>>I think one of the problems with Mormonism is that, like Islam, it is a religion with earthly political aspects and was originally conceived as a theocratic system - and, in fact, its adherents were at war with the United States at one point.<<
If I may paraphrase: “one of the problems with Mormonism is that, like Islam, it does not stand up very well to close scrutiny”.
I think the most interesting observation I made regarding Mitt’s run is not even about Mitt. It is that many Mormons were nervous about the scrutiny their beliefs would get if he ran.
My church would WELCOME such scrutiny. The very fact that they were concerned is pretty telling.
One outcome is that most people know about the underwear now. It’s a small start, but it is a start. I wonder what else would have become “common public knowledge” if they had been scrutinized all the way to November?
Mormons welcome inquiries into the religion and the practices thereof.
Unfortunately what you are calling 'scrutiny' isn't an honest look into the religion at all.
The people 'scrutinizing' were in no way shape or form interested in learning about the religion, but rather demeaning another religion or trying to defend their own.
Conversely before they ever started they went in with a vitriolic attitude to tear down and demean rather than learn. Trying to root the hate out of someone's heart is no easy thing.
Its competition among religious groups and from experience that turns ugly because those other groups tend to be threatened by Mormons.
Not liking this, that set the tone for how those religionists handled the situation.
I would liken it to a black man trying to walk into a store labeled 'whites only' back in the 1920's. They don't care WHAT his character is, all they know is he is not allowed and will make it known.
The same apprehension that guy would have is similar to some of the apprehension Mormons have.
Scrutiny and Inquiry is one thing. Attacking is another.
From experience when you try talking to someone who vitriolicaly has their mind made up about something, talking to them is impossible.
Most Mormons saw the fight looming before a word was uttered.
What resulted was a ton of screaming but very few STILL have not put the church to true scrutiny.
Saying "I want to find out what these guys believe in" is one thing...
Gritting one's teeth and saying "I am going to prove to the world that I hate Mormons and they should too" is another.
Despite all the election and the screaming the vast majority of the world still does not know anything about Mormons.
I think several things would have become public knowledge, but the one thing that would likely have been most noted would have been the practice of the LDS church not allowing attendance at temple weddings by friends and relatives, even parents, unless they paid the price for the "temple recommend" by being "worthy". Imagine, forbidding parents to attend the wedding of a child.