-released-in-Guyana.html
6 October 2009
 
Two apparently drunk men broke and stole a 30-pound replica of the Book of Mormon off a statue on Temple Square.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705334545/2-men-accused-of-swiping-bronze-Book-of-Mormon-from-Brigham-Young-statue.html
 
9 October 2009
 
Two teens arrested for vandalism of a meetinghouse in Alvin, Texas
 
http://spamlds.ning.com/xn/detail/2015866:Topic:16967
 
12 October 2009
 
Five LDS meetinghouses in Utah had windows broken, rocks with message "Stop spreading your lies, pagans."
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/user/comments/705336281/Police-investigate-church-vandalism.html
16 November 2009
 
Authorities are investigating a case of vandalism of Mormon headstones in a historical cemetery in a Wyoming ghost town.
 
http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/mormon_experience/?id=11695&preview=1
 
28 November 2009
 
Two men shot at a Church dance in Ontario, California. According to the linked source, The men were
"attending a dance at the church when a fight broke out and an unknown number of suspects opened fired outside. Police did not know whether the two men were targeted or were hit randomly. No one has been arrested and the motive for the shooting is under investigation.
 
This one may not be related to anti-Mormonism, but I've learned not to discount it because investigations often turn up surprising facts or sometimes individual incidents are part of a string of related events.
 
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/two-men-shot-and-injured-outside-ontario-church-dance.html
January 2010
 
An LDS family in the vicinity of Sacramento, California (Natomas) had their car vandalized with anti-Mormon messages
 
http://news.yahoo.com/video/local-15749667/17571970
 
18 January 2010
 
A suspicious package was left in the parking lot of an LDS meetinghouse in Menifee, California (between L.A. and San Diego). A police hazardous response team investigated and found a rock wrapped up in a package to appear like an explosive device. Police consider it a malicious prank.
 
http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-01-18/news/suspicious-package-in-menifee-church-parking-lot-was-possible-prank
 
27 January 2010
Man arrested in a month-long hate-crime spree that defaced several churches with anti-Christian and anti-Semitic grafitti. The individual is also a suspect in the setting of a fire at a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Snoqualmie, Washington. The arrested man's family claim the suspect is mentally ill.
19 April 2010
 
Two LDS meetinghouses in Idaho Falls, Idaho were damaged by rocks thrown through plate glass windows on doors and classrooms. The rocks had anti-Mormon slogans like "Read the Bible," "Joseph Smith was a liar," and "Mormonism is false" written on them.
 

 
May 17 2010
 
Police are seeking a man who tried to set fire to the Los Angeles Temple.  According to a KTKA report, the suspect entered the Church property around 10:30 a.m. carrying combustible material in backpack.  The man was monitored on security cameras. He was unable to get inside the locked doors, but a few hours later a suspicious fire broke out in a garden are on the temple grounds.  A picture and description of the suspect is found at the link below:
 
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-mormon-church-fire,0,6360738.story
29 August 2010
 
A Mormon bishop, Clay Sannar, was fatally shot in a Church in Visalia, California on Sunday after services. The suspect, whose name has not been released, entered the Church asking to speak to a Church leader. The suspect shot Bishop Sannar in the foot and dragged him into the foyer and then shot the Bishop in the face, according to witnesses. The suspect, who was not a member of the Church, was found by police and killed after an exchange of gunfire. Police have not established a motive in the killing. Bishop Sannar leaves behind a wife and six sons. Please pray for the Sannar family in this time of grief and bereavement.
See links below for details:
 
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=12203700
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700061255/Mormon-bishop-fatally-shot-in-California-chapel.html
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/29/lay-bishop-mormon-church-killed-calif-office/?test=latestnews
 
Visalia shooter was a former member who turned anti-Mormon.  Stanislaus county court shows in 2000, Ward and his wife both attempted suicide, suffocated their pets, and wrote anti-gay and anti Mormon slurs on their apartment walls. Two years later Ward's mother called police saying her son was acting crazy and threatening to kill people. Then in 2004, ward was arrested for making death threats against a Mormon Church leader and police saying “I'm gonna kill that police chief and lots of cops.”
 
http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/More-Information-About-the-Suspect-Kenneth-Ward/FyLK6ZtSaECQAi_wbI0WmQ.cspx
8 September 2010
 
A West Linn, Oregon police spokesman asked for the public's help to find he vandals who spray-painted anti-Mormon slurs at a new meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sgt. Neil Hennelly said a church maintenance supervisor found graffiti on Aug. 29 against "Mormans." Hennelly says church officials told him they suffered vandalism "10 or 12" times while the meeting house was under construction but never reported it to police.
 
The slurs were accompanied by a spray-painted image of a bong-style marijuana pipe. The police spokesman noted there were long, contentious discussions over city planning and zoning issues. Anti-Mormons organized to block the construction of the building and held it up in the zoning board.  The Church announced its intent to build on the property in 2002.  After a court battle that included two trips to the Oregon Supreme Court,  they returned to West Linn officials in late 2005 with a plan that added land and agreed to add trees and a 6-foot-high brick wall to help muffle noise.
 

 
 
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/anti-mormon-slurs-painted-on-new-or-meeting-house/article/feed/189473#ixzz0z49O2m8h
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 October 2010
 
http://www.kirotv.com/news/25412144/detail.html
 
A LDS meetinghouse in Mukilteo, Washinton was destroyed by a fire. Investigators have determined that the cause was arson. The local authorities and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms are investigating the incident.
 
Update 20 November 2010:
 
Investigators determine that a Molotov cocktail was the cause of ignition of the fire.
 

 
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2013477978_police_molotov_cocktail_ignite.html
23 October 2010
 
Pleasant Grove, Utah LDS church was vandalized and burned by a group of teenagers.  Three boys and one girl, ages 13-14 were seen by witnesses and charged by police.
 
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_7fdb350f-49a2-5b2e-8278-af6d1a5df814.html
30 October 2010
Two LDS meetinghouses burned in Salt Lake City, believed to be arson.  The chapels torched were located at 2702 South Main and 3219 S. 300 East.  Individuals with information are asked to call the South Salt Lake Police at 801-840-4000.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700077570/Two-LDS-meetinghouses-burn-in-South-Salt-Lake.html?pg=1
 
Update: On 26 July 2011, Patrick Ehat pleaded guilty to charges of arson.  The arsonist was sentenced to probation, restitution, and completing a mental health program.  The offender apparently suffers from mental illness, was estranged from his family.  He was formerly a missionary for the Church before he was excommunicated.  Ehat admitted to police investigators that he had a grudge against the Church since his excommunication--that would qualify this as an anti-Mormon church burning.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705388202/Arsonist-who-caused-400K-damage-to-2-Mormon-meetinghouses-gets-probation.html
 
http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-suspect-arrest-in-alleged-church-fires,0,5806771.story
21 December 2010
Mark Eric Bayne, 36, of Salt Lake City, threatened to kill Mormons on his Facebook page, resulting in his arrest.  According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Bayne used his Facebook page" to post a status update on Nov. 26 that referred to Mormons as the 'worst form of humanity' and made threats to 'take at least thirty of their women and children [at the cost of each man] EVER DAY,' the complaint states.  The message continues on to label “primary targets,” whose identities have been redacted from the complaint."
 
The SLTrib web site reports  that Bayne "appeared before U.S. Magistrate Sam Alba on Friday and will next appear in court on Tuesday. He faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted of the charge. Bayne is being held in the Davis County Jail under the custody of U.S. Marshals until his detention hearing next week."
 
 http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50897701-76/bayne-complaint-facebook-threats.html.csp
 
2 February 2011
A LDS meetinghouse was vandalized in Rancho Palos Verdes, authorities reported Tuesday.  This is the third in a series of vandalism/graffiti incidents against non-mainstream Christian churches in the area.  Two other churches vandalized were a Jehovah's Witness kingdom hall and a Seventh-Day Adventist church.
 
