What the Mormons and Christianists Do Not Get

I received a lengthy comment the other day from someone who I assume is a Mormon which I debated whether or not to publish since it is basically a propaganda piece. While the author is apparently Mormon, the mindset is very much the same as the far right Christianists who view the concept of freedom of religion as them being allowed to ride rough shod over everyone else and inflict their religious views on all. The Founders never intended that one religious group - no matter the denomination or faith - would entitled to force their beliefs on all and to determine which citizens are afforded rights and which citizens are not. Yet this precisely what the Mormons and Christianists endeavor to do literally on a daily basis. A few statements in the comment made this point very clear:

*

Marriage was ordained by God from the very beginning of time. He created two people, a man named Adam and a woman named Eve. They were married by Him, not just during this lifetime, but forever. Together, they were told to begin a family and raise their children together. From the first days of the earth, God set the pattern for family life—a man and a woman, and, if possible, children. This basic family structure creates an appropriate foundation for all other units of society and for an eternal life. . . . With this in mind, the Mormons, as representatives of God, must take a firm stand on anything that affects the sanctity and well-being of the family, one of God’s most sacred creations.

*

These beliefs are all fine and good as long as the Mormons hold these beliefs to themselves and live whatever way they choose FOR THEMSELVES. However, the instant they seek to impose those beliefs on me or anyone else, they have crossed the line and deprived me of the freedom of religion to reject or ignore those beliefs if I so choose for MYSELF. It's such a simple concept - you are free to believe what you want as long as you do not try to impose it on me or take away my civil legal rights because I do not believ the same thing - yet the Mormons and Christianists just do not get it. It's all about them and to Hell with the rights of everyone else. It's incredibly selfish - not to mention contrary to the U. S. Constitution.