Deseret News | Better duck — if you're a Mormon

Reader comments
Doug Robinson: Better duck — if you're a Mormon

680 comments | Read story

Larry | 1:09 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I am LDS living in CA. You know, most of this criticism of Mormonism and Romney as a Mormon seems to be coming from right-wing Republicans of various stripes. I note that a recent poll in NH among Republican and independent voters showed Romney having more "negatives" than Giuliani! What can that be other than hidden anti-Mormon bias. So, we LDS'ers should re-think who we want to politically align ourselves with. Note that Harry Reid doesn't get attacked nearly as much as Romney just for being a Mormon.

Think then speak | 1:14 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Simply put, its the hypocritical views that poison the church's image. Dont drink beer, yet they owned a beer company in northern utah called Fisher Beer. First its not ok to drink caffiene but now its ok because they own a large share of Coke. Then there are the people that damage it. Member looking down on other members due to financial status. Judging people based on there religion or what have you. Not letting members kids play with non members kids even if the child is a member and the parents are not. Think about it. The church may be fine but ultimatley its the people that define it.

Brent Clark | 1:15 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Exellent article, Doug Robinson, and it couldn't have been said better!

I believe that the main reason Mormons are often singled out and maligned by and in the media, is because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an entity, and most Mormons or Latter-day Saints as individuals, refuse to get on the "contemporary, reactive, emotional out burst band wagen" by screaming (and usually with as much publicity as possible) "we are offended and outraged!...we have been wronged!...we are victims!...we demand accountability!...we demand a public apology!...we demand restitution!"...every time Mormons are disparaged or erroneously portrayed by or in the media.

Instead, as a church and as a people we tend to field the prejudice and maligning with dignity (unless it becomes seriously libelous or slanderous) and correct false impressions and provide accurate information when and where we are able to do so...which, in my opinion, is not as much a posture of "turning the other cheek" as it is a posture of "not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing."

Comments continue below

Mormons own Utah | 1:16 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Not to seem offensive, but the reality in Utah is that if you're not Mormon, you don't count. Plus, the religion is into everything in Utah. I remember a state politician visiting a public meeting and asking who in the crowd was Mormon. I couldn't believe it. That cemented my suspicions. The religion is part of the state and the state is in the religion in Utah. If Mormons want to know why they are grouped, then they only need to look inward to find out. Just think about those you continuously ask what faith they are, and how you think your church is "the" church. Then you will discover why in the real world, people have an aversion to this faith.

Think then Speak | 1:20 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Oh someone should mention to Le Batard that oh lets see, Bart Star was a Mormon and that Steve Young is Mormon, also the #2 guy in LIttle House on the Prairie is Mormon. Sorry cant remember his name.

Lew Jeppson | 1:24 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Advocates of various positions need to lay their cards on the table, i.e. they need to be absolutely open about the foundations of their arguments. Leavitt's seminary escapade was offensive because the participants attempted to conceal the foundations of their arguments. If the advcocates of the neocon foreign policy have as their foundation the need to bring about the second coming of Christ, then they should plainly say so. If President Bush thinks he receives divine inspiration he should say so. There is just too much lack of candor in our national debate.

As an aside, the most honest man in the national debate today is Ron Paul; God bless him!

Naysayer | 1:28 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I'm sorry but as long as you continue to openly beleive that all other religions are an "Abomination" you're going to catch some flak. I know many that ARE voting for Romney just because he is mormon. Why is that not considered biased bigotry?

Oh, I see only the people NOT voting for him becuase he is mormon are biased bigots.

Many of you should look inward before calling others bigots.

New Jersey | 1:42 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

RE:Hater,

So what was the problem?

Ralph | 1:44 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

This is the LDS Church-owned newspaper.
Thanks for confirming that, Doug.
Bet you would be first in line to burn the presses back in Nauvoo.

LDS in AZ | 1:46 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I'm a LDS and I won't vote for Romney or any of the democrats candidates because of their unrealistic stance on inmmigration. I like MCain much better, he has a compasionated and more realistic view of immingration.

re: Hater and Old Man | 1:51 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Hater, people care...you have just convinced yourself to think otherwise.

