Mormonism and culture

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Mormonism and culture

Attitude toward others

Anti-Mormons and anti-Mormonism

Summary: Some critics claim that being labeled "anti-Mormon" is prejudicial or rude. In fact, critics of the Church were the first to use the term for themselves, and FAIR uses it as a neutral description of an author's approach, tactics, or goals.

Attitude toward non-members

Summary: Critics charge that LDS members are taught to look down upon or reject those who are not of their faith. This not not what is taught however. President Hinckley denounced bad feelings and behavior toward non-Mormons: "Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can't all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Why is there so much bitterness and animosity? It is not a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all stumble occasionally. We all make mistakes. I paraphrase the words of Jesus in the Lord's Prayer: "And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Preserving diverse cultural traditions

Summary: Critics claim that the Church disregards people's own cultural traditions, and that it does not assign any value to native cultures, their histories or mythologies. Yet, to claim that the Church has no regard for diverse local cultural traditions is painting with a very broad brush. There are many types of cultural traditions. Some are good and uplifting, and some are not. The Church does not attempt to "homogenize" its membership in various parts of the world. The style of worship may vary, but the principles of the restored Gospel are the same in any part of the world. Certain practices that are traditional may be incompatible with or prevent acceptance of the Gospel, which others may actually fit nicely with new beliefs.

Wayward family members

Summary: Some critics insist that the Church teaches such principles as: 1) those who are less faithful to Church teachings should (or inevitably will) receive less love, 2) that we should reject those who reject the Church and 3) children reject the Church through the fault of parents who "don't have enough faith."

Cultural priorities

Church over family

Summary: Critics charge that the Church teaches them to put service in the Church (e.g. in Church callings) over the needs of their families. However, Church doctrine places the family at the center of one's life. In cases of conflict, family needs take precedence over Church responsibilies.

Praising God in prayer and song

Cultural biases

Skin color in LDS thought

Summary: Modern science sees skin color as the product of evolutionary change due to a sunlight gradient from the equator to the polar areas. What do Latter-day Saints think about skin color?

Bias against Mormons

Summary: What have outsiders said about anti-Mormon bias?  ^{[needs work]}