This is a series of posts about 12 Ways to Share the Gospel online.
Number 1: Answer a Question at Yahoo! Answers
I actually found Yahoo! Answers to be a pleasant surprise. In much of my experience, sites (i.e. forums and blogs) that let anyone ask and/or answer questions about Mormons/Mormonism usually turn into mudslinging cat fights. While I have run into a few exceptions on their site, Yahoo! Answers is generally a pretty good place for positive, respectful discussion.
Here are the most effective steps that I have found to answer the specific questions about Mormonism:
1) Go to answers.yahoo.com. From there you will have to create an account. (Don’t worry, it’s easy)
2) At the top of the page (next to the Yahoo! Answers logo) there’s a place that gives you the option to either sign in, if you already have an account OR sign up. Yup…go ahead and click on sign up.
3) Fill out the next page and click I agree at the bottom.
4) After you’ve signed up you should be redirected to the Answers home page. At the top-middle of the page is a search bar. Instead of just searching for ‘Mormon’ or ‘Mormonism’ you’ll want to do an advanced search. From that
page type in the keyword you’d like to search for.
*You don’t have to search just for ‘Mormon’. If you’d rather answer questions about more specific issues feel free. For example, type in ‘Joseph Smith’ and answer a question specifically about him.*
Now here’s the important part…in the Question Status area make sure that you mark ‘Open Questions’. This will bring you results for questions that you can still answer. Then go ahead and click search.
5) You’ll get a list of open questions. Answer as many of them as you can!
When answering these questions, please remember to stay respectful. Sometimes people do say hurtful, ignorant things about the Church and its members but we should do everything in our power to maintain a respectful tone and provide as much accurate and inspiring information as possible. Let’s show them what we’re all about!