Old Man, it is one thing to think your religion is true and another to attack and rip down other religions. The LDS church certainly does think it is the true religion (why would you want to belong to a religion that didn't think it was true?) but that doesn't mean we rip down everyone else's beliefs. This is quit different. If you really were to listen to a general conference you would hear talk of concern and love towards everyone regardless of religion.

smashwl | 1:54 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

One of the few candidates who has no character issues, a "squeaky clean" man who has a distinguished record of accomplishments, success and service, with no divorces, no affairs, no scandal. The only thing opponents can say about him is that he belongs to a church they don't understand.

Thats the problem Doug; Mitt has no Character. Mormons have always put other people down when they go thru problems. The only way you can have and develop true character is over-comming problems in your life. This is why Mitt has no conviction he changes everytime the wind blows.

A Mormon. | 2:06 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

To Why The Suprise:

I suppose that is the reason Jesus and His followers were disliked, "because they designed that way"?

Wake Up | 2:08 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

All one has to do is conduct research on the internet to discover for oneself the fairy tales inherent in the claims of Joseph Smith and the Mormon "religion" and rites. The reason why your beliefs are bashed is because few people can buy these assertions and then be labeled as bigots, liberals, and Democrats when they question them.

Think then speak | 2:11 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Ok let me revise. After further study it would be nearly impossible for the church to hold the majority stock of Coke. Plus noone has found sufficient proof linking the church to coke. SO I retract ONLY the coke statement. The beer stands as does the distillery that BY owned that made Whiskey that ZCMI sold along with tobacco.

Yikes! | 2:14 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Do some of you folks listen to yourselves? Robinson, you don't get to point fingers at other candidates' gender/race/religion (no matter how cutely you couch it) and then cry persecution. (Besides, I've seen anti-LDS bigots called out plenty of times, including in an excellent article in the NYT the other day.) Mormon bashers, don't you ever get tired of singing the same old song? (And that long-ago-debunked Coca-Cola thing? Seriously?) Finally, I wish certain of my fellow LDS could understand that not everyone who disagrees with our doctrine, or who will not vote for Mitt Romney, is an Enemy of the Church. Please, stop your whining and go do something useful, like your home teaching. To those few who have posted thoughtful comments, thank you!

Eric | 2:16 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

There are a lot of politically correct statements and liberal commentaries that I am getting sick and tired of reading the Deseret News. Yes, I am thinking of cancelling my subscription because of the left-leaning yellow journalism. However, I really appreciate this honest commentary that actually dares to identify some of the harassment that Latter-day Saints are subjected to. Thank you!

a simple question | 2:17 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Mormons are always asking, "what would you like to know about the LDS church?"
Okay, here's one:
When is it that Mormons are supposed to be migrating to Missouri?

I'm a hater (again) | 2:20 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I was wrong about no one responding, I'll give you that. I'm not really a hater, more of a critic, which causes me to get called a bigot. That's number 1, a bigot is someone who thinks their group is superior, not someone who criticizes you.
My biggest problem with the LDS is the whole mormons=republicans thing. It's frustrating to see my home state, the state I love, run by so many arrogant, corrupt, selfish, greedy, self-serving, sometimes stupid (Cannon) people, who GET AWAY with that they do because of the M and R card. The guy who ran against Hatch last time was SO MUCH better. Yes I know other states are red, and not all LDS are straight-up republicans, but that doesn't excuse a culture that DOES exist, and is enabled by everyone in it. I have a feeling that if the political climate in Utah was a little more balanced, the animosity would decrease. I didn't even mention shunning your neighbors and more. Thanks for actually replying, though.

I'm a hater (yet again) | 2:22 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

to continue, I have a few issues with the doctrine, mostly because I refuse to believe that anyone's salvation could actually be in someone else's hands (baptisms for the dead should not be necessary if God is perfect, or any baptisms for that matter). I also don't believe that God would set our life up like a lottery- gives us thousands of religions to choose from, and we have to somehow pick the right one (so I don't really believe any religion for that reason)

Minnesota, regarding russ | 2:23 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Russ I believe like most softball players that your story is a little bigger then the truth. For starters Utah had a Govenor for 8 years in the 80's that was a democrat. Bishops never tell congerations who to vote for. If they ever have I am sure half the congregration was just as offended. I take my kids everyyear to the Assembly of God church for their Christmas play. I respect others and their belief. I hope you can do the same

Reality | 2:23 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

To Reality Check. I think if you have the truth it will over ride agenda. It is when the truth is hidden that agenda is motive. " And the truth will set you free", or something like that. Anyway I would like to know the truth just for the sake of the truth. And maybe it would help you too. Anyway, thank you for your notice.

