 |
|
|
|
 The Mormon temple at church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.
January 12th, 2012
12:01 AM ET
Survey: U.S. Mormons feel discrimination, hopeBy Dan Gilgoff, CNN.com Religion Editor (CNN) – Nearly half of American Mormons say they face a lot of discrimination in the United States, though most also say that acceptance of their religion is on the rise, according to a major survey released Thursday. The survey also found that a large majority of American Mormons think their countrymen are uninformed about their religion and don’t see Mormons as part of mainstream society, even as most Mormons also say the country is ready for a Mormon president.
“The survey creates a mixed picture for how Mormons see themselves,” said Greg Smith, senior researcher with the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, which conducted the study. “On the one hand, many tell us they’re misunderstood and often discriminated against, recognizing the challenges of acceptance. “But Mormons also seem to think that things are changing, that more Americans are coming to see Mormonism as mainstream,” he said. The survey comes amid what has been called a “Mormon moment.” Two of the Republican presidential candidates – Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman – attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The religion has also cropped up in big ways in popular culture, from the hit Broadway play “Book of Mormon” to the recent HBO series “Big Love,” about a fundamentalist Mormon family. Mormons constitute about 2% of the American population. The Pew survey found that 46% of American Mormons say they face a lot of discrimination in the U.S. today, while six in 10 say their fellow Americans as a whole are uninformed about the LDS Church. Two-thirds of Mormons say their fellow citizens do not view Mormonism as part of mainstream American society. At the same time, 63% of Mormons say Americans are “becoming more likely to see Mormonism as part of mainstream society,” in the words of the survey report, while 56% say the country is ready for a Mormon president. There are some surprising parallels between how Mormons feel about their place in American society and how Muslims do, according to an earlier Pew survey. "We do see a remarkable degree of similarity about what it's like to be a minority in society," Smith said. "They are under no illusions" about how the broader public currently feels about them, and know their religions are not widely understood, but they remain optimistic at heart, he said. They recognize the challenges, "but both groups are relentlessly positive about their future in the United States," said Luis Lugo, the director of the Pew Forum. As Romney’s and Huntsman’s ability to win evangelical votes in the approaching South Carolina presidential primary has become a major question in the presidential campaign, the Pew survey finds that half of Mormons believe that evangelical Christians are unfriendly toward them. In fact, Mormon and evangelical political opinions match closely on almost everything except immigration, the survey found. (Mormons are much more likely than evangelicals or the U.S. population overall to see immigrants as making a positive contribution to society, said David Campbell of the University of Notre Dame, who helped advise the Pew Forum on the survey.) Mormons also subscribe to key tenets of mainstream Christianity, despite the sense many evangelicals have that Mormons are not Christians. Previous Pew surveys show that about half of white evangelicals say Mormonism is not a Christian faith. "Nearly all Mormons say they believe Jesus rose from the dead and that Mormonism is a Christian religion," Smith said. But the Mormon-evangelical divide is not simply one of theology, a leading evangelical said. "Evangelicals are - famously or infamously, depending on your perspective - very evangelistic," said Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention. "And so Mormons are out there going door-to-door trying to convince folks to become Mormons, and evangelicals are out there going door-to-door trying to convince people to become evangelicals." By comparison, most Mormons said that Americans who are not religious are either neutral or friendly toward them. Mormons and evangelicals are politically similar, the survey found, with three-quarters of Mormons saying they identify with or lean toward the Republican Party. And the survey showed that Mormons are more devout in their faith than evangelicals, who are more devout that the public at large. Three-quarters of Mormons report attending religious services at least weekly, while eight in 10 pray daily and give 10% of their income to their church. The Pew Forum says the nationwide survey, conducted in October and November, constitutes the biggest survey of American Mormons conducted by an organization that’s not connected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Pew surveyed 1,019 self-identified Mormons for the project. CNN's Richard Allen Greene and Emma Lacey-Bordeaux contributed to this report. soundoff (1,639 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Next »
« Previous entryTeacher loses church-state employment appeal
|
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
|
|
|
If these hypocrites want to experience real discrimination, try living in Utah as a non-MORmON. Or even worse as an ex-MORmON or Atheist.
