Mormon Life - Mormon Moment tag

Viewpoint: Making the most of the Mormon Moment

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:05:00 -0600

source: universe.byu.edu

My last companion in Australia was Elder William Hopoate — one of the most famous rugby all-stars in Australia. When he turned down millions of dollars to serve a Mormon mission, it went viral. As we served together, I realized his influence did much more than simply touch the people he came in contact with. His good example and selfless sacrifice affected the general public’s opinion of the LDS faith. The people in Australia are more receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ because, for perhaps the first time, they were able to see the Church in an incredibly positive way through the media.

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Apr. 28-May 4

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:04:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of April 28 through May 4, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of April 28 through May 4, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. Photo Gallery: The Artwork of President Packer {LDS Living}

2. {Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Modest Swimsuits 2012 {Kate Ensign-Lewis}

3. {Poll} Public Displays of Affection at Church {Kate Ensign-Lewis}

4. {Food Dish} Muffin Tin Meals {Ashley Evanson}

5. FHE: Sacrifice {Shauna Gibby}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. 'Time to shatter Mormon myths' column spreads across the country {Mormon Times}

2. Slate on how Mormons went from beard-wearing radicals to clean-cut conformists {LDS Living}

3. Women's Conference begins, new RS presidency debuts {Deseret News}

4. House candidate and rising GOP star is black, female - and Mormon {CNN}

5. Prince Charles and the Book of Mormon {Mormon Times}

Top Video:

'Have I Done Any Good?' Official Music Video ft. Alex Boye & Carmen Rasmusen Herbert {YouTube}

To Mormons: Take care - you just might be someone's 'Mormon friend'

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Chrisy Ross - LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Chrisy Ross, author of LDS Living's popular "To Mormons, with Love" article, shares more insights on living as a non-Mormon among Mormons. In this Mormon moment, she says, it's important to realize that non-Mormons might look to you to answer questions - and take what you say as gospel.

There’s no shortage of pronouncements on what Mormons believe, ironically from people who aren’t members of the LDS Church; many who have skewed information. It has become evident that Mormonism is a trending topic and there is amplified interest in all things Mormon. This provides a great opportunity for members of the Church to set things straight.

There’s one thing I’ve noticed that contributes to the problem . . .

Some nonmembers feel like they have a solid grasp of the material—LDS Doctrine—if they’ve had a question answered by a member, an insider, a real Mormon. Someone they refer to as their “Mormon friend.”

One innocuous question + One acquaintance who happens to be LDS + One heavily weighted answer = One nonmember’s perception of the entire faith. The answer to ONE question can define Mormonism for a person; paint a vivid picture in someone’s mind—sometimes in the right palette, but often not.

For example, last year while I was in a casual conversation with acquaintances in another state, the topic shifted to the fact that I live in Utah. Predictably, things segued to Mormonism. Comments were benign until one woman said, “Mormons don’t celebrate Easter.” The implication was that Mormons don’t acknowledge the resurrection story. Naughty! How did she know this titillating factoid? Her reply was, “I asked my Mormon friend.”

I’ve had a handful of similar conversations. From my limited vantage point, I bet that the “Mormon friend” has no idea they’re referred to as such, nor are they likely aware that a simple comment like, “Our family doesn’t color eggs for Easter,” is heard as a doctrinal statement. When I’ve prodded someone about his or her “Mormon friend,” the relationship sounds more fringe or token than actual. (This isn’t to say that interfaith friendships aren’t genuine. Not the point of this piece.)

Nonmember confusion continues to surround LDS weddings (sealing ceremonies versus receptions), a nonmember’s ability to attend a sacrament meeting versus visit the temple, and the length of Sunday services. I’ve heard, “Only Mormons can attend their weddings,” “You have to convert before you can visit an LDS Church,” or “They go to church ALL day on Sunday—like eight hours.” A simple comment made by someone’s “Mormon friend” taken out of context has fueled these misconceptions.

People talk. Politics and religion are the topics right now. I’ve heard amusing as well as insulting comments from nonmembers as they attempt to share their knowledge of the LDS Church beliefs and practices. And, yes, I do my part to correct a misunderstanding or encourage someone to dig a little deeper for bona fide information.

