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13 September 2012
Mormon FAIR-Cast 106: Temple Study Fireside 3-Importance of the Temple
September 12, 2012
FAIR Blog
This is the third in a series of on-line fireside discussions of the book Temple Worship: 20 Truths That Will Bless Your Life, by Andrew C. Skinner. This discussion discusses the temple as being the “ultimate” of our worship, what it means to “serve” in the temple, where temples or temple worship can take place on the earth, the first endowments given in the Nauvoo Temple attic, temple “work” vs. temple “worship,” the fact that the Nauvoo temple was only in use for 2 months (8 weeks) before it was destroyed which makes us reflect on the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in ancient times, what it means to have a “fullness of the Holy Ghost” which we can attain to in the temple, and the profound importance of the temple in the lives of Latter-day Saints and in our worship in the Church. Panelists include Bryce Haymond, Gary Anderson, Gerald Smith, and William Hamblin.
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ACLU Suit Challenges Flier Ban at Mormon Temple
September 13, 2012
ABC News
The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah is suing the town of Brigham City, claiming it is squelching a non-denominational Christian church’s free speech by limiting flier distribution near a Mormon temple.
Leaders of Main Street Church say they got a city permit to pass out literature during the temple’s open house Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, but have been barred from staking out the two busiest sides of the building.
“The overbreadth of Brigham City’s ‘Free Speech Zone’ Ordinance is breathtaking,” said John Mejia, legal director of the ACLU of Utah. “Under this ordinance, you would arguably have to apply for a permit to engage in nearly any speech in the city. The ordinance could be used to silence anyone, from two friends debating politics on the sidewalk to a missionary handing out fliers.”
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ACLU suit challenges flier ban at Mormon temple; non-LDS church says free speech curtailed
September 12, 2012
Washington Post
The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah is suing the town of Brigham City, claiming it is squelching a non-denominational Christian church’s free speech by limiting flier distribution near a Mormon temple.
Leaders of Main Street Church say they got a city permit to pass out literature during the temple’s open house Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, but have been barred from staking out the two busiest sides of the building.
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ACLU sues city over claims Christian church being banned from passing out fliers near Mormon temple
September 13, 2012
Fox News
The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah is suing Brigham City, claiming the town is squelching a non-denominational Christian church’s free speech by limiting flier distribution near a Mormon temple.
Leaders of Main Street Church say they got a city permit to pass out literature during the temple’s open house Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, but have been barred from staking out the two busiest sides of the building.
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Utah city’s ‘free-speech zones’ challenged as unconstitutional
September 13, 2012
Reuters
The American Civil Liberties Union has sued a Utah city in federal court over a “free-speech zone” ordinance, saying the Orwellian-named measure unconstitutionally requires a permit for almost any form of public expression.
The lawsuit was filed against Brigham City on Tuesday on behalf of the Main Street Church, a non-denominational faith barred under the municipal statute from distributing pamphlets on some sidewalks near a new Mormon temple in town.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/09/12/usa-freespeech-utah-idINL1E8KCGCA20120912
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ACLU lawsuit: Speech restrictions at Mormon temple unconstitutional
September 11, 2012
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
The ACLU of Utah alleges an “Orwellian” ordinance in Brigham City is depriving a nondenominational Christian church of its constitutional right to use any and all public sidewalks to pass out literature challenging Mormon beliefs during a month-long open house for a new LDS Church temple.
The ordinance “essentially turns the entire city into a place where free speech, free assembly and free exercise of religion are prohibited until people are granted a special permit designating free speech zones where they are allowed to engage in those activities,” states the civil complaint filed in U.S. District Court Tuesday on behalf of Main Street Church of Brigham City. “Main Street Church has the right under the First Amendment to leaflet on sidewalks, which are public forums,” while the city may impose only narrowly tailored time, manner and place restrictions.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/utes/54875634-78/church-sidewalks-brigham-temple.html.csp
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Hearing set for Friday in free speech case involving Mormon temple
September 12, 2012
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
A federal judge will decide Friday whether to grant a Christian church’s request for a temporary restraining order so it can pass out fliers on sidewalks in front of a new Mormon temple in Brigham City.
The Main Street Church of Brigham City and ACLU of Utah filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday seeking the order on a city ordinance they characterized as “Orwellian” in restricting free speech and other constitutional rights. The hearing is set for 10 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Dale Kimball.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54881936-78/church-free-temple-main.html.csp
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Christian Church Sues Utah City Over Restrictions on Passing Out Tracts Near Mormon Temple
September 12, 2012
Christian Post
The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah has filed suit against a Utah city over an ordinance they say interferes with the rights of a church to pass out evangelist literature in front of a Mormon temple.
