In Which We Take a Brief Break from Anti- Mormonism

      A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is running for president, that's a given.Mitt Romney is LDS and I'm pretty sure you know it. Since this election toke off, Americans have had an earful of magic underwear and polygamy jokes. So when I saw the cover storyof Time, I was weary. The article dominates the cover. The issue is titled "The Mormon Identity."  Maybe I'm just a pessimist, but most article about Mormons and their beliefs go downhill quickly. I definitely judged before reading.
      I added the magazine to the grocery cart, and once I got home I dug right in. I didn't know what I would find. I was pleasantly surprised. The article doesn't focus on polygamy, it only touches on it. Every word made me feel more confident that the article was positive.  This has been a year of Mormon slams galore, and I'm pleased that the author of this particular article toke it upon themselves to write about the LDS Church overcoming struggles, instead of Joseph Smith having multiple wives. Progress and baby steps right?

This very respectful and heartwarming article. The Mormon in Mitt analyzes how Romney's beliefs influence his vision for this country. The article starts by talking about the Mormon Pioneer Trail. A body of people leaving behind the lives they had known for what they believed. Jon Meacham describes the trail and its pivotal moment, "... Smith and his flock attempted to settle permanently in Nauvoo, Ill. Yet a backlash against Smith led to the arrest of the prophet, who was ultimately shot to death by an anti-Mormon mob." Meacham describes the Mormons heading west and making peace with the world around them, including prominent leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln. 
        The Mormons are depicted as looking for liberty and religious freedom. It's best summed up by Mitt Romney in his book, No Apology. Romney writes, " People from all over the world who prized freedom — the innovators, the pioneers, the dreamers — came to America and so they continue today. ... It is this love of liberty and the accompanying spirit of invention, creativity, derring-do and pioneering that have propelled America to become the most powerful nation in the history of the world."
            The article goes on to explain philanthropy and charity in the Mormon Church. The members of the Church are always willing to give to the poor. The religion promotes helping others and being reliant on oneself and their beliefs. This has transferred to Romney's politics.
        In the end, the article explores the LDS Church; origins and how it has impacted the life of member, Mitt Romney. It's a good read and I'm picky about Mormon depiction. I enjoyed it.
        Let's be honest one of my favorite parts was about Romney's mission and how he kept in touch with Ann, his future wife. Honestly, it's romantic.  Romance melts me, so there you go.  It's a quality piece and recommended reading. 

         Let's think about it about Mormon depiction. This article could've easily been negative. South Park was described by LDS members as, "unexpectedly, our best treatment." Think about it. South Park got it.  South Park, think about that long and hard. When doesn't South Park push the limits? The show is crude and downright disgusting at times, and they're the Church's best treatment. 

Let that one sink in. 


I thought I would take this opportunity for us to play Mormon Myths and the Legitimate Facts.

Angel Moroni Statue that is found on top of most Temples
Source

Mormon Myths: 
1. Mormons are polygamous.
False. This is wrong, wrong, and doubly wrong. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints doesn't condone polygamy, and the Community of Christ (formerly the RLDS Church) never has. Since the 1890 Manifesto, the LDS Church has not condoned or taught plural marriage. The practice formally stopped in Second Manifesto where the church declared it would not sanction marriages that defied the law of the land. No one is denying that Mormons did in fact practice polygamy, but the Church has not been in favor of plural marriage in over 100 years. Can't we see beyond Joseph Smith and Brigham Young's polygamy and make ourselves aware that Mormon Church does not practice polygamy. Furthermore the LDS Church does not have any formal ties with any polygamist sects of "fundamental Mormons".
2. Mormons wear magic underwear. 
O.K. Mormons wear temple garments, which are sometimes called "magic underwear" by the nice and ignorant Americans. A temple garment, is worn after an endowment ceremony. It is worn by those worthy to enter the temple, and let me tell you there are some requirements for that kind of thing. They are viewed as symbol of the covenants one makes in a Mormon Temple. Temples are scared to Mormons and only those righteous may enter. The garment is a reminder of their intimate moments in a "house of the Lord" is not an insult to Mormons, just a reminder of how connected they feel to God. We should probably learn the proper terms huh? It is derogatory after all. 
3. Mormons can't drink coffee. 
This is true as can be! The Words of Wisdom, Doctrine and Covenants 89:1-2, prohibits it. Mormons can't drink wine, herbal tea, or coffee. Generally all these things are healthy not to consume anyway. For Mormons it isn't that big of a loss. However, in the Community of Christ, Mormonism's largest sect, drinking and coffee are allowed. 
4. Mormonism is a cult. 
Wrong. This is false. Go straight to the interwebs and look it up. Do not pass go and do not collect $200. Mormonism is not a cult. Does Mormonism have religion status in the United States of America? Yes, yes it does. Want to know how Merriam Webster defines a cult? It is defined as, "formal religious veneration." Well that's awkward isn't it? Wouldn't all religions be cults then if formal religious worship was what a cult was? Look, Mormonism has a respected following of over a million people. I think we can look above and beyond a "cult" label . 

         This concludes Mormon Myths. That was fun. 
        So now I close with two questions for the reader of this very post. (Yes, you audience of people that may not exist.)
1. What are you're least favorite religious "jokes" or religiously ignorant comments? (Like Mormon vs. Moron. )
2. Do you think religion matters when deciding who to vote for? Would a candidate's religion sway your decision? 

Now please enjoy a clip of MoTab singing "Climb Every Mountain" from the The Sound Of Music.