Just a Thought... | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I agree with much of what's been written here. Mormons are certainly not perfect, having lived in UT and being of "indian" decent, I was called many cruel names growing up in Provo. I am LDS, and people that have never left UT are a bit closed minded.

That being said, imagine if we replaced each instance of the word Mormon in Mr Robinson's article with Jew, Catholic, Baptist, etc. Would that seem okay to all the non-Mormons out there? Why is it that a quarterback is labled as a Mormon quarterback? When a political leader get's in trouble for something, is his religion the first thing that gets mentioned in the article?

How about when Michael, Magic, Kobe or any other famous athlete or celeb gets caught in audultery, do we read the name of their religion in the writeups the next day?

I don't think so. Mormons in UT do have some tolerence issues. But Mormons outside of UT do not participate in those types of hateful communications...not to the extent that we recieve them anyway.

Anon comments | 2:34 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Reading these comments are like looking at a freeway accident as you drive by. You almost can't help but look but then realize it wasn't very productive and actually distracted you from what you should have been doing - watching the road.

Too much gossip, heresay, emotional rantings. I read all the comments and somehow now feel... I don't know... unclean?

I agree with "Ken," I think I will concentrate on watching the road and trying to be a good Mormon.

Greg | 2:35 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Mormon have a reputation for being bigots and races because of the Blacks, polygamy,. I know for a fact with the studies on polygamy that i have done that many woman suffered tremendiously over the practice. I don't believe that there is anything Godly about polygamy and making others suffer for ones own gratification. My opinion it is a selfish practice. I don't think I will ever duck from any Mormon on this. The article was informative.

Chuck | 2:36 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Wish I had more time to read the comments. Some show a suprising/disapointing amount of ignorance. Religion & Politics, always controvercial evoking strong emotions. I hope people don't forget to be civilized and emotions like tolerance, charity and love. I spent a decade of my adult life in the "Bible Belt" and, well we can all do better I suspect in how we look at and treat others locally, nationally and internationally. Personally I agree with the thought provoking article.

Politics and Religion | 3:00 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Two arguments you will never win, but will create a lot of "frenzy".

Congratulations DMN, for a vapid article and exposing the ignorance of your readership.

Congrats also to Doug Robinson for another contentious divisive article about religion.

You all should be proud!!!

No takers? | 3:02 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

So.......
when are the faithful supposed to be packing their handcarts and heading out for Missouri?

funny scenario | 3:07 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Mormonisms racist past is coming back to haunt it.
No blacks in the priesthood, etc.
How funny it would be to see Obama and Romney slugging it out for the presidency!!!

Enlightened by the Argument | 3:13 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

This has been interesting to read these comments. I think a lot of LDS people have felt unjustly battered by the ignorance of people with a platform. One of the problems is that a lot of people living in Utah, among the LDS people, have felt unjustly battered as well. Who would have thought that an article would get 220 plus comments, most of them before 9:00 a.m.! There are some deep seeded feelings on this subject. We, as members of the LDS Church, are not the only ones who are persecuted for what we believe but when our history shows such a gross intolerance for us we get a bit fired up about it. Bring up Topaz and other Japanese interrment camps and those of Japanese descent will probably bristle a bit as well. I thought Doug was spot on! I also realized that many of the comments by those against the Church probably come from experiences they've had with members who showed them little or none of the respect we are seeking among other Americans. I agree with the comments of not being offended but rather being informative and let people know and not criticize when they "flip-flop."

Well, Doug, | 3:16 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

You certainly achieved what you set out to do: Your article has resulted in a ton of comments! Some good, some ridiculous, and some just outright ignorant.

Congratulations for a well-written article and for generating all this commentary!