The ACLU brought the suit on Tuesday against Brigham City on behalf of Main Street Church of Brigham City, which sought to distribute literature critical of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in front of the city’s Mormon temple.
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Free speech in Brigham City, Utah…
September 12, 2012
The Spokesman-Review (Washington)
Suffice it to say I have lived a portion of my life among various cults, including the Moonies and I include members of the Mormon religion among these groups. I would probably keep my opinion of their religion to myself were it not for Mitt Romney, a Mormon, who is dangerously close to becoming the next President of the United States, an event that I am diametrically opposed to. In the meantime we have the following news story from Brigham City, Utah on the Associated Press wire that bears some considerable thought:
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah is suing the town of Brigham City, claiming it is squelching a non-denominational Christian church’s free speech by limiting flier distribution near a Mormon temple.
http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/commcomm/2012/sep/12/free-speech-brigham-city-utah/
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ACLU of Utah Files Complaint Challenging Brigham City’s Unconstitutional “Free Speech Zone” Ordinance
September 12, 2012
American Civil Liberties Union
Today, the ACLU of Utah filed a complaint on behalf of the Main Street Church of Brigham City challenging Brigham City’s “Free Speech Zone” Ordinance. The suit alleges that on its face, the ordinance violates the Utah and United States Constitutions because it requires a permit for almost any conceivable form of public expression and imposes civil and criminal penalties for failing to comply. This ordinance could subject many unsuspecting people in Brigham City to liability for engaging in activities protected by the First Amendment.
Because Brigham City is actively barring Main Street Church from two public sidewalks in the city, Main Street Church has also moved for a temporary restraining order to immediately prohibit Brigham City from continuing to restrict Main Street Church’s First Amendment rights to assembly, free speech, and free exercise of religion in a traditional public forum.
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Conservative Christians Say it’s Okay to Vote for Romney Despite Doctrine
September 12, 2012
Religion Dispatches
Yesterday, Religion News Service reported that a couple dozen prominent Christian conservatives sent a letter to the Romney campaign signaling their public assent to his candidacy despite theological misgivings rooted in deep historical antagonisms.
To hear some tell it, you’d think the moguls of the Christian Right had gathered up and burned all the copies of the anti-Mormon movie The Godmakers they used to screen in their Sunday Schools. Or that they all chipped in for a Jesus fish to affix to the tail end of Romney’s presidential candidate motorcade.
But if you think what they offered Romney was a welcome to the league of Christian gentlemen, you should really read the letter for yourself.
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Romney Gets Some Love from Evangelical Leaders
September 13, 2012
Christian Broadcasting Network
More than two dozen Christian conservatives are trying to put theological debates about presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormonism to rest by focusing on the policies outlined in the GOP’s new national platform.
In a letter delivered Friday (Sept. 7) to Romney the leaders acknowledged that some conservatives have “tempered their enthusiasm for sound governing principles by their concern over differences in a candidate’s theological doctrine.”
But, the leaders said, “it is time to remind ourselves that civil government is not about a particular theology but rather about public policy.”
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Mormon Apostle Oaks at Notre Dame Forum of faith leaders
September 13, 2012
According to the report Oaks reinforced the Mormon Church’s clear policy on political neutrality saying “Our church tries to stay away from political activity in the more than 150 countries where we have members. … We therefore offer no political guidance to members of our faith and rarely take a position on public policies.” He continued that while “our members are encouraged to participate in governmental affairs” and in parties of their choice, the Church is “neutral on political parties, platforms and candidates” and does “not endorse any party or candidate … [or] advise our members how to vote.”
This position is strikingly different from many churches which attempt to influence the voting of their members. Some go so far as to produce voting guides outlining recommended candidates that parishioners should vote for.
http://www.examiner.com/article/mormon-apostle-oaks-at-notre-dame-forum-of-faith-leaders
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Nevada email prompts Mormon church to reaffirm neutrality stand
September 10, 2012
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
The LDS Church says it is not attempting to sway members to support Mitt Romney’s presidential bid after an email surfaced suggesting to Mormon leaders in Nevada to register the faithful to vote and named a contact person who appears to support Romney.
“LDS public affairs specialist” Mark Severts last month emailed dozens of southern Nevada stake presidents, each of whom oversees several LDS congregations, encouraging a get-out-the-vote drive for members and saying that those interested should contact Ron and Judy Tobler, according to Jon Ralston, an independent Nevada journalist who formerly worked for the Las Vegas Sun.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/54868744-78/church-members-lds-political.html.csp
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Conservative Christians Agree To Focus On Romney’s Policies, Not His Mormon Faith
September 12, 2012
Huffington Post
More than two dozen Christian conservatives are trying to put theological debates about presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormonism to rest by focusing on the policies outlined in the GOP’s new national platform.
