Mormon Life - Utah tag

Two thousand 'stripling warriors' to march in Utah parade

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:34:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

Mormon Life says: The costumes are pretty awesome. Danny Brock remembers when his friend Cory Hanks dressed in a tunic and breastplate, took up his sword and shield, and marched into the middle of a camp of young men, where he told the group of goggling boys about a battle waging on the other side of the hill.

"I need help," he said, "but your fathers took an oath never to fight again."

{LDSL Blog} What Is a Utah Mormon?

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:04:00 -0600

by Erin Hallstrom
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: We've all heard the term "Utah Mormon" (and many of us have even used it). But what does it really say about our cultural group?

I am not a “Utah Mormon.”

Or am I? Honestly, I don’t really know since I don’t know how to clearly define it.

I was born and raised in Hawaii and left to attend BYU Provo. After graduating from college, I lived in Northern Virginia for four years, Salt Lake City for six, Denver for two, and I am back in Salt Lake again, going on three years. I only share this to show that my time spent living outside of Utah is greater then my time spent living in Utah. I admit that I take some pride in this. (I am not proud of that.)

When you don’t live in Utah, the phrase “Utah Mormon” is commonly used to describe a type of member of the ward. (Most of you know who I am talking about.) This person does not have to be from Utah, but they have certain characteristics and personality traits that people associate with Utah Mormon-dom. It could be how they talk, dress, and do their hair, but most especially it is associated with a particular worship style and worldview.

While I have heard someone described as a Utah Mormon many times, I rarely hear someone refer themselves by this term. Why? I can only assume it is because the use of this label is not meant to be complimentary. It is generally spoken with the condescending assurance that you are not one of them.

So then, how do we define a “Utah Mormon”? I've asked around and everyone has an opinion. While key indicators may differ, some common and fundamental themes emerge in people's definition:

* A Utah Mormon has an ignorance or naiveté about the world around them.

* Utah Mormons are nice and well-meaning but not able to comfortably hack it outside of heavily LDS-populated areas.

* They tend to stick to their own and are critical of people or situations that are different; they tend to cling tightly to Mormon culture (as they understand it).

* Utah Mormons feel more educated on Church procedure and culture and can’t help but share such knowledge with those in other areas.

* Utah Mormons take the Church for granted and are not able to develop as tested or strong a testimony as those who are laboring in the “mission field.”

(Side note: Using the term “mission field” to describe anywhere outside of Utah is a huge pet peeve of mine. It is time we all realized – everyone lives in the mission field.)

So why bring this up? Through my observations, and by shining a light on my own prejudices and judgments, I find the use of this phrase (or label) troubling.

I do understand where the label/stereotype comes from. Utah is filled with a whole lot of Mormons. There are bound to be some cultural traditions and experiences that uniquely define Mormon life in Utah. But like all stereotypes, the problem comes when we believe the extreme examples and use them to dictate how we think and interact with those we come in contact with.

What labels do best is identify things. While this works really well on, say, file folders, when dealing with people a label will over-generalize and leave out vital details. When we define using a label it allows us to think we know someone and easily dismiss them. In other words, labeling puts up a wall between ourselves and others and takes us off the hook of getting to really know a person (because in your mind you already do).

Labels and stereotypes are rarely helpful, but I find it particularly problematic when it occurs among our own religious and cultural group. If we can’t be united among ourselves, how are we supposed to love our neighbor? We have to find a way to bridge the labels, our differences, and judgments we have about each other so we are free to learn and connect with each other as brothers and sisters. Utah Mormon, Molly Mormon, Jack Mormon . . . whatever the label is, let’s be more aware of why we use them and try a little harder to get to know each other better – no matter where we grew up or how we choose to wear our hair.

Temple announcements

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:43:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

The First Presidency has announced the dates for the dedication of the Brigham City Utah Temple and the rededication of the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple.

Former presiding bishop H. David Burton appointed to UTA board

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:30:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday appointed H. David Burton to serve on the board of directors of the Utah Transit Authority.

Burton was recently released as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a position he held for 16 years.

Utah Democrats to Mormon voters: Give us a chance

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:34:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Utah Democrats have been looking to expand their voter share in the state by offering moderate Mormons a political home. And party leaders and pollsters say the strategy appears to be working.

Utah Democratic Party chairman Jim Dabakis said two full-time organizers have been hired to reach out and assist members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Another group, the LDS Democrats Caucus, has also formed under the Utah Democratic Party umbrella with the mission of bridging the divide between those Utahns who are members of the church and those who are not.

