Deseret News | Jennings defends Mormon faith via N.Y. newspaper

Reader comments
Jennings defends Mormon faith via N.Y. newspaper

234 comments | Read story

LDS-Jesus Like?? | 8:39 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

The Mormon Church raises over 7 billion dollars per year and nobody knows where the money goes. One thing is sure, if you don't pay your "tidings" evidently you may loose your place. And, they have perhaps 15 million members, not sure where the Saratoga Couger is getting the statistics. One thing i've learned, is that the Mormon faith would go a lot furhter in my book if the members incorporated their teachings into their business dealings. Plus, it would take quite the snowjob to convince me that one can be a god and have their own planet. The problem in Utah is that the State and private industry fail to separate the LDS Church from their daily affairs. This is Exactly what the Founders never wanted in the U.S.. The irony is that many members wear the Constitution on their sleeves, yet they act in contradiction to the separation of church and state doctrine.

Peace on earth | 8:41 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

I love America and what our founding fathers gave us. I am not a member of the Mormon Church; I am a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ.

I also have adopted an African American child, and want you to know that I don't see black or white, but a little girl who loves her daddy, and s daddy that loves his little girl.

Love is what is needed, I don't care what back ground you come from, if we love our fellow men and women and child the world would be a better place to Live.

WestBerkeleyFlats | 9:02 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Ummm, 12 billion members? Has everyone in the world now been baptized twice, given that this number is roughly twice the world population? I'm no demographer (oh wait, I am finishing up my Ph.D. demography), but that seems excessive even by the LDS church's generous accounting.

As for the "fastest growing church in the church," that statement is a cliche, but not accurate. Other groups such as Pentecostals, Adventists, and even Jehovah's Witnesses have experienced faster growth in the last 15 years, particularly when affiliation is measured by attendance or self-identification.

There's actually a good deal of discussion of this from a faithful LDS member at cumorah.com.

Comments continue below

tolerance | 9:05 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

I find it ironic that the special interest groups that demand tolerance are always the least tolerant. The Mormans are the most tolerant and excepting organization this earth has ever had. Can the preachers of tolerance ever hear their own words?

Clark Roger | 9:15 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Several people here have dismissed Ken Jennings words, only because Ken's main noteriety comes from being the Jeopardy Champion.

Well, what about all the people who attack the LDS Church, and make a living doing it? What are there credentials? I suppose in order to publicly attack the LDS Church, you only need to have one of two credentails.

1. If you used to be LDS, regardless of the length of time since you were last attended an LDS meeting.

2. If you play a lawyer on the HBO show "Big Love."

Sorry LDS critics, but we who are Latter-day Saints aren't as stupid or as ignorant as you might think. In fact, to a certain extent, I appreciate all the effort you make in shoving polygamy, Adam-God, and the Mountain Meadows Massacre in our faces. Now, when my nephews go on missions, they'll have a much better idea of what to expect when they knock on your door.

Sure, go ahead and keep saying, like I've often heard, "I know more about Mormonism than you ever will,"

But eventually, the only thing your half-truths, and spin will do is convince people even more that Mormonism is true.

Pat | 9:49 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Thank you Ken, for a thoughtful and articulate rebuttal. Many religions, including sects of Christianity, have a past that is difficult to explain.

Religious intolerance is part of history, but, sadly, still occurs today! The Crusaders justified brutality in the name of religion. During the Inquisition people were killed for a difference of opinion. Irish Catholics will tell you how poorly they have been treated at the hands of Protestants. The Germans have recently been intolerant of Scientology. Jew have suffered for centuries because of an act that occurred 2,000 years ago. Humans seems to have a problem with respecting each other. Let's not let differences in ideology further divide our nation.

What REALLY Matters | 10:29 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

I believe that when we die the Savior will sit down with us and turn to Mathew 25: 35-36. He will review with us how we treated our spouses, our families, our neighbors and all others in our lives. He will ask us whether we allowed his atonement to truly take affect in our lives and the lives of others.

I don't believe a single question will be raised about polygamy, race doctrines, where the Garden of Eden was or wasn't located, whether JS translated scripture correctly, which if any version of the first vision was correct, did I go to the temple, did I drink coffee or alcohol or tea, how many earrings I had, did I gamble, or even what denomination I was a member of -

I can certainly see myself eagerly raising questions about those burning issues and the Lord kindly redirecting my attention back to Mathew 25 and reminding me that all he ever really cared about is how I used the time given to me in this life to serve and love my fellow man. How did I help the Savior's atonement bless myslef and the lives of others?