I’m not a Mormon scholar, nor are most of my LDS friends. Although I’ve received a lot of great—and accurate—explanations from my LDS friends, occasionally I’ve experienced slightly different or conflicting answers to the same question from different people. That’s how I found and researched LDS.org and Mormon.org. I know I’m preaching to the choir when I compliment the approachability, ease of use, and tremendous information source these sites provide. For all—members and nonmembers.

The way I see things:

1. Mitt Romney, John Huntsman, and numerous mainstream celebrities who are members of the LDS Church are all contributing to heightened interest in Mormonism. The spotlight is growing.

2. Now more than ever, nonmembers are curious and comfortable asking questions. This is THE TIME to dissolve myths and misunderstandings.

3. If a nonmember—even a person you know very casually at the office, or who lives three blocks away in your Midwest, Protestant neighborhood— asks you a question, recognize that they are listening. (No pressure!)

4. Tell someone about the safe (free, anonymous access), informational websites, that even members visit (not everyone is a religious scholar).

5. An authentic interfaith friendship, where conversation flows, is not what I’m referring to. Someone whose name you may not remember, might reference a forgettable (for you) conversation you had with them, and proudly proclaim that they know the “real deal” about Mormonism because . . . they asked their Mormon friend.

It’s time to bone up on your facts, or graciously admit you’re not sure and will look something up when asked a question about the Church. Or refer people to the terrific websites. You just might be someone’s Mormon friend.

For more of Chrisy's articles about experiencing life as a non-Mormon among Mormons, click here.

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Chrisy Ross is the author of To Mormons, With Love (A Little Something from the New Girl in Utah), available at deseretbook.com. To learn more about her, visit chrisyross.com.

The 'Mormon moment-um'

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:57:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

I was recently asked by a Brazilian reporter from Istoe Independente, a weekly magazine, to share my thoughts on the media focus on Mormons in light of the Mitt Romney presidential campaign and related flashes of high-profile Latter-day Saints in news venues. After thanking Brazilian reporters for their collective history of positive and accurate reporting, I submitted this response (Read the full article, "A forÇa dos mÓrmons").

As a convert and lay member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I've always wanted to write a "Dear World" letter to speak personally, and in one fell swoop, to anyone — and particularly to the "spiritual but not religious," the unknowing public, the press and pastors in other denominations everywhere who might be sincerely interested in the faith of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), know little of us, or who are submerged in or perhaps even promulgating mis-information about our faith in action, our beliefs and our love for the Savior. I've crafted that letter mentally more than once.

It's much more than a Mormon moment, church official says

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:41:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

For a solid 45 minutes Monday morning, Michael Otterson, managing director of Public Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to members of the LDS International Society about "How the Church is Handling Increased Global Visibility."

In what may be a first for anyone speaking on that subject over the past year, not once during the entire presentation did he mention the name Mitt Romney.

"I have done that deliberately, because it should tell us something about the 'Mormon Moment,'" Otterson told some 300 International Society members, who were holding their annual conference on the BYU campus. "It is much more than politics. It is much more than a moment. After 182 years, the church may have reached that point which the Lord described in (the first section of the Doctrine & Covenants) — finally, the church has emerged from obscurity, at least in some parts of the world."

Changing the Mormon image: Behind the scenes of LDS Church media efforts

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:12:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: This article stems from the "Mormons and the Internet" conference held last week. The calls were strange, Buddy Blankenfeld said. The 2008 raid on the FLDS compound in Eldorado, Texas had many in the media confusing the LDS Church with the fundamentalist polygamist group.

"Members of the media identified them as Mormon, LDS or as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," said Blankenfeld, an LDS Church Public Affairs Department manager.

Journalists called the department and asked questions that showed they didn't know there was a difference between the two churches. One even wanted photographs of the interior of the Salt Lake Temple — confusing it with the FLDS temple in Texas. "We saw a need to provide the media with information that presented a clear distinction between our church and Warren Jeffs' group," Blankenfeld said, adding that the church wanted to make the distinction without disparaging the FLDS church.

