Anti-Mormon protesters at the
October 2010 LDS General Conference
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has attracted critics from its earliest days. These pictures provide a small glimpse at the efforts of some critics of the Church. These pictures were taken by Allen Wyatt, October 2-3, 2010, in Salt Lake City, during an LDS General Conference. Protesters positioned themselves around Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, with most of them along North Temple Street, between Temple Square and the Conference Center. This picture shows an example of what the protesters look like, at just one corner around Temple Square.
Under each picture you will find some comments by members of FAIR, as well as some links that provide additional information that explain the sensationalistic claims of the protesters.
The pictures provided here focus on the messages of the protesters. While the methods of the protesters (waving signs, yelling, and otherwise being obnoxious) may be unattractive, the messages of many of the signs can be readily agreed with by many LDS. (Not all signs, but many.) That the protesters would believe that the LDS don’t agree with their message is troubling to many, and it shows a profound misunderstand of LDS beliefs on the part of those protesting.
We allow all people to worship who, where, or what they may—and trust the reader can determine if picketing during worship services is Christian behavior.
LDS agree that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, and that He takes away the sins of the world.
Do Mormons Worship Jesus Christ?
A common theme presented by anti-Mormons is that we are somehow not Christian.
Are Mormons Christian?
Jesus taught wisely when He said we should beware of false teachers.
These protesters believe that LDS prophets are false teachers.
What Do Mormons Believe About Prophets?
Latter-day Saints agree that everyone who will not accept the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ will suffer spiritual death.
What Do Mormons Think of Christ?
Latter-day Saints agree that those who sin will be judged and found
wanting—unless they have faith in Jesus Christ and repent. They
believe that true disciples of Christ must strive to keep his commandments.
The Need for Repentance
Why We Follow Commandments
It is true that Jesus spoke against hypocrisy. Jesus also commanded His followers
not to seek to judge the hearts of others (Matt 7:1-5; Luke 6:37), and cautioned,
“Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then thou shalt see
clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Latter-day Saints believe that
only God has the right to judge the sincerity of another’s religious faith. They also
believe that there are good people doing God’s work in every religion and belief system.
How Do We Feel about those Who Are Not LDS?
Mormons also preach the message of Jesus Christ, the Lord. We believe that without
Him, there is no salvation, there is no hope, there is no return to God.
Do Mormons Worship Jesus Christ?
Latter-day Saints believe the Bible. Perhaps this protester seems to believe that his
reading of the Bible is the only one that is possible. It is interesting that
English-speaking Mormons actually use the King James Version of the bible as
their official version.
What Do Mormons Think about the Bible?
Latter-day Saints believe and treasure the Bible. Latter-day Saints have not “outgrown”
the Bible, anymore than Christians believe they have “outgrown” the Jewish Bible (the Old
Testament) because they have learned more about God’s purposes in the New Testament.
What Do Mormons Think about the Bible?