WestBerkeleyFlats | 10:32 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

In response to the question of how I "dismiss" things such as baptisms for the dead, I have no reason to dismiss this practice in the sense that Smith introduced vicarious ordinances, probably influenced by a verse in Paul. What of it?

As for priesthood authority, the relevant question is why Smith (and Cowdery) didn't start talking about these events until several years after they transpired, to the extent that David Whitmer was unaware of them and later did not believe that they occurred. Moreover, if the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood occurred during flight from Colesville as LDS sources suggest, then accurate dating of this event would place it in July 1830, three months after the organization of the church and the ordination of various elders.

JayCee | 10:51 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Why hasn't anyone except "Sin City" figured it out? It's elementary. Just follow the money. How many paid clergy bash Mormons. How many of them have extravagent life styles? Compare that to a Church that is mostly made up of unpaid volunteers. The few Church leaders and workers that are paid receive little more than a living allowance.

WestBerkeleyFlats | 11:11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2007

What Really Matters makes various good points. Now the LDS church just needs to deemphasize its historically inaccurate teachings and improve its actions with regard to people of color, women, homosexuals, and scholars. The former RLDS church did this. Good for them!

laguna | 1:55 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Now the LDS members know how non-Mormons feel when their children come home with tears in their eyes after being ridiculed and excluded by Mormon children for nothing more than being of a different faith. If you cant take the national ridicule try turning the other cheek, that is what Christians are supposed to do isnt it?

Anonymous | 2:42 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Well said Iaguna. It is quite differnt looking from the outside in. I hope my Utah LDS neighbours have gained some perspective from this experience.

Mike from Chino, CA | 3:26 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Sorry, Ken. I was with you all the way, bro, until you said you don't like the scrutiny. We had better face it, the genie is out of the bottle and we cannot put him back in it. The only way to handle scrutiny it is to face it, not hide from it. I know many Utahns won't like that, but they are no longer "far away in the west!"

Hoosier Mormon | 3:46 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Are you kidding Laguna and Anonymous? I grew up the only LDS in my High School in Indiana and was asked what seemed like everyday "how many wives I was going to have." I was often told by girls that thier parents wouldn't let them go out with me. It is not anybody's fault. I don't blame them. Birds of a feather flock together. You associate with those you are comfortable with and who share your beliefs and values but I have a hard time listening to others of a different faith complain out here when there are 49 other states that treating the LDS the same way.

Tolerance and diversity should be appreicated by everyone.

LDS in CT | 5:37 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

I laos heard the comments about wives, etc. It was funny. We all made fun of one another. We had Italians, blacks, Latinos, Jewish people, Cathlolics and me, the Mormon. We all took shots at one another and it was in good fun. Then I moved here to Utah and the real attacks began about my faith. I'm glad we have been asked to defend our faith. It's been too long that the LDSD members have sat back and smiled while others tried to rip down our beliefs without ever offering one sentence as to their own beliefs. Don't tell me what's wrong with my religion, tell me what is so great about your religion. That would impress me.

Enlightened! | 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

Confused! (11:09 a.m. Dec. 22, 2007) Just what we needed, a referee! Great Job! To everybody else: Go back and read it! Then pick a candidate and confidently support him and leave the others alone. Not enough time left before election to waste all our blog time criticizing. Tell me like (not so) Confused! did--who you are supporting and maybe if you tell me why I'll learn something. Glance back through the comments once more, eliminate those attacking the Mormon religion, eliminate those defending the Mormon religion--what's left? Have we forgotten that we are electing a leader for a country and not a church? Maybe I missed something in the article we're commenting on, but my guess was Ken was tired of having his religion attacked, not soliciting more abuse!

Cahtolic (aka non-member) | 7:02 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

It's Christmas folks so lets all give this these tired arguments a rest. If worst comes to worst we can all agree that Santa comes to town on 25th, so lets find even ground and be thankful we have this wonderful holiday.

indiana | 9:39 p.m. Dec. 23, 2007

This religios intolerance on both sides is giving me a headache, My three daughters were married in the temple but their best friends were non-L.D.S. My oldest daughter went to B.Y.U but her best friend went to a Lutheran university,my middle daughter also attended B.Y.U and her best friend went to Notre Dame. My youngest daughter went to Purdue and one summer was a bridesmaid in weddings in three different denomations.When my children were growing up they went to bible school with friends sometimes in turn their friends went youth conference with them there was no religous bickering because as parents we had a mutual respect for each and our different beliefs. WE are all our Heavenly Fathers children and he loves us all equally, no matter what religion we are.I realise that some people don't like Mormons but I guess that is their problem to deal with. This back and forth is futile,we need to respect each other in our beliefs and live accordingly.I love the Primary song I am trying to be like Jesus,even though it is hard sometimes. I have many friends who are L.D.Sand also Non_L.D.S and I am thankful for them,regardless of their beliefs

NM LDS | 4:54 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

In response to Ore LDS who said, "When will it be time to pull the moderate from both parties and form a third more powerful party to lead this country", I would welcome a change to the current dynamics to better empower moderate elements. In politics, the middle tends to be safer ground and the extemes more dangerous. In religion you can take absolute-ish positions based on your understanding of truth but politics requires compromise.