I lived in Provo UT for 4 years as a non-mormon. While the people there were nice (almost to a fault), the pressure exerted on me to join their little cult was unbearable after a while. Beautiful state...but dont live there if you dont want to be "saved"!
THANK YOU!!!!!!
John, they do seem to be nice people, but as I found out when I expressed opinions critical of their religion to my past friends and family members that no longer communicate with me, they will turn against people in quite vicious manner. I've experienced this many, many times.
Balls:
the church is politically neutral (see Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid, Huntsman and Romney...which covers the spectrum). However, the church does speak out on moral issues. We have a different belief system in regards to the family and its divine destiny than do you AND most Christian denominations. We belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman and that is a basic building block of society. We respect other opinions. If you listen to any church leadership there were daily appeals for respectful dialog and discussion. There were daily calls to treat the gay community with kindness and respect. It was not hateful in any way! We disagree! that we disagree does not make it hateful! Hateful was the response of the gay community back. If we don't agree with their belief system than it's ok to start fires on our property, seek to threaten others etc. bottom line: the church is willing and wanting thoughtful and respectful dialog in kindness. It seems only desired on one side.
Dave you're living in a bubble. What your "church" says and what it really does are two different things.
@ Dave: Your disagreeing with Gays is hateful if you don't give them their equals rights that you so enjoy.
Mormons and Joe Smith make Scientologists and L Ron Hubbard look sane. What's worse? Xenu the evil galactic ruler, or the mormon screed? Pretty much equal.
Your ignorance astounds me! Your lack of knowlege regarding Mormonism is obvious. Do some reserch before you make stereotypical comments. BIGOT! Lol.
You don't get the joke. All religion is a wash. Go hug your BoM.
Which part should he research first? The part about baptizing the dead? Or the part about Angels leaving golden plates with the "Word of God" embossed on the plates in a strange language that only can be read with mystical "seeing stones"? Or should he start by figuring out why the Mormons wear holy underwear (sorry "Sacred Garments") under their clothes? Or the part where you can't stay together as a family in the afterlife without being "sealed" in the Temple (which of course means all family members MUST be Mormon...this discourages marriage outside of the faith, unless, of course, you are willing to convert). There are MANY MANY more examples (all true!) that I could list off...each more incredulous than the last. Have fun with your cult!
@John in Seatlle
Here’s a fast and furious breakdown:
1) I’ll show you the golden plates if you show me the 10 Commandments (tablets).
2) Garments are a show of faith just like a rosarie or cross. No magic involved! This is probably one of the biggest myths out there. It shows your lack research.
3) Being sealed in the Temple. What exactly is wrong with wanting to be with love ones in the hereafter if possible? Mormon doctrine does NOT say you can’t see family and love ones in the afterlife if you’re not sealed.
4) Baptism for the dead is done for family members who did not get the chance to be baptized. The criteria for the baptised is very limited.
Just like any other religion and it’s historical teachings, some things require faith. If you don’t want to believe, that’s your choice as a free American. The “Cult” designation is too funny. I guess many out there have a different definition of cult. Look up cult in the dictionary and tell me how Mormonism fits, while other major religions do not. Let’s have an intellectually honest debate about this.
If you want Mormons to prove what they believe, you have to hold all other religions to the same standard. You want to see the “burning bush” before you believe anything? Your choice, but don't bash others who have found something that makes them happy.
gee obama hasn't had to go thru any descrimination now has he,,i laught at mutt's,,,,,not near as bad,,,sorry
The South Park episode on John Smith and Mormonism is all I need to know how dum dum dum its cult followers are...including magic underwear Mitty.
Gee. South Park is where you get your information? That's all you need to know? WOW.
Have you watched the episode. Its based on facts not fiction. Oh and it's called satire so it supposed to be watched by educated individuals aware of the topics being discussed. Lets not forget its intended and developed by adults.
@Tim and @PatNY >> So THAT'S where a lot of Americans like you learn more about religion, and cultures, and the world?!! Well, good for you Tim, and Pat. After all, if it's in South Park then I'M SURE it was based on "real facts". Plus it was done "by adults", right?? RIGHT? Yeah... Oh our nation is so f-ing doomed now... No wonder we haven't had a decent president in ages.