Source: http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_17263881
 
14 March 2011
 
Two Mormon churches in Jacksonville, Florida were defaced.  According to the article:
 
"Richard Lee Settle was arrested after his Visa debit card was discovered at the site of one of the desecrations. At the Mormon church at 5100 Firestone Road, there were three scrolls spray-painted in red, blue and black paint and a “suspicious package,” containing tobacco products and the debit card, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported. Graffiti around the building included a Star of David, a question mark, a plus sign, a multiplication sign, the word “dragon,” and a reference to a Biblical verse."
 
A second LDS church at another location was defaced in the exact same manner.  According to the source:
 
"Investigators reported that Settle has been known to target Jewish facilities, Mormon facilities and federal government buildings for about 15 years and has done so in a similar fashion, usually identifying himself as the culprit."
 
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2011-03-13/story/two-jacksonville-mormon-churches-defaced#ixzz1GbqP8r2S
 
18 March 2011
An LDS meetinghouse was vandalized in Orland, California.  Police say it appears to be the work of juveniles and is probably not a hate crime.  Approximately $600 in damages resulted from the vandals discharging a fire extinguisher and trying to start a fire with some religious pamphlets.
 
Source: http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_17642600
13 May 2011
 
Police are investigating the seventh incident, yes SEVENTH, incident of vandalism at the Richlands, Washington temple siince January of this year.  According to the KVEW-TV web site, "Five of the incidents have involved someone throwing rocks or bricks through glass windows or doors.Two of the incidents have involved tires being slashed on vehicles parked at the temple."
 
Source: http://www.kvewtv.com/article/2011/may/13/richland-police-investigate-vandalism-lds-temple/ 
20 July 2011
 
LDS meetinghouse in Cookeville, Tennessee was vandalized with Christian religious graffiti.  A cross was painted on the side of the building with the words "Amen" and "Why? Because he first loved us."  Police are investigating the vandalism.  Members are concerned because of the clear religious overtones of the graffiti.  
 
Source: http://www.newschannel5.com/story/15110513/graffiti-have-some-worried-about-hate-crime
 
Video link: http://www.newschannel5.com/story/15110513/graffiti-have-some-worried-about-hate-crime?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6067352
26 July 2011
 
LDS meetinghouse vandalized in Missoula, Montana vandalized.  A high school across the street was apparently the primary target, but the LDS meetinghouse had some windows broken.  This was probably not related to anti-Mormonism, but we record all instances of vandalism in case a pattern emerges.  
 
Source:  http://www.kaj18.com/news/vandals-hit-big-sky-high-school/
3 December 2011
 
Graffiti at a Mormon meetinghouse in Rowland Heights, California is being investigated at a hate crime . Authorities have not yet released any information about the nature of the crime at this time.  
 
Source: http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_19464698
15 December 2011
 
"Police and fire crews are investigating an arson-caused fire that heavily damaged an LDS Church stake house" in Santaquin, Utah.  
 http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Arson-suspected-in-LDS-church-fire/-r9tlLh3W0-AoyX6LnJpcw.cspx
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705395860/Arson-suspected-in-Mormon-meetinghouse-fire-in-Santaquin.html
 
Update from 7 March 2012: One of the two teens involved, an unnamed 16 year-old, pleaded guilty to arson in court.  A second suspect, age 17,  will stand trial shortly.
 
Sources: 
http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_19464698
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53668409-78/court-juvenile-church-fire.html.csp
 
Update #2:
 
22 March 2012 - The second suspect in the arson incident pleaded guilty to charges.
 
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53771781-78/teen-church-guilty-juvenile.html.csp
23 December 2011
 
LDS meetinghouse in Pocatello, Idaho vandalized.  Police noticed lights on in the building around 6:30 a.m. and investigated, finding a 22 year-old male inside trashing the building.  The man claimed at first to be a custodian, but was later found to have no association with the Church.  The man was taken into custody for a mental health evaluation.
 
http://www.localnews8.com/news/30064816/detail.html
 
4 February 2012
 
LDS meetinghouse, two homes, and several cars were vandalized in Fruitland, Davis County, Utah. The meetinghouse was sprayed with graffiti that read "Psalms 144:1."  The verse says, "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."  One of the homes was sprayed with "Jesus loves me" and the third with unspecified vulgarity.  Police believe this isn't a hate crime, but the work of juveniles.
 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700222232/Police-investigating-vandalism-incidences-in-Davis-County.html
 
14 March 2012
 
Mormon missionaries' car torched in St. George, Utah in incident of arson.
 
http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/03/13/vehicle-arson-in-middleton-leaves-lds-missionaries-puzzle/
 
 
 14 June 2012
 
 Riverside County (California) sheriff’s deputies have arrested two men and two boys suspected of vandalizing a Mormon church Thursday, June 14, in Jurupa Valley.
 
Diego Desantiago and Enrique Gomez, both 18 and of Jurupa Valley, were arrested for investigation of burglary, committing a hate crime and conspiracy, the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
 
http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/riverside/riverside-headlines-index/20120620-jurupa-valley-4-suspects-arrested-in-church-vandalism.ece
 
Follow-up,  31 December 2012:
 
Four police investigators are being awarded the Joseph Sherwood Prize for Combating Hate by the Anti-Defamation League for their work in rapidly solving and making arrests for the 14 June 2012 incident.
 
http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/riverside/riverside-headlines-index/20121231-religion-police-awarded-for-combating-hate-crime.ece
 
 
 29 June 2012
 
Tolleson, Arizona meetinghouse fire determined to be a case of arson.
 
http://www.azfamily.com/news/PD-LDS-church-fire-an-arson-case-161617255.html
 
 
 
3 July 2012
 
LDS meetinghouse in Cedar City, Utah the target of vandalism.
 
http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20120703/NEWS01/307030001/Vandals-tear-up-inside-LDS-church?nclick_check=1
 
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2012/07/01/20120701tolleson-church-fire-national-team-aids.html
 
 
7 October 2012
 
Soda bottle bombs found at a Hagerstown, Maryland LDS chapel.  Police investigated report of 13 soda bottle bombs, described as "chemical-reaction devices."  The bottles contained hydrochloric acid and aluminum foil.  Ten of the items had exploded and the remainder were secured by the fire department.  A neighbor notified police when the devices were spotted.
 
http://articles.herald-mail.com/2012-10-07/news/34310133_1_soda-bottle-bombs-hydrochloric-acid-church-of-jesus-christ
  
12 November 2012
 
Teen jailed for causing $40,000 damages to LDS chapel.  According to The Frontiersman:
 
http://www.frontiersman.com/news/teen-jailed-for-causing-damage-to-lds-ward-building/article_040f911c-2d51-11e2-8b5e-0019bb2963f4.html
 
 
 6 May 2013
 
State and federal authorities investigated a fire at a Mormon meetinghouse in Ogden, Utah.  Cause of the fire was a Molotov cocktail incendiary device thrown into the building.  Damage was limited to the kitchen area of the building where the device had been thrown in a window.  The ATF and FBI are investigating.
 
Source:  http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56270315-78/fire-church-ogden-bureau.html.csp
 
 
13 May 2013
 
Three teens were arrested for torching a LDS chapel in Magna, Utah.  Damage has been estimated at $500,000. No motives were given for the arson.
 
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56302217-78/crews-fire-magna-chapel.html.csp
 
28 May 2013
 
Mormon and Catholic churches were threatened by a self-proclaimed "jihadist" in Fort Collins, Colorado.  According to KDVR.com's web site:
 
“Specific threats” were made against both Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Catholic church, Sgt. Paul Wood said. The suspect, a white male in his early 30s with brown hair and green eyes, has had previous run-ins with police, including one incident in which he claimed to be an arch angel from the Bible.

