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One antidote to mistrust
With former Utah governor Jon Huntsman and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney both believed to be gearing up for a run for the presidency, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has again found itself answering questions about what these two prominent members believe.
Post reporter Sandhya Somashekhar wrote in a story published Tuesday that Mormon leaders see the ascendancy of these and other Mormons (such as convert Glenn Beck) as a sign "that the community has finally 'arrived,'" but added "researchers say there remains a deep mistrust of Mormons and that little has changed in public opinion to suggest that voters will be more open this year than they were in 2007."
If conservative Christian and Mormons share a political agenda, why do suspicions still plague Mormon politicians? Do media personalities such as Glenn Beck help or hurt the cause?
I was in Utah many months ago to meet and visit with my counterpart in media relations at the Mormon Church. We spent most of an afternoon comparing experiences as spokespersons for religious organizations that are viewed by a few people as...well...unusual. There we were: "the people who don't drink" sitting across the table from "the people who don't go to doctors." You should have seen the fireworks.
Actually, we had some good laughs talking about the stereotypes we each encounter in our work. It's less amusing, however, when you realize from someone's comment that some negative stereotype is believed to be the norm. When the gap between distorted perception and reality widens is when mistrust can creep in.
We instinctively didn't want that to happen, so we talked. We talked frankly about politics, missionary work, temples, Big Love, genealogy, spiritual healing, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, church membership, Mitt Romney, polygamy, you name it. No subject was off limits and we spoke with candor and respect and listened carefully to what each other had to say. The conversation got slightly rowdy at one point when we talked about the Red Sox, but eventually we gained our composure.
Here's the point: when we sat down together, we both understood there would be things we didn't agree on, whether it had to do with politics, theology, or the best sports teams. What we did agree on was never in doubt: we welcomed the opportunity to discuss in an honest and unrushed manner the views we have of one another and to correct whatever misunderstandings there may be.
It may not be the antidote to all mistrust, but I still find that good old fashioned conversation, together with a willingness to listen and learn from others -- just as you would like them to learn from you -- can go a long way in building trust.
By
Russ Gerber
|
February 9, 2011; 7:53 PM ET
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Posted by: Vanka | February 19, 2011 12:31 PM
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So after that did you all go our for drinks and transfusions later?
;)
Posted by: shadow27 | February 13, 2011 5:59 PM
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Thank you for lifting up the value of listening. Great teachers from all faiths advise us to keep pride in check, to forgive, to search out and to appreciate the spiritual qualities that others express. Your post reminds me of the old testament guidance in Micah...to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with thy God.
Posted by: joannakatz4 | February 13, 2011 4:59 PM
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If we did that internationally, we would have fewer wars.
Tell that to the isolationist conservatives and religious fundamentalists, whose need to believe betrays their insecurity and lack of rational action.
Posted by: gkam | February 13, 2011 2:07 PM
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Mormons try to make us believe they are "really nice people", but their history as well as current events contain facts that show it is all veneer - all keeping up appearances (like a wolf wearing a nice wool sweater).
Mormons will quote their "Articles of Faith" and other scriptures from their "Standard Works" in an attempt to convince you they are "mainstream" and Christian.
But we know from history that Mormons believe the word of their living leaders above scripture, and they are not above "lying for the Lord".
Case in point: The Mormon Church leader told all Mormons to "do all you can" to fight against same-sex marriage (Prop 8 in
California). This despite the fact that LDS scriptures clearly state:
"It is NOT JUST for religions to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied" (D&C134). This shows without doubt that Mormons and their leaders will violate THEIR OWN sacred scriptures and principles when it suits them.
Even polygamy was continued secretly for around 10 years after LDS Church leaders lied and swore to Congress that the practice had ceased in the Church (see Quinn).
This means that not only will common Mormons lie for the Lord (the Church), so will the Church leaders! Even under oath to Congress!
So stop denying what your Church really is: a secretive, elitist, imperialistic cult aspiring to "put an end to all nations", and rule the world for a thousand years when "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess" that the Mormon Jesus is in charge!
It is written clearly in their Temple oaths and covenants that members are expected to give all their possessions and use all their positions and opportunities ("everything with which the Lord has blessed you or may bless you") for the building up of the LDS Church.
This includes oaths to give one's life for the building up of the LDS Church. That is an explicit oath regarding a willingness to "give one's life" (suicide) for the Church.
These are not oaths to do good, or to die for God or Jesus, in some abstract, harmless sense. These are radical oaths and covenants of loyalty to the Leaders of a Cult Church! In the Temple recommend "catechism", Mormons covenant that they sustain the President of the LDS Church as "the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the only person on the earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all [God's] priesthood keys?"
The LDS Temple ceremonies at the time Mitt Romney was "endowed" included graphic depictions of cutting one's throat, disemboweling oneself, and other acts of suicide as a penalty for revealing the secret oaths and failing to be faithful to them.
These are not lies. These are facts. These are not taken out of context. They are true, accurate, and reliable.
The last thing this country needs is a cult-member in the White House!