Christians, Mormons & Muslims are intolerant morons. All of them are were converted forcefully when the Romans fuked them. BTW that skiiny dude Jesus died long time ago at the hands of Romans and he is no son of mine. Love God.
You are disgusting!
Who cares if the Mormons are a cult. Even Christians are an evil cult just like the Muslims. I sent both Jesus and Mohamed to hell where they are still paying for their sins. Love God. P.S – I like the ur silly fights & comments on religion on the cnn forum. Keep it up. hahaha
They are a frightful cult which disowns anyone who deviates from it's rules. People are even cast out of families and friends if they don't fall in line with what their Prophet tells them.
you are confusing FLDS with LDS. Mormons (LDS) are not cast out of families or friends if they reject the prophet. Come to my ward and I'll show you.
Your ignorance is incredibly obvious.
Your church is a joke and your failure to do even 5 minute of research in opposition to your beliefs. You believe your church is true. Your a fing Fool. If you love god so much kill yourself.
From the Dictionary-
Christian: Of, pertaining to, believing in, or belonging to the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
How does Mormonism not fir that bill?
Because Jesus is on the same table as Joesph Smith. Not that I believe in Jesus.
The dictionary defines the word "Christian" it does not define Christianity. Doctrine defines Christianity, as it does Mormonism. Compare the two and you will see that they do not match. Very simple.
It is very interesting that individuals criticize Mormons "as not being Christian." Mormons believe in the Godhead (in the Bible) and not the Trinity (which is not in the Bible but was created and voted on in about 320AD. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saiints believe God and Jesus are seperate beings (read Acts 7:55-56 among many other scriptures). Mormons also believe Jesus Christ has a body today (and is not a spirit). If Jesus does not have a body today, the resurrection did not occur. Mormons believe in the most fundamental aspects of Christianity in fact.
Also remember that Mormons believe they have a prophet alive today. They believe God talks to them through their prophet, and that the prophet is the highest authority on earth. One of the rules to be a Mormon is to believe, acknowledge and support this.
Of course the problem is, that we would now 'would' have a President that responds to a religious higher authority, WITHOUT question.
Another problem is that Mormonism to them is more important than country, and they have and believe they have an obligation to evangelize as a high priority.
Their religion is not Christian, as they do not follow Christ in the same way other churches that we label as Christian do. Much in the same way that Islam or Judaism acknowledges the presence and role of Jesus, but does not give Him the same role.
Mormons can call themselves christian; but their definition is widely different than non-Mormons. I personally do not consider Mormonism a christian religion.
The most troubling issue is the fact Romney is not being straight and clear about his faith and the implications on Executive Office. I would like to answer these questions:
– Do you believe that the LDS is a prophet?
– Do you believe that he talks to God?
– Do you submit to his authority?
– Place this words in order of importance: God, Country, Church, Prophet, Family, Truth, Business, Profit
I am a Mormon.
Your hierarchy is completely horrifying. Basically it demonstrates that you would commit any evil act or mass atrocity against anybody or group of people if you were convinced that your god commanded it.
you cannot be Mormon and claim the things you wrote above. If you do not believe Jesus is your savior and that Mormons are not Christian, then you are a wolf in sheep's wool. you are not mormon and are only posting ridiculous comments to make the church seem off-color.
nice try
God told Bush to wage war against Iraq and Israel, so how would Romney be different?
Scary!
I am truly impressed with your honesty. I am not sure why you post this. If detected you will receive the outcast treatment. However, you may have an impact on your country and its future.
no-spam
Can you please point my fallacies?
If you are really a Mormon, you dont understand your own religion. I am a Mormon, it is a true and beautiful Christian religion, which declares and proclaims to all the world that Christ is the son of God and our Savior and Redeemer, love towards all humanity and selfless service. It does not get involved in politics, it does not endorse a particular candidate or party. It is a light for those who are sincerely looking for the truth.
The Bible says "God will do nothing save he shall reveal his secrets to his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).
every time a mormon comes to my door, I shut it right away. Lets pray and hope that America does the same to Mitt Romney.
Now there's the problem. Invite them in. They probably know less about their religion then you do.
Why the hate? Why can't you simply agree to disagree?
Mormons feel discriminated against?
I wonder if they still believe this which shouts of discrimination:
"the only way a black man would get to heaven is to be sealed to a white as a slave."
