Friday, August 26, 2011

Newsweek Mormon Moment Article (magic underpants)

"An article written by McKay Coppin, sparked by the recent Broadway play about the Mormon church, brings up a few points. Most I take with a grain of Salt and consider that they play was mostly disrespectful satire written by the same guys that write the South Park television show. First, based on a previous post, I notice there is a problem with calling the church but it’s nickname in the title of a Broadway play but that aside, Mr. Coppin does refer to “magic underpants” and while this seems to be a pretty disrespectful way to address one of your beliefs, I have heard of them before and wondered. What are they?"









We do believe in wearing undergarments that remind us who we are and what we believe. Much like a Crucifix can be a symbol, which serves as a reminder of the sacrifice of Christ to many people around the world, these garments serve as a constant reminder of the ongoing beliefs and promises that make up critical elements of our faith. The difference is that while some choose to publicly display their symbol or reminder and wear it around their necks for all to see, members of the Church keep these personal reminders close to them and private. Members choose to display their personal actions, prompted by the sacred reminder, as opposed to the symbol itself. It’s also true that the belief extends to sacred garments providing protection; this is similar to the belief that a Crucifix or St. Christopher's Medal provides its wearer protection.

How is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” related to the “Mormon” church?


Mormon is a respectful but overused nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mormon is the name of a prophet like Moses that lived on the American continent about 300 AD. Mormon was directed to take sacred records or journals made by previous prophets, abridge them then add his own words. Because of his role in abridging the records and keeping them safe, the translated record is now called “The Book of Mormon” and the church he belonged to and that I belong to is nicknamed Mormon. The church is really “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” and is the church that Jesus Christ established when He was on the earth. The formal name is long so it is understandable that a nickname is used.

Questions

Post questions as comments to this post. I will copy and re-post them as posts along with my response. Followup questions can be asked in the appropriate posts comment thread. Please keep your questions honest and respectful as that is how I will deliver answers.