LDS NEWS - DEBUNK MORMON STERYOTYPES BY LIVING YOUR RELIGION

Debunk Mormon stereotypes by living your religion
By Tequitia Andrews
Oct. 31, 2009

Earlier this week, a headline in the news caught my eye. It was about the release of a new calendar titled “Hot Mormon Muffins.” Apparently, this was the second calendar of it’s kind by former church member, Chad Hardy.

The calendar features LDS mothers posed pin-up style supposedly as a way to “tear down stereotypes” about the church. Apparently, there are folks that believe that LDS mothers are trapped in the 1950s era. While that it is a stereotype, I don’t think this calendar was the best way to debunk this myth.

I hear stereotypes about the church all the time. Mostly, I hear stereotypes about blacks in the church. Then there are those typical stereotypes about polygamy, family size, women’s role in the church, and the debate on whether we are Christians.

While I understand the desire to want to fit in to the mainstream, by pointing light on our similarities, the truth of the matter is we don’t fit in the mainstream. We are a peculiar people and we should stay that way. During Christ’s ministry on earth, He did not fit in the mainstream, either. We shouldn’t lower our standards in order to debunk stereotypes.

I have two viewpoints on the matter. The first being this: if you want to de-bunk a stereotype about the church, invite those interested to come and see. Invite them into your homes, hang out with them in social settings. I am by no means a “June Cleaver” and neither are any of the LDS women I know and love. Anyone who hung out with me would know that.

Speak up when someone is spreading falsehoods about the church. I corrected one of my former co-workers when she said indignantly, “Mormons don’t eat chocolate!” While I do know of a few that abstain, I also know the brownies and chocolate chip cookies are a staple in many LDS homes and ward potlucks. The point is use those type of instances to educate people.

My second viewpoint is that some people are going to think what they want. There are some out there whose hearts are so hardened against the church that it doesn’t matter what you say or do. Just live your religion, they’ll be all right.

We do not and should not stoop to the world’s level to explain who we are. Follow the example of Jesus Christ: fellowship among the people and teach them by word and deed.