|
|
| (35 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | {{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}}
| + | #REDIRECT [[Criticism of Mormonism/Websites/MormonThink]] |
| − | __NOTOC__
| |
| − | {{FAIRAnalysisHeader
| |
| − | |title=[[../|MormonThink]]
| |
| − | |author=Anonymous
| |
| − | |noauthor=
| |
| − | |section=Recent press about MormonThink managing editor David Twede
| |
| − | |previous=
| |
| − | |next=[[../Overview|Overview]]
| |
| − | |notes=
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | =={{Subarticles label}}==
| |
| − | {{SummaryItem
| |
| − | |link=Criticism of Mormonism/Websites/MormonThink/Media efforts by MormonThink editor David Twede/David Twede in his own words
| |
| − | |subject= David Twede in his own words
| |
| − | |summary=MormonThink editor David Twede has made several claims in the media that are difficult to reconcile with his public statements on his blog and on Internet message boards. In his effort to manipulate the media and harm the Church, David Twede and Steve Benson attempted to craft a narrative in which Twede was the bewildered victim of persecution by the Church for his anti-Romney views. But, a review of Twede's statements make it clear that he knew that his true purpose--weakening the Church and leading its members into doubt--would be grounds for Church discipline if his identity was known.
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==Events related to the recent media coverage about MormonThink managing editor David Twede==
| |
| − | {{Epigraph|Twede, 47, was first noted last week in ex-Mormon online forums and subsequently in a Daily Beast article, where he said his criticisms of the church's political history and comments about how the church may influence Romney, led to a church investigation of him. But Twede later told the Salt Lake Tribune that his writings about Romney were never brought up in his meeting with Orlando church leaders. Afterwards, Twede wrote a post on his blog saying he felt "in my gut" that his political writings were part of what got him into trouble. Separately, he also wrote that he understood "some of what I wrote in my blog may have treated the church unfairly." Twede, who has acknowledged in articles that he attends church only sparingly, did not respond to a request for an interview Thursday.<br>Jaweed Kaleem, "David Twede, Mormon Blogger And Romney Critic Threatened With Excommunication, Will Have To Wait To Hear Fate," ''Huffington Post'', September 27, 2012 {{link|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/david-twede-mormon-blogger-excommuncation_n_1920614.html}}
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | {{Epigraph|The same black and white thinking that most mormons have in the church leads them to see anyone who challenges mormonism at all as an anti-mormon. To them, the only way you can be an exmormon is to leave and never ever speak negatively or contrary to revealed word. Even fully active mormons who dare challenge their prophet are anti-mormon. That is, of course, unless they write for FAIR or FARMS.<br>—Posted by "Jesus Smith" on ''Postmormon.org'', February 3, 2012.
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | {{Epigraph|BTW, I am cryophil. But keep that a secret please. ;-) If any of you can add to the MADB discussion, my alter ego would appreciate the assistance. I've posted several more times today...<br>—Posted by "Jesus Smith" on ''Postmormon.org'', October 26, 2011
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | {{Epigraph|Interesting, when all else fails, don't try to discuss the real issue, ad hominem me--I'm just a black and white person. Here's where the B&W [black and white] thinking comes from Moroni 10:3-5. The truth of all things comes from the Holy Ghost. But not a single person from the top leadership down can actually yield an answer as to how that's consistently, unambiguously recognized<br>—Posted by "cryophil" on lds.net (a pro-Mormon forum) on April 26, 2012.
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | {{Epigraph|So I ask, are visitors welcome? If we don't wear black-n-white or stripes, or quiet flowered dresses will we be in the council's gun-sights? If we dare bring up both viewpoints on an obviously controversial point of doctrine or history are we heretics just for using standard, well acceptable discussion protocol? Is it really more enlightening and polite to ignore facts that may alter the outcome of the discussion, just to spare the institution embarrassment?<br>Posted by David Twede on "A Paisley Perestroika
| |
| − | Formerly: Prozacville -- Turning black-n-white minds into colorful paisley," October 2, 2012.
