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Doug Robinson: Better duck — if you're a Mormon
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Granny T. | 8:23 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008
A little advice from leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Ensign �Jan. 2008� Pres. Gordon B. Hinkley
"Do you want a spirit of love to grow in the world? Then begin within the walls of your own home. Behold your little ones, and see within them the wonders of God, from whose presence they have recently come. Never allowing yourself to correct them in the heat of passion; teach them to love you rather than to fear you.� "�Teach them. I need not remind you that your example will do more than anything else in impressing upon their minds a pattern of life. Under the revealed word of the Lord, we know they are children of God as we are children of God, deserving of that respect which comes of knowledge of that eternal principle. In fact, the Lord made it clear that unless we develop in our own lives that purity, that lack of guile, that innocence of evil, we cannot enter into His presence. �Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven� (Matthew 18:3).
Not to hurtful is it?
The Ensign �Jan. 2008� Pres. Gordon B. Hinkley
"Do you want a spirit of love to grow in the world? Then begin within the walls of your own home. Behold your little ones, and see within them the wonders of God, from whose presence they have recently come. Never allowing yourself to correct them in the heat of passion; teach them to love you rather than to fear you.� "�Teach them. I need not remind you that your example will do more than anything else in impressing upon their minds a pattern of life. Under the revealed word of the Lord, we know they are children of God as we are children of God, deserving of that respect which comes of knowledge of that eternal principle. In fact, the Lord made it clear that unless we develop in our own lives that purity, that lack of guile, that innocence of evil, we cannot enter into His presence. �Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven� (Matthew 18:3).
Not to hurtful is it?
A Californian in Utah. | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008
Saying anything racist against a black person in America will cause all hell to
break loose and the offender will get nailed and blacklisted as a racist. Do
the same to someone who is gay, and the commenter will be labeled a bigot.
However, as the article says, if you're a Mormon, you're fair game.
You can be ridiculed, made fun of, looked down on. People outside the church
are so sure they know and understand what the Church believes. For
"can't figure it out", the "abomination" spoken of in
the Book of Mormon is the Church of the Devil. The Church of Christ isn't
just our church, but all those who truly follow Christ. So just so long as
you're not on the "abomination" side, you shouldn't worry
too much. This country, from its beginning, has been built upon religious
freedom, allowing its citizens to practice as they see fit. In a time when so
many preach the end of bigotry, so much still exists among these hypocrites. It
shows the stupidity and ignorance of people alright. Just like "moap
box".
Comments continue below
Amanda | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008
It is clear that everyone that believes in Christ must also believe in Satan,
they are a package deal. When Christ brought his church back to life in 1820
the persecution and name calling started immediately. There will always be
people that call good, bad and bad, good....get a thick skin, be an example of
tolerance yourself and move on. The people with real intent investigate the
beliefs, watch their LDS neighbors, and thousands will join the LDS church.
I'm Tired of the "Picked On" | 9:42 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008
Attitude! I am a Hillary Clinton supporter and she gets as much flack as
anyone. Goodness, I'm sorry so many people are so mean. But usually
there's a reason for "meanness". On the woman issue it's
because it's unfamiliar territory (and that's the black issue too).
On religious issues it is fear that Mormons (or anyone else) that believes so
strongly in certain beliefs will bring this to the White House (whether meaning
to or not).
There is a clear separation between church and state in the constitution and I believe that we need to always elect people that will keep that true. Would a Mormon or a Baptist minister bring that? We are not so sure. Also the country is tired of the Republican agenda. I truly believe the next president will be a Democrat.
There is a clear separation between church and state in the constitution and I believe that we need to always elect people that will keep that true. Would a Mormon or a Baptist minister bring that? We are not so sure. Also the country is tired of the Republican agenda. I truly believe the next president will be a Democrat.
Ignorant article | 10:28 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008
This article is filled with inappropriate comments...Is Barack Obama defined as
a Black "former drug user", that has a "Muslim Background"?
Hillary Clinton is an ornery women?
Mormons don't have it that bad, and I think the author is the ignorant one.
Mormons don't have it that bad, and I think the author is the ignorant one.
dayna | 12:17 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
I think that it is funny that mormons are up in arm about what others think that
mormons believe. Mormons do not even know what the believe. If mormons knew
their own belief system based on LDS prophet theology, church members would be
horrified and disgusted. If mormons believe that Joseph Smith is a true prophet,
then we are all living in apostasy. What the world knows is what LDS members do
not, that is, the REAL mormon church. Not the candy coated version that is being
spoon fed to us and to converts by the LDS church leaders.
