A cult, a Christian denomination, truth? The Church of Latter-Day Saints of Jesus Christ (LDS, Mormons) seems to be a an organization of intrigue and mystery to many outside of it. And while the creators of South Park have publicly and comically addressed many minorities, majorities, and everything in between; it seems that LDS is one of the areas where they are unrelenting.
Before watching the video, what do you know about Mormons and their religion? What are their beliefs to your knowledge? What are your opinions of the religion? What are your opinions of them as people?
Watch this episode of South Park about a family who moved to town from Utah. This is South Park, so expect and prepare for vulgar and offensive humor.
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Alright, this takes a little bit of unpacking. Keep in mind that they have tried to compress much of an entire religion in a 22 minute episode - some stuff has been left out or altered.
Bear in mind, the following is in reference to what Mormon's generally believe in these areas and will, therefore, be referenced as "truth" to avoid the redundancy of the word "allegedly."
Major Things Changed or Omitted
How many people saw the Golden Plates?
In the episode, only Joseph Smith sees the Golden Plates. There is actually an affidavit signed by eleven other people (plus Joseph) who claim to have seen the plates as well. It should be noted that three were directly related to Smith (two brothers, and father), one a distant cousin, and five were Davit Whitmore and his four brothers. This leaves room for some concern regarding legitimacy.
Digging Around All Morning
In the South Park episode Joseph Smith is seen with the Golden Plates and many dug up holes behind him - insinuating he was digging all morning. The account of Joseph Smith states “I left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there.”
Joseph Took the Plates Immediately
Actually, Joseph tried to take the plates immediately but Moroni said that it wasn't time so every year on the same day Joseph would return and was not allowed to take them until the fourth year (1827).
Second Coming of Christ
In the episode they say that the Book of Mormon "tells the story of Jesus Christ's second coming here in America." While the Mormons believe Jesus came to America after His death and resurrection, they do not believe it was the foretold Second Coming; and, like most other Christians, believe the Second Coming has not happened yet.
Stones Used to Translate
Actually, this one was extremely accurate to the Mormon beliefs. (It just seemed relevant to accentuate that)
The Book was Rewritten
This is true, however Mormons believe it is for other reasons. God spoke to Joseph Smith after the manuscripts were lost and said that Satan put it in the weak hearts of the people to alter the words to disprove Joseph Smith's story. Therefore, the book would be written again but with slightly different words to what the original, "altered" version had.
Miscellaneous
There are obvious moments that are not accurate to Mormon beliefs such as Joseph Smith praying for "yum yums" and the Angel Moroni appearing via spaceship. We won't dive into those as they seem to be common sense to most viewers as artificial additions by the show.
What was it all about?
After watching the video, what are your thoughts now? Revisit some of those questions we asked prior to the video.
What are some of the positive stereotypes Mormons have? In the video it shows them being kind, relatively unobtrusive, accepting, etc. They also send many of their youth on missions to spread the word of their religion and to gain perspective on the world. Additionally, they have some of the highest averages of giving per person out of any major religion.
It should be noted that many of these descriptions are strong suggestions and/or requirements of members of LDS. Tithing, for instance, is required and there is a "tithing settlement" which is an annual meeting with the local bishop or branch president. If one does not prove that he/she has tithed in full for the year (and is not considered "exempt" - due to unemployment) then he/she cannot partake in temple services.
What's the takeaway?
Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and was resurrected. Therefore, they are Christian. It's important to look for similarities rather than differences throughout life. Additionally, it's important to look for ways to improve.
Next time you look at the Mormon religion, rather than seeing them as a completely different religion, try to see them as fellow followers of Christ. And try to learn from the great things they do such as being internationally known as very kind, family oriented people. While you may not believe that people should be forced to tithe, or forced to do good things to earn divine rewards, perhaps there is still a great deal to improve within your church; within your life.