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | {{parabreak}}
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===The "starlight012" affair===
| |
| − | The name "David Twede" and his involvement as managing editor of MormonThink was unknown to FAIR until a poster on the "lds.net" message board using the name "starlight012" wrote the following message on August 23, 2012,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Hi, I am new to the forum. I want help. There is a member who is posting anti-mormon information and claiming to be a member in good standing. I know him, his name and want his leaders to encourage him to stop. What do I do? it's an article at that mormon think website.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Shortly thereafter, "starlight012" passed the following messages to a member of FAIR,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Can this man get reported to his bishop?...I know him. That's why I posted the first time a few weeks ago. I know the photo on his profile at the mormonthink site and enough of his history (living in Ann Arbor, etc) that I am sure. His name is David Twede. I don't know what ward he's in, but he mentions Florida. Thanks! {{link|url=http://www.lds.net/forums/advice-board/48374-report-bad-member.html#post693107}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | On September 20, 2012, David Twede attempted to post his intent to create a media stir about his pending discipline to a number of online forums. He posted the following on "Postmormon.org" on September 20,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I have simultaneously posted to MormonDiscussions, RfM, StayLDS, Postmormon and LDS.NET forums, for completeness. However, LDSNET took it down immediately.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | The reason that lds.net "took it down immediately" is that Twede created a new account under his own name, and the moderators at lds.net discovered that it was the same IP address used by "starlight012." They banned both Twede's new account and his "starlight012" account. A moderator then posted this message on September 24, 2012,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | The person who started this IS the person who writes the blog, whose deception here will tell you all you need to know about his sense of ethics. (posted by moderator "Eowyn") {{link|url=http://www.lds.net/forums/advice-board/48374-report-bad-member-4.html#post700733}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | When a poster on the MormonDiscussions forum questioned Twede directly about whether or not he was responsible for "starlight012," Twede responded on October 3,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | No, these are silly accusations. But the information there is interesting. Either a family member outed me or they're making excuses.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Twede failed to respond to further inquiries. MormonThink's original managing editor, "LDS TruthSeeker," attempted to explain Twede's failure to respond by stating that he was too busy dealing with media requests,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I won't attempt to speak for David but I will say that he has a life outside of these boards. You have no idea of the number of requests he continues to get bombarded with by those with questions, reporters who want to do follow-up stories, endless emails, etc. You only see one side of the media frenzy. I've seen the hundreds and hundreds of emails this has generated to MT. We literally cannot keep up with it. With work, family etc. taking up most of his time, I doubt he has even looked at this thread since he last responded so you can't blame him or anyone else that has a busy life for not responding to every inquiry on every thread on every board where people ask him questions. (Posted by "LDS TruthSeeker on ''MormonDiscussions'', October 4, 2012)
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Indeed, Twede is apparently so busy with "follow-up stories" that he turned down an interview request with the ''Huffington Post''.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Twede, who has acknowledged in articles that he attends church only sparingly, did not respond to a request for an interview Thursday.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | We suspect, however, that this is because the story became about ''him'' and how he attempted to manipulate the media by claiming that he was being disciplined for his political writings related to Romney, when in fact this was not the case. As McKay Coppins noted in BuzzFeed on September 28,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | At the same time, Twede worked to harness the newfound national attention as a vehicle for his Lutheresque agenda of reform. Reached for comment by BuzzFeed, Twede declined to talk about his Romnapostacy — he'd already done enough interviews on that, he said — but went on to pitch a number of other potentially juicy angles, complete with MormonThink links, and sources he said would speak out on the the controversies of Mormonism. {{link|url=http://www.buzzfeed.com/mckaycoppins/no-the-mormon-church-is-not-excommunicating-romne}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===Twede's history of pretending to be a questioning member online===
| |
| − | The use of the "starlight012" account was not Twede's first experience with masquerading as an active member when dealing with others online. He has a very long and rich history of posing as a questioning member in various online discussion forums. He typically goes back to Postmormon.org and talks with ex-Mormons about his experiences.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====October 2009: Twede joins Postmormon.org as "Jesus Smith."====
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====August 2010: Twede poses as questioning member "cryophil" in communication with FAIR====
| |
| − | On August 30, 2010, Twede sent a message to FAIR posing as a questioning Church member. He sent his message to FAIR using the identifier "'''cryophil'''".
