As for the Foster book, I really can’t improve on Lowell’s comments from the LDS perspective. And John’s overall reaction is pretty much spot on. Having not read the book (and certainly not planning to do so), I don’t know to what extent Foster may be attempting to “seek acknowledgment of religious claims out of this.” The title is, at the very least, unfortunate in that respect because, for me (and I believe for many other CJCLDS members), the “different God” assertion evokes a visceral reaction very similar to that of the all-too-promiscuous use of the word “cult.” That is because it ignores–or at least glosses over–an important distinction between the understanding of the God whom both groups seek to understand and follow more perfectly, and the identity of God. This is not to suggest that a correct understanding of the nature of God is not itself a significant, and perhaps even an essential, aspect of the exercise of faith. But the language choice itself partakes of caricature and marginalization, as opposed to exposition and reasoned discussion of very real differences. Why is it not sufficient, in the interest of dialog (and even evangelization, if you will) to state the problem as one of a “different understanding of the nature God” or even “a profoundly different understanding”? The answer is at the heart of Mormon objections to the phrase.

Anyone can write a book and speak their opinion. I don’t think Mr. Foster’s book will be that last on this subject, and it definitely won’t be the last book trying to pull religion into the middle of politics. Bennion Spencer, running for Congressman in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District, has written a book he is waiting to publish called “How would Jesus Vote” and the local press has had a hayday on that news.

I’m not sure I agree with Lowell that “it is foreign to Latter-day Saint culture to whine or complain, or to enshrine persecution.” It is contrary to the doctrine of the church, but the culture is made up of doctrine mixed with human nature; and there are large pockets of folks who have trouble letting go, who like to revisit and savor passed wrongs like a fine vintage wine. (I’m even related to a few.) We can only try to keep the dialog open and put out the best arguments we can about where and when religious specificity truly matters.