In a nutshell, I’m fed up with the narrow minds of all those so called Christians who seem to relish ripping the Mormon faith. I am not a Mormon but I seriously doubt that any of you really know what you speak of.

Let’s start with the premise of a little thing called freedom of worship. You know, that subject that sent a bunch of folks to our shores in a lil’ ol’ boat called the Mayflower. Since then, religion has been able to flourish without fear of reprisal from any government entity and we now have somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 variations active in this country.

However, for some reason, the so called Christian Community seems to relish attacking the Mormon faith on some pretext that they have a greater understanding and better interpretation of the Scriptures than those practicing the Mormon faith. Really? Do mortal men truly and completely understand the Scriptures in the manner they may have been intended to be read?

How about all those old guys at the Council of Trent who sorted through the writings of the disciples and prophets and picked out what they thought was best for the world and put together what we now call “The Bible?” Were they all wrong or was it they were very wise men doing God’s work? Either way, they appeared to select that which they “interpreted” to be best suited for mankind.

So you see, the many interpretations of that wonderful book gave rise to many variations as to how it is to be read and how one is to worship the Almighty. As such, who among you has been anointed to determine which interpretation of God’s Word is the only true one? Methinks none of you.

During my career, I found it necessary to gain a better understanding of some of the mainstream religions I had not previously encountered. Among them was the Mormon faith. I read the Book of Mormon, listened to their tapes, watched their videos and spent time with several of their church officials.

Even though I never embraced their faith, I discovered a much better understanding and respect for the Mormon faith and those who live it. My question now is just how many of you have really taken the time to do the same?

So far, all I have read are innuendos, half truths and what appears to be a lot of narrow minded hypocrisy. One should always believe in their faith but desist in attacking others simply because they may be, in your eyes and for whatever reason, “different” from you.

I know the ink will be flying if this is printed but I assure you, none of you will ever convince me of anyone’s right to put down another because they choose to worship God in a different manner. After all, doesn’t the Bible say something along the lines of “Judge not lest ye be judged?”

I would also note that I have yet to see any letters to the editor from any Mormon attacking or condemning anyone’s faith or manner of worship. Hmmm? Is it possible they may know something some of you seemed to have missed in your letters — you know, like love, charity, respect of others rights?

JIM BALLEW

Coeur d’Alene