| |
| − | | |
| − | Cryophil wrote to FAIR,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Hi, life member of LDS church. I am concernced about claims by anti-mormons saying that there is evidence suggesting that a lot of human sacrifice happened in mesoamerica during the period of great peace and Christ centered society of 4 Nephi (aprox. 30-220AD). The argument is that Christ destroyed all the wicked cities (3 Ne 8-9) and left the more righteous part of the people. He established his church, which stood up a society of common good and peace that prospered greatly and multiplied across the continents. But there are archeological evidence suggesting the biggest cities practiced human sacrifice and polytheism during the time of great peace. How can this be?
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | (Note: For FAIR's response to the actual question asked, see [[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period]].)
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====January 2011: Twede tells "Postmormon.org" that he is posing as questioning member "cryophil" on the Mormon Apologetic Discussion Board (now MormonDialogue)====
| |
| − | For a period of time, "Jesus Smith" cross-posted material from Postmormon.org to the Mormon Apologetic Discussion Board under the name "cryophil," starting on January 30, 2010. He was banned from the forum after making 35 posts. He talked about his efforts on Postmormon.org.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Yes, the Moaps have made serious compromises to get to where they are: forcing the BoM to fit science. They argue that traditional interpretations were just that all along--including Joe Smith's take on the BoM. He and all profits are not enlightened like the Moaps.....'''BTW, I am cryophil. But keep that a secret please. ;-) If any of you can add to the MADB discussion, my alter ego would appreciate the assistance.''' I've posted several more times today...<br>Posted by "Jesus Smith" on Postmormon.org, October 26, 2011. {{ea}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====February 2011: Twede talks about his interaction with FAIR with his friends on "Postmormon.org"====
| |
| − | Note that the term "moap" is Twede's contraction of "Mormon apologist," and the term "Danny Boy" is a diminutive reference to Daniel C. Peterson.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Twede comments on Postmormon.org,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | So I am sitting in my recliner, smoking a stogie, enjoying a snifter of scotch while I converse cozily with one of the elite FAIR moaps. I'll keep his name out of it for now.
| |
| − | <br><br>
| |
| − | Here's how it started. '''Posing as a questioning member (which I am, just not active), I asked a question at FAIR's page. A Moap emailed me--someone who works with Danny Boy. This game is a bit different than the one you can play with the kindergarten missionaries at Mormon.org.''' {{ea}}
| |
| − | <br><br>
| |
| − | Many of you know I have angst over 4 Nephi. The part where this society from heaven on earth has peace for almost 200 years? My question started out:
| |
| − | <br><br>
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I am concerned about claims by anti-mormons saying that there is evidence suggesting that a lot of human sacrifice happened in mesoamerica during the period of great peace and Christ centered society of 4 Nephi (aprox. 30-220AD). The argument is that Christ destroyed all the wicked cities (3 Ne 8-9) and left the more righteous part of the people. He established his church, which stood up a society of common good and peace that prospered greatly and multiplied across the continents. But there are archeological evidence suggesting the biggest cities practiced human sacrifice and polytheism during the time of great peace. How can this be?
