They Shoot Mormons, Don't They? Religious Bigotry, alive and well today

“I wouldn’t vote for a Mormon for dogcatcher, much less President of the United States!” There’s a lot of that kind of hateful rhetoric going around since Mitt Romney decided to throw his hat in the ring – as if Mormons are some kind of hideous evil monsters. The loudest anti-Mormon shouts, sad to say, are coming from America’s so-called “Christian right”. How can Mitt Romney hope to get a fair shake in this spiritually polluted atmosphere?

There was another man running for President who faced the same dilemma – John F. Kennedy – only he was the target of anti-CATHOLIC bigotry. In his 1960 speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, JFK said the following: “. . .I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end - where all men and all churches are treated as equal - where man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice - where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind - and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their words in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood.” John F. Kennedy Library & Museum (Speeches, 1960). By the way, if you listen to the audio version of JFK’s speech, you will hear the hurt and frustration in his voice and the unfair treatment surely must have caused many a sleepless night.

Fast forward to 2007 where JFK might as well have been “whistlin’ Dixie”. The hostility toward Mormons today, in my opinion, is even worse than that suffered by JFK. Although it is said that JFK lost about a million votes to religious intolerance, Romney stands to lose even more if the anti-Mormon evangelicals hang together.

According to Media Matters for America - “. . . a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media” - FOX News is not reporting accurately on the level of evangelical hostility to the Romney run. Media Matters for America points out that among evangelical leaders rejecting Mormons: Shirley and James Dobson (National Day of Prayer and Focus on the Family, respectively), the Southern Baptist Convention (collectively), Pat Robertson (Christian Broadcasting Network), and Dr. D. James Kennedy (Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida). “Among many conservative evangelicals – who comprise a significant part of the Republican base – Mormonism is considered an un-Christian cult.” Media Matters for America (2007)

While stumping in Florida, a man in the audience stood up during the Q&A portion and said the following to Romney: “You, sir, you’re a pretender. You do not know the Lord. You’re a Mormon.” Media Matters for America (2007). This is the kind of un-American, disrespectful treatment Mitt Romney will apparently have to endure throughout the entire campaign – as if just being a Mormon is reason enough to open the floodgates for free flow of pent-up hatred and vindictiveness.

For the record, the Mormon bashers know full well that the official name of Romney’s church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” and the members should rightfully be called “members of the LDS Church” but the words “Mormon” and “Mormonism” have an aura of negativity so they prefer to use the “M” word as if it were dirty.

Less than five minutes cruising around the official LDS website (LDS.org) will show anyone who’s interested that the Church is a Christian organization, with Jesus Christ at the Head. There are no paid clergy – all are volunteers. Humanitarian aid is legendary. Members of the LDS Church believe in strong family values; they are patriotic, they are law-abiding upstanding citizens of their community. Many LDS young men right out of high school go on two-year missions – you know, the guys on bikes – and during their mission they don’t date, read newspapers, go to movies or watch TV; but rather they dedicate two years of their lives to serving others. Many women go on missions as well, and couples, only theirs is 18 months in length but the obligations are basically the same. Most members do not shop or go out to eat on Sundays – reminiscent of the good old days when shops and stores were closed in obedience to the Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”. If they can help it, LDS Church members do not work on Sundays, either, preferring to spend the day at church and with their families. Church members are encouraged to store up a year’s supply of food and water so they will be able to care for their families in the event of an emergency. The LDS Church believes in self-sufficiency and self-reliance but in the event of a financial hardship the Church distributes food and supplies through their welfare (Bishop’s Storehouse) program. Members of the LDS Church do not drink alcohol nor do they use illicit drugs; they do not drink coffee and tea. A Mormon in good standing, therefore, will not be found in a drunken stupor puking her guts out at 3 a.m. anywhere in the world. Furthermore, members of the church are encouraged to dress modestly, be polite and courteous. And members of the LDS Church are faithful tithe payers. Come on, people, what’s not to love?

