Mormons: Good Hearts, But Where's Your Head?

Let me start by saying I have a lot of Mormon friends. This is in no way aimed at any of you guys...But, an incident yesterday reminded me of some of my past dealings with the religion, and why I'll never convert/join that particular sect. The presumptuousness just astounded me.

Okay...Here's the story. I took my bus a bit further north than usual. With Heather's new school schedule, I have to go to the Everett train station up north on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I got off the bus, and was approached by a gentleman whose name I'll leave out, because I'm not necessarily picking on him specifically. He approached and asked if I had a minute. Unfortunately, I did. He said he'd noticed me on the bus because, as he put it, a blind person isn't very conspicuous. He then tells me he's LDS, and has taken the liberty of ordering me a braille Book of Mormon. He was a tad upset because he thought the book wouldn't weigh any more than a normal printed book...But he received it, and it weighed 35 pounds. I couldn't help but laugh.

I explained that I'd been given the book in college by a girl I was close friends with, and had already listened to it and was absolutely not interested. I also explained that, living in an apartment, I don't have the room to store that much braille. He asked what he could do with the book...I gave him my library's address, and suggested he send it to us and we may be able to find it a home. Rick's gonna be thrilled when that comes in. He said thanks, and headed on his way.

Here's where I take issue with this. First, I appreciate that the guy has his beliefs...However, I ask this of you the reader. Would you order a book, especially in a specialized format, for someone you may NEVER get the opportunity to talk to? Second, a lot of blind people don't even read braille. So, it's a bit presumptuous to assume the braille book will work for everyone.

Oddly, though I've dealt with every religious group trying to witness to me, convert me, or whatever, it seems the Mormons are the most relentless. I've had them give me unsolicited audio, braille, and of course approach me in public...They don't take no for an answer. I'm sure there's a lot of it in every religion or denomination, but having grown up in Arizona, I guessI've just SEEN it more from the mormon community than I have from, say, the Baptists.

So...My advice? Your hearts are in the right place...But before you go ordering braille or audio literature for a complete stranger with whom you've never had a conversation, maybe talk to the person first...Make sure it's something they're open to, and make sure it's something they have the room for.

Again, this was in no way meant to be Mormon-bashing...I guess it's just funny that I've had more of them give me unsolicited literature, just assuming they're doing me a favor because they got it in an accessible format. At least my JW friends have asked first.

Anyhow, just an observation triggered by last night's incident. Feel free to comment.