Be Respectful | 7:26 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

in our articles of faith it says that we will allow ourselves to worship our faith however we want, and other religions the same privelege....HOWEVER they want.

Keith | 7:39 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Honestly, I don't care if what other people believe (even about my own faith) is incorrect. But it bothers me when they fail to allow me the same freedom of thought, and it bothers me when they then go around misrepresenting my faith even if they believe they are revealing the truth to everyone.

I love my LDS faith, and I'm convinced that anyone who actually listened to an LDS person describing their own beliefs - instead of dictating their beliefs to them and then attacking those misrepresented beliefs - would agree that the LDS faith is one which, when lived, improves the lives of those living it and makes them more inclined to help and respect people of all ages, races, and genders.

I wish there were more listening going on among those attacking my faith. They know a few obscure facts but don't see the LDS faith for what it really is. When they do, I think there will be some humility and regret.

LT | 8:00 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

I was wondering... for all of those people out there that criticize the Mormons for having crazy beliefs... which of you would get on the Ark if it were built today, or would you stand back and point fingers at Noah and call him a nut...

By the way, Ken wrote a brilliant article until he concluded with Romney getting out of the race. He needs to buckle up. It isn't going to get any better.

94nole | 8:14 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

everyone wants religious tolerance as long as it fits his or her feelings and lifestyle.

Jesus Christ was religiously INTOLERANT. He did not teach people to worship as they wish. He said "COME FOLLOW ME", not the religion of your choice. I choose to follow him. For you, you may choose as you wish...it's not my issue.

Get with the program. If you want to worship as you wish, please allow me to do the same.

I am a converted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and darn glad to be so. I know what my life was before...and I know what it is now. I'll take the "latter". Pun intended.

Chris | 10:23 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

For all who think all Mormons think like Romney, HARRY REED the Democratic Senate Majority leader, and a flaming liberal, is also Mormon. For crying out loud, drop the assumptions.

AZ Friend | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

For those of you that may not know Ken he comes from a super family. Our family was with them in Korea and appreciated all they did. They helped us move to Korea as well as adopt our first Korean child. Ken and his brother were in High School then. Ken was as fun, smart and witty as he is now.

Good Job Ken. Someone needs to set the record straight and you did a great job. Thanks for putting your neck out. I knew you would do well in life. Keep up the good work.

Please tell your family hello.

come on | 11:45 a.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Have any of you seen pictures of these woman they had to marry??? This was not something they would have chosen on their own free will...some of thes ladies were old....they needed to be taken care of....i think some of you would just like to turn this polygamy thing into a fantasy of your own....get real!

To Mr. Bass | 12:28 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Mr. Bass still has not adequately provided proof. He has quoted one book. Any paper i've ever written required at least three sources be documented. You also misread the heading to section 132. Knowing about something is quite different than actually practicing it.

Please provide us some examples of who Joseph was married to. All you say is go look. If your sooooo wise, then tell us please. I want to know you can do more than make baseless accusations.

Judy | 1:09 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Dear sbc,
I agree with you one hundred percent. I, as a former dyed in the wool Catholic prayed and found out for myself the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God. I had to work at it though it took several days of sincere prayer and fasting to know this for myself. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and Gordon B. Hinkley is God's called Prophet today. And if it wasn,t for so much pride in the world. Everyone else could know it too!

Joe D | 3:03 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Several notes:
Polygamy was an acceptable practice to God lived by prophets and others in the Old Testament. Abraham, Jacob. To David the Lord said,I gave thee thy master's wives into thy bosom. The Old Testament people and prophets are the original roots of evangelicals, the beginning of the Christian history, the linage of Jesus (Jesus was born from a polyomous marriage-check your Bible for details). You have the same situation as the LDS people, early founding leaders who practiced plural marriage. Doesn't matter whether or not early LDS prophets were happy or sad about it. Like it or not God sanctioned it. He can determine whether one wife or plural wives is best for the times. Tell the Lord about it if you don't agree with the concept...not the LDS people.