BYU, University of Utah business schools on News and World Report's 'most popular' list

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:22:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Two business schools in Utah, Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business and the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, have joined the ranks of Harvard and Stanford on U.S. News & World Report’s Most Popular Business Schools list.

The rankings were based on the schools’ yields, or the percentage of full-time applicants accepted to the schools that decide to enroll there.

Old age among myths of Daughters of Utah Pioneers membership

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:18:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers organization has another "secret" that Maurine P. Smith, the DUP's international society president, would love to dispel.

"Too often people think that we're an organization of old ladies," she says.

Utah tops nation in traditional family categories

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:53:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

An analysis released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that as Americans move more to a "Modern Family" model, Utah is sticking closer to the traditional "Ozzie and Harriet" lifestyle.

Utah has the nation’s highest percentage of households headed by married couples and the highest percentage of homes with children.

The census report also shows Utah has the most people per household; the lowest percentage of singles living alone; the lowest percentage of households headed by unmarried opposite-sex couples living together; and one of the country’s lowest percentages of same-sex couples living together.

Brigham City Utah Temple open house and dedication dates announced

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:18:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Mormon Life says: Exciting news! The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) has announced open house and dedication dates for the Brigham City Utah Temple, the Church’s 14th completed temple in Utah.

The public is invited to visit the temple during an open house from Saturday, 18 August 2012, until Saturday, 15 September 2012, excluding Sundays and Saturday, 8 September. Open house tickets will become available 30 July at BrighamCityMormonTemple.org.

One of Utah's oldest Mormon chapels to be demolished

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:22:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

One of the oldest Mormon chapels in Utah will soon be demolished to make way for a new church.

The 133-year-old Paradise 2nd and 3rd Ward church in Cache County will be leveled next month.

Church historians say the chapel, located in the heart of Paradise, was completed in 1877 and features limestone walls. The landmark structure has been added onto multiple times over the years.

Census: Share of Utah's Mormon residents holds steady

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:21:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

For nearly two decades, Utah’s population continued to rise while the percentage of its people who are Mormon slowly and steadily declined. Then the recession hit, jobs dried up and people hunkered down.

Utah’s population is 62.2 percent LDS and that percentage hasn’t moved much in the past three years.

New vision for Utah: ‘safest place for families’ in nation

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

For Peg Coleman, it was like nothing she had ever experienced before.

It was March 31, Coleman’s first day in Salt Lake City, and she’d spent it exploring the city on foot. As she walked near Temple Square, Coleman suddenly found herself in a tide of men making their way toward the LDS Church’s Conference Center for the semiannual Priesthood meeting that is part of the faith’s General Conference — though, as a newcomer, Coleman didn’t know that.

What she did know is this: Here she was, a lone woman, surrounded by thousands of men. And she felt perfectly safe, completely at ease.

Photos of life in Utah in 1940

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:31:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

Mormon Life says: In celebration of the 1940 U.S. Census records being released today, enjoy this spectacular photo gallery of the 1940s. These photos from the Utah State Historical Society show life in Utah in the 1940s.

In Utah, religion is truly an all-or-nothing proposition

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:44:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

Mormon Life says: Interesting, but not really a surprise. The infographics are neat. A new survey from Gallup details religious observance in America by dividing each state's population into three categories: very religious, moderately religious and nonreligious. And suffice it to say, the data reveals Utah's religiosity is far and away the most statistically extreme in the nation.

Specifically, the statistical uniqueness of the Beehive State's religiosity is captured in the following trends:

Mormon church, state and alcohol laws to mix in federal courtroom

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:43:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

A federal judge will hear arguments Monday over a lawsuit challenging changes to Utah liquor laws that the Utah Hospitality Association says were made under pressure from the LDS Church.

State attorneys have asked U.S. District Judge Bruce Jenkins to dismiss the complaint, arguing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offering its views on alcohol policy to state lawmakers does not violate the state or federal constitution.

"The LDS Church did not dictate law," wrote assistant attorney general Kyle J. Kaiser. "And even if some of the legislators were acting from some sectarian dictate, that does not mean the statute is unconstitutional."

How Utah’s Capitol marches to a Mormon beat

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:21:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

In Utah, the question isn’t whether the LDS Church wields hefty political clout, but how it does so. And the answer, according to state legislators, may surprise some.

That Mormon influence, lawmakers say, does not generally come from edicts over the pulpit or through lobbying in the halls of the Capitol. Instead, it comes indirectly — mainly through legislators’ own religious views.

