Originally posted by TheOliveBranch:
BB </font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />If you can’t talk nicely without making everything a hostile argument then it is better not to talk to them at all. I certainly hope that you are nicer to them than your brothers and sisters in Christ here.
Remember, the Lord hold you accountable for the way you treat them. Hostility only hardens the heart of true believers in a false gospel. They have every reason in their world to ignore what you have to say. Don’t make it easy for them to shut out the gospel message forever. If you are a bad witness because of your hostility, you bear some of the blame if they reject the gospel.
(pardon the shouting)
THIS OPPORTUNITY IS MUCH TOO IMPORTANT TO PLAY RELIGIOUS GAMES OR TRY TO WIN AN ARGUMENT. THEY WILL NOT BE WON BY AN INTELLECTUAL VICTORY, THEY WILL BE WON BY THE GENTLE APPLICATION OF TRUTH, YOUR GENUINE CHRISTIAN CONCERN FOR THEM, AND THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I just read this post. I guess you just don't know Justified or you would never have said this.</font>[/QUOTE]You are correct. I do not know him. I only know him by what he posts. In the same way, I don't think anyone here really understands my point of view on many things but I've already been mistakenly pegged as a "liberal". I think we all have a ways to go in understanding each other.
In context, I posted this message (the part in caps) because there were a bunch of posts preceding it who sounded like they wanted you to have an extremely aggressive face-off with the Mormons instead of getting to know them and working through their beliefs with them carefully and Biblically. In the case of Mormon missionaries, the chances of making spiritual headway with them is almost nil (unless the Lord does a miracle) unless you carefully exchange their lies for truth. It is far too easy to drive them into atheism or farther into Mormonism through hyper-aggressive techniques. There is a time for pressing the point, but they have to have a foundation of truth first or you simply push them farther back into the quicksand of Mormon doctrine.
I wanted to make sure that he kept that perspective.
As for the comment that he should be nicer to the Mormons than he is to his Christian brothers and sisters here, I am referring specifically to his tendency to paint "liberals" or those he disagrees with in such broad terms that he slanders them. Consider his sigs to everyone of his recent posts -- "Better to stand for conservatism than to fall for liberalism" or worse, the current one ”Conservatives- Theology dictates morality/Liberals- morality dictates Theology”. That kind of broad brush characterization will get you nowhere with Mormons (or anyone else who disagrees with you).
He came to you for advice, which he is greatful for your taking the time to give the info. We never condone an unsaved persons belief, we desire to see them saved. Most people will think you condone their beliefs if you don't tell them this.
I may have not expressed myself clearly enough on this point. I believe you should always let them know that you disagree with them whenever you do (most of the time), but you should look for places where there is agreement (it's rare, but Mormons aren't always orthodox to their faith and often they've picked up some Christian truth in spite of themselves).
I am truly sorry if I came across in an ugly fashion. I do not dislike your husband, but he does twist my tail now and then. I think the offensive message came from me in mid-twist.
Are you still willing to help us, if needed? If not, I know of other sources to go to.
I will be delighted to partner with you in this ministry. I have already been praying and will help in any way I can.
I hate to say this but sometimes it is better to just say no to them and leave it at that. I know that sounds really cruel and very un- christian like but sometimes it is best! 