Joe D | 3:25 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

With reagard to racism. Bottom line, the LDS people are less racist than most other denominations. As mentioned in other posts the Southern protestant churches routinely denied access and fellowship to black partitioners until recent decades. The doctrine of excluding anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus or the Protestant concept of the Trinity is spiritually racist. The vast majority of mankind including children have never even heard of Jesus. Explain how an all foreseeing and loving God creates such a miserable end in eternal hell for his children and offspring. The LDS plan of salvation is more reasonable and easier to defend than the exclusion plan.
God has always had a chosen linage (check the Bible). He also has had peoples that were not to have the Gospel until a time he decided was right for them (the gentiles). Why the black linage, as wonderful as many pre 1978 blacks were, were denied the priesthood and active proselyting, in this life...not necessarily in the hereafter, is not known...only God knows his reasons.

When in heaven many evangelicals will ask why their Fabulously kind and good neighbors of other faiths are in hell. Must be something they did or didn't believe.

Truth | 4:05 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Oops, forgot one line.

"The standard of truth has been erects; no unhallowed hand will stop the work from progessing, persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assembly, calumny may defame, but the TRUTH of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God are accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say, "THE WORK IS DONE".

Joseph Smith.... Prophet of God

Anonymous | 4:12 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Goodness people give this a rest. I am ashamed at the pot shots by detractors and even more by the 'pride' exhibited by members. If people were conforatable in their own skin (both menbers and non-mebers) we would not be having these converstation. Let it go folks and enjoy your families this holiday season.

Not the only... | 4:41 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Though I applaud Ken's writings, he is certainly not the only who has spoken out. Orson Scott Card, who is at least as well known has also spoken out in defense of the LDS church many times as of late.

To Annonymous | 4:57 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

The leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints do no have time to blog in these open forums, nor do they have the desire. They have important assignments, keep heavy schedules, and with the likes of many of the bloggers, no desire to exchange with ignorant, intolerant, and uninformed people who have no desire to learn good principles. We, the members of the church can hold our own with them anyday. People who criticise the practice of polygamy in the olden days do not undetrstand the reason for it, nor do they want to. So let it drop. PS Have you seen pictures of many of the wives, something other than lust motavated them to marry those women. Maybe it was plain Christian concern for their welfare.

Anonymous | 10:45 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

Very sad--Crash and burn is all I can describe these comments. Very sad for LDS and non-members for what has been posted. Very saddened and ashamed for all involved in this debate.

Jonathon | 11:01 p.m. Dec. 24, 2007

President Hinkley would be proud of how we stand up for the church....???? If we want to prove ourselves unchristian this is the path, otherwise steer your course and take heed.

Vegas Ed | 12:03 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

It doesn't matter what ever article starts this on deseretnews.com. All anti Mormons hate the church, and their hate angers some Mormons who stand up to the hate. Sometimes they come across as mean also. It'll never change. Forget it, and remember it's Christmas.
Merry Christmas

Jessica Griffith | 6:38 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

I am proud to be a Latter-Day Saint. I hope our actions as members of the church would be reflective of the Savior. While politics and every thing else changes every day, we can find peace in the knowledge that our Savior consistently and unconditionally loves us and the gospel standards never change.

Ron in OC | 9:12 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Hey, I really enjoy all the back and forth. Great entertainment hearing all the enlightend comments based on someones book. I suppose that if it's in print then it's correct. The authors must have been there and had close personal contact with Joseph and Brigham and the others. I'm glad to be living at a time when so many can tell me exactly what happened so many, many years ago.

wallyworld | 9:52 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

I would be great if more high profile members spoke up about the Church. Maybe Gladys Knight and Thurl Bailey could explain as why they (being Black) would ever join a supposed "racist" church.

miyaka | 9:55 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Interesting that Ken compares being a Mormon to being a vegetarian. Doesn't the WoW say Mormons should in effect be vegetarian anyway?

Kelly's dad | 10:36 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Thank you, Ken for your words regarding the church. I do not mind the epithets hurled against the church. I don't even mind the mistaken ideas about the church. Peoples' inquiries about the church are great opportunities to explain and teach. Most people who hear negative "press" regarding the church are aware of the tendencies of other humans to criticize that which they do not understand--their opinions are based in ignorance. This is a great day to be alive; a great day to communicate so easily with people all around the world. Mitt's candidacy is a great opportunity to dispel ignorance and replace it with truth.

After they hear the truth, they will decide how to deal with it.

Protest-ant | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Jennings uses typical LDS fallacious logic. Amazing how LDS justify their racism and other odd practices and doctrines by reference to other religions that do the same.

