"It's strange, but the instant I learned they were LDS, I knew that we would be brothers -- and we were. I like to think that maybe when they learned who I was and what I'd been doing with EFM, they knew they had a friend. And I know they loved me and supported me in a way that's difficult to describe."
I responded as follows:
Dear David,
First of all, congratulations on having the sense to pick such an outstanding wife. I have sent her book as a Christmas present to a daughter. She is obviously generous, hard-working, and talented.
I understand with you the fallen nature of man. As the Book of Mormon puts it, man became "carnal, sensual, and devilish". But still, we are lucky to have a shorthand outlook to know a persons' background and moral compass (if they are following what we know they have been taught.) As mormons, we can know that fellow mormons have been taught to love and serve and try to follow the Savior. We know they have been taught to be chaste, specifically that any sexual relations are to be with ones' legal and lawful spouse. We know that abortion is not an option. We have many other moral positions in common.
I rejoice to stand politically with you and fellow evangelicals who work hard to support traditional family values, freedom, and morality. As you lamented, some of the denominations have chosen other paths. How does one know?
That is one of the beauties of the LDS church. Its' leaders have consistently stood for morality and personal freedom. They have consistently testified that God lives and that Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. One can know that if a mormon takes a position in opposition to traditional family values he does so on his own. Certainly there are nuances. One can, and should, love the sinner, while hating the sin. But a mormon cannot call evil good, or good evil without being against what his church stands for.
I return the thanks. Thank you for your military service. Thank you for your battles in the courts. Thank you for taking the stands that you have taken in EFM for not only religious tolerance, but for actively defending my faith.
Our battles cannot be with fellow believers in Christ, no matter our differences. Our battles are against thrones, and principalities, and powers of darkness. When it comes to fighting evil, CTR and WWJD should be on the same side.
Stan Brimley