Lifetime Mormon | 12:39 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
OK, fellow Mormons, shut up, organize, and "soldier on..." Let's
sneak up on those gentiles and take the Presidency and Congress when
they're not looking. Then listen to them squeal.
To Louis in Moab | 1:07 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
The Mormon church used to be the same as the FLDS church. I think that
"has something to do with it".
Both churches also say Joseph Smith was their prophet. I think that has "something to do with it" too!
Both churches also say Joseph Smith was their prophet. I think that has "something to do with it" too!
Lily | 2:43 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
I disagree with posters (and others) who say that a candidate's belief
system (whether the beliefs be religious or otherwise) has nothing to do with
his/her ability to lead the country (as president or representative). If a
person�s beliefs contain non-reality based concepts
(distortion of fact), this evidences gullibility and/or inability to discern
reality, either of which can lead to decisions (whether of action or inaction)
with dangerous consequences. If the beliefs contain non-reality based value
judgments (distortion of judgment) --ranging from "it's OK to bomb xyz
because doing so may lead to Armageddon, which we 'know' is
coming", to "it's OK to let Monica perform oral s** on me because
it's not 'really' sex", this can lead to actions ranging
from endangering the survival of the human race, in the first instance, to
disruptive and expensive distraction of the national political process away from
much more pressing concerns in the latter. That politico gets my vote who --
all religion aside -- most closely adheres to "Love one another"
(e.g., honestly seek the true facts, don't cheat ) WHILE ALSO being
"wise as a serpent" in aiming to enact policies for sustainable
individual, social, economic, and ecological health.
To Louis R. in Moab | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
Warren Jeffs has nothing to do with the Mormon church. Get your facts straight
before you start saying stupid things.
More Truth | 4:46 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
What Mormons are really afraid of is their church being really discussed in the
media. Very little of the truth is know about this church at the national level
and the Mormon leadership knows it. That is why Mormons are saying things like
"I don't think it is time for a Mormon President." Truth and
history are not on the side of Mormonism and I can not wait to see the truth
revealed if Mitt gets the Republican nomination. Wait until the media lets the
public know that Mormons believe they will becomes gods one day and that mere
Christians (about 80% of US population) will be serving these Mormon gods. Hold
on for the ride!! Scientology will look sane by the time the Clinton political
machine gets through with Mitt.
re:More Truth | 5:16 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
Mormons are so afraid of people discussing their religion that they hide behind
network broadcasts of their conferences, behind a website, behind missionaries
going out to teach people, behind ad campaigns, behind the longest running radio
broadcast in America, if not the world.
To the LDS Church there is no such thing as a spotlight bright enough. The LDS Church welcomes discussion -- they just don't like people spreading misinformation and outright lies.
To the LDS Church there is no such thing as a spotlight bright enough. The LDS Church welcomes discussion -- they just don't like people spreading misinformation and outright lies.
pianomom | 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
Go ahead, say all you want, and I'm not ducking! When people make
disparaging remarks about anyone, it says a lot about them (which
"them," do you wonder?). I am a Mormon and love the publicity that
follows the remarks. The way people respond to remarks also says a lot about
them. Some, like Rikki Tikki, will run and find out.
William Sillyman | 8:53 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
Doug, I want to fully agree with you in every respect. I don't live in
Utah anymore, I live in Missouri, where there is still a lot of prejudice in
many parts of the state towards Mormons. I am LDS and I'm happy to be LDS.
Although I'm a Mormon Democrat, I do like Mitt Romney and I lived in Utah
just prior to the Olympics when Mitt took over running it. I admired his
organizational skills and how he turned a fiasco into a success, that's
saying a lot. What really amazes me about this whole presidential race is
"who is going to pull the next card to play". First it was the
"Race" card, now Huckabee pulled the religion card. Don't they
realize there is an amendment that forbids that very thing of standing on issues
because of religion. But you are right, when people can't find anything
politically incorrect to sling at others, let them pull the "Mormon"
card and see how fired up people get. If they don't understand us, why
don't they find out for themselves first before they sling mud. Thanks for
a great article.
NancyNurse | 12:47 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008
As a young adult, my best friend and I sat out to find a religion, I came from
an inactive, Southern Baptist background,she from the same. I ended up being
LDS because it best suited what I believed, she became Catholic for the same
reasons. Guess what? We are still best friends and support each others choice
of religion. Did I encounter bigoted, intolerance before I joined the LDS
church. Yes! As a child I did not understand, but as an adult, I soon realized
it was not the way the church taught it's members, it was the individual
who practiced intolerance and will pay for that. Does our church encourage
intolerance, never. Our beloved prophet, President Hinckley is forever teaching
love, tolerance and service and practices that himself by showing the world we
are there whenever help is needed. That help comes from our willing, not
demanded donations to serve others. Will I be "ducking" as indicated.