The man has been known to wear t-shirts around his face to hide his appearance, police said. He has also been seen driving a white Honda coupe spray painted with anti-government and anti-religion slogans.

Police asked anyone who sees the suspect to contact law enforcement.
 
http://kdvr.com/2013/07/28/fort-collins-mormon-catholic-churches-on-guard-after-threats/
 
Coincidentally, the groundbreaking for the Fort Collins temple is scheduled for August 24th.  The temple has been opposed by anti-Mormons in the area.  See the following link for details.
 
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20130727/BUSINESS/307250037/Fort-Collins-LDS-temple-break-ground-Aug-24
 
 19 Aug 2013
 
A Bozeman, Montana LDS meetinghouse was vandalized.  The suspect(s) broke a window, bypassing a locked door, and spray-painted the word "sheep" throughout the interior of the building. Authorities say that there may be a link to vandalism of nearby Baptist and Catholic churches in the area a month ago.
 
http://www.kpax.com/news/mormon-church-in-bozeman-vandalized/#_
 
 
7 Nov 2013
 
Three Chubbock, Idaho LDS meetinghouses were vandalized with anti-Mormon epithets.  Police are investigating the incident, which is similar to another instance of vandalism several months ago.
 
http://www.kpvi.com/content/news/local/story/Police-Vandalism-Technically-a-Hate-Crime-Still/FFZIy63vP0OOx7zuNICZqQ.cspx
 
 
25 Feb 2014
 
Police arrested two men and charged them with burglarizing a Mormon meetinghouse in Schoharie, New York on 1/27/2014.  One suspect wore a devil mask to hide his identity during the crime.  
 
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Troopers-Man-wears-devil-mask-damages-Mormon-5265240.php
 
 
Next???
 
 
 
 
  

(Note: This was an article that was published in the Examiner in 2010 that was written in light of a FBI report on how hate groups operate.  It reveals that anti-Mormons are on the same track as other hate groups and that there are specific benchmarks we should be aware of when monitoring their activities.  It also uses the FBI's recommendations to propose a positive, effective way to deal with individuals who have been influenced by these hate groups.  It provides an insight into how we should deal with anti-Mormons that we encounter.)
 
In the past several years, I have studied anti-Mormonism, not only with the objective of defending my faith against the vicious attacks of these individuals and their organizations, but also with the intent to understand what motivates them. Anti-Mormons generally fall into two broad categories. The first category consists of disaffected members who lost or abandoned their faith and feel resentment or hostility towards the Church and its members. The second category consists of clergy and members of various religions who regard Mormonism as competition or a threat.
 
A friend who works in law enforcement recently sent me a copy of a report on hate groups that was published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. This informative report defines hate into two categories, which neatly align with the two groups of anti-Mormons. The FBI defines the first group as indulging in "rational hate" which is based on unjust acts. The first group of anti-Mormons begin with "rational hate." The term rational doesn't mean that their hate is justified, but instead indicates that the individual feels that he has been personally wronged or dealt with unjustly by the target of his hate. For example, let us consider the unfortunate case of a man who feels like he has been unfairly dealt with by the Church because he has not been permitted to enter the temple because he has not obeyed the principle of tithing. The day comes when his faithful daughter prepares to enter the temple to be married, yet he cannot attend. Although he has known throughout his life that paying tithing was a requirement to enter the temple, when his personal failure to obey this principle finally has a personal consequence, he lashes out and becomes hostile to the Church. He feels he has been the victim of injustice.
 
The report defines irrational hate as "[h]atred of a person based on race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin" (Schafer and Navarro 1). Anti-Mormon sentiments found among practioners of other religions generally fall into this category. Their feelings are based in insecurity. It may be that the message of the restored gospel makes them question the veracity of their own belief systems and the resulting insecurity causes them to overcompensate by redirecting their hostility towards Latter-day Saints and our religion. Although they profess Christian love, they act compulsively toward Mormonism based in an irrational hostility towards us. Sigmund Freud, in Civilization and Its Discontents, wrote, "It is always possible to bind together a considerable number of people in love, so long as there are other people left over to receive the manifestations of their aggressiveness" (107).
 
The FBI experts Schafer and Navarro explained:
 
"Both rational and irrational hate mask personal insecurities. Everyone experiences personal insecurities in varying degrees throughout their lives. The more insecure a person feels, the larger the hate mask. Most people concentrate on the important issues in life, such as earning a living, rearing a family, and achieving personal goals. These pursuits give meaning and value to life. Nonetheless, irrational hate bleeds through day-to-day activities in the form of racial barbs and ethnic humor. Not all insecure people are haters, but all haters are insecure people" (Schafer and Navarro 1).
 
This irrational hate "bleeds through" in Internet discussion groups, social networks, and blogs all across the Internet. Anti-Mormons coordinate and organize themselves into groups, ministries, and parachurches to disseminate their hate. Of late, it has become the vogue expression among them to say that "I'm not anti-Mormon; I'm anti-Mormonism." They seek to make a distinction between hating the person and hating the religion. Nevertheless, if we were to apply this same reasoning to other faiths, such as Judaism, can it be said that the Nazis only hated Judaism, but not the Jews themselves? How ludicrous!
 
Schafer and Navarro outline a seven-stage process in the development of hate groups:
 
1. Group gathers
2. Group defines itself
3. Group disparages the target
4. Taunts target
5. Attacks target without weapons
6. Attacks target with weapons
7. Destroys target (2)
 
The FBI experts focused their study on violent "skinhead" groups throughout their report; however, the same patterns and characteristics they described can be observed in anti-Mormon ministries and parachurches in each step of the seven-stage process. Let's examine and compare them.
 
Step 1 - Gathering
 
The authors stated, "Irrational haters seldom hate alone.They feel compelled, almost driven, to entreat others to hate as they do. Peer validation bolsters a sense of self-worth and, at the same time, prevents introspection, which reveals personal insecurities" (3).
 
One of the characteristics we see among some ex-Mormons and anti-Mormons from evangelical Christian sects is this compulsion and drive to "entreat others to hate as they do." This peer validation gives them justification of the rightness of their quest. In particular, the sectarians are insecure about their own relationship to God. The doctrines of their own religious sects teach them that they should not expect to feel anything as a result of their faith or conversion. All they can hope for is an assurance that comes from the words of scripture that they are saved or that God has accepted their faith. Perhaps their animus towards Mormonism comes as a reaction to the promise that we share, that one can indeed receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost and that is something the believer can feel and know for himself. Perhaps it is a form of envy that drives the sectarian anti-Mormon's insecurity.
 
Step 2 - Defining and Organizing
 
During this step, Schafer and Navarro explain that "[h]ate groups form identities through symbols, rituals, and mythologies, which enhance the members’ status and, at the same time, degrade the object of their hate (4). It is altogether common for anti-Mormons to organize themselves into ministries and parachurches. Many of these are operated by failed ministers who have been rejected by their denominations, who have fake academic credentials, or individuals frustrated with a sense of powerlessness. In this case, these ministries co-opt the message of traditional Christian sects and use their symbols, rituals and "mythologies" to make members of the group feel that they are involved in a noble, righteous endeavor. The presence of these groups is tacitly supported by mainstream churches who hire them to come offer presentations to their congregations, or who purchase videos, pamphlets, and other anti-Mormon media to circulate among their flocks.
 
