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17 May 2012
Like Jabari Parker, Thousands of Mormon Youth Attend Seminary
May 17, 2012
This week’s Sports Illustrated cover story features Jabari Parker, a 17-year-old basketball player from Chicago who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon).
The article’s epigraph says Parker is the “best high school basketball player since LeBron James, but there’s something more important to him than instant NBA stardom: his faith.”
The story behind Parker’s devotion to his religion is familiar to Mormons. “Jabari wakes up each morning at five and says a simple prayer,” the article says, “thanking God for another day. By 5:30 three days a week he’s off to church for Bible study.”
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/jabari-parker-mormon-youth-seminary
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Connecticut and Indiana Mormon Temple Renderings Released
May 16, 2012
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) has released renderings of the Hartford Connecticut and Indianapolis Indiana Temples, as well as the site location of the Hartford Temple.
The proposed plans call for the Harford Connecticut Temple to be built at 1024 Farmington Avenue in Farmington, Connecticut. The Indianapolis Indiana Temple site (in the city of Carmel on the southwest corner of the intersection of W116th and Spring Mill Road) was announced in January 2011.
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/connecticut-indianapolis-mormon-temple-renderings
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Mormon FAIR-Cast 88: Evidences of the Book of Mormon
May 16, 2012
FAIR Blog
In this episode of Religion Today that originally aired on March 4, 2012, Martin Tanner discusses some of the evidences for the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
This recording was used by permission of KSL Radio and does not necessarily represent the views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of FAIR.
http://www.fairblog.org/2012/05/16/mormon-fair-cast-88-evidences-of-the-book-of-mormon/
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The Long Approach to the “Mormon Moment”
May 17, 2012
Religion & Politics
My task is to bring some needed historical perspective to current collective conversations about Mormonism in public life. Because I believe that this moment, like many such events that seem to come out of the blue, actually has been about 100 years in the making. In short, my argument is this: since the beginning of the 20th century Mormons in the U.S. and other Americans have struggled with a particular but pervasive problem: how to recognize Mormons as U.S. citizens, with all the obligations and privileges that attend that designation. The last few years marks only the latest round in a series of events that have shaped, but never completely resolved, this question.
http://religionandpolitics.org/2012/05/17/the-long-approach-to-the-mormon-moment/
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The Rulebook for Campaign Smears
May 17, 2012
Yahoo!
For two decades, President Obama’s preacher was the Rev. Jeremiah Wright until Obama disavowed him in 2008 when clips of him saying “God damn America” hit cable news. Mitt Romney was 31 in 1978, the year the Mormon church began allowing black people to become priests — old enough to have formed an opinion on the subject. As Martin ranted on CNN, “If [Republican donor Joe] Ricketts wants to do that, if the GOP they want to do that, you’re now putting Mormonism on the table. You’re now putting on the table how African Americans were treated by the Mormon religion… I don’t think Mitt Romney really wants to have that conversation, considering he was an elder and his dad was an elder, and they really did not embrace African Americans. It is a ridiculous conversation.”
http://news.yahoo.com/rulebook-campaign-smears-195922742.html
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Roland Martin: Plan To Use Jeremiah Wright Is ‘Putting Mormonism On The Table’ (VIDEO)
May 17, 2012
Huffington Post
“If Ricketts wants to do that, if the GOP they want to do that, you’re now putting Mormonism on the table,” Martin said. “You’re now putting on the table how African Americans were treated by the Mormon religion. I don’t think Mitt Romney really wants to have that conversation, considering he was an elder and his dad was an elder, and they really did not embrace African Americans. It is a ridiculous conversation.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/roland-martin-mormonism-romney-wright_n_1525490.html
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Martin: Wright makes Mormonism fair game
May 17, 2012
Politico
CNN political analyst Roland Martin says the GOP will make Mormonism’s treatment of African-Americans fair game for criticism if it pursue a new line of attack against President Obama’s ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
The new proposal, commissioned by conservative billionaire Joe Ricketts, aims to link Obama to Wright’s controversial statements about race relations. But Martin said the proposal is one Romney, whose own religion has historically excluded African-Americans, would want to avoid.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/05/cnns-martin-wright-makes-mormonism-fair-game-123758.html
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Mitt Romney criticized Obama over Rev. Wright just three months ago
May 17, 2012
America Blog
You see, Christian faith is full of wacky crazy with all sorts of wacky beliefs, but Mormon temples aren’t. So please don’t mention Romney’s Mormonism and his influences, but feel free to take a whack at President Obama’s Christianity and his influences.