In a letter delivered Friday (Sept. 7) to Romney the leaders acknowledged that some conservatives have “tempered their enthusiasm for sound governing principles by their concern over differences in a candidate’s theological doctrine.”
But, the leaders said, “it is time to remind ourselves that civil government is not about a particular theology but rather about public policy.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/12/conservative-christians-romney_n_1875854.html
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Theologians Tackle ‘Should Christians Vote for a Mormon for President?’ Question
September 12, 2012
Christian Post
Should Christians vote for a Mormon presidential candidate? That’s the question many evangelicals are grappling with as the November election draws near.
While pondering the ramifications of a Mormon in the White House, some prominent Southern Baptist theologians have emphasized that whatever happens on Election Day will not affect the work of the Kingdom of God.
“The Kingdom is not riding on whatever happens on election day and the church’s mission isn’t going to change regardless of what happens … on Election Day,” said Dr. R. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, on Tuesday
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Chicago leadership to discuss Mormon faith at Elmhurst College in ‘Understanding Mitt Romney’s Faith’
September 12, 2012
Elmhurst Press (Illinois)
On Sept. 20, Elmhurst College will welcome the Chicago leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for a public conversation about the Mormon Church.
The tradition and history of the Mormon faith is part of America’s history and religious landscape, and is central to the life of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and his family.
Gary Blakely is president of the Chicago stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, one of eight such “stakes” in the greater Chicago area.
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Email Prompts Mormon Church To Reaffirm That It’s Neutral On Mitt Romney
September 13, 2012
Huffington Post
Mormon leaders say the church is not attempting to sway members to support Mitt Romney’s presidential bid after an email surfaced suggesting to Mormon leaders in Nevada to register the faithful to vote and named a contact person who appears to support Romney.
“LDS public affairs specialist” Mark Severts last month emailed dozens of stake presidents, each of whom oversees several Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregations, in southern Nevada encouraging a get-out-the-vote drive for members. He said those who are interested should contact Ron and Judy Tobler, according to Jon Ralston, an independent Nevada journalist who formerly worked for the Las Vegas Sun.
Judy Tobler on her Facebook page lists Romney as one of her interests, with a link to his campaign page. She has not donated to the candidate and does not appear to have any formal role in the campaign. She did not respond to a message seeking comment.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/13/mormon-church-neutral-mitt-romney_n_1879037.html
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SoCal Christian Consultant on Anti-Islamic Film Also Anti-Gay, Anti-Mormon
September 13, 2012
Frontiers LA (California)
Interestingly, much of the attention on his Courageous Christians United website seems directed at Mormons, as well as Muslims. “As Evangelical Christians, we also desire to convert Mormons and the state of Utah in particular to the real Jesus Christ,” they say on their MormonInfo.org website. And yet, having a Mormon president in Mitt Romney is preferable to re-electing President Obama.
“So even though Romney becoming president may bring with it the unintended consequence of building the Mormon kingdom to some extent, intending the greater good of allowing conservative principles to rule may justify a Christian’s support for Romney over the liberal secular kingdom and principles of Obama,” R. M. Sivulka, President, Courageous Christians United, wrote on their website in January 2012.
http://www.frontiersla.com/Blog/FrontierBlog/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10438061
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Underneath the raunch, ‘Book of Mormon’ is a sweet valentine to musicals
September 13, 2012
OC Register (California)
Despite its spectacularly scatological humor, over-the-top grossness and wildly offensive jokes, the most shocking thing about “The Book of Mormon” can be found in its program.
Before the curtain rose Wednesday at the hugely popular musical’s Los Angeles premiere, many in the audience marveled at the multiple full-page ads extolling the virtues of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It’s no joke: The Mormon Church is proselytizing in the “Book of Mormon” program.
The reason is simple.
Anyone who sees the show with an open mind will realize that beneath all the calculated effrontery is an old-fashioned musical with a sweet message at its heart: a good deed is its own reward.
http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/mormon-371278-book-cunningham.html
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Bill Clinton a Mormon? Former President Once Considered Converting to Romney’s Faith
September 13, 2012
Christian Post
Former President Bill Clinton recently revealed that he once considered joining the Mormon religion, but ultimately could not reconcile his views with the religion’s teaching on the afterlife.
Clinton told a group of reporters Tuesday night that he attended “recruiting presentations” held by young missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints, to which GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney belongs, while growing up in Hot Springs, Ark.
According to Politico, Clinton spoke highly of the Mormon religion, saying that he “admires the church for its high ethical standards and belief in a celestial kingdom.”
