The fact that I found the group to be less than understanding or thoughtful is a reflection of the members not the idea behind the group.
I think part of having a strong faith is in being thoughtful and understanding not just in your own faith but that of others of all faiths.
My wife has a coworker who recently converted to Islam. My wife and her coworker had an in depth discussion of religion and he was overjoyed that she actually had some understanding of Islam. But mostly he was so happy to be able to share his faith without being judged harshly by people who think every Muslim is a terrorist.
He was pleasantly surprised that she was so understanding and yet Mormon. My wife said Utah Mormons tend to view their faith as superior to others and to view all other faiths as "of the Devil" "evil" or not worthy of understanding.
He said that Mormons tend to be in one of two camps; progressive and understanding or judgmental and closed minded.
I studied every world religion for most of my life and have helped my wife to understand them as well. We own 1) A Koran 2) A Bagavad Gita 3) The Dammapada.
I have found that in understanding the faith of others helps me be a better man, a better husband and a better Christian.
And I also find that this knowledge helps me to connect to and befriend others easier than otherwise possible.
Joseph Smith said this about truth; “Mormonism is Truth… One of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may. (Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 199)
Later, Joseph bolstered this sentiment with this statement, “We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true Mormons.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 316). So it sounds like to me we are encouraged to seek out truth regardless of where we find it and we are counseled to pray for confirmation of the truths we may find.Wouldn't it be great if the stereotype of Mormons and especially those from Utah went from being a close minded and judgmental faith to an understanding faith. A thoughtful approach to our faith and also an understanding approach to the faiths of others.Understanding what others hold to be sacred and how they approach their faith can tell you so much about them but understanding your own faith can help you teach others about you and your faith.Understanding is what breaks down barriers between ourselves and each other. Judgmental, superiority complexes and narrow mindedness create barriers and creates bad theology like the curse of Cain doctrine or the "doctrines" behind the Crusades.I've been judged by other "Christians" for being Mormon and been demanded to justify and explain my choice while being stripped of my faith by being told I'm not truly Christian. I felt horrible and that is how others feel when being treated the same way by some Latterday "Saints" for not being Mormon. The way we connect best is by understanding each other. There is much good to be done just by being an understanding person. But to understand others one must understand one self.Giving or receiving understanding can make someone's day but it can also change a life.Understanding Ramadan can put a fresh new perspective on fast Sunday's. Understanding meditation can help enhance prayer. Understanding Catholic communion can put a new spin on taking the sacrament and our ideas on the last supper. Understanding Passover can help deepen our understanding of the last supper which was a Passover meal.Our goal spiritually is to understand more. Not to close ourselves off and say that "We know enough truth."
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus taught even His own disciples to continually seek. Meaning that there is no limit to truth, one must always seek it out. Once we stop learning we begin dying I would say. We lose that spark of life when we stop seeking. Pursuit of knowledge is part of having a lust for life.
Knowledge of others faith can strengthen our own. And understanding our own helps us understand ourselves better and doing so helps us understand others and connect with them.