Step 3 - Disparaging
 
The authors of the FBI report further explain that, "By verbally debasing the object of their hate, haters enhance their self-image, as well as their group status" (4). Verbal criticism of Mormonism among the ranks of Mormon-haters seek to bolster the sense of security the members of the group innately desire. It marginalizes and de-humanizes their target. Certain catch-phrases emerge. "Mormons are a cult." "Mormons believe in a different Jesus." "Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are brothers." There are many such disparaging statements that anti-Mormon groups implant in their members, which then get repeated to the general population. Anti-Mormon hatred could not persist if the haters were to concede that Mormons are Christian believers who study the Bible and seek to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Thus, their mantra must be echoed constantly to bypass any conscious reflection resulting from positive personal contacts with the Church. For example, one Texas parachurch shows the anti-Mormon movie, "The Godmakers" to its youth group every semester to inoculate them from positive contacts with LDS friends in school. This is why you often hear the claim that the haters are "anti-Mormonism, not anti-Mormon" or that they "love the Mormon people, but despise our religion." It assuages any personal guilt that results from hate, yet perpetuates and justifies the enmity underlying it.
 
Step 4 - Taunting
 
Schafer and Navarro observed, "Time cools the fire of hate, thus forcing the hater to look inward. To avoid introspection, haters use ever-increasing degrees of rhetoric and violence to maintain high levels of agitation" (4). Members of the Church, particularly those active in Internet discussion groups have seen this occur. Contact with Latter-day Saints will inevitably lead a reasonable person to re-evaluate or abandon his prejudices and to consider us as fellow believers, whether or not conversion is the result of the contact. When dedicated haters observe this return to reasonableness, they react with increased vehemence.
 
I spent nearly a year in discussions with a group of non-Christians on an Internet forum, exchanging ideas and concepts about our beliefs. Overall, the contacts were amicable with these individuals. During that year, there was a small contingent of "Bible-believing" Christians who were staunchly anti-Mormon. The informal leader of their group was an individual I had seen elsewhere, in other Christian forums, who bullied others of his own faith with his aggressive, domineering use of the Bible to try to establish his personal brand of evangelical Christianity upon these groups. Whenever I managed, through reason and scripture, to achieve a concession or admission that Mormonism might have some scriptural, Biblical underpinnings, although we might disagree on the interpretation of the Bible, the anti-Mormon leader resorted to name-calling, taunting, and personal attacks. (I actually maintained a public log on that forum, cataloging the number of times he called me a hypocrite, an idiot, or a false apostle just to document the pattern of behavior.) He followed the pattern of step four, increasing the hatefulness of his rhetoric and even boasting of his prowess and ability to do violence.
 
We see this escalation in the demonstrations of "street preachers" at LDS General Conferences in Salt Lake City. These individuals engage in verbally abusive behavior to try to incite violent conflict with members of the Church. They often burn copies of the Book of Mormon, deface sacred temple garments, and engage in other provocative behavior.
 
The FBI authors also stated, "One study indicated that a majority of hate crimes occur when the hate target migrates through the hate group’s turf" (4). Mormonism's missionary outreach is often blamed as the cause of and justification for anti-Mormon activity. Anti-Mormons claim that if the Church did not send out missionaries to invade their "territory" or to steal the members of their churches, they would leave us alone. However, history shows this to be false. Persecution of Joseph Smith began almost immediately after he first shared the account of his first vision in 1820 with a Methodist clergyman. The Book of Mormon was not revealed until 1823, it's translation didn't begin until 1827, and the Church itself was not founded until 1830. Anti-Mormonism actually preceded the founding of the Church and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
 
Step 5 - Attack the target without weapons
 
The authors of the FBI report determined that a crucial corner is turned at this point. They wrote, "This stage is critical because it differentiates vocally abusive haters from physically abusive ones. In this stage, hate groups become more aggressive, prowling their turf seeking vulnerable targets. (4) Anti-Mormons frequently use the courts and zoning boards to block and prevent the construction of Mormon temples and meetinghouses. In this process, while using the zoning hearings, anti-Mormon groups blanket neighborhoods and communities near the proposed construction sites with anti-Mormon literature and videos to stoke anti-Mormon sentiment. These efforts result in incidents of vandalism or arson, as we saw occur in Mukilteo, Washington and in West Linn, Oregon in 2010. The spread of hate cannot be controlled. Although members of these groups claim to not be party to incidents of violence, they are responsible for dissemination of a message that tells unstable individuals that violent behavior against Mormons will be tolerated.
 
Step 6 - Attack the Target with Weapons
 
The escalation from verbal (or Internet) taunts, if not impeded by some external influence, eventually escalates to physically violent confrontations. Schafer and Navarro wrote, "Personal contact empowers and fulfills a deep-seated need to have dominance over others" (4). In 2007, an anti-Mormon parachurch distributed nearly 30,000 free anti-Mormon videos on DVD to areas in the United States where Mormons are found in significant numbers. Some 18,000 of those videos were distributed in and around Mesa, Arizona. Incidents of vandalism occurred and eventually incidents of physical assaults on Latter-day Saint members. In general, such instances have been extremely rare since the end of the 19th century. The last lynching of a Mormon was associated with the controversy generated by the election of Mormon apostle B.H. Roberts to the United States Senate. Throughout the 20th century, into the present day, this author credits the influence of liberal activst groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which have acted as a counterweight to the influence of politically-active right-wing Christian groups who are traditionally hostile towards Mormons. Mormonism has benefited from a social stalemate between the secular left and the religious right in the United States for the past century. Erosion of either one of these influences may signal an uptick in anti-Mormon violence.
 
Step 7 - Destroy the Target
 
Schafer and Navarro theorized, "The ultimate goal of haters is to destroy the object of their hate. Mastery over life and death imbues the hater with godlike power and omnipotence, which, in turn, facilitate further acts of violence" (5). Sectarian Christianity has a long, unfortunate history of violent crusades to destroy foes it considers heretical or un-Christian. In the 19th century, both secular and religious leaders sought to destroy Mormonism. The Church survived only by fleeing the bounds of civilization and establishing itself in a desert region in the Intermountain West. Today there is nowhere left where the Church might flee for safety from persecution and anti-Mormonism. Thus, it is necessary for us to examine the roots of anti-Mormon hate and help our members cope with the threat it represents. The FBI report gives us a valuable insight into how to disarm hate groups.
 
Interdiction of anti-Mormon hate
 
The FBI report examines racist "skinhead" groups as an example of the seven stages. It suggests that interdiction must target the root of the hatred: insecurity. The early steps of the seven-stage process all seek to eliminate the possibility of personal reflection. Personal reflection on the insecurities that are at the source of hate can bring an individual to identify and conclude that their actions are irrational and harmful. This can be a challenge, because--as the authors stated:
 
"Hate-motivated skinheads have well-rehearsed answers for questions, such as 'Why do you hate?' 'Can’t you see what you’re doing is wrong?' 'How would you
like it if someone picked on you because of your race?' Skinheads answer smugly; they feel secure as skinheads."
 
Similarly, such questions to anti-Mormons usually receive pat answers provided for them through manipulations of scripture. They claim they don't hate us, but that they love us and want to save us (by destroying our religion). They don't see what they are doing is wrong because it is encouraged by their respected clergy and justified by false Bible interpretations. Meanwhile, they often portray themselves as victims of persecution from secular society. The Society for the Prevention of Anti-Mormonism once documented the activities of an Indian Christian ministry dedicated to informing the world of the very real persecution of Christians in India that also operated anti-Mormon ministries of its own. How ironic!
 
Such questions to anti-Mormons are thus ineffective. To reach the past the conscious barriers to reflection, the FBI researchers sugges that interviewers ask probing questions about family relationships, which are probably the cause of the insecurities. Schafer and Navarro suggested:
 
"Because hate masks personal insecurities, interviewers should temporarily forego questions about why skinheads hate and strive to identify the skinheads’ personal insecurities. Interviewers should begin this probe by asking skinheads about their family relationships, which probably represent the source of the skinhead’s insecurities because a sense of who people are and where they fit in society typically develops within the family structure. Interviewers also should explore skinheads’ future plans, educational goals, and desired employment. This forces skinheads to see themselves as they really are. If forced to look at themselves, skinheads become vulnerable, less resistant to rehabilitation, and, in law enforcement settings, more likely to confess" (6).
 