So what on earth is their beef, the anti-Mormon zealots? Why is there such disdain for the LDS Church and its members? In Hugh Hewitt’s book, “Mormon in the White House?” he states his thesis that the fierce anti-Mormon sentiment among main-stream Christians stems from one or two or all three of the following factors (in order of importance):

3) “If there is a Mormon in the White House, Salt Lake City will call the shots, at least on the biggest issues.” Hewitt (2007, p. 221-227)

Hugh Hewitt has written an exquisite book about the Romney campaign and overcoming the “Mormon problem.” It’s a good read and I highly recommend it. Of the three problem points listed in the previous paragraph, Hewitt believes – unless some unforeseen blunder destroys his chances – none of the three is insurmountable for Mitt Romney. (Plus, he has the best hair.)

Well, I’m no Hugh Hewitt, not even close; he’s an icon on the conservative radio talk show circuit. Hewitt could talk circles around me (I’ve seen him in action in Sacramento); he’s brilliant; he’s well educated, well read, no doubt a genius, plus he’s kind of cute. I’m basically a “nobody” – an overweight grandma – but after having researched for this paper, I have come to a totally different conclusion as to why there is such in-your-face angst over Romney’s religion of choice: It’s all about money, power and control (in that order). I think they’re (the evangelical religious bigots, that is) scared half to death and are revving up their attacks, not to save souls, but to save their reputations (which if tarnished would lead to financial ruin).

As I said, all one must do is browse around the LDS official web site to see what the LDS Church believes and stands for. Any reasonable person would conclude that Mormons are not evil monsters at all. In fact, they are God fearing, Christ believing, Holy Ghost following people going about doing good. “You will know them by their fruit” and the LDS has plenty of fruit and they are willing to share.

Earlier, I stated that some high-powered ministries have publicly condemned Mormons: Shirley and James Dobson, the Southern Baptist Convention, Pat Robertson, and Dr. D. James Kennedy – just to name a few. There are hoards of others. Sunday after Sunday, preachers, evangelists, reverends and ministers from all Christian denominations pound the pulpit with anti-Mormon rhetoric. I heard the message loud clear when I was a Baptist and when I tiptoed through evangelical/Pentecostal territories. Was I ever miffed when I later learned for myself the Gospel truth about the LDS Church.

Just think about it, please. If Dr. D. James Kennedy, for example, who wrote the book, The Wolves Among Us, were to admit he’d been wrong in labeling the LDS Church a “cult” that leads unwary ignorant people astray (to hell), what would become of his multi-million-dollar ministry? Suffice it to say, there’s big money to be had by sale of books, tapes, CD’s, videos, and other anti-Mormon propaganda, not to mention speaking engagements and world-wide religious crusades. We’re talking trillions, all told. I realize the anti-Mormon aspect of these ministries is but a small portion of the business, but if the truth came out, that they had been using falsehoods about the LDS Church as a cash cow, their entire empires could tumble.

The ABC News program 20/20 aired on March 23, 2007, exposed the lavish lifestyles of some of the top evangelical preachers – million dollar mansions and personal jets. ABC News - 20/20 (2007) (Again, the LDS Church has no paid clergy.)

It’s nothing new. Severe harassment and persecution has been the lot of the LDS Church since it’s inception in 1820 when a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith saw visions and communed with heavenly beings. Rather than discuss the spiritual aspects of the LDS Church, however, let’s stick to facts of history. Taken from a college-level early American history textbook, Joseph Smith, upon experiencing the visions and visitations, believed “that God had work for me to do, and that my name should be for good and evil among all nations, kindreds and tongues.” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 292). The textbook continues, “They were met with hostility virtually everywhere they went . . . . As the movement gathered momentum, hundreds of people joined the church; entire congregations of churches of other faiths joined . . .” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 293)

During the dark time of American history when slavery was flourishing and when Native Americans were forced from their lands, the pioneers of the LDS Church also suffered at the hands of unscrupulous politicians, governmental leaders, and angry hate-filled mobs. “In the face of relentless persecution, Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, had led his flock to Illinois. There they had established the town of Nauvoo, which by the mid-1840’s had become the largest city in Illinois with over 15,000 people. . . In June 1844, a mob of non-Mormons broke into the jail where Smith was being held and killed both him and his brother. . .The Mormons abandoned Nauvoo in the spring of 1846 as anti-Mormons pounded the town with cannon, destroying the Great Temple. In a well-coordinated migration, 15,000 Mormons moved in stages to the Great Salt Lake.” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 334-335) Many walked all the way and many died along the way, including innocent babes.