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BRIT NOVELIST MARTIN AMIS SLAMS ROMNEYS, MORMONISM
September 13, 2012
Breitbart
The author saved the rest of his venom for Mitt Romney, or rather for the governor’s religion. Can we expect the Obama administration to apologize to Mormons any time soon?
Romney has the look of someone who seriously thinks that he will live forever. He is a Mormon–though he doesn’t like talking about it. And if I were a Mormon, I wouldn’t like talking about it either. Whatever you may feel about their doctrines, the great monotheisms are sanctioned by the continuities of time: Islam has 15 centuries behind it, Christianity has 20, Judaism at least 40. One of the dozens of quackeries that sprang up during the Great Revival, Mormonism was founded on April 6, 1830.
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Hollywood/2012/09/13/martin-amis-slams-romneys-gop
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Election 2012: Christians Will Make a Choice – for Better or Worse
September 13, 2012
Christian Post
The other candidate, Mitt Romney, is really the lone man standing between America and four more years of President Obama. Romney also professes to be Christian, but is really a Mormon. Though Mormons and Christians share many of the same values, they are worlds apart on essential Christian doctrines. Romney has stated he is pro-life, believes marriage is between a man and a woman, and advocates religious liberty is the first freedom in the Constitution.
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How Christians Should Engage Latter-day Saints
September 13, 2012
Christian Post
Christians often wonder why Mormons believe such an incredible system: golden tablets translated with “magic glasses,” an advanced society of ancient American Indian Israelites who left behind no archaeological evidence at all, a “revelation” of polygamy that was reversed when Utah needed to do so for statehood, a “revelation” barring black Mormons from the priesthood that was reversed after the triumph of the civil rights movement, an eternity of godhood producing spirit babies, and special protective underwear.
What we must understand is that Latter-day Saints (LDS) believe these things for the same reason that people everywhere believe the things they do: they want to believe them. Very few Mormon converts become convinced by rational arguments of the prophetic office of Joseph Smith. Indeed, Mormon missionaries don’t ask one to do so; instead relying on a “burning in the bosom” that the claims of Smith are true.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/how-christians-should-engage-latter-day-saints-81500/
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Mission accomplished: Storm win the race to sign Setu
September 14, 2012
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
WITH Lagi Setu restricted to one hour of internet access a month and no phone calls while serving a Mormon mission, negotiations for his return to the NRL were more drawn out than most before the former Dragons and Broncos forward signed with Melbourne.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and football manager Frank Ponissi plan to visit Setu next month in Birmingham before he finishes the two-year Mormon mission he began after leaving Brisbane at the end of the 2010 season.
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South wary of Romney’s wealth, religion
September 13, 2012
Zimbabwe Independent
At Liberty’s May commencement, Romney, a Mormon, sought to stake out common ground with fundamentalist Christians. Without directly mentioning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as the Mormon church is formally known, he told the crowd of 34 000: “People of different faiths, like yours and mine … can meet in service, in shared moral convictions about our nation stemming from a common worldview.”
According to Reuters/Ipsos polling data, however, 35% of voters overall, and the same proportion of lower and middle-income white Bible Belt voters, say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who is Mormon.
Many evangelicals who would normally vote Republican say they view Mormonism as a cult.
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2012/09/13/south-wary-of-romneys-wealth-religion/
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Praying for the White House
September 13, 2012
The American Prospect
Early in the 2012 campaign, there was a great deal of discussion about whether evangelical Christians, the core of the Republican coalition, would support a Mormon candidate in the same numbers they would a Protestant or a Catholic. After all, many evangelicals consider Mormonism not to be a genuine form of Christianity, and some even believe it to be a dangerous cult. Romney himself has always been extremely cautious when it comes to discussing his religion, avoiding any mention of Mormon theology and sticking to the most generalized and anodyne expressions of faith. He obviously wants to be reassuring without giving anyone a reason to vote against him because of his religion.
If you haven’t heard all that many expressions of concern from Republicans over the religion issue lately, it’s because it turns out not to have been much of an issue. It looks like partisanship is going to trump religion: as these data from a poll taken in June and July by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life show, there is absolutely no difference in how likely Romney’s key voters are to pull the lever for him between those who have no problem with Mormonism and those who do. Virtually all Republicans are voting for Romney, even those uncomfortable with Mormonism, and evangelical Christians–who were supposed to be the ones who might shy away–are just as likely to vote for Romney no matter what they think of Mormons in general. He’s also doing just as well among evangelicals as his predecessors did (McCain won 74 percent of white evangelicals, and Bush got 78 percent). Whether this is because of something Romney did (not all
that likely) or the result of partisan affiliations being a stronger motivator than religious doubts (much more likely), it doesn’t look as though Mitt Romney has much of a Mormon problem after all.
http://prospect.org/article/praying-white-house
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