It is a phenomenon -- this anti behavior. I feel somewhat baffled by it in any circumstance or sphere not just when it happens against my church.
Having said that, I think it is important to note that any truth is like a two edged sword. It will divide in absolute clarity. We are a peaceful church, but a threatening one to some. We challenge many beliefs and on top of that we aren't easy to squash as many would have liked to see in our earliest history. And because religion is such a personal thing, our emotions often over-rule our heads. I think of Martin Luther and how he was treated when he questioned the establishment. Joseph Smith, if nothing else, did absolutely challenge the establishment of Christianity at its very core. Such things aren't brushed off lightly. He must have hit a nerve. Such polarization begs the question, who is right and who is wrong? And of course, no one likes to be wrong. And so, we sometimes and sadly fight to the death so we don't have to be.
Humans! We are funny creatures, aren't we? A jumble of reason and passion and prone to much needless hysteria.
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