Joseph Smith at one time was tarred and feathered by a mob. No jury, no trial, no judge – and they had planned to castrate him, too. On October 27, 1838, the then governor of Missouri issued an “extermination order”: “The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary . . .” Far West History (n.d.) Please note that the order called for exterminating “Mormons” making no distinction between men, women and children, and indeed women and children were subject to the extermination order.

In an event known in LDS history as “the Haun’s Mill Massacre”, precipitated by the extermination order, 30 to 40 LDS families were surprised by some 200 to 250 militia. After the smoke cleared, seventeen LDS people lay dead including a ten-year-old boy. Thirteen LDS members were wounded including a woman and a seven-year-old boy. “A few Missourians returned the next day and took plunder.” LDS FAQ (n.d.) No Missouri militiamen were killed but three were wounded. Just a few years earlier, the LDS folk who died that day had been members of other churches - Congregational or Methodist or Baptist or Presbyterian.

In l976, Governor Bond of Missouri officially rescinded the extermination order and presented apologies for the “unfortunate developments” it caused. Quoting from Governor Bond’s Executive Order: “WHEREAS, Governor Boggs’ order clearly contravened the rights to life, liberty, property and religious freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, as well as the Constitution of the State of Missouri; and . . . Expressing on behalf of all Missourians our deep regret for the injustice and undue suffering rescind Executive Order Number 44 dated October 27, 1838, issued by Governor W. Boggs. . .” Far West History (n.d.) The individuals who harassed, abused, and even murdered Mormons in cold blood were never tried for their crimes.

I read Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and it really touched my heart. There he was, suffering for the Lord in jail, and these religious leaders with highfalutin titles on the outside wrote an open letter (“A Call for Unity”) in which they criticize King’s tactics and basically blame King for the racial turmoil of the time. Though you can tell King is upset and hurt by the attack – made worse because he’s stuck in jail and can’t confront the religious leaders face-to-face – his response is gentle genius. “I wish you had commended the Negro sit-inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer, and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes.” Barnet and Bedau (2005, p. 881)

King has a few choice words for the Church, too: “If today’s church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.” Barnet and Bedau (2005, p. 880)

There’s an eerie commonality between what JFK and MLK endured at the hands of the religious bigots of their day and what Mitt Romney is facing today. I hope and pray that Romney will be able to fend off these undeserved attacks from the religious hypocrites with the same grace, dignity and God-inspired resolve displayed by the other two.

A few popular bumper stickers read: “Honk if you love Jesus” and “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” or “Jesus is my co-pilot”. Yet, apparently, these same bumper-sticker Christians are the ones waging war against Mitt Romney’s run for the Presidency solely on the basis of his chosen faith in a Church that bears the name of the Savior of the world.

ABC News - 20/20 (2007). Philanthropic donations come from your heart, but where do they end up? Ex-money manager says "enough!" to secretive Christian Ministry spending. Glenn Ruppel & John Stossel. United States: ABC News.

Ayers, E. L., Gould, L. L., Oshinsky, D. M., & Soderlund, J. R. (2004). American Passages - a history of the United States - Volume I: to 1877 (2nd ed.). Belmont, California: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Barnet, S., & Bedau, H. (2005). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Current Issues and Enduring Questions - a guide to critical thinking and argument, with readings (7th ed., pp. 867-882). Boston and New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Far West History. (n.d.). The Extermination Order and how it was rescinded. Retrieved April 28, 2007, from http://www.jwha.info/mmff/exorder.htm

Hewitt, H. (2007). A Mormon in the White House? 10 things every American should know about Mitt Romney. Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, Inc.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. (1960, September 12). Address of Senator John F. Kennedy to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://www.jfklibrary.org