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Responding to questions from other posters regarding his motives in interacting with FAIR, Twede goes on to state,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Truth is, I am not officially resigned, and this is an issue for me--one of my biggest. '''Posing as a fully active Mo is the only real gray area.''' I've resolved it for myself, but always wondered how Moaps handle it. Questioning allows me to see this....'''I felt that a little subterfuge would allow the experiment to run its course better than direct discussion as an exmo. Perhaps that is not appropriate, perhaps it is.''' {{ea}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | This attitude, of course, accurately represents that taken by MormonThink - that of portraying themselves as active members in order to achieve their goal. It also explain's Twede's readiness to pose as active member "starlight012" to report a "bad member" for the purpose of getting someone to contact his bishop and initiate the media blitz.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====October 2011: Twede as "cryophil" tells MormonDialogue that this is his "last ditch effort" to believe and that he "may have to accept the Book of Mormon as fictional"====
| |
| − | On October 26, 2011, "cryophil" portrayed his interaction with believers on the MormonDialogue board as his "last ditch effort" to believe. In reality, he had ceased to believe four years before.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I'm asking as a final, last ditch effort to see if there are answers that make sense. I doubt it now. What I've seen are answers which re-interpret the scriptures on opinions, often contrary to the spoken word of GAs. What I've seen are compartmentalized, isolated fits of indirect evidence to obscure parts of the BoM. What I've seen is dissembling on the areas in which a traditional reading of the BoM run completely orthogonal to scientific data. I don't really get the sense that the whole truth is examined by this forum or at FAIR. I get the impression that some truths are not very useful, so goes the cherry picking. <br>Posted by "cryophil" on MormonDialogue, October 26, 2011. {{link|url=http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/56087-book-of-mormon-archaeology/page__st__20#entry1209059914}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | We are going round and round here. I have my questions these days. I am not sure they can be answered. It may be that I will have to accept the BoM as fictional moral teachings. That's a lot easier than to accept science is just wrong, and FAIR's interpretations are more scholarly. {{link|url=http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/56087-book-of-mormon-archaeology/page__st__20#entry1209059752}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====April 2012: Twede creates the account "cryophil" on lds.net====
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====May 2012: Twede tells Postmormon.org that he is giving "lds.net Mormons a run for their money" and that he "hammers them with logic"====
| |
| − | In May 2011, Twede crossposted material between his account on Postmormon.org and a new account he had created on lds.net named "'''cryophil'''". The name ''cryophil'', of course, is the same identifier he used when communicating with FAIR and on MormonDialogue. The "cryophil" account was active on lds.net during April and May of 2012, once again posing as an active but questioning Church member in his interactions with others there. On May 9 and 10th, he updated the ex-Mormon message board regarding his efforts on lds.net,
| |
| − | | |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Like many of you, I find the concept of religious faith absurd. It is a mind-trick to place it at the top, in first position, so that those who are racing to their belief will jump over it without much thought.....'''This topic is giving LDS.NET mormons a run for their money. Some of our posts have made their way into the discussion. haha'''<br>
| |
| − | see [http://www.lds.net/forums/lds-gospel-discussion/46383-why-faith-1st-principle.html why-faith-1st-principle] {{ea}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | The link is to a post on lds.net made by "cryophil" on May 7, 2012. On May 10, 2012, "cryophil" notes on lds.net,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | My other question then is, what happens when the evidence found by science contradicts the faith I've placed in Mormonism?
