Reason #166: Because of Letters Like This

I sometimes get letters like this. They do indeed cause me to pause and re-evaluate my reasons for writing what I do, and reasons why I won't return to the LDS Church, in spite of the joyful experiences I had there. Here's the letter, and my reply.

Mrs. Scott,
I received your book Latter-Day Cipher from a very important person in my life for my eighteenth birthday this week. The person who gave it to me was unaware that she was giving me anti-mormon literature. Because the title included the words “latter-day” and she saw that you were a graduate of BYU, she assumed that I would appreciate the book. However, after reading the back, I made the decision to not read the book. Though I commend your writing abilities, I do not understand why you must write about things concerning the mormon religion. Because you were a member for so long, you must know that mormons are NOT bad people. I just felt that I should tell you that your books are not uplifting, nor are they beneficial to anyone in any way. I am usually open to reading any book, but I had a bad feeling about yours before I even read it. Holding it in my hands, something felt wrong. I am telling you this, just to let you know that your books are hurtful. The fact that you would write bad things about other people's beliefs and faith is not commendable, and because of this I cannot respect you or your work. I don't mean this to be mean or rude or anything of the sort. I was just very frustrated and I do not understand why you would do such a thing. Also, I was wondering if you were aware of the pain you could be causing other people by writing the things you write. I am aware that you have the right to publish anything you please, because of the country that we live in. But being the Christian you say you are, you should not take that right as far as you do. Also, there is one other minor thing that bothered me somewhat. In your biography on the books, it states that you “converted to christianity”. You should not send the false message that mormons are not christians, because I KNOW that YOU KNOW that mormons are christian. I know I am just a kid, and I probably have no affect on the things you do. But, please, rethink the messages that you are sending out. I am begging you.
Sincerely,
(Name withheld)

Dear ____,