Lds Faq. (n.d.). What was the Haun's Mill Massacre? Retrieved April 28-2007, 2004, from Brigham Young University Web Site: http://ldsfaq.byu.edu/view.asp?q=57

Media Matters for America. (2007). Fox News whitewashes evangelical hostility to Romney's faith. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://mediamatters.org/items/printable/200702280002

Coyote, I remember "talks" in mormon sacrament meeting when I was a youngster. One in particular stuck with me. It related how "A young couple traveled many miles to the SLC temple to be married, and as they tried to enter, they were turned away. The gatekeeper stated, 'I had a burning in my bosom that they were unworthy and not to be allowed in.' Then, it was discovered that the man had a Negro great, great grandfather. The Spirit can detect one ounce of Negro blood."

This is the attitude that members in the 50's-60's grew up with.

It wasn't just prevalent. It was DOCTRINE until 1978. PEOPLE take heed, in 1978 Mitt was already a father. He was an adult man and believed in the teaching that a drop of "black" blood was enough to exclude men of color from holding the priesthood! Mitt firmly supported this doctrine, and so did I. I however have since repented. The LDS Chruch never repented.....they just got a new "feel good" politically expedient revelation from the prophet.

No apology, no regret....no statement that we were wrong, but just a new 'revelation' that God now thinks it is okey-dokey for Black men to be treated equally.

Of course other millions of people treated people of African descent dispicably. Those organization recognized they were in error and have changed, but Mormonism can't do the same because they believe it was commanded of God - to Mormonism, God has now simply changed his mind.

( And I thought God never changes - oops just another difference between Christianity/Judaism and Mormonism.)

The joint dynamics of joint liberal-evangelical anti-LDS bigotry are fascinating.

Liberals despise and fear Mormons because Mormons teach and live values that are antithetical to liberalism's most treasured beliefs.

More particularly, Mormons enrage liberals because Mormons 1) reject the notion of an overarching all-powerful nanny state that encourages and inculcates government dependence, 2) strongly support traditional nuclear mom & pop families comprising more than the government-allotted 2.0 children, 3) believe in thrift, hard work, and personal responsibility, 4) reject liberalism's Roe v. Wade culture of death along with its logical extensions such as gay marriage, 5) believe in a strong national defense, and 6) claim to be a Christian church and believe in the actual physical crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, some 2000 years ago which, as every liberal knows is perhaps the most dangerous and anti-progressive belief ever to insinuate itself into human consciousness.

Now, you would think that evangelicals would welcome Mormons as political allies for the very same reasons that the liberals reject them. You'd be wrong. Evangelicals, many of whom believe the cosmos and world did not exist a little over 6000 years ago, reject Mormons because they have some "weird" beliefs.

Whether Romney wins or loses, his candidacy is good for America because it is shining a bright light in neglected and dark places in the souls of liberals and evangelicals alike.

I would again point out that any person who comes to believe in the Jesus of the New Testament through reading the words of His gospel writers has come to the real Jesus Christ.

The Mormons DO use the New Testament as one of their many books. Those who come to believe in Jesus via THAT route are turning to the real Jesus.

All the doctrine they’ll later be taught is wrong, but maybe every now and then some of them come to realize that....wouldn’t you agree?

"Or are your moral convictions the consistency of the Pillsbury Doughboy?"

Yes, because I like Mormons, my morals are the consistency of a Pillsbury doughboy. /sarcasm

I pinged Nittany Lion whose original comment I agreed with. Maybe he'll have more time to respond to your ridiculous post.

Now, you would think that evangelicals would welcome Mormons as political allies for the very same reasons that the liberals reject them.
In most cases that is what is the reality. However, on theological issues evangelical Christians challenge and oppose the fantastic claims of Mormonism by critical thinking and analytical scrutiny for validity of truth. Unfortunately, most Mormons cannot separate the two, and take it personally that those challenges is "persecution", "hate", "bigotry" and all the other buzzwords designed to elicit an emotional appeal for the victims role which so many Mormons play so well.

You'd be wrong. Evangelicals, many of whom believe the cosmos and world did not exist a little over 6000 years ago, reject Mormons because they have some "weird" beliefs.

