10 Things About Mormons That Actually Aren’t True

Breaking down preconceived notions about Mormons.

Even if there have been numerous efforts before to break the misconceptions about the Latter-day Saints Church or the Mormons Church, many people still continue to have their preconceived notions about the religion and its members. With the various social issues that are currently being subject of numerous debates, it’s interesting to learn the true stance of Mormons on these issues. Here are some of the current misconceptions about Mormons identified by news writer Mette Ivie Harrison of the Huffington Post:

10 Things About Mormons That Actually Aren’t True[/tweetthis]

The church has a strong stance when it comes to its anti-same-sex marriage policy. But when it comes to the rights of gays and lesbians, Mormons have softened its views over the years. Mormons eventually accepted the idea of homosexuality citing that it could probably be inborn and cannot be changed. The church supported the anti-discrimination bill in Utah, remained supportive of the BSP after the organization started accepting gay scout leaders and has even made pronouncements that rejecting gay children is essentially wrong.

Although Mormons are considered to be pro-life, the church has its own reservations or exemptions like instances when the life or health of the expecting mother could be endangered if the pregnancy is pursued. Mormons have also considerations for women who are victims of rape and incest.

Mormons welcome the idea of accepting Syrian refugees. In fact, the church has donated a large amount of money just to help refugees that are on the move towards Europe. On the issue of cross-border immigration, Mormons surprisingly support the plans for immigration reform. For the church, individuals in search of a better life for their families should be welcomed.

In contrary with this misconception, Mormons especially their leaders are promoting religious tolerance. The Latter-day Saints church believes in religious freedom whether it be Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Atheists, etc.

Mormons have also been noted to lean towards the Republican Party. But in reality, there’s also political or principle division among its members. In fact, the church has supported the Democratic Party in certain issues like the ones enumerated herein.

Just like the previous misconception, Mormons are free to express their individual political opinion. Additionally, the church encourages its members to go out and vote as well as to carefully study the agendas of all the candidates.

This is perhaps one of the oldest misconceptions about the religion. Not all Mormons are pacifists but the church always encourages its members to deal with problems or conflicts in a peaceful or non-violent manner.

Mormons believe that the earth will be renewed on the Second Coming of Christ. This made everyone believe that Mormons didn’t care about the environment. This is an old teaching and to adapt with the modern world, Mormons have actually recognized the need to protect the environment. The church now promotes accountability, less wastage, resource conservations, recycling and green architecture.

According to the church, past teachings that vilified the theory of evolution is wrong and has corrected it now. Today, the church doesn’t take any stance on evolution and surprisingly, the subject is being taught in the church’s university.

Although the church discourages the consumption of coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco, there are still members who take or abuse the consumption of these items just like in other religions. For the Latter-day Saints church, it is considered a form of addiction and should be addressed by becoming closer to Jesus.

Resources

• Huffington Post

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