What do the recent floods in the Midwest, and the attention garnered over the FLDS polygamy case have in common? It might not be obvious on the surface, but they're both instances where headlines are having a big impact on religion. First, the floods:
One grocery-store owner in Iowa, who is a devout Muslim, saw his business of six years washed away along with hundreds of others in the severe flooding last month. But whereas other businesses are signing up to receive federal loans at low interest, he cannot; it is forbidden in the Quran for any believer to pay interest. The store owner claims he will need $18,000 to replenish his stock, a sum he does not have, yet his faith has not faltered: “With all of our losses here, even the loss of a six year effort, I still feel we were blessed.”
In Utah, a somewhat different religious struggle is taking place between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the more renegade Fundamentalist groups, most of whom practice polygamy. To see what's causing the debate, read more.
Each group believes they have a rightful claim to the appellation “Mormon.” The LDS Mormons believe that since traditionally the word Mormon has been used to describe their church that they are the ones whom it should refer to exclusively. The more fundamentalist branches, including the group recently raided in Texas, disagree stating that it is their belief in Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon is all that is needed to be called “Mormon."
Should a religion's name be proprietary — does the LDS Church have a rightful claim to it? Would you refuse government assistance because your religion dictated?
)...especially if I had a family to support, I would find
it really difficult to not take out a loan that would help get us back on our feet after something devastating. But, more power to the grocery store owner for being able to stick to his
beliefs.
As far as arguments go, though, I think the LDS group has it
right...seems like it takes a bit more than just a belief in Joseph Smith to be a Mormon. To me, at least.
The refusing government assistance question is a hard one. I've never (nor will I ever be in a situation) like that one, so I can't say anything with certainty. But ultimately the the welfare of myself and my family comes first, even if that means taking out a loan my religion wouldn't approve of. Hopefully, g-d would understand that decision.
As far as the LDS argument, I don't blame them for being upset and fighting for the name. Fundamentalist groups have tarnished the word "mormon" to the point where many people assume your a fundamentalist, polygamist when the majority of mormoms are LDS.
1