On Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism
Where did you get the idea that I'm LDS? I just don't like being asked if I'm a polygamist because I'm from Utah.
0
On Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism
Utah ranks first in the nation in its rate of depression and seventh in the nation for suicide. To be sure Mormonism values obedience over all. I'm not so sure under individuation is cause though. It is generally not looked so highly upon. More likely it a product of ostracization? A feeling of a rejection? Something a little more than Stockholm Syndrome?
0
On Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism
I'm with Fredrick, typos are way sexy.
0
On Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism
Joseph Smith and other leaders within the Mormon church practiced polygamy in secret for first several years after it was instituted. It was justified under biblical grounds, Moses' multiple wives, yada yada yada, but it was kept hidden because it was controversial amongst church members. A faction within the church printed a publication called the Nauvoo Expositor which detailed Joseph Smith's affairs and condemned the practice. Fearing an insurrection, Smith had the printing press destroyed. This act contributed to the circumstances surrounding his arrest and murder. Brigham Young was one of the early practicing polygamists and his branch, which constitutes the mainstream Mormon branch, continued the practice. Even then, no more than 10% of the church's population ever practiced it. The much smaller RLDS church which Joseph Smith Jr. founded did not continue the practice.
Statehood was granted to Utah on condition of giving up polygamy. Like Carina said, the whole polygamy issue has been beaten to death by now. When someone learns you are from Utah the inevitably ask if you have multiple wives, it gets a bit irritating.
0
On Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism
I would like to thank you for your thoughtful article, it is very difficult for someone unacquainted with LDS doctrine and culture to fully understand the Mormon position, partially because it differs so much from person to person. I was raised in a devout LDS family and it wasn't until I was nineteen that I decided to break from the Church. As most former members will tell you, it is a very traumatic experience for anyone, as it isn't merely a rejection of faith, but a divorce from the only community you know. Mormonism isn't just something one does on Sunday, it is the defining characteristic of your being. It is the totality of ones existence. Which is why the LDS church's stance on gay marriage is all the more violent. For a gay Mormon, the implication of not being sealed in the temple is more than a denial of a civil union or legal recognition. It is a PERMANENT divorce from your community and loved ones. This is only understandable in context of the Mormon conception of family. Much is made of Mormons devotion to family. It isn't simply a leftover of conservatism, although it is that, but the point upon which the entire gospel is hinged. The promise of Mormonism is the eternal family. The horror James feels for not being able to have an eternal family is the fear of eternal isolation and damnation. If one cannot hold the priesthood or be sealed in the temple then they go to a lower heavenly kingdom. While this kingdom is hardly hell (the lowest celestial kingdom is often described of as being worlds better than our mortal condition) it carries with it a far greater penalty, the separation from one's family. You would literally be isolated, stuck in a sort of spirit limbo. For a wayward straight Mormon, leaving the church is a painful experience, but in the back of his or her mind is the possibility they could always go back, be a good priesthood holder, and get married. For the gay Mormon, no such possibility exists. This belief and the LDS church's stance won't change until their notion of gender and sexuality changes. Gender, far from being an arbitrary, cultural thing, is a truth which stands for all time. We were men and woman in the preexistence as we will be in the afterlife. A man and a womans role in the church is clearly defined as its power structure. One cannot separate the church's stance on gay marriage from the church's stance on equal rights for women. Let's not forget the church's opposition to the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment. I have rambled on for a while now, I am glad to see there are members of the LDS church who are in disagreement with the church's actions on Proposition 8 and who are willing to express it openly.
0
On Prop 8: Mormon Persecution, Marriage and the Refuge of Patriotism
But you are right, not much open skepticism within the church.. There was an incident in the 80's when a group of left-leaning professors were purged from BYU's faculty. "Intellectualism" was even called by one prophet the greatest threat to the faith. That being said, there is a wider range of opinions and beliefs within the church than one would expect. I know quite a few liberal Mormons who count themselves as advocates for gay marriage, environmentalists, and vegans. Just don't ask me how they reconcile it all.