The Mormon Moment

What do Mormon apologists and homosexual activists have in common? Both are stooping to the level of name-calling and labeling those who disagree with their theology or behavior as “bigots” or “prejudiced.” For years the homosexual community as a whole has resorted to calling anyone who disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle a “bigot” or “homophobe.” Now recently, a Mormon apologetics organization, Mormon Voices, has released a list of their “Top Ten Anti-Mormon Statements by Public Figures in 2011.” Mormon Voices, which identifies itself as “a volunteer group dedicated to providing accurate information about the LDS Church” and “is supportive of, but not 
controlled by or affiliated with, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” seems to feel as though public figures who disagree with Mormonism and express their opinions are guilty of vocalizing “inappropriate statements” and are guilty of “religious bigotry” according to their press release (Religion Press Release Service, 1-9-12). The press release, referring to the “Top-10 List” states, “This is a list of statements that should be offensive to everyone, and are so disrespectful that their only effect will be to increase bigotry against Mormons.” It continues, “Just as with other minority groups, it should no longer be socially acceptable for public figures to incite such prejudice against Mormons or their faith." So what statements are so offensive to these Mormons that they cry out “bigotry” and “prejudice” and would clearly like to see the First Amendment revoked from those who make such statements? Almost every “Top 10” statement claims that either Mormons are not orthodox Christians or that the Mormon religion embraces strange theology and doctrine. Others guilty of “prejudice” and “bigotry” according to Mormon Voices simply voiced their opinion as to whether or not they would vote for a Mormon as president of the United States (The “Top-10” List can be seen on the Mormon Voices website).

Why the Mormon outcry? Of course, our humanistic culture has misrepresented biblical Christianity and characterized evangelical Christians as lunatics and fanatics for decades. Misinformation and hatred toward Christians has existed since its inception, yet true believers have not called those who attack the Christian faith “bigots” simply because they do not agree with its doctrine. Both history and a study of Christian theology support the fact that Mormonism is not synonymous with orthodox Biblical Christianity nor has it been viewed as such throughout the history of America. A new Pew Forum survey of Mormons in America reveals that while Mormonism does share some beliefs similar to Christianity, other beliefs embraced by Mormons clearly fall outside the realm of orthodox Christianity. The Pew Forum report states, “Mormons are nearly unanimous in the view that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate, physical beings, with 94% expressing this view. Identically large majorities of Mormons affirm that the president of the LDS Church is a prophet of God (94%) and that families can be bound together eternally in temple ceremonies (95%). Mormons are also united in the belief that the Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets and translated by Joseph Smith (91%).” The report also adds that “eight-in-ten Mormons say that believing that Joseph Smith actually saw God the Father and Jesus Christ is an essential part of being a good Mormon.”

Why not just agree to disagree and let those of both sides voice their opinions? Why resort to name-calling and cry out “bigotry” and “prejudice” simply because one expresses an opinion different from one’s own opinion or because one believes serious doctrinal differences exist between two religions? Christians need to realize that Mormonism and Christianity hold different views of God, salvation and divine revelation. Nothing is “bigoted” about acknowledging or even voicing this fact.