04/24/24
February 08, 2002
Mormons battle for soul of Games.: In some ways, it seems appropriate that the Winter Olympics are being held in Salt Lake City, home of the Mormon faith. These are complicated times. The recent "war against terrorism" could also be perceived as a war against those who steadfastly adhere to religious dogma. One might mistake "the enemy" to be all those who strictly believe in one God. In this thick context, the world gathers in the one American city that is explicitly associated with a specific, conservative faith. This AP article (picked up by CNNSI) examines the struggle and compromise between the Mormon community and the world about to converge upon it.
I don't think the overt religiousness of Salt Lake City is representative of just one side in the war against terrorism. After all, the U.S. is led by an overtly religious president who campaigned on a pledge to bring faith-based organizations into government, so we're not without that old-time religion either. I had an uncle who lived in Salt Lake City and visited a few years ago for his funeral. People identified themselves by the church ward they belonged to rather than the neighborhood they lived in. It's a strange place.
posted by rcade at 11:32 AM on February 08, 2002
rcade, I agree. I'm not trying to imply that the Mormons in Utah are equivalent to Islamic terrorists (in fact, just the opposite). However, there is a difference between general religiosity (acceptance of multiple faiths) and a specific monotheistic faith (belief in one true God). Although Bush's personal faith (Christianity) is associated with the latter, as the President of the U.S., he must represent an openness to all faiths (thus, his pledge is to bring faith-based organizations into government--not just Christian-based organizations). The situation in Salt Lake City is more specific to one particular faith with its own specific dogma (a microcosm of a theistic society). What is interesting, however, is the willingness of Mormons in Utah to adhere to their dogmatic faith but also to be mindful of the coming situation (an intrusion of a plurality of perspectives). The point is, that it is quite possible to believe dogmatically and absolutely in one God and not be a threat to society.
posted by jacknose at 11:57 AM on February 08, 2002
I would like to clarify that most Christians do not consider Mormons to be 'Christians' in the traditional sense of the word, based on a few critical theological differences. That being said, I am certain that the Mormon Church will take full advantage of the media blitz (there are always specials on the local culture wherever the Olympics are held), perhaps so that they can gain more mainstream acceptance. I remember a recent U.S. News issue where the top story was on the rapid expansion of the Mormon faith. Apparently, church members are required to spend to years essentially as missionaries. U.S. News reported that it is the fastest growing religion today, due to this combination of missionary work and large families. Of course, I've only met one practicing Mormon, and he's one of the nicest people I know, certainly not a threat to society. But any large political group conscious of it's power (like the Mormon church in Utah) I think is a threat to society over the long term, as it will try to form society in it's own image.
posted by insomnyuk at 06:54 PM on February 08, 2002
Two quotes in the article intrigue me: (1) "Sports, politics and religion, in my view, are all separate dimensions," Romney said. "I think we make a big mistake mixing them." [Is it really possible not to mix sports, politics, and religion?] (2) "We want to present ourselves as people who have a divorce rate, drug problems and kids with earrings just like everyone else. We're just common people trying to do our best, worship God in the way we think is right and leave it as that." [I find it interesting--maybe even a tad refreshing--when a religious community desires to be seen as imperfect].