I just saw this article in the Boston Globe, which I thought was unusually well-done for that newspaper. The basic point is that, while Mormons are generally conservative, they have key differences with evangelicals and conservative Catholics. Mormons are less likely to oppose abortion in all instances, they are more likely to support stem cell research, they are more likely to support the teaching of evolution in schools and they don’t get as riled up about the prayer in public schools issue. In general, given the Globe is a liberal newspaper, the article is complimentary (“those Mormons are not as crazy as those Neanderthal evangelicals” is the general tone).
The article even points out that Mormons are much less likely to get politically-tinged sermons at church.
In general, an article well worth reading.
I have two agnostic friends that have referred to Mormons more than once as the non-crazy religious Right.
I have to give a second to that comment that it seemed unusually well done for the Globe. Some of their other pieces as of late have made me cringe, or worse. But that article, for the most part, was very well put and, I think, informative–especially in light of the present claimed worries and hesitancy claimed by many on the “christian right” about Romney’s stances and portrayed “flip flops”
I’ve noted the difference between Mormons and Southern Baptists for some time now.
It’s the exact differences described in this article that make me question whether Romney’s recent political discovery of right-wing Evangelicalism is really genuine or not. My own suspicion is that Romney himself doesn’t really believe some of the silliness he’s been spouting in the last few months. But it’s really just a vague suspicion so far.
I agree with you Geoff, this article is remarkably accurate and captures the correct nuances of the differences. It should also point out that Mormons are very uncomfortable about jumping onto picket lines with evangelicals at pro life rallies and so forth. In fact, one of the most recent Supreme Court cases on school prayer was brought by a Mormon as one of the plaintiffs because the student was subjected to coercion by evangelical prayers and not allowed to ever pray. We ought to be much less conservative on abortion because the Church views the decision as being left with the woman and her husband in prayerful consultation with the bishop. If the mother believes it is just not in her best psychological interests, it is her decision (which is just a wide-open door).
As for Romney — I like him. However, I don’t like that he cozies up to evangelical views. If he is doing it to be viable, then he must be very careful and more nuanced. I find it strange that more evangelicals say they would vote for an atheist than for a Mormon. We ought to take heed and create a good deal of distance as political partners.
On the issue of evolution, the article portrays an apathetic attitude on the part of LDS parents. Evolution is a clear area of distinction between LDS and fundamentalists; since we don’t have any theological objection to evolution, maybe we ought to be more forthcoming in embracing the science.
For what it is worth, I have participated in (1) several pro-life marches and rallies, as well as (2) MLK day marches (before and after its recognition here as a holiday) and, (3) last year, the march in favor of immigration (I carried both a large U.S. and a small Mexican flag).
There were a good number of very religious people (including some fellow LDS) in all three types of marches/rallies, and there was some, but not complete, overlap.
In many respects my religious views are quite similar to those of my evangelical brothers and sisters (influenced, perhaps, by my affinity for contemporary Christian music). On the other hand, I suppose my politics, though, resonate more with left-wing evangelical (a la Jim Wallis) and Roman Catholic liberation theology (influenced, perhaps, by my affinity for the music of Peter Paul & Mary and Simon & Garfunkel).
Here’s a photo and write-up of LDS members marching in MLK parade in Los Angeles: http://blacklds.org/mormon/news.html (see first entry for Jan., 2004)
I’ve never heard anything in the Church to support evolution. “Each after its own kind” or a similar phrase is repeated many times in the creation accounts and is contrary to evolution. I could care less about evolution being taught in school, since I will teach my kids on this subject. The rest is suprisingly accurate.