It’s interesting that Romney has a double standard on Mormonism versus Christianity when he claims they’re the same thing.
http://www.americablog.com/2012/05/mitt-romney-criticized-obama-over-rev.html
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A possible Rev. Wright ad campaign is the latest ‘shiny object’
May 17, 2012
Washington Post
The hypocrisy takes your breath away. After months and months of “Mitt Romney is a MORMON” coverage and endless insinuation that Romney’s faith will be problem for him (or that he is obliged to defend the precepts of his faith), the mention of possible ads featuring the Rev. Jeremiah Wright has the left-wing media in hysterics.
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Super PAC’s reported anti-Obama ad sparks backlash, quick denial
May 17, 2012
CNN
“If the GOP, if they want to do that, then guess what, you’re now putting Mormonism on the table,” he said, referring to Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith — a factor that has largely remained on the sidelines of this year’s election.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/17/politics/anti-obama-ad/index.html
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Why Should Jeremiah Wright Be Off-Limits for Political Attacks?
May 17, 2012
The Atlantic
How about religion? Is it categorically off limits? Perhaps it was at one time. Just as the Romney campaign condemned the new proposal, the Obama campaign has ruled out any attack on Romney’s religion. But just as an outside group developed this ad, other Democrats have brought up Mormonism — most recently Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Moreover, religion has become a linchpin of campaigns over the last four decades. Since the election of evangelical Jimmy Carter and the rise of the Moral Majority, candidates have frequently dwelled on religion; if it’s part of the discourse, it’s part of the discourse. And the Wright-Obama link is hardly unique. In 2008, John McCain rejected the endorsement of John Hagee, a pastor described as anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic.
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In Rev. Wright, Does Romney Camp Open HIS Religion as an Issue?
May 17, 2012
Chicago Now (Illinois)
In recent days, a disturbing resurrection in the topic of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright has occurred by the likes of firebrand Sean Hannity, the right-wing web-based “News Max,” and others. Now comes word that one of Romney’s “Super PAC” allies, the Ending Spending Action Fund led by the Chicago Cubs’ Joe Ricketts, may use the same line of attack. Is this wise and does it then open the door for increased scrutiny of Mormonism in general and the Romney family’s history before, during, and after their time establishing a polygamous colony in Mexico?
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Basketball star may put his Mormon faith before the NBA
May 17, 2012
Chicago Tribune (Illinois)
Jabari Parker, the Simeon Career Academy junior named 2011-12 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball of Illinois earlier this year, reveals to Sports Illustrated that he’s considering the prospect of embarking on a two-year mission for the Mormon church when he turns 19.
For fans who thought Jabari Parker’s early declaration for the NBA draft will be a slam dunk, think again. Another calling could postpone those pro-athlete aspirations: his Mormon faith.
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Jabari Parker: Star Must Go to College, Pass Up Mormon Mission
May 17, 2012
Bleacher Report
Parker doesn’t need to abandon the notion of embarking on a Mormon mission, he just needs to postpone it. Taking two years off from organized basketball is a huge issue, especially from ages 19 to 21. While it probably won’t kill his draft stock, it would definitely be detrimental to his basketball future.
It’s hard to see how this mission would fit into his basketball career though. Would he go to college for a year then take two years off before entering the NBA? What happens during those two years? Do teams lose interest?
Shawn Bradley played one year with BYU, then went on a mission to Australia. He was the No. 2 pick in the 1993 draft, but never lived up to his potential.
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Prep star Jabari Parker in a few years: Mission or NBA?
May 17, 2012
USA Today
In the SI story, Parker discusses his Mormon faith at length. It’s customary for Mormons to go on a two-year mission when they turn 19.
Parker’s older brother did, in Atlanta, and Parker respects that. He also sees the path forged by Danny Ainge, who chose not to go on a mission at age 19 and went on to win two championships as a member of the Boston Celtics.
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How will voters react to Romney’s Mormon faith?
