Is This Really Necessary?
Yesterday, we went round and round about the Mormon practice of baptism of the deceased, and particularly a story about that practice and Mitt Romney’s family-by-marriage. Now the story has hit the British press, even including pictures of Ann Romney’s deceased father. More needs to be said.
There are two ways to attack this issue. The first is the issue of simply bad journalism. This humble little blog discussed the matter directly with one of Edward Davies children. Yet the mighty and vaunted Daily Mail of England could not be bothered?! That indicates that clearly the story is about sensationalism, NOT about the Mormon practice nor what it means to the people involved.
Secondly, there is some really deep theology here – stuff most believers of any faith that practices baptism do not understand. There is great disagreement amongst traditional Christians about the practice. Why, Presbyterians like myself, and Catholics as well just to name a couple, dare baptize infants who have no more control over what is going on than the dead. Where are the stories about that concerning say, Rick Santorum, who has our prayers this Sunday? Clearly, the press is not interested in the issue, they are interested in making the Romney/Davies clan look strange.
Which brings me to my final point. The death of a parent is a horrible thing. I was holding my father’s hand as he breathed his last. It is an extraordinary and very moving experience. Such an experience is accompanied by a complex emotional stew that requires sincere expression. What people do in the face of such circumstances is both highly personal and highly diverse. Those of us of faith believe, even more hope, that our posthumous rituals can bring aid of some sort to those we have lost. But all people, not just those of faith, have posthumous rituals of some form to bring comfort to the survivors.
These stories stomp upon and ridicule a source of comfort to the still living members of the Davies clan. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING, “Christian” about such an action. These stories are simply inhumane. Most of the Mormon stuff written in this and the last campaign was wrong, but that is politics. This particular line of inquiry is simply shameful.
Posted in News Media Bias, Religious Bigotry, Religious Freedom | 7 Comments » | 
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LayneP on 30 Jan 2012 at 7:12 am #
It may be a subtlety that is lost on other’s outside the Mormon faith but is important to note that we believe that those who have an ordinance, like baptism for the dead, performed on their behalf still need to accept that ordinance. We do not believe that we can force baptism on anyone.
We believe that a person must come to Christ of their own free will, being willing to sacrifice their own heart, to take advantage of the atonement of our Savior. The same goes for making the commitments and promises that accompany baptism. How wrong would it be if we could somehow force our fellow man into accepting a commitment that they themselves are not willing to make.
Maybe I’m wrong, but in this light it is hard to see what there is to be upset about here.
JLF9999 on 30 Jan 2012 at 9:42 am #
Religion is pure opinion. A few claim to have had special connection with Diety but for the rest of us, our relgious beliefs are just hope. Religion provides comfort and some answers but unless a person has had direct contact it is still ephemeral at best. I can’t in my heart find fault with my fellows for thier views even when they find fault with mine unless they are mean spirited and just plain dopey. How can they know one way or another?
JLF9999 on 30 Jan 2012 at 9:45 am #
Pardon me for my last post. I should have added Mormons have away of knowing and I should have said so. My bad.
| Article VI Blog | Lowell Brown on 30 Jan 2012 at 10:41 am #
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Joe on 31 Jan 2012 at 5:14 pm #
I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who are standing against the hatred and bigotry that is anti-Mormonism. Especially those who are not LDS. Perhaps one day people will look back on your efforts to bring peace on earth, recorded here, and you will be seen as the heroes you are. It is too bad they don’t give the Nobel peace prize to ordinary people who make a difference every day. You are the ones who really change the world.
Joe on 31 Jan 2012 at 5:20 pm #
To that thank you below, I would like to add: Baptism for the deceased is a Biblical practice and several Christians groups reportedly still participate in it. It does not make anyone Christian or members of the Church of Jesus Christ. It is not unlike praying, lighting candles, etc for the dead etc It is an act of love, burying for new life. It can do no harm, and, as we are all children of the same God, it just might help. Feel free to perform any Jewish, Catholic, Evangelical etc rituals you wish on behalf of my ancestors, even circumcision if you want : ). I have no fear that it will hurt anyone, God only will decide our fate.
Bashing someone for a harmless Biblical religious rite is just as wrong as hating for any other reason. It has nothing to do with politics, except for those desperate to keep bigotry alive for political gain.
It is sad to see this in our enlightened world.
Joe on 31 Jan 2012 at 5:28 pm #
One last comment, I know Newt, Palin, and others are mainly trying to win, but they shouldn’t be promoting bigotry as they seek for power. I was just reading this:
“Catholic leaders issued a letter Friday to GOP presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, themselves Catholics, urging them “to stop perpetuating ugly racial stereotypes on the campaign trail.”
The letter, signed by 45 Catholic leaders says”
http://coloradoindependent.com/110559/catholic-leaders-urge-gingrich-and-santorum-to-leave-racist-talk-behind
I hope these same good Catholic leaders will also speak out against the anti-Mormon prejudice that is again rearing it’s ugly head in our Nation and world.