The recent editorial 'Lobbying for the church?' was well-intended and made a good point. However, the article made some general comments about baptism for the dead that I felt were inaccurate.
First, the editorial states that baptism for the dead is only of value to members of the LDS Church. Baptism for the dead is valuable to everyone, although Latter-day Saints are the only ones who currently esteem it to be so. Many people who we interact with daily will eventually be baptized for the dead, and at that time they might find the practice very valuable.
Second, the editorial implies that baptism for the dead is a means of imposing our beliefs on others and that it's only human nature for people not of our faith to be offended when we perform this ordinance in behalf of their ancestors. I suggest that someone who asks us not to practice baptism for the dead is imposing their beliefs on us. Perhaps our human nature entices us to be offended at their request, but it is possible for us to choose not to be offended. Instead, we should obediently follow Church leaders' counsel to not be baptized on behalf of people whose family members have asked that it not be done. I believe that when all parties involved come to understand the value of baptism for the dead, they might change their minds and ask for this ordinance to be performed for their ancestors.
Sterling Quinn
Yakima, Wash.