Mormonism

University of Phoenix Material

Mormonism: More than meets the eye?

Alec S. Eigenberger

University of Phoenix

COMM/215

Instructor: Nicole Magann

January 28, 2014

Week 1 Mormonism: More than meets the eye?

When discussing the Mormon faith, the usual response by non-Mormons rings of a negative tone. Close minded exclusivity being mentioned as the main drawback. But, could there more to be gained from the Mormon faithful than the strict application of their chosen faith?

A primer to the rational for writing this paper would be a quick recap of my first experiences when being assigned to Hill AFB, UT. Most of my life, I had been told of “strange” practices in the Mormon religion and that when encountered, conversion was first and foremost on their mind. So basically, I was warned to stay away, lest I be bombarded with Mormon literature and inundated with their ideologies. Also, if you were not one of “them”, and you were not on board with conversion, you were ostracized in the local community. So, avoidance was my first line of defense.

Over time, however, a funny thing happened. My neighbor, who I have a terrific relationship with, informed me that he had formerly been a bishop in the Mormon Church. “What?” I said, “I never knew you were Mormon!” He then replied “How could you? We’ve never discussed it.” At that moment I realized, all of things I thought I knew had been a myth, an urban legend. Practitioners of the Mormon faith are no different than any other faith, and most never try to push a religious agenda on anyone.

After this encounter I began to actually take a closer look at my community. And when I did I realized that many of the positive aspects are a direct result of the Mormon followers. In Ogden, where I live, a temple was built and opened in the latter part of 2014. And with this, a huge influx of businesses broke ground in the area. Furthermore, other local establishments were suddenly being renovated and...