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | The next day, Twede reported back to the ex-Mormon board that he was "[c]ontinuing to hammer them with logic." Twede's "cryophil" account on lds.net was ultimately banned, just like his "starlight012" and his new account in his own name were banned.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====August 2012: Twede creates account "starlight012" and poses as an active concerned member to report a "bad member" running MormonThink====
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Hi, I am new to the forum. I want help. There is a member who is posting anti-mormon information and claiming to be a member in good standing. I know him, his name and want his leaders to encourage him to stop. What do I do? it's an article at that mormon think website.<br>Posted by "starlight012" (linked to David Twede by lds.net moderators as having originated from the same IP address) on lds.net, August 23, 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====September 20, 2012: Twede tells Postmormon.org of his attempt to post his message about fighting the Church in the media on lds.net====
| |
| − | On September 20, 2012, David Twede, this time under his real name at Postmormon.org, states that he attempted to post his intent to create a media stir about his pending discipline to a number of online forums. He posted the following on "Postmormon.org" on September 20,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I have simultaneously posted to MormonDiscussions, RfM, StayLDS, Postmormon and LDS.NET forums, for completeness. However, LDSNET took it down immediately.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ====September 24, 2012: lds.net moderators ban all of Twede's accounts after identifying him as "starlight012"====
| |
| − | After banning all of Twede's lds.net accounts, a moderator posted the following,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | The person who started this IS the person who writes the blog, whose deception here will tell you all you need to know about his sense of ethics. (posted by moderator "Eowyn" on September 24, 2012) {{link|url=http://www.lds.net/forums/advice-board/48374-report-bad-member-4.html#post700733}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===Twede's blog and scheduled discipline===
| |
| − | On his blog, Twede talked about how he hoped that members of his ward would not find out that he was involved with MormonThink, fully aware that he could be called in for discipline.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I've returned to attend the Mormon church after five years of atheism. I have a very different perspective now and share my blog weekly....Last night I emailed Pat (my gender neutral pseudonym for the questioning wardmember). Pat’s question had been: why did I leave the church in the first place?...I don’t want anyone I meet in person to know I’m associated with, let alone managing editor at, MormonThink. I don't even want Pat to find it serendipitously -- It could get me in a sort of pickle and cut short my church activity....<br>—Blog posts by MormonThink managing editor David Twede posted at "Prozacville: Turning black-n-white minds into colorful paisley," September 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Once the leadership of his ward became aware of this, they brought him in for a meeting with the Stake Presidency and Bishop,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | [T]his Sunday's blog is delayed indefinitely due to me being confronted directly by leadership at church today. They are reading my blog. They know who I am--were, apparently, "inspired" somehow to learn my name. I don't want to jeopardize my MT position or others at MT by discussing any other details. We are being watched. I got a letter from them with my name and numbering my days, unless I stop writing for MT and blogging.<br>—Blog posts by MormonThink managing editor David Twede posted at "Prozacville: Turning black-n-white minds into colorful paisley," September 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Twede was scheduled for a disciplinary hearing for apostasy at the end of September 2012. He chose to go to the media in order to force the Church to back off,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I'm taking my fight to the media, and there, hope to encourage the LDS church to repeal their decision to discipline me over my free speech.<br>Posted on ''Recovery from Mormonism'' by David Twede, September 20, 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | When Twede went to the media, he portrayed his pending excommunication as being an attempt to stifle free speech regarding things that he had written about politics and Romney. This is how it was portrayed on ''Recovery from Mormonism'' and when it was picked up by ''The Daily Beast''. Here is the beginning of the message that Twede sent to Steve Benson,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | First, here is a prefatory comment by "MormonThink's" managing editor that he included with the initial news release:
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | . . . [J]ust thought you'd like to know the news (below). We are beginning to talk with the press about this, but could really use a big press contact if anyone has one. Thanks! David.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Now, the actual (and first version of) the news release: The LDS Church is taking punitive action against one of its members for something he wrote. Last week, on September 11, 13 and 15, David [last name deleted], the managing editor of MormonThink.com posted a series of articles on the political history of the LDS Church, as it relates to Mitt Romney’s campaign and Romney’s stubbornness of keeping his tax forms secret as it’s tied with LDS historical policies. As managing editor, David is a life-long, fifth-generation Mormon in good standing.<br>Posted by Steve Benson of ''Recovery from Mormonism'', Sept. 20, 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Several reporters who contacted Twede after the ''Daily Beast'' article came out were skeptical that the pending discipline actually resulted from his writings about Romney. They interviewed him and probed further. According to ''The New York Times'',