The idea is that we want to get those who hate us to reflect upon who they are as people and the motives behind their actions. Attempts to do this typically result in protests that we are engaging in ad hominem attacks. This is not so. We are moving away from the contention to examine the source of the contention. Where does the hate come from? Focusing on family relationships makes them realize that they feel vulnerable and that the hate is an attempt to mask feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. Asking about future plans attempts to get the hater to look ahead to where he is going. Does the hater realize that the ultimate end of his actions will lead to violence and harm? How would it affect his career, his family, his future?
 
Taking this personal angle is messy. Sometimes the backlash is increased hostility. In dealing with rational haters, such as those who have left the Church and fight against it, they are often trying to avoid dealing with the hurt feelings and the harm they have caused their loved ones. Their conscience is troubled when they think about their willingness to break sealing relationships to parents, spouse, and children. Nevertheless, it is necessary for them to reflect on the end result of their choices to hate and their compulsive behavior. In the case of irrational haters--those from sectarian Christian backgrounds--I have often challenged them to confront the compulsive nature of their anti-Mormon activities by asking them to test their ability to resist engaging in them for a period of three weeks. Like quitting smoking or some other addictive behavior, it is revealing to the individual when he discovers the power of his compulsion, when he cannot resist it for a period of say, three weeks.
 
The authors explained, "Haters cannot stop hating without exposing their personal insecurities" (2). Personal repentance is the process by which the individual Mormon-hater can confront, confess, and expose his personal insecurities and the actions that come from them. Schafer and Navarro conclude, "Knowing how the hate process works helps interviewers penetrate the hate mask and address the hater’s underlying personal insecurities. If investigators can attenuate these personal insecurities, haters will become more receptive to rehabilitation" (7).
 
When we encounter anti-Mormonism, let me suggest a three-fold process for interdiction of hate.
 
1. See the offender as a child of God who is filled with insecurities that motivate his or her hateful actions.
2. Respond to the false charges, lies, and disinformation with accurate information inasmuch as possible.
3. Take a personal interest in the hater and inquire about his family background, upbringing, and future plans. Help him reflect on what insecurities drive their actions and cause their animosity towards Mormons. This will be difficult because they cannot go forward until they expose their personal insecuriies. There will be resistance, lashing out, personal attacks, etc.
 
Every single instance of anti-Mormonism represents a personal tragedy of some kind. It distances a person from God. It blinds the eyes and binds the heart that the Holy Spirit seeks to touch. Although apologetics sites do much good in presenting correct information about the Church and responding to the deceptions of our adversaries, the process of saving souls is personal, not academic. May the Lord grant us power and faith sufficient to break the bands of sin that bind these individuals and help them see the light of truth. Whether they believe Mormonism is true or not is beside the point. The truth is that Mormonism doesn't deserve to be destroyed any more than any other religion. Let each of us enjoy our rights and worship God as he will. If we preach a positive message, we have no need to be anti-anything.
 
 
Works cited:
 
Schafer, Don A. and Joe Navarro, The Seven Stage Hate Model: The Psychopathology of Hate Groups. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, March 2003, 72:3. Print.
 
Freud, Sigmund, ed. Strachey, James. Civilization and its Discontents. W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. New York, NY, 1961. 107. Print
 

(Note: This was an article that was published in the Examiner in 2010 that was written in light of a FBI report on how hate groups operate.  It reveals that anti-Mormons are on the same track as other hate groups and that there are specific benchmarks we should be aware of when monitoring their activities.  It also uses the FBI's recommendations to propose a positive, effective way to deal with individuals who have been influenced by these hate groups.  It provides an insight into how we should deal with anti-Mormons that we encounter.)
 
In the past several years, I have studied anti-Mormonism, not only with the objective of defending my faith against the vicious attacks of these individuals and their organizations, but also with the intent to understand what motivates them. Anti-Mormons generally fall into two broad categories. The first category consists of disaffected members who lost or abandoned their faith and feel resentment or hostility towards the Church and its members. The second category consists of clergy and members of various religions who regard Mormonism as competition or a threat.
 
A friend who works in law enforcement recently sent me a copy of a report on hate groups that was published in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. This informative report defines hate into two categories, which neatly align with the two groups of anti-Mormons. The FBI defines the first group as indulging in "rational hate" which is based on unjust acts. The first group of anti-Mormons begin with "rational hate." The term rational doesn't mean that their hate is justified, but instead indicates that the individual feels that he has been personally wronged or dealt with unjustly by the target of his hate. For example, let us consider the unfortunate case of a man who feels like he has been unfairly dealt with by the Church because he has not been permitted to enter the temple because he has not obeyed the principle of tithing. The day comes when his faithful daughter prepares to enter the temple to be married, yet he cannot attend. Although he has known throughout his life that paying tithing was a requirement to enter the temple, when his personal failure to obey this principle finally has a personal consequence, he lashes out and becomes hostile to the Church. He feels he has been the victim of injustice.
 
The report defines irrational hate as "[h]atred of a person based on race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin" (Schafer and Navarro 1). Anti-Mormon sentiments found among practioners of other religions generally fall into this category. Their feelings are based in insecurity. It may be that the message of the restored gospel makes them question the veracity of their own belief systems and the resulting insecurity causes them to overcompensate by redirecting their hostility towards Latter-day Saints and our religion. Although they profess Christian love, they act compulsively toward Mormonism based in an irrational hostility towards us. Sigmund Freud, in Civilization and Its Discontents, wrote, "It is always possible to bind together a considerable number of people in love, so long as there are other people left over to receive the manifestations of their aggressiveness" (107).
 
The FBI experts Schafer and Navarro explained:
 
"Both rational and irrational hate mask personal insecurities. Everyone experiences personal insecurities in varying degrees throughout their lives. The more insecure a person feels, the larger the hate mask. Most people concentrate on the important issues in life, such as earning a living, rearing a family, and achieving personal goals. These pursuits give meaning and value to life. Nonetheless, irrational hate bleeds through day-to-day activities in the form of racial barbs and ethnic humor. Not all insecure people are haters, but all haters are insecure people" (Schafer and Navarro 1).
 
This irrational hate "bleeds through" in Internet discussion groups, social networks, and blogs all across the Internet. Anti-Mormons coordinate and organize themselves into groups, ministries, and parachurches to disseminate their hate. Of late, it has become the vogue expression among them to say that "I'm not anti-Mormon; I'm anti-Mormonism." They seek to make a distinction between hating the person and hating the religion. Nevertheless, if we were to apply this same reasoning to other faiths, such as Judaism, can it be said that the Nazis only hated Judaism, but not the Jews themselves? How ludicrous!
 
Schafer and Navarro outline a seven-stage process in the development of hate groups:
 
1. Group gathers
2. Group defines itself
3. Group disparages the target
4. Taunts target
5. Attacks target without weapons
6. Attacks target with weapons
7. Destroys target (2)
 
The FBI experts focused their study on violent "skinhead" groups throughout their report; however, the same patterns and characteristics they described can be observed in anti-Mormon ministries and parachurches in each step of the seven-stage process. Let's examine and compare them.
 
Step 1 - Gathering
 
The authors stated, "Irrational haters seldom hate alone.They feel compelled, almost driven, to entreat others to hate as they do. Peer validation bolsters a sense of self-worth and, at the same time, prevents introspection, which reveals personal insecurities" (3).
 
One of the characteristics we see among some ex-Mormons and anti-Mormons from evangelical Christian sects is this compulsion and drive to "entreat others to hate as they do." This peer validation gives them justification of the rightness of their quest. In particular, the sectarians are insecure about their own relationship to God. The doctrines of their own religious sects teach them that they should not expect to feel anything as a result of their faith or conversion. All they can hope for is an assurance that comes from the words of scripture that they are saved or that God has accepted their faith. Perhaps their animus towards Mormonism comes as a reaction to the promise that we share, that one can indeed receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost and that is something the believer can feel and know for himself. Perhaps it is a form of envy that drives the sectarian anti-Mormon's insecurity.
 