LDS General Conference to be business as usual, despite 'Mormon moment'

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:44:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: It's interesting that the media is so keen to write about the Mormon church, but aren't interested in really about what we believe. The 182nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open Saturday morning, beginning two full days of conference sessions that will feature sermons, prayers, music and a little church business. General sessions will be held both Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (MDT), with a priesthood session for male members of the church 12 and older Saturday evening at 6. More than 100,000 church members are expected to participate in weekend conference sessions in the LDS Church's Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City, while millions more will watch or listen to conference proceedings via television, radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts.

In other words, LDS general conference business as usual — "Mormon moment" notwithstanding.

Coined by the media and referenced consistently for almost a year, the Mormon moment phrase refers to a period of time during which the LDS Church, its people and its teachings have been front of mind in a variety of public and social contexts, from Broadway to academia to presidential politics.

The Truth About Mormons: American attitudes towards Mormons

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:20:00 -0600

source: nationalreview.com

Mormon Life says: I love this cover. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, you may be surprised to learn, the largest religious organization in the United States after the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the United Methodist Church. The Baptists and the Methodists are in decline, while the number of Catholics and Mormons is growing, with Mormons adding to their numbers at 2.5 times the Roman rate of redemption. It is likely that Joseph Smith soon will have more followers in the United States than does John Wesley; already the words “Salt Lake City” carry a religious resonance no longer detectable in place names such as “Aldersgate” — or “Boston” or “Philadelphia” for that matter.

New MormonVoices website is positive LDS voice

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:39:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: MormonVoices will act as watchdog and correct any misleading information about the Church published by the media. Inspired by the "Book of Mormon" musical on Broadway but especially by the presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney, media coverage of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to soar both nationally and internationally.

Some of it is sympathetic and reasonably accurate. Much, unfortunately, isn't.

In the past, Latter-day Saints have usually been obliged simply to endure dismissive and inaccurate treatment in the news. They were rarely in a position to respond effectively.

It's time to move past 'the Mormon moment,' LDS official says

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:16:00 -0600

source: washingtonpost.com

Mormon Life says: Is it really a "moment" if it's lasted more than ten years? History has not recorded the name of the journalist who created the phrase, “the Mormon moment.”

The originator may have been a headline writer for U.S. News and World Report who, back in November of 2000, used “Mormon Moment” as the label for a story triggered by a new Mormon temple in Houston. The church’s growth, according to the story’s author, reporter Jeff Sheler, was “a tangible sign of the rising fortunes of this uniquely American religious movement …the Salt Lake City-based church is finding a home in the least likely places, from Houston to Helsinki, and from Tampa to Tokyo.”

Mormon 101: FAQ

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:25:00 -0700

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Mormon Life says: The Church has made an incredible infographic to go along with this story. Make sure to check it out. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be found at every level of society — in business and charity, education and the sciences, political parties and government, the entertainment industry and news media.

Describing the character of Latter-day Saints, Newsweek magazine wrote: “No matter where Mormons live, they find themselves part of a network of mutual concern; in Mormon theology everyone is a minister of a kind, everyone is empowered in some way to do good to others, and to have good done unto them: it is a 21st century covenant of caring. This caring is not limited to Church members alone, but extends far beyond.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest Christian church in America. More than half of its 14 million members live outside the United States. Yet despite the faith’s growth and presence, survey results continue to show that relatively few people are familiar with Mormon beliefs.

Author: ‘Mormons are deeply aware of their own oddness’

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:18:00 -0700

source: sltrib.com

Matthew Bowman’s new book, The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith, was conceived and birthed in a little under three months.

The 352-page volume arrived on shelves in late January, in time to capture the energy and interest of the so-called "Mormon moment," with Latter-day Saint Mitt Romney in the heat of a presidential race. Since its publication, first-time author Bowman has been a ubiquitous presence in TV, newspaper and online stories about the Utah-based faith. Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw called Bowman’s book "essential reading for anyone interested in 2012 and beyond."

Utah party leaders Jim Dabakis, Thomas Wright comment on Mitt Romney's Mormon faith in light of Super Tuesday results

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:48:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

The “Mormon Moment” has been gaining momentum over the last several years. As Super Tuesday results trickled in Tuesday, Mitt Romney’s religion was still making news.

