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

You are picking at nits here, DU.

Maybe so, but if we are talking about right to speak, you have no right to say what I believe, you may talk about what the church teaches, your experience, and your beliefs, but what is in my heart is specifically something only Jesus can know. This goes to the heart of saying that Mormons are not Christian. You can’t know that. You can say that we don’t teach XXX or that you believe that on order to be Christian YYY but leave my heart out of your discussion.

This specifically is what NNN and I had a nuclear reaction over, he tried to tell me I believed something I found to be pornographic about Mary who I hold to be holy. I undoubtedly overreacted, and for that I am sorry, I still hold that his statement was out of line.

As to the "mormons believe" thing. I will try to state the "mormon church", which is probably more concise.

I believe it will be less inflammatory too.

The above paragraph is the main reason that I don't want to see Romney as nominee. People laugh at my "hounds of hell" description of the clinton/media unholy alliance, but I stand by it.

I understand. I'm not sure the Mormons, who share and vote the values of the Religious Right, are especially eager to "join the club" of the Religious Right any more than the more well-known factions of the Religious Right are ready for them to join. It just never really occurred to any of us before.

It's kind of humorous.

I think, FWIW, the Mormons have broad shoulders. They can take what the libmedia dishes out. Doesn't do much harm to us Baptists or evangelicals. In fact, we consider the scorn of the libmedia to be a badge of honor. Probably the side-benefit in this for regular Mormons is it would really tend to tamp down sales of anti-Mormon literature. Especially the really lurid stuff. The level of conflict would abate considerably though not altogether.

It'll all work out. Politically, they've actually been members of the Religious Right for decades already. It's just that neither they nor the rest of us ever wanted to admit it or talk about it. A Romney nomination will change that and the libmedia's attacks will make it inevitable.

It's not really the end of the world.

So you are bigoted against bigots? Like myself, I presume. But that makes you a bigot against bigots.

You see, my religion says to reject idiots like yourself who would vote for someone whose religious belief is that the rest of us should be DEAD!! Consequently, you are bigoted against my religious beliefs.

Amazingly enough, you are bigoted against my religious beliefs, which are ones of self preservation, while you show no bigotry against those who support the muder of children.

That makes you an absolute moron, your logic is as just shown internally inconsistent.

I would like it shown for the record that FastCoyote has elected to dismiss logic in favor of personal attacks - precisely what he and his fellows have accused some of us of doing.

Now, as to your question, FC, by your logic, then the judge and jury are murderers against a murderer; the police are robbers against a robber.

I see that Islam has a lot of potential for good, just as Christianity had that potential in the dark days before the Reformation.

How can Islam achieve that potential if we aren't willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the genuinely earnest, good ones?

The kind of point of view that you demonstrate regarding them is exactly the kind that fuels the animosity between them and the West.

I disagree with Islam. I don't think everything it teaches is true; but to the extent that it helps people become better and more Christlike toward their fellowman - and there are hundreds of millions of them around the world for whom this is the case, despite the negative stereotype that you hold - then it is of God.

I would have no problem voting for a Muslim that fit the above description, if he were an ideological conservative.

And you should have no problem voting for a Mormon candidate who agrees with your political values.

Agreed, 100%

Please remember, though: question my religion all you like; point out what you view as doctrinal flaws and historical inconsistency. But I take as much personal offense at having my faith called a “cult” and “non-Christian” as you would.

I don’t seek to excuse my fellow Mormons, or myself, for inappropriate behavior - though I think almost everyone has done remarkably well in this thread. Neither, though, should you pretend that some who agree with you haven’t consciously tried to goad us in the past.

Both sides could use a little more Christ in their Christianity.

President Romney even as a scoutmaster but past Stake President holds a position of knowing what the teachings of the LDS Church are.

The initial post was to signify that indeed Romney was an informed, knowledgeable, ecclisiastical LEADER. He isn’t just a participant, who blushes at the embarrassing aspects of Mormonism as George W. Bush suggested.

I don’t care how many of you want to tag-team and make it appear that this isn’t so, but Romney is definitely a “good,” practicing believing Mormon. Trying to attack me over what you perceive to be an inaccuracy doesn’t change that in any way.

Are you trying to suggest Romney doesn’t understand Mormonism? Because that is what my post was addressing. As I said before, please do try to keep up.

Think of it: by definition, tithing is one-tenth of the income. How would the Church “bill” for tithing with knowing the person’s income?

Is it, or is it not, the practice of mormon bishops to contact members to set an appointment yearly for "tithing settlement"?

What is the purpose of this meeting and are you required to bring documents to substantiate your adherence to the 10% requirement?

If the meeting does not satisfactorily meet the bishop's (and church's) requirement of an "honest tithe", will he issue a temple recommend?

Obfuscation?

“Is following Jesus therefore interpreted by you to include all the doctrine of the mormon church...”

It means doing all I can to follow Him according to what I believe He has asked me to do. It means the same thing for you. The difference is that we believe we have been asked to do different things. You believe it’s the Ten Commandments. We add to those the Word of Wisdom, Law of Tithing, and Law of Chastity.

