Mormon, \"non-Mormon\" divide not so wide

SALT LAKE CITY — As I write this, there's a swirling debate about whether to sell — or

not sell — liquor on Sundays. And several commentators have been quick

to cite the famous "divide" — the split between Mormons and the artists

formerly known as "non-Mormons."

      The "divide" was brought up during the Main Street Plaza debate,

the dust-up over the Legacy Highways and even in the gay-marriage issue.

      But 30 years ago nobody ever mentioned a "divide." It was not on

the radar. And that has led some to see those days as sunnier times,

days when people got along.

      They see the state moving from harmony to disharmony.

      I see just the opposite.

      The word "divide" might not have been common 30 years ago, but Utah was hardly paradise. Things got pretty ugly at times."Saturday's Voyeur," the revue that takes its name from

"Saturday's Warrior," is about quirky personalities and politics now.

But years ago it was all about the LDS Church. And the humor was acid.

LDS missionaries, mothers — even sacred attire — got lampooned as

fed-up souls in the audience slapped their knees and sipped Merlot.

      They were angrier times.

      And not without reason.

      Thirty years ago, "cast-iron haloes" were more prevalent in LDS

circles. Members feared "outside" influences might contaminate their

faith. They stayed away from people of other religions and steered

their children away from friends who didn't share their "standards."

Confusion and pain were often the result.

      But if the "Saturday's Voyeur" crowd has matured, so has the