Mormon Media Observer: Looking for American tolerance
Amid the grandeur of the gothic architecture, the voices of a choir echoed and attendees listened to the interfaith readings that represented the universal goodness and equality of humankind. A rabbi read from the Torah, an imam from the Koran, a pastor from the New Testament and an LDS leader from The Book of Mormon. As idealistic college students, it was an image and an associated feeling of peace we remembered as a model for a tolerant America. It was an America to which we felt included.
Fast-forward to 2008. In many quarters my faith is under attack as Americans consider a Mormon for president, and I wonder about that inclusion. One recent author said he felt marginalized if Mitt Romney is denied the presidency simply — or primarily — because of his faith. Another has explained that it seems like it is “open season on Mormons”.
Along with the oft-referenced polls that say many would not vote for a Mormon president, there is a more troubling misunderstanding about religious freedom in the United States. Just 56 percent of Americans believe that the freedom to worship as one chooses extends to all religious groups, regardless of how extreme — down 16 points, from 72 percent in 2000, according to the “State of the First Amendment 2007” report released in September 2007. Americans seem to have a problem with religious tolerance and a basic understanding of the religious freedom clause of the First Amendment.
And it seems to persist in the Mitt Romney campaign. Three political science professors argue that saying Romney is flip-flopping is merely a cover for anti-Mormon sentiment (see also here.)
Recent comments
Questions for Christians who are thinking of voting for
Mitt Romney…
Tom | Feb. 4, 2008 at 8:19 p.m.
Mormonism is a cult.
Anonymous | Feb. 4, 2008 at 7:57 p.m.
Thanks for the interesting article and all the other articles referenced…
Mar | Jan. 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
