Dave's Mormon Inquiry

Practical Apologetics: What's Wrong With You?

How do you talk to an Ex-Mormon? Or a less-active Mormon who you bump into at church or a ward activity or the grocery store? Here are some examples of what *not* to say: What's wrong with you? Why don't your religious beliefs agree with mine anymore? What serious sin have you committed that explains your change in belief? This general problem is the topic of a post at Flunking Sainthood titled "An open letter to my Mormon family and friends." The author of the post, an LDS author of some repute, has apparently been on the receiving end of these sorts of intrusive questions. Somehow, despite the best of intentions, Mormons sometimes end up being rude and nosy instead of friendly and supportive. Maybe we just need better conversational skills.

Practical Apologetics: The Doubting Elder

Time for another installment in this occasional series. As reported in the Deseret News, Elder Christofferson delivered a presentation to new mission presidents at the Provo MTC in June. He first discussed the use of the Book of Mormon as a proselyting tool: "[H]ow will your missionaries get people to read the Book of Mormon, and also to pray with real intent about its truthfulness?" Then he recounted a personal conversation he had with a returned missionary who had completed his mission and served well, but had some concerns.