An awareness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the American consciousness has certainly outlived a “15 minutes of fame” news cycle. Perhaps starting with the Olympics in 2002 and then gaining a burst of speed when Romney first ran for president in 2008, more and more people are familiar with the global faith based out of Salt Lake City.

Mormons need not be such a mystery

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:22:00 -0700

source: cincinnati.com

Mormon Life says: It's an older story, but I like how this reporter allows several Mormons to define themselves. Spencer Daems, 9, spends three hours every Sunday morning in Sunday School classes and worship services.

He spends 10 minutes every day studying scripture.

He sets aside 10 percent of his chore money as a tithe to his church and saves 40 percent for college and the mission work he will undertake as a young adult.

Author Matthew Bowman talks about 'the Mormon moment'

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:24:00 -0700

source: csmonitor.com

Mitt Romney. Broadway smash “The Book of Mormon.” HBO hit series “Big Love.” Mormonism seems to be center stage these days. Religion scholar Matthew Bowman looked at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – past and present – in The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith. I recently had the chance to talk with Bowman about his book, the rise of “the Mormon moment,” and what American voters should know about Romney. Here are excerpts of our conversation.

Previously you had mainly studied the evangelical Christian church. Why are you now writing about Mormonism?

[Today we’re seeing] the rise of what has been called “the Mormon moment.” I think it is not the first Mormon moment and will not be the last. But it is one getting more attention.

Pennsylvania Mormon Moment: Defending the faith

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:41:00 -0700

source: lancasteronline.com

Mormon Life says: Members from Pennsylvania talk about what it's like to be a Mormon during the "Mormon Moment." When you grow up Mormon, you get used to keeping the Sabbath, dressing conservatively, spending time with your family, and disabusing non-Mormons of the notions they hold about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"The biggest thing that I try to explain is that we're very normal," said Amber Campbell, who resides with her husband, Alan, another lifelong Mormon, and their two young sons, in West Hempfield Township. "We live very normal lives."

And Mormon values, she said, are much the same as those held by traditional Christians: "We believe in being good and kind and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, and following Christ's example."

Mormon moment: Church gaining members in South Jersey

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:32:00 -0700

source: courierpostonline.com

Mormon Life says: These Jersey members show that not all Mormons are white Utahns, like many people believe. This poor, largely minority town is about as far removed from Salt Lake City as one could imagine.

But with a growing Mormon population here, and the planned construction of a new meetinghouse on an East Camden street, the two cities have become inextricably linked.

Local Mormon President Ahmad Corbitt says misconceptions abound about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Meaning: Most people think all Mormons are white and from Utah.

Mormons in this moment

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:14:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

Bloggers have been dissecting this media-proclaimed “Mormon Moment” since its inception. And I just must feature a few of these well-written faith treatises of sorts.

Bold statement: “Calling Yourself Mormon Is a Very Bold Statement," declares blogger Jessie Stay. Why? “It means you believe in modern-day revelation. It means you believe there are men today that speak to God, and God speaks to them.

'Mormon moment' may be more curse than blessing for LDS Church

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:07:00 -0700

source: sltrib.com

The so-called “Mormon moment” is a passing fad, with more downsides than benefits to the Utah-based faith, writes Ronan James Head, at bycommonconsent.com.

Still, Head, who teaches religion and philosophy at a private boys school in England, believes there are consistent assumptions to be drawn from all the recent exposure:

Are Mormons spared from reality? Hardly

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:36:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

A common claim during this "Mormon Moment," in opinion columns and elsewhere, is that Mormons live in a bubble. Most specifically, Mormonism is said to have isolated a certain current presidential candidate from "real life" (during his missionary service, for example).

So I've been reflecting upon my own experience, and on how my faith has — or hasn't — insulated me from the Real World.

Like most contemporary Latter-day Saints, I grew up outside of Utah. I had no Mormon teachers in school and my friends were all Catholics, Protestants or agnostics; the youth culture of late 1960s California was anything but church-approved.