Not on your life, I stand tall in my beliefs and I stand tall in my support of
Mitt Romney because he is a leader and a businessman who knows what he is
doing. This country needs that leadership right now.
TLynch | 9:18 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008
For some reason I thought that this country was based on religious freedom. Any
time you think that you are superior because of your beliefs you are a
hypocrite, especially if you are a Christian. The USA was based on freedom of
religion, whatever those religious beliefs are. Not based on what you believe
those beliefs should be.
Lindsey | 11:55 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008
I think this article is biased (and I am a Mormon living in Chicago). There are
equally negative comments broadcasted for each candidate...perhaps the
perception is different in Utah where Romney is watched more closely and
comments about him are more often noted. Unfair criticism is a not uncommon in
politics, and no one is attacking the Mormon faith more than other groups.
Relax. There are more important issues at stake than Romney being criticized.
Biased Jumper | 12:52 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008
Nearly everyone that wrote a comment is either a biased jumper or confused fact
finder.
Hagrid | 1:14 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008
I really enjoyed reading this article. It inspired me to think about my own
position on other religions and their beliefs.
Patsy | 5:21 p.m. Jan. 20, 2008
This is the article (Better duck...)I keep telling my friends I am going to
write. Whatever your religion, the bias in the main stream press against
Mormons would never be tolerated were it against Jews, Muslims, Blacks or Women.
Are we stepping back in time, or just too lazy to object?
P O | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
Recently my husband and I experienced some very hurtful anti-Mormon spirit. We
applied for adoption through this agency in Texas but were denied because we
"are not Christians". Since when? I was so hurt that people are so
closed minded to not even read the name of our church The Church of JESUS CHRIST
of Latterday Saints. This non-denominational group was very adamant in their
views and we were basically clumped in with Satan worshippers. So because of
their bias, they denied some child the right to be in a loving home...nice huh?
And this is the 21st century?
Chris | 6:51 p.m. Jan. 22, 2008
I find this article so very ironic. As a returned missionary, former
elder�s quorum president, University of Utah graduate,
temple married, son of a stake president, former Mormon, I understand very well
how judgmental members of the Church can be. You Mormons can sit back and state
that you won�t vote for [INSERT NAME OF ANY LEFTY HERE]
because he or she supports gay marriage, abortion rights,
women�s rights, etc. etc. etc. How many of you
member�s of the Church would vote for an atheist? Or a
lesbian? Yet the national media can't discuss Mitt
Romney�s religion unless it is in a positive light? Is it
relevant that Mitt Romney is Mormon? Absolutely. Is it relevant that Mitt Romney
belongs to a religion that didn�t allow blacks to hold the
priesthood until 1972, still does not permit women to have the priesthood,
thinks homosexuality is the second greatest sin (next to murder)? Absolutely.
Get off your high horses please. And quit holding others to standard that you
won't hold yourself to. It�s called hypocrisy Mr.
Robinson, and it runs rampant in your Church.
Nameless | 7:09 p.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Reading through the comments, I find myself appaled.
It's not about religion--it's about discrimination! In a public election. I agree, Mormon's aren't the only ones persecuted for their beliefs. But I do think it's idiodic that you'd vote aginst a candidate just because he's mormor. It's what America--s a rule--is against! People, get over youreselves and pay attention to the issues that should make a difference how you vote: health care, gay marriage, the war on terrorism, the economy, the environment, abortion...If you stand with a candidate on the issues, look past his/her religion and vote for them! He's a mormon, Obama's a muslim. Big deal. They're American's and that's what matters.
Please, People, get off you're high-"My religion's persecuted too!"-horse and think about the nation. You're vote changes the course of history and sets the path for the future. Do you really think something as petty as he's a mormon should come into it?
That's all the article was saying. It wasn't saying "stop persecuting me!" And that's why agree with it, as a Christian who disagrees with the Mormon religion. I think descrimination is stupid, especially in such a big thing as an election.
Vote fairly and un-prejudicely.
It's not about religion--it's about discrimination! In a public election. I agree, Mormon's aren't the only ones persecuted for their beliefs. But I do think it's idiodic that you'd vote aginst a candidate just because he's mormor. It's what America--s a rule--is against! People, get over youreselves and pay attention to the issues that should make a difference how you vote: health care, gay marriage, the war on terrorism, the economy, the environment, abortion...If you stand with a candidate on the issues, look past his/her religion and vote for them! He's a mormon, Obama's a muslim. Big deal. They're American's and that's what matters.
