Quote from Washington Post

[BarbaraGordon]

The Washington Post today featured several perspectives on the current status of Mormonism within the American religious community.

Here is a quote from the guest commentary:

...I believe Latter-day Saints desire to be regarded as part of mainstream Christianity not for status or for doctrinal validation, but to foster neighborliness and cooperation, to join in common causes to improve the condition of the world, to halt contention, to help the poor and needy, shore up the erosion of morals in society, eradicate the exploitation of people, fight dishonesty, stamp out pornography, and support traditional marriage and family values.
However, in truth, the ultimate goal of the LDS Church is not to change perceptions about its nature, but to bring men and women to a fullness of the doctrine and person of Christ, who changes their nature.

These words were written by a BYU prof and LDS member.

I was curious if any of you had any thoughts.

From your posts (taken collectively), I had gotten the impression that members would rather not be confused with mainstream Christianity and would instead rather maintain and celebrate the distinctions. But this guy feels that members do want to be regarded as part of the Christian mainstream (whatever that may mean). Comments?

[Indy Coug]

As the only LDS member in my HS of 700 students, I would like to have been thought of as a Christian to at least ameliorate some of the crap I got about my religion by the hard-core evangelicals there.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

As the only LDS member in my HS of 700 students, I would like to have been thought of as a Christian to at least ameliorate some of the crap I got about my religion by the hard-core evangelicals there.

I believe that this is the sentiment that most Mormons wish for.

Personally, that I'm not considered a Christian because I'm a Mormon doesn't bother me, but many folks in the LDS Church are offended by it. Mormons do believe in Christ and accept him as their Savior.

I kind of like that we are our own thing. It does make us different and it is a good test for the Aaron types to prove that they are Christians by forcing them to be tolerant of our beliefs. All the pressure is on them. We only hide our past, not our present actions.

[danimal]

I think that most of us would prefer to avoid frequent ridicule, and acceptance into mainstream christianity would probably make life easier for some.

On the flip side, there are areas where we don't exactly jive with the mainstream, and I think that we take pride in being distinct and different.

I'm guessing that we can't have it both ways. Something's got to give.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

As the only LDS member in my HS of 700 students, I would like to have been thought of as a Christian to at least ameliorate some of the crap I got about my religion by the hard-core evangelicals there.

Originally Posted by danimal

I think that most of us would prefer to avoid frequent ridicule, and acceptance into mainstream christianity would probably make life easier for some.

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

I believe that this is the sentiment that most Mormons wish for ... it is a good test for the Aaron types to prove that they are Christians by forcing them to be tolerant of our beliefs.

Sounds like the real problem is the judgmentalism from the Christian community. If prejudiced thinking is required in order to qualify as "mainstream" then I don't know why anyone would want to be a part of it anyway. Makes me sad that this is the impression some Protestants are leaving upon LDS members.

[All-American]

I couldn't care less about our church fitting in with everybody else's church. I do believe that it is important celebrate what beliefs we have in common, but I don't actively try to change my beliefs in order to give us common ground to celebrate.

Mormons want to be considered Christians because we believe in Christ. We want people to know that we believe in Christ. It's an important part of our message to the world.

[MikeWaters]

They hated on Jesus, why wouldn't they hate on Mormons too?

When Mormonism is considered just another protestant-type religion, it's game-over for Mormonism. Just look where the protestants are headed. It ain't pretty.

I'm probably out of the mainstream though. I posit that there has been a reduction in emphasis on JS, the BoM, restoration, etc. Not everyone agrees with me. And those that do agree, mostly feel this is a good thing.

Jay Santos is probably the other extreme. He sometimes comes across like he wishes he was a presbyterian. And if you couldn't largely tell the difference between mainline protestantism and Mormonism, that would be a good thing. (I exaggerate a bit, I know).

Joseph Smith never tried to change his religion so people would stop being mean to him. People that wish their religion would change so that there will be less meanness, are misguided.

The elect of the world will come to us. It's a mistake for us to come to the world.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Sounds like the real problem is the judgmentalism from the Christian community. If prejudiced thinking is required in order to qualify as "mainstream" then I don't know why anyone would want to be a part of it anyway. Makes me sad that this is the impression some Protestants are leaving upon LDS members.

I really don't have a problem with those fringe-types who rail against Mormonism. I failed to make that clear. That they feel the way they do is their problem, not mine.

All-American is correct when he says that Mormons want others to accept them as Christians because of the belief in Christ.

I believe that you, Barbara, are more like a "mainstream" Christian - if there is such a thing - and are a great representative of your religious beliefs. It takes all kinds, ya know?

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

All-American is correct when he says that Mormons want others to accept them as Christians because of the belief in Christ.

Yes, I get that impression. I attended sacrament! The young woman speaking was leaving for some remote part of the world and was very excited about taking the message of Christ with her.

I believe that you, Barbara, are more like a "mainstream" Christian - if there is such a thing - and are a great representative of your religious beliefs.

That is very kind of you.

[Detroitdad]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Sounds like the real problem is the judgmentalism from the Christian community. If prejudiced thinking is required in order to qualify as "mainstream" then I don't know why anyone would want to be a part of it anyway. Makes me sad that this is the impression some Protestants are leaving upon LDS members.

My time in the mission field (sic) left with a much more pugilistic sense of our place next to evangelical Christianity. Add to that all of the grief that we are fixin to collect from the mainline Protestants (on account of our being in the new so much, with Mitt, etc.) and I have been having very un Christian thoughts and feelings towards a lot of other faiths (which I know is unfair and immature, because it is a product of reactionary thinking. But hey, I don't get to drink fine wine to help me get over it, I need an indulgence here and there).

Which leads me to say that attempts at conformity suck. No matter how image conscious we are both as a church and as individuals we will still always be seen as odd ducks. So, I am with Waters, I think our differentness is what has allowed us to persist and thrive, to the extent that we have. While we owe ourselves a duty to try to fit in as best we can it should not come in the form of underplaying our distinctiveness, but as the person you quoted indicates it should come in the form of emphasizing shared values.