why me wrote:
I have expressed the same concerns as Moksha on a separate thread. The board will need some moderating as the tempo of posters picks up. Hard to find a balance between critic and LDS but I do know that most LDS will not hang around a board that shows disrepect to the LDS church. However, it is fortunate about the choice of venue between the celestial, terrestial and telestial. Without such differentation, this board would collaspe into a reformed RFM board. And there are some critics who do seem to have a RFM 'hangover'...but still indulge in a sip now and then on this board.
It is unfortunate that "disrespect to the LDS church" can fall under any type of criticism or historical observation.
For some LDS, anything morally related to the behavior of Joseph Smith is offensive to discuss. Which is why some will not ever leave the protection of the mods. on MAD. I haven't seen anything worthy of being called "offensive" discussed here on the Terrestrial board or Celestial. (unsure of Telestial)
I think the critics have been very respectful of things LDS hold sacred. (temple ordinances, Jesus Christ, Christian values and morals)
I find it highly offensive to hear LDS defend polygamy, and other immoral behavior, but I would not leave the board over it or report it to a moderator.
I also find it cruel and offensive to hear LDS mock the pain of those who have left the church or gone inactive. The majority of critics I have seen here did not desire to leave the church and then looked for ways to find fault with it. Yet, we continue to see such accusations by posters that believe it is their fault they don't believe the church is what it claims to be.
Respect is not given to critics, yet they remain participants in disucssion with self righteous LDS who believe they are wicked. They don't whine about it and go running to the mods everytime somebody offends them.
I hope we see more LDS come over like Jason Bourne, and Liz, who can discuss history with honesty. Those are the only type of LDS, IMO, who will ever have an impact on those struggling to make sense of history, and still remain a believer.
MAD is becoming more of a fellowhip board already. (its been boring there the last few months)
I believe many of the LDS on the MAD board enjoy the debate and will find themselves here eventually if they continue to ban so many of the critics.