Kirby rules [Politics/Religion]

[Uisce Beatha]

Man, if only I could get a few dozen people I know to read and contemplate this.  On both sides of the equation mind you.

http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_7781982

[stroh]

I'll have to read it later.  We're taking off in a bit.  And contemplation?  *fudge*, I won't be drunk for hours yet.

[spacey]

If Kirby ran for governor, I'd quit my day job to work for his campaign.

[Aske]

get a brain, mormans!

[campy]

Pretty good article, I've always found Kirby's column very entertaining.  I'll agree with you that both sides of the coin can probably benefit from the advice given.  I myself have become extremely prejudiced of the LDS in that I find myself painting all Mormons with same brush based on a few bad experiences I have had at work with the real staunch Mormons. 

It's kind of funny, but I also work with quite a few "semi-jack" Mormons, who though they are still active in the church, curse, have the occasional cup of coffee, and avoid religious discussion of any sort.  What's funny (actually sad) is that I have this weird admiration for these folks, like they are somehow sticking it to the man, like they have the capacity to allow me to convert them to the dark side.

This kind of thinking, though 180, is exactly what I despise of the LDS, and if I contemplate it long enough, I see I am just as shallow and unaccepting as the folks I proclaim to detest.  Perhaps if I had some LDS friends outside of work, I may see things a little differently, but truth be told, I just do not see that happening and I really can't tell you why.

[birdymaker]

at first glance i thought it said "morons".

[PaunchyBald]

I never knew that non-Mormons were considered 'gentiles'.  Hell, that is the first time I've been called a gentile by a non-Jew. 

I'm guessing that the Mormon folk are insular?  Is xenophobic too strong a word? 

[Uisce Beatha]

I never knew that non-Mormons were considered 'gentiles'.  Hell, that is the first time I've been called a gentile by a non-Jew. 

I'm guessing that the Mormon folk are insular?  Is xenophobic too strong a word? 

As with any large group there's quite a range but, yes, it can be pretty ridiculous at times.  Around here I'd say over half the people have REALLY strong feelings one way or another.  They might be Mormon and have absolutely no use for people that think differently.  Or they might be "gentiles" and hold a visceral hate for Mormons.  It's a bit crazy. 

BTW, it's pretty much a Utah phenomenon (maybe a bit in Idaho too).  I've actually BEEN a Mormon outside the state and outside the country.  Completely different.  They know how to live among the unbelievers.

One of my best friends married a girl from Denver.  They went to BYU together.  Within months of graduating they moved to Phoenix.  She couldn't understand some of the people in her ward/circle who had zero tolerance for anyone else.  Another friend (actually the first friend's best friend growing up) can't stand Mormons and basically won't speak to them beyond "hello".  And he's a really nice guy otherwise. 

Hell, you don't need my stories.  Just read the comments under that article.   

[stroh]

You know what?  I'll just be honest.  After seeing a bunch of people posting big paragraphs about it, I'm not gonna read it.

[JDerion]

I have no idea of the religion of any of my neighbors. I don't know the religion of any of my coworkers either, except for the ones who take the Jewish holidays off.

Sounds like it's better that way.