I honestly believe that the more bashing the church receives the greater the success will be in bringing the truth to the world and the more successful it will be in getting new members. Hopefully, they will all join because they believe what they are taught and not just because it suddenly gets popular to be a Mormon!

PlanB | 3:27 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

'Oh you poor Mormons' and 'JimH' both state the tired phrase that "Mormons deserve it". Just like Jews, Blacks or women deserve it? Thanks for proving Robinson's point. 'MikeW'complains of parsing words; then immediately manipulates them to justify his intolerance. News flash: All Christians, Jews and Mulsims have polygamy in their history too. Many other faiths had separate black and white congregations prior to the 1970's (some still do) and still refuse to allow anyone except a privledged few to have the priesthood (people in glass houses). Manipulating the statement that "all of us are children of God" into "Jesus and Satan are brothers" is classic disortion to justify intolerance.

AdamSG | 3:28 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Hey, Mormons can join the group with atheists. Even so, atheists will still remain the chairpersons of the group. There is nothing worse to be in American politics than atheist. "How un-American is that?"

European girl | 3:28 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Growing up LDS in Europe for the first 16 years of my life, I have experienced plenty of prejudice and many questions about what I believe in because people there just don't understand the LDS faith. I didn't mind talking about what I believed in and I didn't mind learning about others' beliefs. As long as people didn't attack me personally, I didn't mind if they didn't completely understand or accept my faith. Europeans in general I think also don't CARE about a politician's personal life, including his faith. When I was there, people didn't understand why America was so upset about Clinton cheating on his wife. What does THAT have anything to do with his ability to run the country?
I fully agree with the article. I don't see anyone attacking Huckabee for HIS faith?! As we shouldn't.
What does his religion have to do with his ability to effectively run the country? Are you really so scared that Romney is going to try to "convert" the whole country or something? I just don't get it. Look at their political standpoints instead, and take into account their character.
By the way, I am still undecided who I'll vote for.

Re: Well, Doug | 3:35 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I have lived all over the country and the LDS Church isn't as be a deal to non members as you think it is IMO. The active church going LDS population is so small in America that it just isn't a part of non-members every day lives. After Mitt doesn't get the nomination the Mormon issue will fade away from the 'national' spotlight.

BY and owned Beer? | 3:38 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

What's your point?

I know members who own stores who that sell cigarettes. Oh, and yes, they did drink beer back then. Like someone said, it wasn't a law of the church as it is now. Cannot a practice be changed if deemed to be in need? Sure. A commandment can even be changed by God. Did not Jesus himself step up the law after people lived lower standards for several thousand years? Can not something similar happen in our days?

But yes, some things don't change, and never will. As is read in the old testament, it is still wrong to kill, steal, lie, and covet. And yes, LDS believe it is wrong to be gay, and lump it in the same category.

I wonder how long it is until a pedafile says "I was born that way". and claims he is being discriminated against. That will be a sad day indeed.

Re: I'm a Hater (yet again) | 3:41 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I know that this is starting to get off topic, so I will keep it brief, but it is interesting your take on Baptisms for the dead. My personal opinion is that it is an example of the perfectness of God. Through Baptisms for the Dead salvation is available to all and the scriptures requiring baptism no longer are exclusive to those that never had a chance. Seems like that is the way God is perfect.

Sarah Jack Mormon | 3:41 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

One thing I do practice still... "Love thy neighbor as thy brother"... even if he is a mormon. Can't we all just get along... isn't this world bad enough without attacking someone's belief system? Life is far to short to spend sooo much time, and well STRESS on tearing someone down. Take a great look in the mirror and remember we were all created in "his" image, no matter what you believe.

