From Deseret News archives:
Romney campaign has LDS in spotlight
Polls indicate that approximately 20 percent of Americans will never vote for a Mormon candidate for president. More troubling, a recent survey (reported in this newspaper a week ago) revealed 40 percent of college faculty across the country possess an unfavorable view of Mormons. Web sites and propaganda generated by many mainstream Protestant denominations display even worse hostility. This emotion was highlighted by the Rev. Al Sharpton's nonsensical utterance that the LDS do not "really believe in God."
Granted, Mormons hold some views quirky to most Americans. But peel back the covers of any mainstream religion and you will find strange beliefs and a troubled history. For over 150 years, the LDS faith produced adherents committed to the advancement of our society and the welfare of fellow human beings. Mormons have not committed a huge crime that excuses prejudice.
When I confront my LDS friends (loudly, with arms waving) about responding to these horrible insults, the usual reaction is a shrug of the shoulders and a mumble "what can one do about it?" But something has to be done. Insidious discrimination, whether against Mormons or others, is a disease that permeates all the fabric of our country. Both Mormons and non-Mormons, in a very public manner, must paint this intolerance for what it is: bigotry. This is not the time for passive-aggressive behavior. Indeed, these narrow-minded fools will learn that there are serious ramifications for their stupidity, if we aggressively counter religious discrimination. We may not be able to convince the bigots overnight, but we can at least shame them out of releasing their poisonous thoughts.
Comments
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