Please, People, get off you're high-"My religion's persecuted too!"-horse and think about the nation. You're vote changes the course of history and sets the path for the future. Do you really think something as petty as he's a mormon should come into it?
That's all the article was saying. It wasn't saying "stop persecuting me!" And that's why agree with it, as a Christian who disagrees with the Mormon religion. I think descrimination is stupid, especially in such a big thing as an election.
Vote fairly and un-prejudicely.
Tim | 11:54 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008
I am a proponent of self-reflection . I am by no means perfect and I admit to
previously being bigoted and prejudiced. Which brings me to the 1960
presidential campaign, which I remember well. The world around me at that time
was greatly worried about a Catholic candidate being elected who would fill
positions with Catholics and make our nation Catholic. Although JFK was not my
choice, I am glad that by his being elected it was proven that the results were
not marred by religious bigotry against Catholicism. Now in 2008 my world is
again pervaded by fear-mongering over another candidate whose religion does not
fit what many consider conventional or mainstream (Mormonism). Bigotry again
finds its way from some pulpits to my mailbox, and certainly there is no lack of
prejudice filling the airways, media and blogosphere. I am thankful for freedom
of speech and I hope that each vote for a new national president will be based
on political platform, position on issues and personal integrity. Likewise, may
self-reflection as a voter eliminate any tendency to vote for or against a
person's hairstyle, gender, race, or religion.
A voice of reason | 11:02 p.m. Jan. 29, 2008
I am troubled by this editorial and posts. Judaeo - Christian bigotry has been
alive and well from the days of Stephen, the Inquisitions and Salem witch
burnings to Ireland and the Balkan States in modern times. Much blood has been
shed over doctrinal differences. Less than honorable individuals have crept
into the fold -- David and Judas come to mind.
Does a rational person reject an entire body of believers because of a difference of opinion, or a �bad apple getting into the bushel,� even if he does reek of hypocrisy?
The issue is not beliefs, ethics, affiliation or behavior. The question is: �Should a person be denied his Constitutional right to be President because of his private religious conviction?� Certainly the Office must be �earned� by election, but all who state they could not vote for a person SOLELY because of his religion demonstrate abject disregard for the concept of religious freedom. That some in the press or any candidate would use such an argument for political advantage, and seemingly no one to call them to task for their disregard of a basic tenet of this Republic, is indeed troubling.
Does a rational person reject an entire body of believers because of a difference of opinion, or a �bad apple getting into the bushel,� even if he does reek of hypocrisy?
The issue is not beliefs, ethics, affiliation or behavior. The question is: �Should a person be denied his Constitutional right to be President because of his private religious conviction?� Certainly the Office must be �earned� by election, but all who state they could not vote for a person SOLELY because of his religion demonstrate abject disregard for the concept of religious freedom. That some in the press or any candidate would use such an argument for political advantage, and seemingly no one to call them to task for their disregard of a basic tenet of this Republic, is indeed troubling.
Robyn Spence | 2:45 p.m. Jan. 30, 2008
Blue Mountains - Australia. If religion or belief is a big part of the life of
any candidate seeking public office, then that religion or belief deserves the
scrutiny of the public. Mr Romney will be judged by us all for the quality of
his character and his track record in administration and public life. Now and in
the future.
Isn't democracy wonderful! We can all have our say, express our opinions, disagree with each other or even agree!
I love it.
Isn't democracy wonderful! We can all have our say, express our opinions, disagree with each other or even agree!
I love it.
Clint Campbell | 7:45 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008
I find it odd that religion even is a main topic in our politics. It isn't
like Mitt was champaigning that he was a Mormon leader for our times. It is
just hard to hide that you go to church every sunday. I think that he did a
good job on keeping his politics seperate from his religion. He doesn't
need to do a special speach on his religion because it is not why we should vote
for him.
Tyler | 8:56 p.m. May 16, 2009
This is still one of the greatest articles I've read. It is so very true
and these points need to be brought up more frequently. Doug is my hero for
writing this.
Anonymous | 6:29 a.m. Sept. 8, 2009
Hi all. As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keep it.
I am from Kosovo and also now am reading in English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Whilst she is again discovered shown of in episode 16, she uses her similar petticoat in episode 41, having been out of charity for a criminal."
Waiting for a reply 8), Trevor.
I am from Kosovo and also now am reading in English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Whilst she is again discovered shown of in episode 16, she uses her similar petticoat in episode 41, having been out of charity for a criminal."
Waiting for a reply 8), Trevor.
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