I fail to see how Christians see that as threatening. If you go out and murder someone, breaking the commandment that “Thou shalt not kill,” are you going to get to heaven just because you professed your faith in Jesus? Do you not, as a Christian, have to refrain from adultery if you are to keep the faith? Theft? Lying? Isn’t obeying these laws “works?”

How can Christians “deplore” statements that end up making us into better people? Wouldn’t you prefer a neighbor who doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, and is generous with his means?

Just because you view your Church as Christian doesn’t mean that greyfoxx and I must, or anyone else for that matter.

We were both Mormon and now we are Christian. We recognize the difference as do many. many others. It is our right to point out those differences. It is your right to state your reasons for disagreeing with us. Calling us names or ascribing motive to us for doing so, is against FR rules. Many have gotten away with it so far.

You are well aware that I have been called a “bitter old hag” and my motives have been ascribed to a disastrous first marriage over 30 years ago, that I have since put far, far behind me - yet in every thread we see still see some Mormons who ascribe this “pain” as the motivating factor in me speaking out about Mormonism.

I don’t think we have ascribed motives to you, nor have we called names. I once (one time) called an LDS poster a liar, because he suggested I denigrate our armed service men and women - - and in stating that he lied, I was stating a truth. What that person said was one of the most, mean, hateful, dispicable lies and personal attacks I have ever seen on FreeRepublic....yet the mod let it stand.

Just an update on my son who is in the Army. He participated in the “Soldier of the Year” this past week, after winning those titles for his brigade, platoon, division clear up to the final competition. He didn’t win this competition but I was extremely pleased with the way he represents himself and his country.

“That’s a surprising admission.”

What? That there are jack Mormons and social Mormons? Why’s that a surprise? I thought it was a given.

We continue to invite such people because we hope to reclaim them.

“...the attitude of being “better than us” comes from the constant reinforcement to mormons that they “have the only true church” and the “restored gospel.””

If such a perspective has led any to adopt this attitude, then I am embarrassed. In my opinion, though, there are people in this world that take offense at moral certainty; they are uncomfortable with absolutes. It’s a big reason that Liberals hate Conservatives - we’re not nuanced enough.

Some people simply feel threatened by Mormons’ confidence. They interpret it as an attitude that it is not. It doesn’t matter; I stand by my beliefs because to the confirming voice of the Holy Spirit. If a person takes offense at that, it’s not my lookout.

When I was a missionary, my mission president gave us some advice that stuck with me. The fact that we have the restored Gospel, he said, does not make us better. But it does make us more blessed. It’s our responsibility, therefore, to share that with all who are interested.

Greyfoxx did you see those deleted posts? I did. They were only open appeals to the mod.

I think neely was banned because he had become a whining, pest. If you are going to speak out about someone’s religion, you’d better grow a thick skin and take your licks. It is a distasteful task and few are called to do it.

We believe that there are ordinances in which one must participate in order to obtain Eternal Life. The first of these is baptism by one having authority. Others occur in the temple.

Not everybody gets the chance to participate in these ordinances in life; that’s why we perform vicarious work for those who are dead. It’s a testament to the justice and love of God - nobody is barred from Him on account of never having the opportunity.

As to your question, the Law of Tithing is one of the laws that must be obeyed in order to worthily enter the temple. Other such laws are the Ten Commandments, and the Word of Wisdom. If I am a liar and cheat, then I am not worthy. If I am a thief or adulterer, then I am not worthy.

The point of the temple recommend is a sort of “certificate of worthiness.” This worthiness means obedience to the Gospel - including the Law of Tithing.

One great aspect of the temple recommend interview is that it gives you an opportunity to ask the bishop for help and council in solving those things in your life that aren’t right. In the end, the bishop is not an executioner; he’s a servant.

Are you actually saying that the Prophet in SLC will call Mitt in the White House and tell him to veto or sign a specific bill, or that Mitt will use his Executive authority to grant the church some special ability? Like make it a state church?
I wish I could get you to see how crazy that sounds to me. A) The LDS church would never place such a call and B) Mitt would tell the prophet to butt out this is not a theocracy.

Aren't you one of the posters that complain about others reading your minds? How do you know what Mitt or the prophet would do in this case? Yes, I believe that Mitt would be unduly influenced to sign a bill by a call from the prophet. The state church comment is ridiculous and you know it.

Your whole premise on this seems to be that a Mormon can’t be trusted because of his oath to God to build up the kingdom of God. I believe a Mormon would make a better president because of his commitment to both God and country.

The oath states "for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.

Is it Christian belief that God wishes to "build up His kingdom on earth and establish Zion?" State your source for this. A mormon would certainly be a better President than a democrat, I agree.

you that you have the effect of temple covenants on a Mormon’s life all wrong.

In what way? Are you saying that they don't mean anything and are just a pro forma response? That's certainly news to me. Remember I am a former mormon, coming from a mormon dominated area.

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