No, we do not reject "Mormons"(individual people), we reject Mormonism(the religion), a big difference. So please try refrain from misrepresenting the facts.

We reject Mormonism as it is full of false doctrines that are not Christian, are not Biblical and in fact are anti-Christian and anti-Biblical, and not because their are "weird"(though some fall into that category) but reject them because they are false.

Whether Romney wins or loses, his candidacy is good for America because it is shining a bright light in neglected and dark places in the souls of liberals and evangelicals alike.

Romney's candidacy has been good because it has stimulated debate over the validity for truth in the incredible claims of Mormonism, and is causing many Christians to be motivated to study to be certain of what they believe and why they believe it, and to stand for the truth in the face of counterfeits.

“Praying to a false god with people of other faith’s means nothing”

I pray to my Heavenly Father in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and the Holy Ghost is my guide.

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can keep saying the same things over and over but it doesn’t change a thing. I love my Church and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

“Sunday after Sunday, preachers, evangelists, reverends and ministers from all Christian denominations pound the pulpit with anti-Mormon rhetoric.”

That is a damn lie!

I have attended church all my life, the only church who was ever disparaged in any service I have ever attended was the Baptist church.

You are so misinformed its ridiculous.

I hate to burst your bubble, but I have been to such services, and I was specifically invited because I was a Mormon and a teenager.

They apparently thought I would not have the guts to respond.

They were wrong, and so are you.

SD did not say "every sunday at every church", she said "Sunday after Sunday", and "all denominations" so if on many Sundays somebody does it, she is dead on.

Prove it does not happen...

I was raised in Missouri as a Southern Baptist. Moved to California where I continued to attend Southern Baptist Church. One day a member of a Baptist Church I was attending - we were discussing abortion (I’m pro life) and this Southern Baptist gentleman said and I quote: “Well, I don’t want those Black girls over in Oakland having a bunch of babies for me to support; that’s why I’m for abortion.”

Of course, I know there are lots and lots of good southern evangelicals. I just think it’s wrong for them to throw stones at Mitt Romney when they have logs in their eyes. Know what I mean?

“Praying to a false god with people of other faith’s means nothing”

I pray to my Heavenly Father in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and the Holy Ghost is my guide.

The Mormon version of heavenly father, jesus and holy ghost is a false one, all having been separate created beings, whereas the God of the Bible and Christianity is un-created, Eternal, Infinite, Self Consisting, with no beginning and no end.

The God of the Bible and Christianity condemns the worship of a false god for which eternity in outer darkness is the waiting reality for those who do worship a false god or gods such as in Mormonism.

Jesus Christ is my Lord and personal Savior. Heavenly Father sent His only Son to die for my sins and I love Him. The Holy Ghost confirms this in my heart.

Have a great day.

I am proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"Anyone who wouldn't vote for someone just because they are a Mormon is a loon."

How many Mormons are voting for Romney just because he is a Mormon? Are they "loons" also?

If the shoe fits...

As Mormon, let me answer this, Yes.

I will not vote for someone just because he is a Mormon.

Give me a man who lives his religion faitfully regardless of his denomination over a man of my religion ho lives it casually any day.

My problms with Mitt, speaking as a Mormon, are his politics, as for me, I like Fred Thompson.

But the "Stuff" that gets slung on any "Mitt" therad gets me going gecause people keep saying things like "Mormons believe...", "Mormons are ...", and "Mormons are not Christian..."

And all that "stuff" is laid at my doorstep because I am a Mormon, so I must protest being painted as a dastardly cultist bent on evil and mayhem. It gets old and I get cranky after some one keeps trying to tell me "You do to believe that now sit down and let me finish painitng you with tar..." /Rant

Have they told you about Kolob yet?

I bet there are a lot of things they have not told you.

For instance, I bet they have not told you that Joseph Smith took to himself "wives" who were already married to other men. The case of Tina Huntington being one that is well known and documented.

Do you believe a "prophet" who said he was greater than Jesus Christ would be told by God to take to himself a wife who was already married to another man?

What did Jesus say in the Bible about adultery?

What does Paul say about adulterers not entering the Kingdom of God?

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