Some people grew up with train tracks, buildings, or sprawling acres as their childhood backyard. I grew up with an LDS (Mormon) temple in mine. When I was a teenager, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built a temple right in my backyard. Once a temple is dedicated, only members of the church are permitted inside, but before the grand opening, they opened it to the public for tours. I remember going with my parents, slipping blue booties over our shoes to protect the pristine carpet. We were told they’d replace the carpet anyway. The temple was fascinating and stunning.Because of the temple, many LDS members moved to the area, and I went to school and made friends with several LDS youth. My dad’s secretary, who became like family, was also LDS. Though we were Pentecostal and there were theological differences between our faiths, it never mattered. They were loving, kind people who supported my family through grief and crises. I was heartbroken to hear about an attack on one of their temples yesterday. It was simply devastating.

BREAKING: 🚨🚨🇺🇸🇺🇸

Another attack on Christians!

A gunman opened fire during Sunday services at an LDS church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing two people, including a 65 year old elder and wounding seven. Ex-member Marcus Hale was shot dead by police after setting the church… pic.twitter.com/qh0ttx2Bbm

— Barrister IykeObed (J.P) (@IykeObedOnuorah) September 28, 2025

At the same time, I was so disheartened to see fellow Christians calling the LDS church 'demonic', Satanic' a 'cult' and the list goes on and on. It was so uncalled for and the opposite of how God would have us react to our neighbors in need.

If you think NOW is the time to argue theological differences w/the LDS community, your insensitivity to those mourning the deaths of their loved ones betrays you as far from the heart of God. You should worry about that. It's a salvation issue. https://t.co/Suej2qOjnk

— Eric Metaxas (@ericmetaxas) September 29, 2025

The Bible tells us God is close to the brokenhearted and members of that church are surely that today.

It may sound insensitive to modern ears but theological differences are more important than temporal sufferings.

One can (and must) be sensitive to hurting while correcting soul-killing error. https://t.co/mS9Qiy5T3j

— The Green Man (@TheGreenMan1517) September 29, 2025

This is so false. So many times Christ warned us of being so wrapped up in theology we were ignoring his command to love one another. Now is not the time to try and argue with someone about their interpretation of the Bible. Is there a time for that? Sure! Is it after a body of gathering believers is wholly traumatized? Absolutely not. 

It's a salvation issue. If people are trapped in a box at on the train to hell, it IiS THE ONLY CHRIST LIKE THING TO DO. https://t.co/wppVNNRRS6

— Overton Window Washer (@SpoobyJ) September 29, 2025

If Christians with this mentality actually cared about the souls of LDS members, they would show them love FIRST, they would grant them acceptance as brothers and sisters in the Body, and then bring up their 'concerns' with LDS teachings AFTER there was relationship. Ultimately, it's up to the Holy Spirit to convict and compel. 

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Preach the word in season and out of season.

Yet understand the word is not a sledgehammer wildly swung to crush all rebellion.

Sometimes tact and grace are the best response. (John 4) https://t.co/8EmLwYFLTD

— Tony Smith (@TonySmith7MD) September 29, 2025

Beautifully said. These judgemental tweets felt like a sledgehammer and that's the exact opposite of what the hurting need.