Yes, if you have seen trolls online, this is probably what they look like! LOL I love this picture because it seems like he just saw an opening discussion and said to himself: "Oh goody!! I found a perfect way to stir up the pot."
Usually, this is a person who has no life and has nothing else to do, but hurt people. What amazes me the most is that they probably wake up early in the morning just waiting to see what someone has posted online so they can say something negative about it or they're probably in bed at night just thinking, "hmm what should I post tomorrow?"
As a Latter-day Saint - I am a "HUGE" magnet when it comes to trolls! It's ridiculous how bad it can get. I'm so amazed how someone is so dedicated to their motives - it's almost scary...
... And then we have Anti-Mormons. Could you tell the difference between the two? No. Not really. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is attacked by quoting from Journal Discourses, Mormon Doctrine, Book of Mormon, Comprehensive History of the Church, or quotes from various other diaries and sources. Then we are challenged to explain that quote or statement. The quote is presented because it gives the required impression even though that may not be a correct interpretation when the context is fully understood.
Parley P. Pratt said: "Why do the Elders of the Church hold their peace, instead of contradicting the various falsehoods, which are published concerning them and their principles? The answer is, it would require a standing army of writers and printers in constant employ; for no sooner are our enemies detected in one falsehood, than a thousand more are put in circulation by them: and there are many who love a lie so much more than the truth, that we are quite willing they should enjoy their strong delusion." (Mormonism Unveiled, 1838)
From its beginnings, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members have been targets of persecution and criticism.
Though sometimes well intended, anti-Mormon publications have often taken the form of invective, falsehood, demeaning caricature, prejudice, and legal harassment, leading to both verbal and physical assault. (Encyclopedia of Mormonism)
In other words, our critics are not very truthful or nice people. This persecution is not unexpected, for the Savior told us:
"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (Luke 6:22-23)
However, like the Apostle Paul, "none of these things move [us], neither count [we our lives] dear unto [ourselves], so that [we] might finish [our] course with joy, and the ministry, which [we] have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)
The validity of Latter-day Saints claims is a question of faith and is a personal issue between an individual and God.
The truthfulness of the claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fall into the realm of faith, and can neither be proven true nor false by human means. One must seek the answers directly from God. Always remember what the Savior taught:
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Matthew 7:15-18)
If you have been troubled by anti-Mormon propaganda and cannot find any answers, ask yourself the following questions:
1) Is the critics presentation of LDS reflective of who we are and how we live our lives? As you ponder LDS beliefs on family, morality, and service, do these things taste good to you? Don't these things make you feel happy and closer to God? Is this not good fruit?
2) What techniques do the critics use? Do they lie, distort, or sensationalize? Is this the type of behavior you would expect from true servants of Jesus Christ? Do these things taste good to you? Do these things leave you with bad ugly feelings? Is this not evil fruit?
Ask yourself - who brings forth the good fruit and who does not?
Click here if video doesn't work: What is an anti-Mormon?
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