Press Kit

Yesterday at church one of our speakers talked about some startling statistics concerning my religion. Some of them (that I can remember off the top of my head) were:

1) the majority of people surveyed--around 50%--said they didn't know any one who was Mormon.

2) the majority of people surveyed--above 70%--weren't sure whether Mormon's practiced polygamy or not.

Well...if you are reading this blog you know a Mormon.


I don't often talk about my faith on this blog, and the only real reason I have for that is because my beliefs are part of who I am, they make up the very fabric of my personality and are therefore inseperable. I don't talk about it as if it is a secondary to who I am, because it isn't.

To me that would be like speaking of my arm as if it was not a part of me. It is impossible.

But after hearing what was said at church, and being encouraged to help break some of these glaring inaccuracies, I have decided to speak up a little more.

First on my list is to make a personal press kit. A list (easily accessible and hand-out-able) of information that defines my religion.

Second is to answer whatever questions you may have (in the spirit of learning, not hating) about what I believe.

So.... last night, while I sat there and told the kids what to clean, I created a little something-something on my computer that I can print out and keep in my wallet to give away if the opportunity arises. This is what I came up with:

My friend says the writing is too small, so I'll have to work on that today, but feel free to snag one of these for your own use.

*As facts go, I do not, nor have I ever, nor do I ever expect to practice polygamy. The polygamists that have made the headlines so much in the past years are not members of my religion. In fact, in what I find to be a profound moment of humor, polygamy was last practiced by members of my faith 120 years ago.

*I am allowed to use birth control whenever I want.

*I can drink a Diet Coke whenever I well please, but I do not drink coffee or tea. Nor do I smoke or abuse drugs.

*I do not have horns, nor did I have horns that fell off when I left Utah... and in actuality I've only lived in Utah for 2 years of my life.

*I do not wear seven pairs of underwear, but I do believe in being modest in dress and keeping my shoulders, abdomen and upper legs covered.

There are many falacies about the Mormon faith. Some are as ridiculous as us having horns. Within the confines and safety of our own we tend to laugh these things off, but the truth is that they all have a little sting to them.

I'm not a devil. I'm not a zealot. I'm a normal person just like you... with faults and imperfections, with guilt and sorrow and regret. I live each day wondering what the next will bring and struggling to pay my bills. I laugh, and love, and barbecue on weekends.

I'm as normal as anyone else who goes to church on Sundays, believe it or not. :)

Any questions?

Comments

Polly Blevins said…
A lot of people I met out here had never known a mormon before. It was kind of fun to tell people because the shock value was intense. One man started laughing his head off when I told him and said, "I know all about you mormons, I have been to SLC a few times." It was really funny to me. I don't know if that was a good statement or a bad one but he was always a joy to me so i think he liked me. Another group of guys wanted to see a picture of Will when they found out I was not only a Mormon but engaged to one. They were shocked when "he looks normal". Then embarassed at the stupidity of the statement and said, "Yeah, that sounded stupid, of course he looks normal. I don't know what I was expecting but I guess that wasn't it." True Blue through and through.
K Lind said…
I am LDS. Something that I see a lot is people believe that we are brainwashed and a cult. Also I saw someone say that the church "rapes innocent people of money for 'tithes' every day". It really bothered me. I choose to be a member of my faith, I am not brainwashed, and I choose to pay my tithes. I am not forced or "raped" of my money. That might be something to write about.
Lisa said…
LOVE this post!! I think I might have to make one of my own. Hope you don't mind if I steal your idea!
Myya said…
I am not Morman, but I LOVE this post! What a great expression of something you hold so dear. Religion what ever one may believe is beautiful. It gives a foundation of strength and a light of hope that there is something bigger & more powerful out there then us. So nice to know that all of our struggles are not solely on our shoulders. I am not super relious & don't attend church near as much as I should or would like to, but I do believe & for that I am proud!
By the way, you guys have the most gorgeous churches or I think you call them Temples???
Cannwin said…
Myya--

Thank you. I have a hard time imagining what my life would be like without church... except maybe I'd get to sleep in on Sunday's... I think, however, that not attending is becoming more the norm than to attend, which is sad.

As for Temples. Yes, they are gorgeous aren't they!? We all have our favorites too (and least favorites). My personal favorite is probably the Hong Kong Temple (http://lds.org/temples/main/0,11204,1912-1-84-2,00.html)

and my least favorite is probably the Ogden, Utah temple (http://lds.org/temples/main/0,11204,1912-1-50-2,00.html)

But no matter which one architecturally appeals to us, we love them all.

They are like super-churches where we make sacred promises to God to uphold and follow Him. These promises are so sacred that not everyone can enter the Temple. In fact to enter you have to be a member in good standing and be interviewed twice every two years--regarding worthiness--to retain your 'temple recommend.'

Here's a great video about temples (it gave me goose bumps) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_-TQivCx8

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