May 16, 2012
Los Angeles Times (California)
Never before has a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints been a major party nominee for president, and surveys have shown that as many as one-fifth of Americans would be reluctant to entrust a Mormon with the highest office in the land. White evangelicals–a key Republican constituency–have been especially skeptical.
But a study done for the Brookings Institution suggests that Romney may have little to fear. In a paper published Wednesday, Matthew Chingos and Michael Henderson say Romney’s religious background probably won’t hurt him and may even help.
In one, they were asked about him without any mention of his religion. In the second, they were told he is a Mormon. In the third, they were given background about the Latter-day Saints in ways that emphasized their similarities to mainstream Christians. A fourth question emphasized differences by briefly discussing the Book of Mormon and its history.
Result: Political conservatives were actually more likely to support Romney when they learned he was a Mormon, and hearing about the differences between his faith and more traditional Christianity made little difference. The boost was surprising: 54% of conservatives supported him when they were told nothing about his faith, but that jumped to 73% when they were told he is Mormon.
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Study Argues Romney’s ‘Religion Problem’ Is Exaggerated
May 16, 2012
New York Times
A new study released by the Brookings Institution argues that Mitt Romney’s Mormon religion is unlikely to hurt him at the polls in November.
The researchers based the conclusion on an experiment in which people were asked whether they planned to vote for Mr. Romney or Mr. Obama. Some of the respondents were first given information about Mr. Romney’s religion – and in some cases, quite detailed information – while others were given none. Those who received the information first were no less likely to support Mr. Romney.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/study-argues-romneys-religion-problem-is-exaggerated/
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Study: Romney’s Mormonism May Help More Than Hurt With Voters
May 17, 2012
Christian Post
While many have speculated that presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may harm his chances to win some voters, few have suggested the opposite. Could Romney’s LDS faith help him win more votes? A new study published this month by The Brookings Institution, a left-of-center think tank, suggests the answer may be yes.
“Information about the LDS church and Mr. Romney’s affiliation with it poses little threat to his electoral prospects, even among evangelical Christians. In fact, messages about Romney’s religion may even boost his support among conservatives,” wrote Matthew Chingos, fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, and Michael Henderson, assistant professor of political science at University of Mississippi.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-romneys-mormonism-may-help-more-than-hurt-with-voters-75128/
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Brookings Study: Romney Electability Perhaps Less Impacted by Mormonism
May 17, 2012
Reason
A new Brookings Institute study finds voters may be less disinclined toward Romney’s Mormonism than previously thought. Results find priming respondents about Romney’s religion has little statistical impact on vote choice. These findings should be welcomed as we strive toward a society comprised of individuals not groups.
The claim typically levied against Romney’s electability is often based on a Gallup poll finding 22 percent of the electorate would not vote for a Mormon presidential candidate.
http://reason.com/blog/2012/05/17/brooking-study-romney-electability-perha
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Study: Romney’s Mormon faith could help him in November
May 16, 2012
CBS News
The conventional wisdom is that Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith has complicated his efforts to win the Republican presidential nomination and, eventually, the presidency.
But according to a new study by the nonpartisan Brookings Institution, Romney’s religion may actually be more of an asset than a liability.
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Romney’s Mormonism could help him in the polls, study finds
May 16, 2012
Washington Post
Brookings fellow Matthew M. Chingos and University of Mississippi assistant professor Michael Henderson argue that contrary to conventional wisdom, “information about the LDS church and Mr. Romney’s affiliation with it poses little threat to his electoral prospects, even among evangelical Christians” and that “in fact, messages about Romney’s religion may even boost his support among conservatives.”
The authors point to decades of polling showing that as many as one in four voters say they would have reservations about voting for a Mormon presidential nominee.
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What will Carmel’s new Mormon Temple look like?
May 17, 2012
Indianapolis Star (Indiana)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released an artist rendering of the temple it plans to erect at the corner of 116th Street and Spring Mill Road.
The 50-acre site was announced last year as home to Indiana’s first Mormon Temple.
A Temple differs from a Mormon meetinghouse, which is open to all. Temples, once they are formally dedicated, are only open to faithful Latter-day Saints, according to the church.
