COLUMN: Why the diminishing support for the war?
I read a story in The Salt Lake Tribune the other day about a poll given last January. It said there was a 21 percent decrease in Mormon approval for the war in Iraq in just five months.
Such a drastic change in opinion, in such a short amount of time no less, shocked some political analysts, especially considering Mormons’ political views tend to be very Republican, more than any other religious group, and party affiliations sway people’s views of the war most often.
So now the world is curious – what sparked such a change in opinion? This story goes on to give some theories.
It is no secret – the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no official position on the war in Iraq and never has. But, as the story states, the large opinion shift may have stemmed from remarks from the prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, in a talk given at BYU in October on the consequences of war.
He said, “What a fruitless thing it so often is. And what a terrible price it exacts.” Hinckley went on discussing the tragedy of war but never mentioned Iraq or anything related to it specifically.
That’s one theory. Another is simply that Mormons are following national trends. The whole country seems to be in a downward spiral when it comes to happy thoughts on the war, and the Mormons may be no exception.
This theory was also in the story, close to the bottom, and hooked to the idea that it’s still open for debate, or perhaps we’ll never know.
Stories like this make me chuckle a little. Any time someone starts printing stuff about the Mormons, or sometimes even other religions, there seems to come up this little word that I really don’t like: influence. And the reason I don’t like it: it always seems to have a negative connotation, like we’re being brainwashed or something.
I know there are people who think it’s true – that the LDS church is out there brainwashing its 12 million-plus members into thinking and doing whatever they want. That’s fine. Believe what you will, but it sounds a little paranoid to me. I mean, talk about a conspiracy theory.
However, it is not the purpose of this column or this columnist to try and convince every nonbeliever out there that Mormons have got it all figured out. It is not the purpose to preach, proselyte or convert anyone reading this today. The only goal is to ask a question.
The question is this: Why are people so afraid of the Mormons to the point they are convinced there is something evil going on? What it is about the Mormons that makes people uncomfortable?
I would like to think it is simply a lack of understanding. I have been raised in the church all my life, and while I have been exposed to other religions and other ways of life, I have never found one that fit me and my personal goals as well as this church does.
I know there are those out there who don’t agree. It’s understandable and expected. Under no circumstances have there been times when all people have agreed on something. I think it’s impossible for everyone to agree. However, I think it’s possible to get along and not be afraid of each other.
Therefore, I would like to know what you think. Please write and talk with me about real issues you have. I want to know what they are. I want to understand better. However, if you are going to write to me just to tell me you think Mormons are the root of all evil and that is the only reason you don’t like them, please don’t waste your time. You are still welcome to express your opinion, as always, but I am not interested in arguing. I simply want to build some bridges.
Mikaylie Kartchner is a senior in print journalism. Comments can be sent to mikayliek@cc.usu.edu.