Yep. So why do so many people get a kick out of picking on Mormons but not Christian Scientists -- or Catholics, for that matter? All three believe some awfully goofy stuff. The only problem Mormonism has is that it's relatively new.
> It is worth distinguishing those religions that are more abusive to
> their benighted
> followers, not to mention others outside the faith.
That line of inquiry is too slippery to be useful. Jim Jones abused his followers, but the People's Temple took doctrinal stances that were vastly superior to those of mainstream churches. So how does the People's Temple stand up against, say, Southern Baptists? Depends on how you look at it.
-WD