For once, I don't agree with Jerry. I think the only divide that exists now, or ever did is simply a function of where individuals choose to stand and how they choose to act. I think now, 30 years ago (when I was a student at "the U") and a hundred years ago there were people standing on opposite hills shouting and ridiculing but there were also people of all sorts down in the valley building trails, bridges, and highways and behaving neighborly. I think the only thing that changes over time is the relative proportion of people in the various "camps." I'm not sure I have an opinion of how 30 years ago compares to now, but I'm sure the difference can be overcome in a day on an individual basis. For my part I've always been a neighborly builder but have suffered many blows to the cheek. My worst response has been to occasionally slip up and glare at the person as I turn my head to present the other cheek. Often those looking on focused on the glare rather than the blow. Oh well, we can only do what we can.

Matthew,

You are so much more righteous than the rest of us. We are truly blessed to have one of your spiritual stature amongst us.

thank you for condescending among us mortals to share your amazing spirituality and strength!

What would we do without you?

I think Jerry Johnston would be happy if all Mormons became Unitarians. Let's all join hands, sing hymns together and celebrate our diversity.

Apparently a mature Mormon is one that reaches out to other religions, goes green, or even performs in other churches.

Hold on anonymous. There's room for Matthew's experience, Jerry's experience, and even your experience. Maybe, 30 years ago, Matthew was already where you're still struggling to get. It's not the speed that matters. It's the direction. It's not a race. It's a matter of becoming.

Perhaps he does have spirituality and strength, Anonymous. And why is that something to condem? I don't read anywhere where he is putting himself on a pedestal and proclaining he is better than you. I will take any good spiritual person of any religion over one who trashes another. What's with the trash talk?

So Jerry's one of the righteous few who have labored to "bridge the gap" between Mormons and...those of different faiths. If only I were that good.

What Jerry fails to point out, though I'm sure the handful of you who read his self-serving article can easily see, is that this "bridging" is done by putting aside our moral compass, God's commandments, and doctrine and accepting the many philosophies that are tossed about as being just as good. You have to denounce the idea of Jesus being the only true way to salvation, and embrace Buddha, Krishna, etc.

The fundamental flaw in Jerry's Unitarian views is that they have no foundation in truth. If his positions on gay marriage, going "green," allowing liquor sales on Sunday, etc. were paramount to our "getting along," then there is no need for Christ or Joseph Smith. Just follow the crowd.

Jerry reminds me more of a pre-conversion Zeezrom than any Joan of Arc. He doesn't have the fortitude to stand for truth or right, unlike those I know who are "long in the tooth."

Only one who is arrogantly self-righteous cannot see how Matthew is putting himself on a pedestal.

I guess it takes one to know one. That must be why self-conceited arrogance is one of the most common perceptions of Mormons.

Keep it up, you are certainly making yourselves into a peculiar people!

WOW! The arrogance is coming from you, not the other way around. Get over yourself.
RL

How very Christlike of you.

Proof of what Mormonism really does for people: makes them contentious, arrogant, and condemning of others.

Sounds like a cult to me.

To "You should talk!"

No, I am not being very Christlike. But then I don't claim to be like Jesus, nor do I aspire to be like Jesus. That is the Mormon claim, and beyond its blasphemy is the horrible reality that Mormons are NOT EVEN CLOSE to being Christlike. You prove that over and over all the time!

When I was growing up I discovered that Christians were not Mormons. Mormons told me so. Today, Mormons are trying to be like Christians but the Christians are having none of it.

Odd... we must be going in a circle or something.

I do not see Mormons as Christians, and vice versa. If you study both you know that oil and water are not the same. Hmmmmmmm.