We have NEVER said that.
You did say that god lives near a star named Kolob didn't you?
Sounds right to me!
Oh Adam is an alien too
Mormons themselves are generally very good people. This article does however miss the mark ABOUT Mormonism: it does NOT follow the general tenets of Christianity. For one, it is POLYTHEISTIC, not MONOTHEISTIC. I could go on, but Mormonism is NOT in any way shape or form Christian. That said, NO Mormon will ever feel bigotry from me.
Christians sure like to poke fun at other religions but have you ever begged the question of where your religion got all of its stories, prophets, names and traditions from. Thought not.
We already have!
We follow scriptural Christianity, not Calvinist ideas nor Constantine's negotiated policies.
Read Acts 7:55-56 to understand that God and Jesus are separate beings. Remember, Christ prayed to God. When Jesus was baptised, God (in heaven) said he was pleased. There are other scriptures that illustrate this (including those about the Godhead). Also, remember the concept of the Trinity was created in about AD 320 (and it not in the Bible). Feel free to disagree, but at least understand where we are coming from.
So I'm Mormon and have been reading through some of the comments. Really? Why spend your time coming on here and completely bashing a group of people? Sure, we may not believe exactly what you believe- but so what? You call us bigots for exercising our democratic right (prop 8), or for not sharing you're beliefs, and then come on here and bash Mormons? Who is the bigot again? During Prop 8, Mormons simply used democracy to stand up for something we believe in, which people do all of the time. You didn't see any Mormons protesting at a LGBT community center or anything, yet anti-prop 8 people protested in front of our temples, restricting access, burned Books of Mormon, etc. Here in LA, where I am, there was also an incident where someone sent an anthrax letter to the LA Mormon temple. Im sorry, who's the bigot? I could go on and on but you get the point...
The bigot is the religious group that believes the only way a black person can go to heaven is to be sealed to a white man as his slave.
@James – That is no where close to being true. Stop spreading lies.
That is a lie! I live amongst these people and they always wine and cry because they don't want their children to see this or that! including the LBGT population.
You missed the point of Mormonism crying they are being discriminated against, yet they from Utah have sent hundreds of millions of dollars to California to support Prop 8. Remember, the federal and state governments are to be secular, theocratic. So yes, the Utah Mormons' support of Prop 8 and getting involved in California's affairs is highly discriminatory. Keep your religious beliefs and money in Utah and stay out of California!
Thinking that you can become a God. Your an animal get over it. You live you Die. Your not going to Kolob
The Church has already put out dozens of statements saying that is not and has never been the position of the Church. It was one man who was a church leader who said that. He even said that it was his idea and opinion, not that of the church as a whole.
The Mormon Church was behind PropH8...therefore, it should be stripped of all its tax exemptions...it is a bigotted cult.
Have you ever questioned your faith. I mean it was read out of a hat. That's pretty lame even for God's standards.
Mormons do believe that God had s.e.x.ual relations with Mary to conceive Jesus don't they?
@practice what you preach
Members of the Church from Utah sent money, not the Utah government. How is that in any way mixing church and state. Are you also forgeting that almost every other majot Christian churh supported prop 8 and donated money?
I meant "federal and state governments are to be secular, not theocratic."
How are they not secular?
@ j: the vast majority of the Prop 8 funding support came from the Mormons of Utah. I never said it came from Utah state government. Government is to be secular, not theocratic. Keep your religion in your temples, not in secular society.
@ j: Government is not to be a theocracy. The Founding Fathers escaped Europe due to religious tyranny and created a republic in the colonies; not another theocratic form of government. Government cannot pander to the viewpoints of churches and religious. If it did, there would be major conflicts, since many churches have diverse views. Therefore, all goveernment must be secular. Gays and lesbians did not choose to be gay. But religious people (including Mormons) chose to be religious. Keep your religious views in your sanctuaries and temples. But if churches chooses to continue to press for laws and policies it favors, then those churches should lose its tax exempt statuses.
Mormons are especially funny because they behind doors mock all other religions because they have THE TRUE CHURCH oh please.... Oh let us not forget they have a living prophet!
