It should probably go without saying, but if Andrew Sullivan or anyone else wants to post a picture of Mormon temple garments, that’s his or her right. And not only is it a right, there’s not a single thing “offensive” about it.
This is America, and we value free discourse. We don’t have riots if someone prints a picture of Muhammad (yet), and we don’t have any reason to get our undies in a bunch over a discussion of the somewhat-odd-to-outsiders practices of various religions.
Mormons probably don’t believe anything wackier than any other religion (ahem, Catholics, Mr. Sullivan). And given that their history is shorter than those of other world religions, they’ve had a lot less time to commit atrocities on any sort of grand scale.
Mitt Romney’s candidacy is going to unleash a very rough-and-tumble public examination of Mormonism. People can’t be afraid to engage in this examination for fear of treading on others’ delicate sensibilities. Romney has eschewed the JFK approach, making it clear that his religious beliefs will directly dictate his public policies. There’s nothing wrong with an examination of Mormonism in any case, but he put this on the table.
I am very upset about this image posted of “mormon underwear,” I understand your view that this is not a big deal, but it is. These are sacred images that were shown and because of the sacredness of the images, they are very offensive and insensitive to our beliefs as worthy temple holders and members of the Latter-Day Saints gospel. Mitt Romney is running for President of the United States, not the Mormon religion. I know this is who he is, but to go digging as if the church has anything to hide is not right and unfair. Our religion is based on families and a strong testimony in Jesus Christ, pure and simple. We strive to serve others as Christ did and live a life as Christ did. Shame on you and Andrew Sullivan for posting these images of things you have absolutely no knowledge of. It just shows that in todays society we still deal with bigotry and misconceptions of the so called knowledgable, try to see the church for what it is, and not what someone else told you about it.To truly know Christ, we must gain our OWN testimony.
“as if the church had anything to hide” ????
What about the D&C being “transcribed” from “sacred papyrus” found with the mummies old Joe Smith bought before they were turned over to the Chicago museum by Emma after his death and later found at a Philadelphia(?) museum years later and discovered to be burial records…standard for that time in history for EVERY burial?
What about Mountain Meadows Massacre (see September Dawn due for release in theaters soon) that DID happen near Cedar City, Utah because some settlers came from back east and taunted the mormons in Utah and pissed a few off so good old Brother Brigham sent his band of mormon mafia after them…led them down into the meadow…then dressed as indians and massacred all but the very youngest and adopted THEM into mormon families…that was all well and good until their families back east started wondering about those family members…and the investigation started.
What about the REAL reason why they stopped polygamy…the revelation of convenience…couldn’t have statehood as long as they were practicing mormonism…all of the sudden…there was a vision…they talked to God and bang! no more polygamy…and BANG! Utah was a state on January 4, 1847.
What about the REAL reason blacks were allowed to hold the priesthood and be baptized members of the church? The mormon church was going to lose their tax status if they didn’t stop THAT practice of racism…so bang! another revelation of convenience…and BANG! blacks were given the priesthood and could be members! Hallelujah! (by the way, that will be 10%)
What about the salamandar letter? The whole Mark Hoffman scam the church was so eager to cover up? and the mormon church doesn’t have anything to hide! BULL!!!!
All I can say is I am SO glad I wrote my letter of resignation over two years ago (yes, to get your name off the records of this church, you have to send a letter of resignation! and they still give you a rash of crap about how it is an eccliastical matter, blah blah blah. All I can say is, DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!!
One more suggestion, if the missionaries are constantly bugging you, write a letter to the church. Let them know if they continue to come to your home, you will consider it a consultation, for which you will charge your normal hourly rate, and let them know what that is. (suggested rate: $500/hr), then let the billing begin. Enjoy!
Come on! Churches should not have secrets. All is known by God and whispering and secrecy is bunk.
Mormanism is a cult. Period.
I have to say, I, as a LDS, am strongly offended by what has been said, but, as you said, you have rights and you can say what you want, but so do we and we can believe what we want, and it would be EXTREMELY considerate of you to respect our beliefs.
Mormonism is not a cult, it is something we believe in. Yes, we have had our bumps on the road, yeah we’ve done stupid stuff, but we, like you, are human, we make mistakes. But that does not mean all Mormons are just like all the rest. Just because people are in the same group and have the same beliefs does not mean they are the same people, or do the same things, or act the same ways, or make the same mistakes. As a majority, Mormons try to follow good morals, and be a GOOD influence, at least all the ones I know. I really don’t know what would drive you to disrespect our sacred beliefs, but just because you can do it doesn’t make it right.
By this point, you probably think I am about to bear my testimony, I’m not. You probably don’t wish to hear it anyway, but I do ask you and anyone else to respect others beliefs. It may do you some good.
I am very moved and torn by what’s been said here. I left the church after 10 years having learned of false prophecy in Brigham Young’s (complete) Journal Of Discourses. It doesn’t take an intelligent person long however to come to the conclusion that this is just another example of someone using the internet to defile something which is sacred to another. However, I wish LDS church members would give equal consideration to others. If you’re LDS and reading this, ask youself why. How did you arrive at this page? If you posted a comment here, did you do the same on the behalf of others who are being attacked? Have you stood up for good, clean people and their sacred practices that differ from yours in the name of being Christ-like, without judging? How would Christ handle this issue? I actually searched for photos of LDS garments and wound up here. There’s a part of me that wishes I had not been able to find one, but the reality is, I was sure I’d be successful. I personally would have never posted such a photo. I would’t share the very small amount of sacred native american practices I’ve witnessed. I would never photograph a funeral or a person involved in what could be the worst moment of there life. But some people would and maybe the internet exists just so we can find out who those people are. What do you consider sacred? Where do you draw the line? I answer these questions differently every day, and I hope I continue that kind of growth.