I assume I don’t have to tell you: Obama was re-elected President of the United States of America, and the Internet exploded with commentary, analysis, and personal takes. Did prophecy fail big? On Mitt’s team, some people are freaking out (no really), some are trying to calm those who are freaking out, and there’s even some pleasant reconciliation.
Of course, not all the Mormons lost. Also some other religions won some firsts, whereas the only non-theist in Congress lost and the science vote had a little fun.
Meanwhile, Obama’s team is pretty happy, as are women:
Let all parties understand that ignoring basic biology and presuming to dictate to women how they should approach tragedy and trauma and its aftermath is a sure road to defeat and irrelevancy. Let us shape better conversations about what being “pro-life” means. Let us end not only these stupid remarks about rape and unwanted pregnancies, but rape and unwanted pregnancy.
I had a little trouble getting excited about this election (because of stuff like this), but I’m glad to see that the overtly misogynistic politicians got their asses handed to them. How did this happen? Itwould appear that:
For the first time in over 200 years, the votes cast by men created in the caucasian image of the Lord, God of Abraham may be rendered impotent by waves of unheartlandishly-hued and vaginated voters.
Some are wondering whether Mitt’s political career is over, and — more importantly — Is the “Mormon Moment” over!? With all its opportunities? Mormons work on their strategy:
But for now I remind all of us to love our neighbors. Not because we do, necessarily, and certainly not because Heavenly Father wants us to. But because if we don’t at least act like we do, the nonmember community might think that we’re a bunch of misogynistic, homophobic, small minded sore losers.
Remember, the election may be over, but the LDS PR campaign continues!
I was more surprised that marijuana was legalized in two states (we should see some interesting “states’ rights” battles ahead!) and by the fact that team Marriage Equality won all four states with ballot initiatives about it. Best post title: Scuse Me While I Marry This High Guy . Meanwhile, the Mormon political opposition to marriage equality seems to be on the I don’t remember we taught anything about that track.
One of the fun parts about the commentary is that (while most people analyzed the election in terms of the common assumptions) there were outside perspectives, plus people analyzed some walls of the box, to help think outside it. It appears that values and ideas Americans vote for are changing.
Now, for those crazy non-conformists who wrote on other topics this week!!!
Parenting in families divided by Mormonism can be a challenge! (Single dads get a poem!) See some tips for exmos on wine and beer, and tips from President Paternoster for the new legion of Sister Missionaries. Plus some personal stories and a new book!!
Ziff wrote some interesting analysis on how unreasonable commandments need to be. Kent Larsen did some fun historical research on Joseph Smith and baseball. Johnny Townsend analyzed the boundary between “the gospel” and “church policy.” Another single Mormon wrote about how women in the church get their identity through secondary attachment. There were also interesting pieces on Mormonism and selfishness. I guess Theological and Scientific study of Mormonism doesn’t stop, even for elections!
I hope you made it through election week OK — let’s see where things go from here!!
Thanks again for another awesome shout out! The Mormon Moment over? Perish the thought.
No problem — your piece was very cool!
Crystal,Thanks so much for your question. What you shluod expect is to be treated with respect and love. That is what we shluod do as Latter-day Saints. Does that mean I can guarantee that? No, because sometimes people make mistakes and we don’t always do all that we shluod. But know that you have a place in this Church, single or married, with children or without, whether previously married or not. The Church of Jesus Christ is for anyone and everyone who wants to follow Him in this way. Please know that we here at Mormon Women welcome you. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know!As for whether there is still a chance of marriage, the answer is yes. I have many examples of single moms (including those who have not been married before) who are now married. I also know some who are still single so, of course, time will tell how your life will unfold. Either way, you have a place in the Church, and the gospel can be such a wonderful resource for teaching your child and strengthening your own relationship with God as HIS child.I hope as you get to know your local LDS ward/branch congregation that you will feel a warm welcome. Be sure to connect with the Relief Society president and don’t be shy about asking for help or asking questions if and as you have them. Also always feel free to ask questions here.Warmly,MichelleEditor
Note: I have just received a series of comments (such as the above) that seem maybe Mormonism-related, yet not quite relevant to the post they’re posted under. Are they spam? Thoughts?