U.S. Muslims and Mormons share deepening ties. (BARF alert-)

L A Times ^ | April 2, 2008 | David Haldane,

[radar101]

The connection is based not on theology but on shared values and a sense of isolation from mainstream America.

The Mormon Church has to be among the most outgoing on earth; in recent years its leaders have reached out to, among others, Latinos, Koreans, Catholics and Jews.

One of the most enthusiastic responses, however, has come from what some might consider a surprising source: U.S. Muslims.

"We are very aware of the history of Mormons as a group that was chastised in America," says Maher Hathout, a senior advisor to the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles. "They can be a good model for any group that feels alienated."

"A Mormon living in an Islamic society would be very comfortable," said Steve Young, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attending the event.

The sentiment is echoed by Muslims. "When I go to a Mormon church I feel at ease," said Haitham Bundakji, former chairman of the Islamic Society of Orange County. "When I heard the president [of LDS] speak a few years ago, if I'd closed my eyes I'd have thought he was an imam."

Though the relationship has raised eyebrows and provided ammunition for critics of both religions, Mormons and Muslims have deepening ties in the United States.

What binds them has little to do with theology: Mormons venerate Jesus as interpreted by founder Joseph Smith, while Muslims view Muhammad as god's prophet. Based on shared values and a sense of isolation from mainstream America, the connection was intensified by 9/11 and cemented by the Southeast Asia tsunami. It is especially evident in Southern California, with large Mormons and Muslim populations.

[radar101]

http://tammybruce.com/2008/04/la_times_mormons.php

Muslims on a pilgrimage

Mormons on a mission. Yeah, I can't tell the difference, can you?

[beethovenfan]

One non-Christian cult supporting another. But the Muslims think the Mormon tabernacle would make a nice mosque.

[El Sordo]

Many years ago, that political comedy with a piano guy was covering some breaking news regarding Iran-Contra. Apparently monies had been funneled through a bank in Salt Lake City.

His response: “At long last, we have found the connection between the Shiites and the Mormons!”

The incredulous way he said it made it actually pretty funny.

[metmom]

If I were a Mormon, I would take a good, hard, long look at either what I’m doing or what I believe if I felt that comfortable being associated with muslims.

[LeGrande]

One non-Christian cult supporting another. But the Muslims think the Mormon tabernacle would make a nice mosque.

Garbage. Ignorance begets ignorance I suppose. How does it feel to be clueless?

[longtermmemmory]

seems Mike Huckabee is back on the rampage again.

[DuncanWaring]

Glenn Beck will not be pleased.

[colorcountry]

What if What if Alqaeda proselytized like Mormons?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qw7ezm2IA8

FIP ping

[Sender]

"A Mormon living in an Islamic society would be very comfortable"

I don't know if this shows more ignorance about the Church of Latter Day Saints or of Islam. Sheesh.

[Graybeard58]

"A Mormon living in an Islamic society would be very comfortable," said Steve Young, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

As long as he didn't own a bible, I suppose he would be alright.

[metmom]

Correction: If I were a Mormon anyone, I would take a good, hard, long look at either what I’m doing or what I believe if I felt that comfortable being associated with muslims.

[GulliverSwift]

http://www.inplainsite.org/html/smith_and_muhammed.html

In the heat of the Missouri “Mormon War” of 1838, Joseph Smith made the following claim,

“I will be to this generation a second Mohammed, whose motto in treating for peace was ‘the Alcoran [Koran] or the Sword.’ So shall it eventually be with us—‘Joseph Smith or the Sword!’ ”[1]

[Nicole5]

So now our country has a problem with all Muslims, not just the fanatics? The article actually criticizes the Mormon church for helping with tsunami relief in Indonesia, where the great majority are Muslim. Does this mean we are only to help Christians? The depth of ignorance in this article and some of the comments on this page is astounding.

[Graybeard58]

What part of my comment did you find "ignorant or astounding'?

[Graybeard58]

Here is "ignorant and astounding" -

"A Mormon living in an Islamic society would be very comfortable,"

[Nicole5]

Implying that the only thing separating the two religions is the Bible?

[CarrotAndStick]

Lol, The Chaser's War on Everything!

Damn funny Australian show.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chasers+war+on&search_type=

[Honorary Serb]

It’s no surprise that Mormons and mulsims are seeking closer relations:

http://www.cumorah.com/muslimsandlatterdaysaints.html

The above link is from a Mormon site, so this is NOT O/orthodox Christian propaganda. And anyone who knows the history of religions can see the parallels between islam and Mormonism, especially the disparagement of the era of the Church Fathers as “the times of ignorance”, and the claim of both islam and Mormonism to supercede the Christian Church.

[Nicole5]

Supercede “the” Christian church? Which denomination would that be? The Mormon church is called “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”