Curious Christian

Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective

Who are the Mormons?

Published by

Matt Stone

2009-07-13

This video, Mormon Myths and Reality, is an introduction to Mormonism from a Mormon perspective. If I have a criticism it is that the speakers pass over many of the more controversial Mormon teachings – the authority of alternative scriptures like the Book of Mormon, the teaching that God was once a man, the teaching that Jesus travelled to America, the rejection of the Trinity. Nevertheless I think it is important to consider their side of the story.

Tags Mormon

4 responses to “Who are the Mormons?”

emily

2009-07-14

I would say that the reason the video doesn’t even mention the more controversial issues is that this isn’t really an apologetic for the Mormon faith. Rather it seems to be a bit of a PR move… why even bring up the fact that the LDS teach that God was once a man and, if things work out, they themselves will also be gods if people aren’t already aware of it?

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Matt Stone

2009-07-15

That raises an interesting question. What precisely is the difference between public relations and public apologetics?

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emily

2009-07-17

Hmmm… actually, I feel like your question should be easier to answer, but it really isn’t. My short and “easy” answer is that I think public relations and apologetics are going to overlap in many areas and there isn’t going to be a very precise difference to pinpoint.
But if I had to pick out a difference, it seems to me that apologetics are directed at a more specific audiance; those who are actively looking into a specific religion. While public relations would target everyone who has ever heard of (in this case) the Mormons and try to counter the negative opinions and stereotypes that surround the group.

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Jarred

2009-07-18

I think Emily’s distinction is a pretty good one. I’d also add that it’s hard to really explain the finer points of a religion’s theology if one’s audience is still too invested in their stereotypes and the belief that your religion has to be wrong because it’s that religion. To draw from my own experience, I’ve found it pretty futile to try and explain the theology of how being a weaver of wyrd also makes me a co-agent in the whole process of creation if the person I’m talking to is still convinced that I’m secretly worshiping Satan and trying to curse and otherwise ruin the lives of decent people.
And to be frank, I’ve seen some members of the LDS church who have tried to honestly discuss their theology to only have their audience spend the entire conversation looking for the next “gotchya” that will prove them wrong.

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