Step 2 - Defining and Organizing
 
During this step, Schafer and Navarro explain that "[h]ate groups form identities through symbols, rituals, and mythologies, which enhance the members’ status and, at the same time, degrade the object of their hate (4). It is altogether common for anti-Mormons to organize themselves into ministries and parachurches. Many of these are operated by failed ministers who have been rejected by their denominations, who have fake academic credentials, or individuals frustrated with a sense of powerlessness. In this case, these ministries co-opt the message of traditional Christian sects and use their symbols, rituals and "mythologies" to make members of the group feel that they are involved in a noble, righteous endeavor. The presence of these groups is tacitly supported by mainstream churches who hire them to come offer presentations to their congregations, or who purchase videos, pamphlets, and other anti-Mormon media to circulate among their flocks.
 
Step 3 - Disparaging
 
The authors of the FBI report further explain that, "By verbally debasing the object of their hate, haters enhance their self-image, as well as their group status" (4). Verbal criticism of Mormonism among the ranks of Mormon-haters seek to bolster the sense of security the members of the group innately desire. It marginalizes and de-humanizes their target. Certain catch-phrases emerge. "Mormons are a cult." "Mormons believe in a different Jesus." "Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are brothers." There are many such disparaging statements that anti-Mormon groups implant in their members, which then get repeated to the general population. Anti-Mormon hatred could not persist if the haters were to concede that Mormons are Christian believers who study the Bible and seek to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Thus, their mantra must be echoed constantly to bypass any conscious reflection resulting from positive personal contacts with the Church. For example, one Texas parachurch shows the anti-Mormon movie, "The Godmakers" to its youth group every semester to inoculate them from positive contacts with LDS friends in school. This is why you often hear the claim that the haters are "anti-Mormonism, not anti-Mormon" or that they "love the Mormon people, but despise our religion." It assuages any personal guilt that results from hate, yet perpetuates and justifies the enmity underlying it.
 
Step 4 - Taunting
 
Schafer and Navarro observed, "Time cools the fire of hate, thus forcing the hater to look inward. To avoid introspection, haters use ever-increasing degrees of rhetoric and violence to maintain high levels of agitation" (4). Members of the Church, particularly those active in Internet discussion groups have seen this occur. Contact with Latter-day Saints will inevitably lead a reasonable person to re-evaluate or abandon his prejudices and to consider us as fellow believers, whether or not conversion is the result of the contact. When dedicated haters observe this return to reasonableness, they react with increased vehemence.
 
I spent nearly a year in discussions with a group of non-Christians on an Internet forum, exchanging ideas and concepts about our beliefs. Overall, the contacts were amicable with these individuals. During that year, there was a small contingent of "Bible-believing" Christians who were staunchly anti-Mormon. The informal leader of their group was an individual I had seen elsewhere, in other Christian forums, who bullied others of his own faith with his aggressive, domineering use of the Bible to try to establish his personal brand of evangelical Christianity upon these groups. Whenever I managed, through reason and scripture, to achieve a concession or admission that Mormonism might have some scriptural, Biblical underpinnings, although we might disagree on the interpretation of the Bible, the anti-Mormon leader resorted to name-calling, taunting, and personal attacks. (I actually maintained a public log on that forum, cataloging the number of times he called me a hypocrite, an idiot, or a false apostle just to document the pattern of behavior.) He followed the pattern of step four, increasing the hatefulness of his rhetoric and even boasting of his prowess and ability to do violence.
 
We see this escalation in the demonstrations of "street preachers" at LDS General Conferences in Salt Lake City. These individuals engage in verbally abusive behavior to try to incite violent conflict with members of the Church. They often burn copies of the Book of Mormon, deface sacred temple garments, and engage in other provocative behavior.
 
The FBI authors also stated, "One study indicated that a majority of hate crimes occur when the hate target migrates through the hate group’s turf" (4). Mormonism's missionary outreach is often blamed as the cause of and justification for anti-Mormon activity. Anti-Mormons claim that if the Church did not send out missionaries to invade their "territory" or to steal the members of their churches, they would leave us alone. However, history shows this to be false. Persecution of Joseph Smith began almost immediately after he first shared the account of his first vision in 1820 with a Methodist clergyman. The Book of Mormon was not revealed until 1823, it's translation didn't begin until 1827, and the Church itself was not founded until 1830. Anti-Mormonism actually preceded the founding of the Church and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
 
Step 5 - Attack the target without weapons
 
The authors of the FBI report determined that a crucial corner is turned at this point. They wrote, "This stage is critical because it differentiates vocally abusive haters from physically abusive ones. In this stage, hate groups become more aggressive, prowling their turf seeking vulnerable targets. (4) Anti-Mormons frequently use the courts and zoning boards to block and prevent the construction of Mormon temples and meetinghouses. In this process, while using the zoning hearings, anti-Mormon groups blanket neighborhoods and communities near the proposed construction sites with anti-Mormon literature and videos to stoke anti-Mormon sentiment. These efforts result in incidents of vandalism or arson, as we saw occur in Mukilteo, Washington and in West Linn, Oregon in 2010. The spread of hate cannot be controlled. Although members of these groups claim to not be party to incidents of violence, they are responsible for dissemination of a message that tells unstable individuals that violent behavior against Mormons will be tolerated.
 
Step 6 - Attack the Target with Weapons
 
The escalation from verbal (or Internet) taunts, if not impeded by some external influence, eventually escalates to physically violent confrontations. Schafer and Navarro wrote, "Personal contact empowers and fulfills a deep-seated need to have dominance over others" (4). In 2007, an anti-Mormon parachurch distributed nearly 30,000 free anti-Mormon videos on DVD to areas in the United States where Mormons are found in significant numbers. Some 18,000 of those videos were distributed in and around Mesa, Arizona. Incidents of vandalism occurred and eventually incidents of physical assaults on Latter-day Saint members. In general, such instances have been extremely rare since the end of the 19th century. The last lynching of a Mormon was associated with the controversy generated by the election of Mormon apostle B.H. Roberts to the United States Senate. Throughout the 20th century, into the present day, this author credits the influence of liberal activst groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which have acted as a counterweight to the influence of politically-active right-wing Christian groups who are traditionally hostile towards Mormons. Mormonism has benefited from a social stalemate between the secular left and the religious right in the United States for the past century. Erosion of either one of these influences may signal an uptick in anti-Mormon violence.
 
Step 7 - Destroy the Target
 
Schafer and Navarro theorized, "The ultimate goal of haters is to destroy the object of their hate. Mastery over life and death imbues the hater with godlike power and omnipotence, which, in turn, facilitate further acts of violence" (5). Sectarian Christianity has a long, unfortunate history of violent crusades to destroy foes it considers heretical or un-Christian. In the 19th century, both secular and religious leaders sought to destroy Mormonism. The Church survived only by fleeing the bounds of civilization and establishing itself in a desert region in the Intermountain West. Today there is nowhere left where the Church might flee for safety from persecution and anti-Mormonism. Thus, it is necessary for us to examine the roots of anti-Mormon hate and help our members cope with the threat it represents. The FBI report gives us a valuable insight into how to disarm hate groups.
 
Interdiction of anti-Mormon hate
 
The FBI report examines racist "skinhead" groups as an example of the seven stages. It suggests that interdiction must target the root of the hatred: insecurity. The early steps of the seven-stage process all seek to eliminate the possibility of personal reflection. Personal reflection on the insecurities that are at the source of hate can bring an individual to identify and conclude that their actions are irrational and harmful. This can be a challenge, because--as the authors stated:
 
"Hate-motivated skinheads have well-rehearsed answers for questions, such as 'Why do you hate?' 'Can’t you see what you’re doing is wrong?' 'How would you
like it if someone picked on you because of your race?' Skinheads answer smugly; they feel secure as skinheads."
 