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A look at The Mormon Endowment Ceremony
May 17, 2012
Tucson Citizen (Arizona)
I was talking with my ex-Mormon friend about Mitt Romney’s presidential nomination. He shared with me a copy of the Endowment Ceremony which members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), including Romney, take part in once they are deemed worthy to enter the temple.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/freethought-arizona/2012/05/17/a-look-at-the-mormon-endowment-ceremony/
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Mitt Romney, Reverend Wright, Mormon Religion, Christian Evangelicals and Women…
May 17, 2012
Tucson Citizen (Arizona)
Romney spoke on a Hannity show program that will simply remind Republicans of Mitt Romney’s Mormon background. It would have been better for Romney not to say anything at all. Some evangelicals and several Americans really don’t know about Mormonism in general, but they are about to find out, and it certainly does not help to learn about some of the polygamous beginnings of Mormonism in the women’s department. It also will not help when Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson will bring awareness to how the Mormon Church did not allow minority priests until the late 1970′s. The Mormon Church did not allow black men to be ordained as priests in the church until 1978.
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FPPC Sworn Complaint Filed Against NOM
May 17, 2012
Huffington Post
I previously filed a complaint against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) with the FPPC in November of 2008 for not reporting all the money it had spent to pass Prop 8. The Mormon Church was prosecuted, investigated for 18 months, pled guilty on 13 counts of election fraud and was fined by the FPPC. I am also responsible for the ongoing 2½ year investigation of NOM by the state of Maine for money laundering in that state’s 2009 election to repeal gay marriage.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-karger/fppc-sworn-complaint-file_b_1521822.html
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REVIEW: Jennifer Connelly Brings the Crazy, Dustin Lance Black Brings the Mess in Virginia
May 17, 2012
Movieline
Dustin Lance Black spoke of his conservative Mormon upbringing when he won the 2009 Oscar for best original screenplay for Milk, and traces of that childhood are all over his most recent directorial effort Virginia, a garbled coming-of-age story and portrait of a mentally ill mother. The titular character, played by a blonde Jennifer Connelly, suffers from traumatic onset schizophrenia – she’s a fey, childlike woman who lives alone with her protective teenage son Emmett (Harrison Gilbertson) and has been carrying on a decades-long affair with the town sheriff Dick Tipton (Ed Harris), a devout Mormon who’s married with kids.
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Jennifer Connelly shines in ‘Virginia,’ an uneven film on woman plagued by schizophrenia
May 17, 2012
New York Daily News
That’s because Virginia is a functioning schizophrenic, with a diagnosis that dates back to when she spent time in a sanitarium as a girl. She still talks, in her head, to the nurses there in times of stress. She’s under more stress as Tipton, a married Mormon, fields questions from Emmett about who the boy’s dad is – a crucial issue, as the teen has fallen for Tipton’s daughter (Emma Roberts) as money issues threaten to spoil Virginia and Emmett’s hopes to leave town.
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Troubles Without End in a Dead-End Town
May 17, 2012
New York Times
Schizophrenia may be an appropriate subject for a melodrama. But it is calamitous in “Virginia,” which keeps you off balance as its tone zigzags among farce, pathos and satire. Scenes that are meant to be funny are laugh-free. The spoofing of Southern gun-waving and Mormon piety is too broad to register.
http://movies.nytimes.com/2012/05/18/movies/schizophrenia-in-dustin-lance-blacks-film-virginia.html
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LOVE DISLIKES PERCEPTION OF BLACKS NEEDING HANDOUTS
May 17, 2012
South Florida Times
She is the child of Haitian immigrants. She is the first black, female mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah. She is a Mormon. She is a Republican who just won a primary for a congressional seat in the campaign for Utah’s fourth congressional district. She is a wife, mother of three and an avid runner.
She is Ludmya “Mia” Bourdeau Love and a victory in November would make her the first black Republican congresswoman in history, the first black representative for Utah in Congress and the first black, female member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) elected to Congress.
http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10006&Itemid=331
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An Inside Look At The Millions Mitt Romney Has Given Away
May 17, 2012
Forbes
As a Mormon, Romney is expected pay a tithe, or 10% of his annual income, to the Church of the Latter Day Saints. In just the past two years, Romney has given the church $1.525 million and $2.6 million, respectively, according to his tax returns. Romney has also publicly stated on multiple occasions that the entirety of his inheritance from his father, who died in 1995, was donated to the BYU Marriott School of Management’s Institute of Public Management, which now bears his father George W. Romney’s name.
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