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Mr. Twede’s situation was first reported on Friday by the Web site ''The Daily Beast'', which suggested that Mr. Twede was being disciplined because he had posted several articles on MormonThink critical of Mr. Romney. <br><br>
| |
| − | In an interview, however, Mr. Twede said he was not certain that this was the reason he was facing excommunication. He has also written posts on his personal blog, linked to MormonThink, about how he recently started attending church again after five years as an atheist. He described how he had struck up a friendship with a Mormon he called Pat and had e-mailed materials to Pat and Pat’s spouse that he hoped would shake their faith.<br>Laurie Goodstein, "Editor of Web Site May Face Mormon Excommunication," ''The New York Times'', Sept. 21, 2012 {{link|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/22/us/web-site-editor-may-face-mormon-excommunication.html?_r=1}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune also interviewed Twede and questioned him on this.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | There’s a story circulating on the Internet and in the mainstream media that a Mormon blogger in Florida faces LDS Church discipline for writing critically about GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. That’s not really what’s happening, said the blogger, David Twede, at least not the political link. In recent days, the blogger has blasted Romney as part of his critique of Mormonism, its beliefs about the nature of God and its temple ceremonies. But, Twede told The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday, his LDS leaders never brought up Romney, a Mormon, in their exchange with him. Though not supporting the Republican standard-bearer, Twede apologized to Romney, saying, "I didn’t mean for [the story] to go this way."<br>Peggy Fletcher Stack, "LDS blogger, a Romney critic, faces church discipline, but why?", ''Salt Lake Tribune'', Sept. 21, 2012. {{link|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54944698-78/church-lds-twede-romney.html.csp}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | The Church also stated clearly that nobody is disciplined for their political views.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Michael Purdy, a church spokesman, said in a statement, “It is patently false for someone to suggest they face church discipline for having questions or for expressing a political view.” “Church discipline becomes necessary only in those rare occasions when an individual’s actions cannot be ignored while they claim to be in good standing with the church,” he wrote. “Every organization, whether religious or secular, must be able to define where its boundaries begin and end.” <br>Goodstein, ''New York Times'', Sept. 21, 2012
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | After clearly stating to several reporters that the discipline ''wasn't'' about politics or Romney, Twede felt compelled to explain his public statements to the ''Recovery from Mormonism'' message board,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I want to clarify some things in the SLtrib piece. It's true that my local leaders never said "Romney" in my interrogation. They indicated discomfort with my recent writings as a whole, which includes three blog entries and one MT article discussing Romney that were posted from Sept 11-15. While referring to my writings, the stake president did say about himself, "I'm not a political man..." It is unclear to me what he meant by this and why he interjected it. Likewise, when it quote me that I didn't intend for it to go this way, I meant: I didn't intend for discussions of my excommunications to take on such a politcal tone. I would prefer the topic remain on the Mormon church's inability to defend its own position on this matter.<br>Posted by David Twede on ''Recovery from Mormonism'', Sept. 21, 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Finally, the next day Twede went back to ''Recovery from Mormonism'' and stated that he thought that it really ''was'' about politics,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I believe everyone involved from FAIR, the GAs and the stake leaders know clearly that using my Romney speech as the basis for excom would be a PR disaster. So you would never expect them to bring it up. Instead they will dance around anything they can find to halt the voices at MT. My feeling is the timing is very suspicious.<br>Posted by David Twede on ''Recovery from Mormonism'', Sept. 22, 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | Ultimately, despite the fact that the Church stated that it wasn't about politics, and that ''Twede himself'' stated that it wasn't about politics to several reporters (including the ''New York Times''), Twede now insists that it really ''was'' about politics based upon his "feeling." (Ironically, critics of the Church have a low regard for "feelings" and the Holy Ghost when it is used to confirm the truthfulness of the Church).
| |
| − | | |
| − | As the date of the scheduled disciplinary council approached, Twede continued to expect Church headquarters in Salt Lake to contact his local leaders and cancel it.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | [I]t's extremely clear that the top SLC leaders do know what is going on. So, are they canceling my disciplinary council or not?<br>Posted by David Tweed on ''Recovery from Mormonism'', Sept. 23, 2012 ([http://en.fairmormon.org/No_links_to_critical_websites http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,647765,647838#msg-647838])
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | Toward that end, he continued to taunt the Church in the media.
