Every once in a while I like to address comments on the main blog. Since I found a few interesting ones, today is that day.

Our new friend Barry says:

Joseph Smith and Brigham Young did not use force or fear to get young girls to marry older men. I guess you could make a good arguement for deception. All of those men and women that entered into polygamy did so after being told to get their own answer from God. If they really didn’t want to they didn’t have to, and they were still considered members in good standing. It’s too bad that things get to be so twisted and taken out of context over the years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. If you really want to find out for yourselves all you have to do is ask God. But you need to be sincere.

I beg to differ, Barry. Brigham Young was a tyrannical leader, and he was known to browbeat his followers.

This is just one of his choice little dictates. (Not taken out of context. Just quoted.)

“Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 266). Also, “The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 269).

That’s not using FEAR, Barry? Are you freaking kidding me? “YOU WILL BE DAMNED.” Sounds like fear tactics to me. Have you EVEN studied your Mormon history? The only twisting and “taking out of context,” comes from the Mormon Spin Cycle. You cannot deny what Brigham Young did and said.

I do kind of agree with you on Joseph Smith, though. He was not really a dictator, but a smooth talker. I think HE used deception.

As for your statement:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. If you really want to find out for yourselves all you have to do is ask God. But you need to be sincere.

Wow, talk about giving yourself an out. If anyone DOESN’T believe, you can just say they weren’t sincere. You are relying on “faith and heartburn.” I prefer my life with a healthy dose of “facts.” Not that I totally refute all things I can’t prove. I have never yet proven the grivel that lives in my laundry room is eating socks, but I can’t figure out any other answer to all the mismatched socks we have.

I also can’t prove that FrankenTom Cruise has sucked the brain out of Katie Holmes, and replaced it with Molly the Mormon’s, but I’m working on that theory. Hugs and kisses and a shoutout to Molly.

Our other new friend, Kevin, says:

I truely feel sorry for those of you who must spend their time atacking other faiths. With the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ all who acept him are saved. By your own beleif the Mormons (having accepted Christ) are saved. Please remember the love that he taught and not the bitterness of religious competition.

Um, Kevin? I hate to break it to you, but there isn’t a respected Christian Church on the face of the earth that TRULY believes Mormons are Christians. I do believe that many are TRYING to put on a nice public face. They don’t want to attack the Mormons. You can understand that. Rather, they wish to SAVE the Mormons. They don’t accept Mormonism as Christianity. Sorry. Try again. As far as religious competition, I believe I have pointed out before that THERE IS NO CHURCH OF NATALIE. I am merely pointing out that I believe Mormonism to be patently false, just as Mormons claim it is the only truth. Doncha love America?

And our other new friend, Roland, says:

And yet today most other religions have a much higher ratio of members living a polygamous lifestyle (i.e. more than one sex partner in a lifetime) than mainstream Mormonism.

Hoo boy. What are you trying to say here, Roland? That more than one sex partner in a lifetime means you are polygamous? I’ve never heard that particular view, before, I gotta admit.

Also, please remember that mainstream Mormons do NOT practice physical polygamy. They leave that to the fundamentalist sects. They are ONLY guilty of SPIRITUAL polygamy….right now, anyway.

There was an interesting NY Times article today about Mitt Romney running for president, and the fact that his campaign is making many Mormons more than a little uncomfortable.

LOGAN, Utah — In this wide valley where the twin spires of the Mormon temple dominate the landscape and some neighborhoods have a Mormon chapel every few blocks, Mitt Romney’s bid for president is both a proud sign of progress and a cause of trepidation.

Trepidation? Why, you might ask. Because the scrutiny the Church has faced the past few years has become even more intense with Romney’s candidacy. The reason for this, I believe, is that Romney actually stands a chance, although I personally do not see him getting elected, or even getting his party’s nomination. For years, Mormons were under the radar, so to speak. That is not the truth anymore. And many of the tenets of Mormonism have a hard time bearing UP under scrutiny. Of all these, perhaps the sorest spot has been polygamy.

Mr. Romney has been questioned about the Mormon definition of God, polygamy, the location of Jesus’s arrival when he returns to earth, and even a mysterious saying attributed to Joseph Smith Jr. called the “White Horse Prophecy,” which some interpret as a prediction that when the American Constitution is hanging “by a thread,” a Mormon will rescue the nation.

Mr. Romney’s tendency to gloss over Mormonism’s history and distinctive tenets has upset some fellow Mormons. Some said they cringed when Mr. Romney said on “60 Minutes,” “I can’t imagine anything more awful than polygamy.”

See, this is a HUGE problem for Romney, because the Mormon Church still BELIEVES in polygamy. They believe it WILL be lived and practiced in the Celestial Kingdom, and of course, that it could be reinstated back here on earth.

How can Romney say he will not distance himself from his religion, as he claimed in the latest debate, and yet make that statement ABOUT polygamy? That isn’t what his church believes.

Another big issue?

Another case arose when George Stephanopoulos of ABC News asked Mr. Romney about a Mormon teaching that Jesus will come to the United States when he returns to reign on earth. Mr. Romney responded that the Messiah will return to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, “the same as the other Christian tradition.”