LDS == Scientology
Uh, no. Mormons don't copyright their teachings, nor have extensive Hollywood connections, nor go out of their way to harass and silence its critics, nor is it founded by a hack science-fiction writer.
@Tim – Your lack of knowledge and hatred is obvious. It's a FREE country! FREEDOM of religion without persecution, so thank you for your non-constructive and inacurate thoughts my fellow American.
They can be extremely intolerant but yet, they don't like it when the tables are turned. I guess they missed the part in the bible that says, what you sow, so shall you reap.
The Mormon's talk about be discriminated agains yet they are always the biggest financial backers and supporters of anti-gay measures. I guess I have to put on holy boxer briefs and holy undershirt to shield me from their hate towards my people.
They don't practise what they preach about discrimination.
I think what you meant to say is "Mormon's are the biggest backers of PRO FAMILY- Marriage between one man and one woman" is their belief. Call a spade a spade and stop the spin! Mormon's don't hate gays and you'll never find anything that says they do.
@Jordon
A family is defined as a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for.
Aren't two parents better than one, regardless of se.xual orientation?
Ridiculous Mormons feel "bigotry" or "hatred" when they're the ones doing some of the largest spending on campaigns of hate against gays. Good ol' Christian values of love thy neighbor and acceptance.. treat others as you want to be treated... Ah who am I kidding, bunch of hypocrites, the whole lot.
Historically Mormons have been the most persecuted religious group in American history. I known of no other group that actually had an "extermination order" issued against them in the US. On the other hand, while atheists may certainly be discriminated against for their faith (and yes it actually requires faith to be an atheist, just like it requires faith to be a theist), as far as I am aware there has never been an “extermination order” issued against them in the US. And though I am not an atheist I would certainly hope this would never ever happen.
Ain't that the d.a.m.n. truth????
I have to agree. I thought my mormon neighbors were nice normal people until they told their 6-8 year old kids that they could play with my 7 year old because he was not one of them( they told him this). How do you explain to a 7 year old that he can not play with the kids next door becuase he was not in the same church as him. Later I saw entire workgroup teams that were all mormon and when people were let go guess who was kept. Maybe they were better workers than others but you have to wonder when you see some of the things that went on!
sad to say....
As a Christian I can say I have thoroughly researched Mormon doctrine (yes I have been to Mormon dot org) and it is not hard to grasp. In fact upon looking at Moron doctrine it quickly becomes obvious that Mormonism is not and cannot be Christianity. Mormonism uses the mask that it is Christian but when one examines Mormon doctrine and compares it with actual Christian doctrine it is clear they are fundamentally different. Have you ever done any research into Christianity and compared it to what you believe? I suggest trying... oh and not the same type of "research" you condemn.
So the Mormons did what the Christians did to the pagans stole everything and re branded it.
You mean compared to Protestant doctrine. You are right, we are not Protestants.
No I mean when compared to Christian doctrine based off of the Bible. Mormons are not Christians.
It is defiinitely true that Mormons do not follow the traditions established in 300AD after Jesus was killed along with the apostles. We believe in the restoration of the gospel after the apostasy (as noted in the Bible).
How do we know that Mormons aren't Christian? It's very simple, really.
Christians go into the world to convert people to Christianity.
Mormons go into the world to convert people (even Christians) to Mormonism. If Mormonism is Christian, then why do they need to convert Christians to Mormonism?
It's a cult, plain and simple.
How many denominations of Christians are there? Hundreds? Why are they all trying to convert each other? Your reasoning is weak. Why is Mormonism the fastest growing religion in America?
This comment is so completely uninformed it is laughable. When Protestants went on missions they tried to convert Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. When Catholics went on missions they tried to convert Protestants (and even some Eastern Orthodox). Using the same logic as “ExMormon” all Protestants and Catholics are not to be considered Christians. This is completely laughable!
Jordon, are they the fastest growing by number or by % growth? But I guess it doesn;t matter when you have women who are told that you will get to heaven in you are a good wife and have lots of kids. The more the better. You can also bring in dead people, are they included in the growth. I see may ex-mormon women around may area who will even talk to their famlies because they were kept are second class citizens.
@HawHawHaw, why do you assume they aren't all cults?
(Hint: They all are)
Religion: Large, popular cult
Cult: Small, unpopular religion.