Why Are Our Critics Allowed To Speak For Us?
The Washington Post recently ran a story by respected religion reporter Michelle Boorstein about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The article is a rehash of stories regarding the Church’s finances while adding details about the personal lives of those who’ve made accusations against the Church. The article describes one as “Mormon royalty” and the other as having “strong LDS bona fides.”
The author quotes John Dehlin, a former member and frequent critic of the Church, as well as regular critic Sam Brunson. The only space she gives to voices on the other side is the official church spokesman and an area authority seventy.
Who she doesn’t quote or interview are everyday Latter-day Saints in good standing like us who love and support the Church. Rather, our positions are guessed at or implied by the others quoted. Dehlin claims he knows that the Church’s supporters believe the claims are credible; Brunson says that members are no longer “giving the Church the benefit of the doubt,” and Huntsman says that his lawsuit isn’t for him but for remaining members of the Church.
To read the entire article: Public Square Magazine