In Theory

Fred Carpenter: Simply put, the sign is inappropriate and offensive.

As its rationale for the sign, the Florida Church on its website states: “What is the reason or message the Church wants to get out with a sign such as that? The message of the truth that there is only one way to God, only one way to salvation, and that is through the blood of Jesus. Through the repenting of your sins and being born again. It is time that all Christians unite, stop being passive and selfish and stand up and fight for the truth.”

Most Christians would not argue with the idea of standing up for their beliefs and fighting for the truth. However, there are right ways and wrong ways to do this. What this church has done is the wrong way. It is one thing to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others in an uplifting manner, and it is another to attack another’s beliefs in a demeaning and inappropriate manner.

In 1842, the Latter-day Saints Church issued a summary of its beliefs in the form of a number of Articles of Faith. One of those Articles reads: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

Following this, LDS church members respect the religious beliefs of others. This does not mean, however, that we should not spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It does mean that we have the responsibility to share it in an appropriate manner.--FRED L. CARPENTER is a bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Reach him at (818) 409-0115.