Similarly, such questions to anti-Mormons usually receive pat answers provided for them through manipulations of scripture. They claim they don't hate us, but that they love us and want to save us (by destroying our religion). They don't see what they are doing is wrong because it is encouraged by their respected clergy and justified by false Bible interpretations. Meanwhile, they often portray themselves as victims of persecution from secular society. The Society for the Prevention of Anti-Mormonism once documented the activities of an Indian Christian ministry dedicated to informing the world of the very real persecution of Christians in India that also operated anti-Mormon ministries of its own. How ironic!
 
Such questions to anti-Mormons are thus ineffective. To reach the past the conscious barriers to reflection, the FBI researchers sugges that interviewers ask probing questions about family relationships, which are probably the cause of the insecurities. Schafer and Navarro suggested:
 
"Because hate masks personal insecurities, interviewers should temporarily forego questions about why skinheads hate and strive to identify the skinheads’ personal insecurities. Interviewers should begin this probe by asking skinheads about their family relationships, which probably represent the source of the skinhead’s insecurities because a sense of who people are and where they fit in society typically develops within the family structure. Interviewers also should explore skinheads’ future plans, educational goals, and desired employment. This forces skinheads to see themselves as they really are. If forced to look at themselves, skinheads become vulnerable, less resistant to rehabilitation, and, in law enforcement settings, more likely to confess" (6).
 
The idea is that we want to get those who hate us to reflect upon who they are as people and the motives behind their actions. Attempts to do this typically result in protests that we are engaging in ad hominem attacks. This is not so. We are moving away from the contention to examine the source of the contention. Where does the hate come from? Focusing on family relationships makes them realize that they feel vulnerable and that the hate is an attempt to mask feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. Asking about future plans attempts to get the hater to look ahead to where he is going. Does the hater realize that the ultimate end of his actions will lead to violence and harm? How would it affect his career, his family, his future?
 
Taking this personal angle is messy. Sometimes the backlash is increased hostility. In dealing with rational haters, such as those who have left the Church and fight against it, they are often trying to avoid dealing with the hurt feelings and the harm they have caused their loved ones. Their conscience is troubled when they think about their willingness to break sealing relationships to parents, spouse, and children. Nevertheless, it is necessary for them to reflect on the end result of their choices to hate and their compulsive behavior. In the case of irrational haters--those from sectarian Christian backgrounds--I have often challenged them to confront the compulsive nature of their anti-Mormon activities by asking them to test their ability to resist engaging in them for a period of three weeks. Like quitting smoking or some other addictive behavior, it is revealing to the individual when he discovers the power of his compulsion, when he cannot resist it for a period of say, three weeks.
 
The authors explained, "Haters cannot stop hating without exposing their personal insecurities" (2). Personal repentance is the process by which the individual Mormon-hater can confront, confess, and expose his personal insecurities and the actions that come from them. Schafer and Navarro conclude, "Knowing how the hate process works helps interviewers penetrate the hate mask and address the hater’s underlying personal insecurities. If investigators can attenuate these personal insecurities, haters will become more receptive to rehabilitation" (7).
 
When we encounter anti-Mormonism, let me suggest a three-fold process for interdiction of hate.
 
1. See the offender as a child of God who is filled with insecurities that motivate his or her hateful actions.
2. Respond to the false charges, lies, and disinformation with accurate information inasmuch as possible.
3. Take a personal interest in the hater and inquire about his family background, upbringing, and future plans. Help him reflect on what insecurities drive their actions and cause their animosity towards Mormons. This will be difficult because they cannot go forward until they expose their personal insecuriies. There will be resistance, lashing out, personal attacks, etc.
 
Every single instance of anti-Mormonism represents a personal tragedy of some kind. It distances a person from God. It blinds the eyes and binds the heart that the Holy Spirit seeks to touch. Although apologetics sites do much good in presenting correct information about the Church and responding to the deceptions of our adversaries, the process of saving souls is personal, not academic. May the Lord grant us power and faith sufficient to break the bands of sin that bind these individuals and help them see the light of truth. Whether they believe Mormonism is true or not is beside the point. The truth is that Mormonism doesn't deserve to be destroyed any more than any other religion. Let each of us enjoy our rights and worship God as he will. If we preach a positive message, we have no need to be anti-anything.
 
 
Works cited:
 
Schafer, Don A. and Joe Navarro, The Seven Stage Hate Model: The Psychopathology of Hate Groups. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, March 2003, 72:3. Print.
 
Freud, Sigmund, ed. Strachey, James. Civilization and its Discontents. W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. New York, NY, 1961. 107. Print
 

As I said in the thread in question, I spent several years running a site that studied anti-Mormonism.  I learned some interesting things about the phenomenon that you might find surprising.
 
We tend to think of them as hostile atheists or wary members of "competing" Christian sects (yes, they regard it as competing for souls).  Sometimes they are former members with an axe to grind--the "left the Church but can't leave it alone types."  However, very few people understand that there is an industry associated with anti-Mormonism.  They actually refer to it as the counter-cult industry.
 
There are approximately 800 "parachurches" or "ministries" that publish, distribute, and disseminate anti-Mormon media in the United States.  Most of these are for-profit enterprises.  Very few of them are associated with Christian denominations. They operate outside the denominational structure and provide "plausible deniability" to the denominations.  The individual churches within the denominations will hire these people to come in and speak or they purchase media (pamphlets, DVDs, etc.) and distribute them to their members.  They also organize protests at temple open houses, dedicatory services, and at LDS pageants.
 
One large megachurch in Texas shows the anti-Mormon film "The Godmakers" every school semester to their youth to "inoculate" from the positive contacts they might have with LDS youth in their schools.  Churches often host "cult awareness" seminars where they present misleading information about the LDS Church and train people specifically how to counter the Spirit that accompanies LDS missionaries.  They teach, "Yes you MAY feel something" from the Mormon elders, but don't trust your feelings.  The person who posted the recent "anti" threads was probably someone who had been to a seminar and learned some specific topics to post and how to approach it in the manner in which he did.
 
One anti-Mormon ministry in Arizona distributed almost 30,000 anti-Mormon DVDs that were cleverly designed with cover art that looked like LDS DVDs published by the Church.  The graphics, fonts, color schemes, intentionally tried to mimic ours.  These DVDs were connected by the police to several instances of anti-Mormon violence that occurred in Arizona.
 
An interesting bit of research I did turned up an interesting connection with this particular Arizona ministry.  I found a web site called African Ex-Mormons for Jesus and I looked up its public Internet WHOIS info.  The address linked it back to this same ministry, through a front business in Canada.
 
There was a huge effort by anti-Mormons near Mukilteo, Washington in October 2010 that led to arson that burned down a LDS meetinghouse.  (See http://www.ksl.com/?sid=12848130).  When the meetinghouse was rebuilt and about to be rededicated, vandals defaced the brand new meetinghouse with graffiti.  
 
Also in the Northwest US in 2010, another LDS meeting house was vandalized in West Linn, Oregon.  There was also an incident in West Linn where the school library was trashed and vandalized.  On the librarian's desk was found a Book of Mormon with a knife stabbed into it.  The librarian was LDS.  I tracked anti-Mormon incidents for several years and watched, as the "Mormon Moment" was growing in the media, so did the incidents of violence against Mormons.  
 
Much of the anti-Mormon fervor in the Northwest was stirred up by a for-profit anti-Mormon ministry in Vancouver.  We researched their "business" and discovered they were operating without a business licence, an expired corporate charter, and their main office was a shabby, run-down apartment in a bad part of town.  These guys pretend to be a not-for-profit and solicit donations.
 
