There are, sadly, too many boors among all groups–including my own, and–also among all groups–those who make like the “good Samaritan”.

I just hope we can decry the unchristian attitudes and be grateful that the Lord can motivate the Samaritans.

On the other hand, I think we should continue to discuss and debate doctrine. That’s fine! But to negatively judge another individual or to be disparaging because you disagree with his/her doctrine is not in line with Christian ideals, in my opinion. Jesus judges individuals on the basis of who they are first and foremost, I believe. Certainly our doctrine can contribute to who we are, but a person who believes things that aren’t true doesn’t make them any less good (Santa Claus comes to mind).

You hit the nail on the head. As I said before I was raised by an Evangelical pastor who served faithfully for many years (He’s probably considered a moderate theologically although he would be found to agree with the so-called “fundamentals” of the faith) and I cannot imagine him ever acting in a way that ran contrary to the “do unto others” command of Jesus.

I too believe that Evangelicals are trying to be good Christians and follow Jesus faithfully - I have nothing against Evangelicalism per se but I do find extreme fundamentalism (of any brand) to be beneath the true values of a faithful life. The pastor in the story would fit my understanding of extremism…

In any case I would hope that people would first judge me (or anyone or any institution) on my character and not on what church, religion or political group in which I hold membership…and of course I will do the same

No, the moral of the post is, “Do unto others,” even if those others are “enemies.”

I know for a fact that most Evangelicals are (or at least try to be) true Christians–in every sense of the word. My inlaws are two of them. They have been very helpful to me and my wife, even though they are less-than-totally sympathetic to our theology. Moreover, I have defended Evangelical Christianity in general and Evangelicals in particular when fellow Latter-day Saints were out of line.

I disagree, though, that the minister should have been publicly charged–especially not at this late date. The boy’s family and friends have suffered enough with the death of their son, plus the pastor’s deeds. I would hope, though, that the minister’s staff would have “intreat[ed] him as a father” [I Timothy 5:1]. I would certainly have done so, if it were my bishop who did something like that.

The ethical thing to do would be to graciously accept the gift, expressing gratitude that God would move those of other faiths to ask themselves “what would Jesus do?”

The Saviour certainly had no objection to the Jew accepting the Samaritan’s help [Luke 10:33-37]!

I think we can all agree that those who protest LDS meetings and temples represent a small fraction of Christians

Agreed. The one thing I could wish for is a little more overt condemnation of such behavior from Christian groups. There’s many Christian groups who don’t picket Temple Square or the Hill Cumorah pagent, but who don’t say anything against those who do either.

Yet, I bet if their fellow Christians were out picketing a synagogue, those other churches wouldn’t hesitate to decry the actions.

I’ve always appreciated “Standing Together” Mininstry’s willingness to call bigotry for what it was, despite major theological differences with us.

Chad- yes, that kind of behavior along with seeing precious time that could be spent teaching about Christ used instead for classes that teach misinformation about the LDS church is the most difficult of all to understand.

I’m glad that you have had great experiences with Mormons. There’s a story in our local paper today written by a man whose wife is a local pastor. They were both raised in Utah and had some hurt feelings, but this man wrote a really nice story about President Hinckley and his outreach towards others, and how it has had a great effect on his family. In fact his wife was asked to be the grand marshall for the Pioneer Day parade here recently because of some interfaith experiences and service.

I cannot think of a time however where I saw crowds of Mormons protesting outside my church during an Easter play or something similar - there is a sense of disgust among certain kinds of Christians when it comes to members of other faiths, be they Mormons or Muslims or JW’s what have you.