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Jennings defends Mormon faith via N.Y. newspaper

Mormon candidates should switch to the Democratic party where they adhere to religious tolerance. It's sad that Republicans openly showcase their religious intolerance -- maybe we'll all learn a lesson here.

I'm not Mormon, but I have great respect for Mormons, and I am overflowing with praise for Ken Jennings' letter. Beautifully put, funny but serious, hard to argue with. This man isn't just book smart, or game-show smart; Ken Jennings is a truly wise man.

Ken should read a little more history before he claims they "tearfully accepted" it.
That simply was not the case at all.
Otherwise, that was a decent article.

My Mother witnessed the effects of religious intolerance as a child in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. I witnessed its effects overseas as a soldier in Afghanistan. Now, it becomes acceptable in our country to be intolerant, disguised of course, as intellectual or religious discourse. It is what is is: intolerance!, the fuel of hatred. Sugarcoat it all you want, it kills.

Anti-religion bigotry knows no political party boundaries. Many of the anti-Mormon comments of late have come from Democrats as well as Republicans.

Jennings' comments are insightful and erudite.

There is little comfort left when the democratic party is supposedly the bastian for those who are religious. This is the party that is behind the secularism of the world. Most democrats would prefer nothing more than to see all religion erradicated from all public forums.

In truth, it is the Republican party that, while it has certain intolerant members, truly advocates and encourages religion.

That, coupled with the self-reliant, local control, small government fundamentals makes the Republican party the logical choice for Mormons.

I am the first to admit that the neo-conservatives have led the Republican party down a path that takes it closer to the Democratic approach of having the government involved in every aspect of our lives. But, when push comes to shove, the principles of the Republican party mirror the principles of the Mormon faith.

The last time I checked, Lawrence O'Donnell was a DEMOCRAT. His rant against Mormons has far out-striped anything from the Evangelical right. Face it folks, there are bigots in both parties.

Go Ken Go!

Re: Switch to Democratic party - (laughing uncontrollably) that's right the democrats are the party of tolerance. I wonder who Lawrence O'Donnell voted for President.

I was with Jennings up until the comment on counting the days until the election. I, for one, welcome the discussion, debate, and even the content of what Jennings submitted. We need to be more active in the world, even if we should not to be of the world.

In the end, it will help people of all faiths, improving civility, tolerance, and promotion of the type of values we need to promote in this world.

Interesting to me that in Utah the lip-curling scorn and questions about one's parentage are directed at the Democrats. Maybe turn-about is really fair play as part of a larger scheme to teach us all a little more compassion.

Being a member of any party should have no bearing on one's religion. Go back and read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Many men and women throughout the ages have given up their lives (some literally) for this land and for the freedoms that we enjoy. Religion is a private matter and one that a person enjoys with conviction. No one has a right to dismiss another because of their religion. The Constitution also gives a right to ANY American citizen to run for office. That's what makes this country great and why many will sacrifice everything they have or own for it! God bless America! And..........Merry Christmas to all!

Thank you Bro. Jennings. That's all there really is to say.

I wish it were that simple. I think you are giving your beloved party a little bit too much credit. If Romney wins the nomination I'm afraid we will see that you are wrong-in a big way. The Mormon bashing would come pounding in from the Dems no doubt. This is a people problem not a party problem!

Joseph Smith lied about Polygamy for years. He 'married' the wives of some of his fellow leaders. Brigham had an 'oath of vengance' against the US Government in the Temple ceremony.
History shows what reality is and though these sound pretty bad they aren't any worse than many other religions and cults have in their past.

Yes, candidates of the leftist Democratic party are so tolerant and open-minded regarding religion that their brains sometime fall out. I can't wait to vote for one of them. Ha! That will be the day.

That last sentence, about high profiles and defense and widely read forums, is just bizarre and pointless. Carrie is simply uninformed and not widely read herself.

Joseph's naively honest statement that God told him to join non of the extant religions because they were all wrong, put him squarely at odds with the professional ministry. To this day, they still fight that claim. The ministers are the back bone of the far right and what they say will sway that vote - away from Mormonism. If Mitt becomes the candidate, Hillary will win, which she just may do anyway because of the do-nothing Republican congress and a not so lustrious Republican president.

ernest,

take your own advice. i can't speak for BY as i haven't read any biographies about him, but Bushman's recent biography certainly records a weeping JS regarding polygamy. you can spin it however you like�sincerity, insincerity, or the penance of an adulterous man�but the record is there.

The only reason the Democrats aren't making Mitt's religion an issue now is that he is not yet the GOP nominee. If he gets it, I think you can count on one hand the number of days it will take the Dems to start hitting his religion. Here in the nation's capital, the libs have been throwing out the "I'm moving to a country whose values line up with mine if Mitt Romney is elected Presdident" silliness since before he even officially announced his candidacy. It is not difficult to see the close parallels between Mormon Republicans and fundamentalist Muslims, apparently--Mitt will bring in the burqa on January 21, 2009, apparently. Ladies--please start sewing yours or place orders for them now, because there's going to be a rush on them in 13 months.

And please don't bring up Harry Reid, Mormon Senate Majority Leader to substantiate the claim that Dems are tolerant of all religions. Harry Reid is a known quantity to his Dem colleagues--he's not crazy. But the church as a whole is just a bunch of lunatic zealots. Reid (to them) is an exception to the rule.

Oh, and bravo, Mr. Jennings, for a great piece.