Mr. Grover said some of his radio listeners were astounded.

“They were just in disbelief, saying that’s not true, Jesus is coming back to Missouri,” Mr. Grover said. “It’s the L.D.S. Church’s 10th article of faith that Zion will be built upon the American continent.”

Again, Mitt, how can you say you are not distancing yourself from your religion when you are NOT espousing the true Mormon beliefs?

All interesting factors, to me. It is obvious that Mitt is attempting to put a better spin on the less savory aspects of Mormonism, and in the process is totally changing Mormon history and beliefs.

I guess the truth is, Mitt is nothing more than another politician. He will bend, twist, and spin the truth to get himself elected.

Today, for your viewing pleasure, a little clip that entertained me highly. I’ve always enjoyed the Simpsons, but the other night, my favorite Halloween episode was on. The one where they answer the door to aliens, and Homer says, “Oh great. It’s the Mormons.” Heh. Unfortunately, this is not that clip, but it does reference Utah’s unique atmosphere and rather “lax” marriage laws. Funny stuff.

I received this comment from Scott Goold. (Not sure if that’s a typo, but that is how he put his name into the comments field.)

Dear Natalie,
I grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, and know a great deal about the Mormon culture. Although I am not Mormon, I would like to respond to Wayne regarding ten things Mormons do well. I co-direct a basketball camp for Special Needs athletes each summer with a Mormon family in Oregon, see www.HoopCamp.net. I admire the volunteer service provided by ALL the member of this family (#1). I admire the volunteer service from members of the Church who also assist (#2). We are never short of help, food or supplies. Mormons, in general, are very giving people (#3).

I respect greatly how they raise their children (#4). Sure, there is a lot of religious doctrine I do not accept or understand, but they are tolerant people (#5). Their home is full of love, joy and happiness (#6). They are highly focused on creating a positive and rewarding family environment (#7). The husband is emotionally strong and a good provider for the family (#8). The wife is emotionally stable and a good teacher for the family (#9). They work hard to build “community” in their community (#10). There’s no need to lock doors, close their garage or worry about their property… their neighbors, Morman and non, look after each other (#11).

My wife and I don’t have children, but if we did, I would love to be near or in a Mormon community. I would feel safe having my kids hang out with their children (#12).

Last summer I was discussing life with one of the young adult males. He was considering a career with the DEA. I was puzzled. Why do that, I asked? These officials are so frustrated. He wanted to help end drug abuse in America. I pointed out that the Church community does not have a drug problem (#13). Sure, there are people in any group who have drinking, drug, gambling, etc. problems, but Mormons in general have a significantly lower rate than the rest of America. There is less divorce (#14).

Now, Wayne, I wish you would ease up on Natalie. Your ranting only pushes people to the extremes. I grew up close to Mormons, nearly married a cheerleader from BYU, but the doctrine didn’t work for me. I understand her position and feelings. I respect her — without knowing her — greatly.

Whenever any group feels they have the ABSOLUTE truth, I am concerned. If god wanted us to know the truth, there wouldn’t be so much confusion in our world. The Christians, Jews, Muslims — ALL — believe they have the “word.” How can this be? But the saddest part is all the killing and bloodshed over god and religion. It makes me sick and cynical.

Mormons are good people with great hearts. I ask you, Wayne, to open your heart to Natalie and people like me. Respect our frustration with god, religion, spirituality. Mr. Pacham is just as correct in his beliefs about atheism as you are about Mormonism. These are issues of faith — not science. There is no “factual” proof, only our beliefs.

I truly believe that if Jesus walked among us today, he would never rant or rave. He would listen. He would make room for all to talk and ask questions. He would give us an example to live by, not simply talk, talk, talk… Show us, by example, of your faith — which should be to extend love and courtesy to Natalie.

If she wants to exit the Church, why do leaders make this difficult? Where is the compassion? Be the strong, wholesome people that I see so often (#15). Be there for questions and help those in need, but do not persecute. I believe the Church and its members have experienced enough of this.

Thanks, Scott. I can definitely add on to your list.

#16: I was thrilled to see the LDS community rally around the family of Destiny Norton when she disappeared. If only her story had played out differently. But the local church served as the homebase, and thousands of Mormons volunteered to search for her. So sad she was found murdered.

#17: When my neighbor Linda was diagnosed with cancer, the ward rallied around her, bringing in meals and mowing her lawn, etc. They need to stop sending those teenage boys over to work alone, though. Without a supervisor, they don’t get much done except to shove each other and oogle passing girls. They’re teenagers. Mutants, remember?

#18: I really admire how creative Mormons are. How many people do YOU know who can make crafts out of old Clorox bottles? Huh? I dare you to answer that.

#19: Mormons put a REALLY big emphasis on dance. As long as it’s morally uplifting and all that….

#20: Funeral potatoes and Mormon potato salad are TO DIE FOR. Uh… Well, not literally, because if you DIE, you don’t get to eat the funeral potatoes. That would be a shame….