"Oh, we are not racist... because ALL religions from the early 19th century had racial doctrines!"

"Polygamy was not wrong, because early Old Testament prophets practiced it. And even if it IS wrong, Joseph and the early Brethren did it UNWILLINGLY!"

Huh? How does the popularity of an abominable practice make it OK? How does it make it OK to engage in an abhorrant practice so long as you DON"T REALLY WANT TO?

Especially among a group of people who claim to have SUPERIOR spiritual knowledge and enlightenment (aka "Truth")??

What a joke your arguments are, Jennings (and the rest of the LDS who fail so miserably at "defending" your faith!)

If your faith is TRUE, it needs no defense. You protest too much, methinks.

Grandma | 10:59 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

I have read a lot of the comments today. Then I read that Republicans are better because they are more moral and have a better family life. I vote for republicans and democrats, as I feel who would be the best person for the office. But to say that Democrats are more immoral-----look at most of the Republicans candidates running right now. McCain--left his wife and children and married a younger woman. Guiliani---three wives--immoral. Thompson--- divorced and married a young woman. Even Bill Clinton with his past is not any worse than some of those written above. That is why I won't vote for the Party. I will vote for the man that has been married to the same woman and has not been cheating on his wife and children. I have not made up my mind yet who it will be---but as of now I would vote for Romney--because I know of his life and his family life. I hope the people of this country will give a "Mormon" a chance to show the kind of person he is even though he is a "Mormon" I am LDS and will be happy to see this come to pass.

Surprised | 11:03 a.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Democrat or Rebuplican, what difference does it make? Truth is politics has become so cut throat, that both parties don't remember what they are supposed to represent. Don't vote for a candidate based on party affiliation. Just look at what voting for Bush has done to our economy,national unity, and international reputation. This country was based on tolerance and religious freedom. We(mormons) want the right to practice our religion without scrutiny, then we must also be open minded to other lifestyles. That means allowing ourselves to love others no matter how different they may be. We are all children of God; Catholics, Baptists, Baha'is Muslims,homosexuals, trasvestites, athiest, strippers, bikers, skiers, vegetarians, and the ridiculous list of individual differences can continue. I am mormon, and have met open and closed minded members. I don't remember Christ being closed minded, just making choices that were right for him and being an example unto others. Come on fellow mormons, don't be hypocrites. We must teach tolerance by practicing tolerance. Thanks Ken for a nice article!

Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 25, 2007

I wonder how many of the posters in these comments have even bothered to read Mr. Jennings comments. Ignorance is not a position of power when attacking the church. If you want truth just ask your wonderful LDS nieghbors and we will be happy to assist you with your questions.

Mike Nicholes | 1:18 p.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Isn't it interesting in this Secular United States [of freedom] that adultery, fornication, birth out of wedlock and a list of errors mankind makes is condoned by most of the same batch that go back over a hundered years and take, out of context, that which the do not understand, want to understand, in order to furthur their own cause: which is: Anything goes if they think of it, but if someone else does it is subject to scruitiny, debate and blind rejection. I think the word is hypocrite; all of which hypocrisy is anti-freedom and anti-truth. As the bard said, "truth will out". I believe it will. Thank you Ken for courage in the face of liberal and literary supidity.

Kerry | 2:14 p.m. Dec. 25, 2007

We represent the truth and have the stewardship to ensure it is not misrepresented or defamed by ignorant. In these latter-days our position will become more and more relevant. We have the obligation to present the truth to the gentiles. Merry Christmas everyone.

Faithful but liberal | 3:25 p.m. Dec. 25, 2007

With our inconsistent message of being Christian yet preaching a one-off doctrine with arrogance and blindness, it is easy to see why we are tagged ï¿½peculiarï¿½ and make ourselves an easy mark. I am an LDS faithful but liberal in nature and am not afraid to speak up when we tend to be at fault. We are less than 2% percent of the population of this great nation yet we attempt to influence as we are a majority. Lets face it folks we are small potatoes outside of our little pocket of the intermountain west. Let us contribute to this world but not try to run it. Opposed to many of my Brothers and Sisters I do not believe we have the only truth but just a small part of that puzzle.

Some of you with so much arrogance and pride make me ashamed of my own culture.

Dear Punchline | 3:28 p.m. Dec. 25, 2007

Tell that to Christ and see what his comments are, you will be very sorrowful. Because you don't have the faith, don't knock it.

You have never lived the life I lived, you have never had the experiences I have experienced, you have never had the impressions of the spirit I have had, so don't make such silly, immature and inance statements.

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.