I know that
the Church isn't perfect. I know a lot about that, despite what some people might think... that all faithful members are just playing along, or don't care about "giant loop holes" or simply are too ignorant and complacent to care about problems or... whatever. Does anyone think I don't know or haven't carefully, prayerfully pondered about blacks and the priesthood? Or polygamy? Or homosexuality? Is there anyone who has left the church or doubts it because of these issues or others like it that can doubt my sincerity because I have not come to the same conclusion as they have? Or that I haven't been intellectually and emotionally honest with myself?
Allow me to at least say that, as I respectfully disagree with those who hate the berate the church, I at least expect the same. I don't claim to know their hearts, and take what they say as face value and the truth as they see it, and expect the same. No claims about lying, or half-truths. Or twisting things, or turning a blind eye... there mustn't be any of that among us here.
Whatever fear or doubt might arise from questioning aspects of the church's history, or doctrine, or practice, it's really nothing like the feeling of overwhelming darkness, fear, and wrongness that I feel from those who hiss forth hatred against the church and it's members.