Many anti-Mormons have academic credentials from degree mills.  The only times we confronted these folks is when they tried to make their credentials the basis of their arguments.  I was threatened with lawsuits on a number of times when we exposed their fake masters' degrees in "Biblical Studies."
 
On a couple of occasions, I discovered that Christian anti-Mormons would meet on public forums like Reddit to coordinate with atheist anti-Mormons to attack the Church.  
 
At the end of my work studying the anti-Mormon phenomenon, I was developing evidence to show that there is coordination among these groups to develop an anti-Mormon calendar.  You can track their publications statistically and show that they will release certain topics to the media and to popular Internet forums on a schedule.  For example, in March-April (close to Passover), you'll see the articles about Mormons doing proxy baptisms for Holocaust victims.  In September, they'll bring up the Mountain Meadows Massacre (which also occurred on 9/11--a date they hang onto for effect).  When Nielsen is doing the ratings sweeps, there are always pubs on polygamy.  
 
I could go on and on, but my point is that anti-Mormonism is bigger than you think.  It is not just misinformed people who mean well and want to save us.  They are organized.  They make money doing it.  They organize to dominate discussions on Facebook, Reddit, and comment sections on various blogs.  One anti-Mormon keeps a constant anti thread going on a discussion group that is about mixed martial arts!  Another lady runs an anti-Mormon site that is set up to look like a cooking blog.  Some work together to re-write Wikipedia posts that offer correct info about the Church and change it to false info.  
 
Finally, before I end this long-winded post, Mormon social media sites like this should use Rush Limbaugh's philosophy.  When he was criticized for not allowing critics equal time on his program, he said, "I AM equal time!"  In other words, there's a huge Internet out there.  There are thousands of anti-Mormon groups that are working to pull us down.  They don't need any more free space to post their lies.  When they come here, the mods do a great job shutting them down.  It only takes a 140-character "tweet" to insinuate doubt.  It takes thousands of words to defend the right sometimes.  If they are allowed to overtake a forum, they will run off the faithful who don't desire to have contention be a part of their lives.  The anti-Mormons know this and exploit it.  Sometimes we have to be blunt with them and stand our ground with faith and good humor.  Martin Luther said once, "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.”
 
That advice served me well in the years I studied anti-Mormons and their tactics.

I'm not making any accusations here, because the tone on the replies has bee good so far.  However, I want to issue a caution to the original poster and the respondants. 
 
For several years, I operated a site called the Society for the Prevention of Anti-Mormonism (S.P.A.M.) The site was not an apologetics site in the usual sense.  What we did was study anti-Mormon tactics and their methodology.  The answers to almost every gospel question, like the ones Byron posted are readily available on any number of good LDS sites.  The best site on the planet to get answers to these questions is the Church's main portal, LDS.org.
 
The posting of several topics at once like this is very similar to what we called a "shotgun attack" on the S.P.A.M. web site.  You see these all over the Internet.  There are articles like "50 Questions for Mormons" or "20 Questions Every Mormon Must Answer," etc.  It is very often the case that anti-Mormons will join a discussion forum like this and then try to dominate all the discussions asking questions that either conflict with sectarian doctrines or address esoteric doctrines not essential to salvation.  They will toss out questions, either in a list, or in rapid-fire succession so that it is unlikely that a coherent presentation can be presented.
 
The questions like, "Do Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are brothers?" or "Do Mormons believe they can become gods?" or "Does God live on planet Kolob?" fall into these two categories.  
 
I'm not saying that Byron is anti-Mormon and I'm not judging his motives. I'm just cautioning that this is a tactic that is taught to evangelical Protestants in "anti-cult" seminars hosted by their churches.  It is just exactly that: a tactic.  When they apply the tactic, it is often without sincere intent, or with the sincere intent to instill doubt and contention among faithful Mormons.  In particular, they hope the questions themselves will cause doubt to germinate in the heart of weaker LDS members.  
 
The "shotgun attack" used by anti-Mormons is one technique that Mormons should be aware of and able to identify.  Over the course of several years, we analyzed hundreds of anti-Mormon articles, books, videos, and websites and determined that anti-Mormon attacks fall into one of six tactics. I'll list them here just for information.
 
1. Use of non-authoritative sources and out-of-context quotations
2. Attack the story of the Book of Mormon's origin, not its contents
3. Distort Mormon doctrines by comparing them to the unscriptural teachings of Christian creeds
4. When all else fails, lie!
5. Use slander, personal attacks, and character assassination
6. Accuse your opponent of doing the very thing you are doing
 
Again, I'm not saying Byron is an anti-Mormon, but when I saw several topics posted by a new forum member, whose profile says "Christian," my "Spidey-senses" went active.  This has all the hallmarks of a "shotgun attack."  Hopefully, the OP will participate in respectful discussion by sincerely considering responses with an open mind.  In the end, our position is to seek truth from God, through the Holy Spirit to know the truth of anything.  

I'm not making any accusations here, because the tone on the replies has bee good so far.  However, I want to issue a caution to the original poster and the respondants. 
 
For several years, I operated a site called the Society for the Prevention of Anti-Mormonism (S.P.A.M.) The site was not an apologetics site in the usual sense.  What we did was study anti-Mormon tactics and their methodology.  The answers to almost every gospel question, like the ones Byron posted are readily available on any number of good LDS sites.  The best site on the planet to get answers to these questions is the Church's main portal, LDS.org.
 
The posting of several topics at once like this is very similar to what we called a "shotgun attack" on the S.P.A.M. web site.  You see these all over the Internet.  There are articles like "50 Questions for Mormons" or "20 Questions Every Mormon Must Answer," etc.  It is very often the case that anti-Mormons will join a discussion forum like this and then try to dominate all the discussions asking questions that either conflict with sectarian doctrines or address esoteric doctrines not essential to salvation.  They will toss out questions, either in a list, or in rapid-fire succession so that it is unlikely that a coherent presentation can be presented.
 
The questions like, "Do Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are brothers?" or "Do Mormons believe they can become gods?" or "Does God live on planet Kolob?" fall into these two categories.  
 
I'm not saying that Byron is anti-Mormon and I'm not judging his motives. I'm just cautioning that this is a tactic that is taught to evangelical Protestants in "anti-cult" seminars hosted by their churches.  It is just exactly that: a tactic.  When they apply the tactic, it is often without sincere intent, or with the sincere intent to instill doubt and contention among faithful Mormons.  In particular, they hope the questions themselves will cause doubt to germinate in the heart of weaker LDS members.  
 
The "shotgun attack" used by anti-Mormons is one technique that Mormons should be aware of and able to identify.  Over the course of several years, we analyzed hundreds of anti-Mormon articles, books, videos, and websites and determined that anti-Mormon attacks fall into one of six tactics. I'll list them here just for information.
 
1. Use of non-authoritative sources and out-of-context quotations
2. Attack the story of the Book of Mormon's origin, not its contents
3. Distort Mormon doctrines by comparing them to the unscriptural teachings of Christian creeds
4. When all else fails, lie!
5. Use slander, personal attacks, and character assassination
6. Accuse your opponent of doing the very thing you are doing
 
Again, I'm not saying Byron is an anti-Mormon, but when I saw several topics posted by a new forum member, whose profile says "Christian," my "Spidey-senses" went active.  This has all the hallmarks of a "shotgun attack."  Hopefully, the OP will participate in respectful discussion by sincerely considering responses with an open mind.  In the end, our position is to seek truth from God, through the Holy Spirit to know the truth of anything.  

The mods here are like shepherds who do a good job protecting the flock.  I appreciate their vigilance.

The mods here are like shepherds who do a good job protecting the flock.  I appreciate their vigilance.

The mods here are like shepherds who do a good job protecting the flock.  I appreciate their vigilance.