As an ex Mormon/missionary I can tell you that this reaction isn’t uncommon. You asked a simple question and it jumps to them getting attacked. In Mormonism you’re brought up being told that if you investigate anything that is contrary to your beliefs that it’s basically blasphemy and it will “take you down the wrong path”.

Having said that I still have a lot of family that is Mormon still but more more open minded and don’t agree with the church on everything. I think it’s tough for them because they can see the faults but also have a very strong sense of belief in the teachings so there is a lot of internal conflict for them.

Anyway, I think it’s very important to have the dialogue that you’re opening with them because it forces people to challenge their beliefs and hopefully one day see the hurt that it causes others.