Mormon Bloggers

I think it’s funny how people try to paint all of us Mormons with the same brush.  We’re accused of being blind sheep and of absolute comformity.  I remember seeing a magazine cover years ago that depicted us as robot like people wearing white shirts and black pants – even the women.  No one was smiling either.  Hardly an accurate portrayal of real Mormons.

If you don’t think Mormons are a diverse bunch, then chances are good that you aren’t Mormon.  We do share beliefs, but then there are individual beliefs that the church doesn’t comment on.  For example, I know Mormons who swear by chiropractic and naturopathic care.  Other Mormons think they’re complete quacks.  I knew a couple who believed there was no ailment that chiropractic adjustments couldn’t cure, from back pain to ear infections.  ‘

Yesterday I found myself in extreme pain from an injury that occurred last month.  Events from the day before made it worse again and I was frustrated.  One woman at church noticed I was not feeling well and she said she would be able to help me feel better in about five minutes.  I thought maybe she had a special stretch I could do, but it turns out she believes in some method that involves positive self-affirmation and tapping on various parts of your body while briefly repeating what is bothering you.

What she had me do really isn’t my kind of medicine.  I wanted to be polite because she genuinely believes in it, but I felt so foolish as she made me repeat how I love and accept myself.  It was a good reminder that we Mormons don’t come from a cookie cutter like some people claim we are.

I know Mormons with working moms and stay at home dads.

I know wealthy Mormons.

I know poor Mormons.

I know Mormons who are doctors.

I know Mormons who are janitors.

I know vegan Mormons who think it’s wrong to kill animals.

I know Mormons who have a freezer full of meat after hunting season.

We have so many differences within our faith, but one thing will remain the same.  We will be criticized for whatever we do.  We’re danged if we do and danged if we don’t.  One person might complain that the church will never leave them alone.  Another will complain that we didn’t do enough to seek after them, wondering if we love them at all.  All we can do is live our faith the best we can and remember that we can’t please everyone.