Commentary: To Mormons - Is shunning something we still do in 2012?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:37:00 -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. This time she talks about a sensitive subject in relations between Mormons and non-Mormons: avoidance of "different."

"Shun" is a four-letter word that continues to rear its head.

I was recently at a Barnes & Noble book-signing event with several other authors. After hearing my book pitch, one woman said, “We’ve lived in Draper for almost two years. We had a babysitter we liked but as soon as her parents found out we weren’t members, they wouldn’t let her sit for us anymore.”

Her attitude was along the lines of, “I hope your book tells those mean Mormons a thing or two,” while shaking a fist.

Another woman lingered in front of my table with her preteen and teenage daughters, sharing in detail how she had moved to Utah from the East Coast, and while her Sandy neighborhood was “very nice,” she claimed the Mormon kids were not allowed to play with her kids. She said her daughters weren’t treated well at school by LDS kids and struggled with loneliness.

I questioned both women. Were they certain that their nonmember status alone deemed them socially unworthy? Each woman felt strongly that her situation was clear. Members only want to associate with members. Period.

The authors who I was grouped with at the book signing happened to be LDS. When there was a lull in customer traffic by our tables, I asked the other authors about what we’d all just heard.

“Do you know any LDS person who wouldn’t allow their kids to play with nonmember kids? Or who would forbid their teenage daughter to babysit for a nonmember family? Do you think people still shun?”

The short answer to all of my questions was no…and maybe. My fellow authors didn’t personally know someone who was religiously bigoted. They confirmed that the Church encourages strengthening relationships, and we agreed that all human beings, regardless of belief system, are susceptible to biases and environmental baggage.

As a nonmember, I don’t believe an LDS person has ever made a conscious decision to disassociate with me simply because I’m not a member of the Church.

When we arrived in Utah in 2002, the nonmember grapevine was alive with examples of member/nonmember segregation. After considering the source, I came to the conclusion that the disunion was likely a two-way street, a personality conflict, or the result of an individual’s personal character failings or biases—both the member’s and the nonmember’s. Not a result of pure religious discrimination.

Admittedly, my husband and I felt like a few families had a “there goes the neighborhood” look on their faces when they discovered we weren’t members. And I’ll also cop to the fact that I was worried a visible coffee maker and a countertop wine rack would be a friendship deal breaker for some people. But in my experience, relationships that have taken root have done so because of an authentic connection and those that haven’t have nothing to do with religion.

But I continue to hear stories that make me think we all need to do a better job of . . . something.

Last fall, a nonmember friend of mine in another state was assisted and befriended by Relief Society in her area. A long-distance, long-time LDS friend of hers recognized a need and knew whom to contact. My friend was thrilled to receive help when she was sick, meet new friends, and looked forward to participating in Book Club and other activities for mothers of small children. I recently asked her how things were going with her new friends.

She said she’d been embarrassed to tell me, but she and her husband were convinced invitations ceased because they had made it clear they weren’t interested in converting. I challenged her.

“Have you called the woman who reached out to you? Maybe they were trying to be considerate and not smother you? Did someone actually say that?”

I find it difficult to believe that in this day and age, relationships dissolve due to religious shunning. Hard to buy.

However, since mulling this topic over, I’ve discussed it with several LDS friends and acquaintances. When I share the examples (now third hand) and ask someone, “Do you know anyone that would shun?” I’ve heard replies ranging from the matter of fact, “Yes,” to an uncomfortable, almost panicked, passionate defense of the Church as a whole “Of course not!” with lots of discussion surrounding the answers.

Again, I haven’t experienced or witnessed firsthand a person not associating with someone purely because they’re not Mormon. I haven’t witnessed the opposite either, but I recognize that there are members who call the same foul—a nonmember disqualifying a friendship simply because someone is LDS. As ridiculous as all of this sounds in 2012…doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Notwithstanding, discernment is real when choosing the relationships we want to nourish.

I have to believe the majority of nonmembers who feel they or their kids are being shunned or excluded from social groups because they’re not members of the LDS Church aren’t taking into account schedules, interests, established friendships, and perhaps a sensitivity to overbearance. People underestimate one another and direct communication is often non-existent. Everyone I spoke with had relied on his or her feelings and perceptions. Not once was a question asked politely or directly, “Is there a problem we need to talk about?” The worst was assumed.

Nuanced, but present. Is that what modern-day shunning looks like? I’m just asking the question. If so, we can all—nonmembers and members—do a better job of identifying the root of the problem. We know S-H-U-N is a four-letter word — turns out so is L-O-V-E.

Check out this article for more on this topic from an LDS perspective.

