text: I would say 80% of the criticism given to Mormons is just as applicable to the person's religion giving the criticism.\n\nDo you have faith? Because you really HAVE to if you believe in ANY religion. What are you? Likely a Protestant sect, maybe Catholic? Have you seen YOUR history? Gosh--there is dirt everywhere my friend! If you really looked at all that has happened to Christianity since Christ's ascension--it make's Mormon's history look good! Constantine, the Crusades? Oh--perhaps that little habit of burning at the stake for those that spoke against the church? How about a very loooong list of sexual atrocities committed by those in Christian church authority throughout history? (Or even recently i.e. the Catholics) \n\nWhy has God let all of this happen?? It has happened because imperfect people lead churches of imperfect people. In some Christian sects this imperfectness is actually perpetuated. Gosh, paying in advance for sins you want to commit? Who are you really kidding?! You think you or your religion is squeaky clean? Just name it and I'm sure we can round up a nice big list. \n\nThe Mormon religion went through a lot during the period in which it was restored. There was a lot of really awesome things that happened. And yes, a lot of really bad things to counter that. You can't look all the imperfect people that make up a church to pass judgement on it. Ever heard of, "By their fruits ye shall know them"? Look at the Mormon church today. Their beliefs today. The good they do in the world today. It is a church of real people. Real people that have hope that they can improve their lives and maybe even help improve the lives of those around them. \n\nPassing judgement is easy. Trying to understand people is much harder. It's worth it though--give it a try. Here is where you can start: \nhttp://www.mormon.org\nhttp://www.lds.org\nhttp://www.lds.org/newsroom