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | I believe if the LDS church officials do discipline me for my speech, it will show that the leaders in Salt Lake City run a cultist organization that is unable to withstand the scrutiny of a website that advocates honest and open discussion of its troubling history and present actions.<br>—David Twede, quoted by Jessica Ravitz, "Mormon blogger says he faces church slap-down, possible excommunication," CNN Sept. 24, 2012 {{link|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/24/mormon-blogger-says-he-faces-church-slap-down-possibe-excommunication/}}
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | On September 27, Twede stated that his scheduled Church discipline had been canceled, and shifted emphasis from politics and Romney to the poor and homeless, characterizing the Church as "an oppressive empire building corporation."
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | My excommunication court has been canceled!! I now call on members to help reform the church and take it back to being a charity with love and acceptance, rather than an oppressive empire building corporation.<br>Posted on ''Recovery from Mormonism'' by David Twede, Sept. 27, 2012.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | Twede posted the email from his Stake President regarding the postponement of the disciplinary council,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | Dear Brother Twede,
| |
| − | <br>
| |
| − | I learned recently that Bishop Dollar will be traveling for business this weekend and therefore we'll need to postpone the disciplinary council until a later date. I feel his participation is important, and would rather not proceed without him. I will contact you again in the near future to schedule another date.
| |
| − | <br>
| |
| − | Sincerely,
| |
| − | <br>
| |
| − | President Pratt<br>Posted on ''Recovery from Mormonism'', Sept. 27, 2012
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | Twede's response to the Stake President,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | From what I know, the bishop is not directly part of the process, per pp. 112-114 of the Handbook for Stake Presidents and Bishops. Bishop Dollar had never met me before you met me. I have no reason to believe he is required. If you are calling him as a witness, I have a right to know well before hand.
| |
| − | <br><br>
| |
| − | However, I am glad you are canceling the court, as we know it is ridiculous. I have asked members that as they fast for Mitt Romney this Sunday, they wear paisley for the poor. The corporate empire building of the business class leadership needs to reform and move toward helping the needy, the hungry and the homeless.<br>Posted on ''Recovery from Mormonism'', Sep0t. 27, 2012
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | It should be noted that the Church does not request that members fast for the purpose of helping politicians to gain political office.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The media began to establish that Twede's scheduled discipline actually had nothing to do with his criticism of Romney. When contacted by a reporter from BuzzFeed, Twede wanted to talk about everything BUT Romney,
| |
| − | <blockquote>
| |
| − | At the same time, Twede worked to harness the newfound national attention as a vehicle for his Lutheresque agenda of reform. Reached for comment by BuzzFeed, Twede declined to talk about his Romnapostacy — he'd already done enough interviews on that, he said — but went on to pitch a number of other potentially juicy angles, complete with MormonThink links, and sources he said would speak out on the the controversies of Mormonism.
| |
| − | </blockquote>
| |
| − | | |
| − | The Huffington Post noted that Twede did not respond to a request for a second interview, and on September 27th revised its previous article to reflect the fact that Twede had changed his story several times regarding the relationship of his scheduled discipline to Romney. Once it became apparent that Twede had played the media for attention using the Romney angle, the story rapidly became of less interest to them.
| |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | {{Articles Footer 1}} {{Articles Footer 2}} {{Articles Footer 3}} {{Articles Footer 4}} {{Articles Footer 5}} {{Articles Footer 6}} {{Articles Footer 7}} {{Articles Footer 8}} {{Articles Footer 9}} {{Articles Footer 10}}
| |