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. You can also meet her this Saturday at her book signing in Sugar House, Salt Lake City on March 24th.

Caucuses attracting extra attention this year due to LDS Church encouragement

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:20:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

Mormon Life says: If your ward is like mine, during Sacrament meeting your bishop read a letter from the First Presidency encouraging members to attend caucuses this year. A tiny percentage of Utah voters usually attend political party caucuses. But voters are being prodded to go this year through millions of dollars of ads, mailers and "robocalls" usually seen only in primary or general elections — plus unprecedented, repeated over-the-pulpit pleas from the LDS Church.

How important are the meetings this week?

"The U.S. Senate race will be won or lost in the caucuses," said Russ Walker, national political director of FreedomWorks for America, a group trying to oust Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

{LDSL Blog} To Mormons: What's Mine Is Yours . . . Sometimes

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:04:00 -0700

by Chrisy Ross
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. Read about her hilarious musings on lending a crock pot.

The number of LDS people who routinely offer anything they own—or know of someone else owning—to our family and other neighborhood and community members is countless. Something as simple as providing your neighbor a bay leaf, a pinch of cloves, an onion or eggs, we’ve all done. But I’ve witnessed the loan program span household items from a tablecloth, ladder, or small kitchen appliance to musical instruments, large appliances, and vacant homes of relatives. One of our neighbors offered us the use of their motor home—they even said we could take it to Mexico! We declined but were blown away by their sincerity.

My husband and I consider ourselves to be helpful, neighborly, generous—and reasonable—people. If we can assist a friend or neighbor in need within our financial means, considering our own family time demands, and my mental/emotional health capacity, we do.

A few years ago a neighbor called one morning and asked for a favor.

“Hi, Chris. Sorry to call so early, but I need to borrow a crock pot. Do you have one?”

What my neighbor didn’t know was that I had the coveted Porsche of slow cookers, which I had wanted for over a year and had finally convinced my husband of the massive ROI in the form of healthy, savory meals that I would effortlessly produce with our purchase. I bought the slow cooker, placed it in a safe spot on the pantry shelf so I could admire its beauty and potential, and then never prepared one meal in it. In the meantime, I had given a couple of old slow cookers to a friend because she needed them for family and church functions.

I panicked when I heard my neighbor’s simple request.

Oh no. What do I do? What do I say? This is crazy. It’s just a slow cooker—a crock pot—you have to loan it to her. But wait . . . what if she’s using it for a church function? Those LDS ward gatherings are a zoo! There are always a million kids and careless dads who don’t know that if they use the wrong serving utensil, they’ll scratch the appliance. But Mormons are so kind and giving. She’d loan her new slow cooker to anyone. She knows I’m not Mormon, though—she’ll expect less from me . . .

“I do have a crock pot. A new one, actually,” I said.

“Oh. That’s nice. Would you rather I not use it?”

“Well, I hate to ask this, but is it for a church function?”

“Um, no. I’m having my parents over and wanted to keep some pre-prepared soup warm. But I don’t want to borrow it if . . .”

She’s not actually preparing food in it, I thought. That’s better.

“I’m happy to loan it to you!” I lied.

The slow cooker was borrowed then returned in its original scratch-free state—in fact, it may have even looked better because someone had dusted it for me. I felt both relieved and foolish. I’d always encouraged my kids to share everything with guests. Now I sympathize with them when a visiting child plays roughly with a special new toy. It’s difficult, especially when the toy was expensive and hard to come by (remember Tickle Me Elmo?) then gets trashed by a little friend. So I’ve heard.

I have LDS friends who can commiserate with the inner struggle I experienced the day I grudgingly loaned my slow cooker. They’ve had things returned sub-par, or never returned, and admitted to claiming an item wasn’t available for a borrower, even though it was. I know I’m not alone.

The definition of “good neighbor” obviously encompasses much more than being a gracious loaner and loanee. However, I propose that if we’re going to cohabitate in a What’s-Mine-Is-Yours community, we all remember what it’s like to finally receive that special toy as a child and have it scuffed by another kid when your mom makes you share.

And?

If anyone needs a motor home for a trip to Mexico, I can hook you up.

Chrisy Rossis 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.

Mormon church skips pre-session meeting with lawmakers

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:25:00 -0700

source: sltrib.com

For the first time in decades, legislative leaders didn’t hold their annual pre-session meeting with LDS Church officials, but the reason for the change in the practice is unclear.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, said he thinks the change might be related to heightened scrutiny the Salt Lake City-based church is subjected to as Mitt Romney makes his presidential bid.