Lori, UT | 3:42 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Intolerance is the reason we are at odds with the Middle East, is it not? The USA is the country where we are free to believe what we wish, is it not? Then why are we even having this discussion. Maybe if we lived in a country like Iran, where your Tyranical Ruler/President will only allow one religion, then I can see where this conversation should be taking place. The answer here is simple. We live in the 21st Century...we don't burn witches...we know the world isn't flat...we know that not one of us is ever going to agree 100% with any other human being...and at least most of us understand about being able to agree to dissagree, and that's okay. Am I wrong? True we should be able to discuss our differences, but shouldn't we be able to discuss them without the sticks and stones?
Anyway...I believe it's okay that we are ALL different...That's what makes the world...or at least the USA...go round.

lafferty | 3:42 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

The author's inability to see the difference between being born black or female and choosing one's religion is troublesome. Romney has used his faith as a qualifier for office. That makes his faith a legitimate issue for examination.

popeye jones | 3:46 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

The things that are said about Mormons aren't true! And we are called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; thank-you very much. We believe in God as much as anybody else, or more! Blacks are allowed to hold the priesthood, and we don't practice polygamy. when people say that our god changes, they're wrong because it's the people that change and that's why we have some changing laws. and why do such foul things happen to us-is it just because we're mormon? i agree with you; BY and owned Beer?. they did do those things. but that doesn't mean that god changes. it means that we change and we weren't able to handle the law he set for us so he changed it so that we could earn the higher law.

main premise | 3:47 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

This is the main premise of Mormonism -
"Ours is the true church - the rest are an abomination" And that's it in a nutshell.
And before more lies are posted about this never been said, I refer to 1 Nephi. It's chock full of "gentile slamming" (there's another keen Mormon term - "gentile")
No wonder the outside world sees Mormons as "crazy cultists."

Chase SL | 3:49 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Most everyone in here are lunatics. Really it is what it is. Mormons are different by faith and are great people. From my research their faith is pointing them to do the right things. They do a fantasic job in office. Mitt would do a great job!

l | 3:54 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

What is up with the 4 comments about the mormons and Missouri? What does that have to do with anything? Whoever keeps asking that question, why don't you simply state your point and get it over with instead of asking the same thing every few hours?

areukiddingme | 3:57 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Lori-
Can you name any lives or property destroyed by a mormon/christian/atheist suicide bomber?
Islam is the intolerant party here.

Mormon for O'bama | 4:01 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

I like that O'bama has ideas that are new and that he wants to help the little guy. I like that he is young and energetic. I like that Democrats stand up for working people and not for big owners of factories, and the rich. I am a mormon and beleive that helping those less fortunate is a good thing. That's why I wont vote for Mit and will vote for O'bama, I am from Nevada and support Harry Reid. The disparaging remarks against mormons would not be as wide spread if more mormons would look at the chistian principles of the Democratic Party and diversify their polotics. Not every democrat is a tree hugging, lessbian, baby killer. There are other good principles of standing for the working man, helping the less fortunate, and educating all who seek opportunity to better themselves and give back to their community incorporated into the Democratic Party. You don't see alot of bad things being said about Harry Reid being a Mormon. We need more Mormon Democrats and then you would see the stereo typing decist.

Nebraska | 4:01 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

A great article! Thanks.

BYU football BCS | 4:03 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Being misinformed and making up sentences is the problem for most of you. dude there are many mormons involved in politics that have a variety of different views. The Church does not intervene with state affairs. A politician does what he needs for their own inspiration and makes their own chioce on whats best. Really some of you need to relax and get real.

Our Forefathers Knew Best | 4:05 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Our country's founding fathers knew best when they didn't allow the mass public to soley vote for President. That is why they created the Electoral College (even then we miss the boat with our elections). Otherwise we would be voting the most popular not the most qualified. Guys like Arnold Schwartzenegger, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and Sonny Bonno to mention a few would be elected. It's funny how people focus on the trivial issues and don't really learn as much as they can about the candidates and vote wisely. My sense is that we have become lazy and too Hollywood. Our future and our children's future is at stake! God Bless America!!!

We're Used to This | 4:10 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Face it team, we are held to a different standard as Mormons. We can be singled out, mocked, and belittled by neighbors or the national press and are expected not only to take it, but take it like the "humble, little passive family folk" we are supposedly supposed to be.

If you fight back, you get singled out as the militant Mormon (they'll say, "can't be a faithful one, i guess"). If you quitely "take it," then it just keeps coming. Eventually we'll be recognized to be normal Americans that deserve to be treated like others, but it wil take time. Blacks, Catholics, Hispanics, Jews and Arabs have all gone through this phase, we too will pass through it.

In the meantime, I think we just live our lives and let them be the biogots with hate. We are taught nowhere to hate, even if we are despised and hated.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.