On Death Threats and Religion

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding a YouTuber named Laci Green lately due to videos she made in the past where she used derogatory terms and voiced very strong opinions denouncing the Mormon and Islamic religions. People have discovered these videos recently and demanded an apology. She readily agreed, apologized, and took down some a particularly negative video. Despite her efforts to apologize, she has been receiving death threats and has had her address put out on the Internet where those offenders can see it. She has had to leave all social networking and basically go into hiding, and these attackers are applauding the fact that they have caused her to fear for her life.

This whole situation is wrong on so many levels. First of all, it is okay for people to have their own opinions. I am a Mormon and have a fairly good relationship with its teachings and members. I also realize that many people have had negative experiences with the church or have personal beliefs that clash so strongly with its teachings. That is okay. I would love for everyone to be a Mormon and be happy and kind to each other and root out all evil in the world. But honestly, I would be perfectly fine if everyone were Muslim or Catholic or atheist and were happy and kind to each other and striving to root out all evil in the world. Better yet, we could all have our own religion or lack thereof, have our own belief system, and just be good human beings to everyone, regardless of who they are or what they think. People can say and think and feel what they want, and I have no right to take that away from them.

Secondly, it is never okay to threaten someone with death. They may feel personally victimized by Laci, but that shame and pain they feel can and should be dealt with otherwise. I think those first people who asked for an apology were appropriate in their course of action. They let Laci know that they felt hurt by her statements, and she not only apologized, but also took down one of the offending videos. It should have ended their. Killing is wrong, no what matter what. I don't know of any organization, religion, or group of people today that says it is okay to threaten those you don't agree with or even hate with death. Maybe I'm just a naive little girl in saying that, but it life is a fundamental human right. And to think that these people would celebrate the fact that they have made this girl fear for her life makes it all the more devastating.

I watched a great video on this event done by a gay Catholic man. He commented on how he felt victimized by the aforementioned religions on the basis of his homosexuality, but stressed the importance of separating people from the religion, citing his Mormon friend to be one of the kindest people he knows who has shown him nothing but love. I am so glad that there are people out there who may disagree with groups and organizations, but show love to and appreciate those members that show them love and respect no matter what. I am also grateful to those members that give people these positive opportunities and experiences.

I believe the inverse is also the same. We must not only separate the people from the religion, but the religion from the people. I have met and encountered many Christians of all denominations who are racist, homophobic, prejudiced, and judgmental. But the Mormon religion is one of acceptance, forgiveness, and love. True, it does not allow or approve of homosexuality, but I have been a member my whole life and I have never been told to shun, hate, or kill anyone who follows its practices. My parents, teachers, and church officials have never taught me that one of my best friends must die or burn in hell simply because he is gay. To say that all Mormons hate the LGBT community because of the church's position on the issue is just as wrong as saying the religion hates the LGBT community because of some members' actions.

Nobody is perfect, and yet, nobody can seem to fully internalize that fact.

Basically people have their opinions, and it is not okay to attack individuals or entire groups. If there is an issue, we should discuss it like the human beings we are and not disdain, threaten, or hurt each other. I hope everyone, including myself, would realize this as soon as possible and put more love, respect, and understanding into action.