Continuing Misperceptions of the Mormon Church

On April 30th, Timothy Egan, a writer for the New York Times, posted to his blog comments comparing the current practices of the FLDS church with the practices of the founders of the Mormonism, specifically Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and John Taylor. He asserted that what was being uncovered in Texas currently was to some degree like looking at the behavior of the founding fathers of Mormonism. Mr. Egan cites as sources for his information on Mormonism Fawn Brodie (No Man Knows My History), and Jon Krakauer (Under the Banner of Heaven).

Although Mr. Egan's blog posting could be considered phenomenally uninformed, it is nevertheless very educational. It is educational in the sense that:

1. it clearly demonstrates how old biases regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints persist, in spite of the LDS Church's efforts, even among those who might be considered highly educated, and
2. it would seem to illustrate that whereas broad based media efforts might raise someone's awareness of a particular group or issue, it may likely be that personal contacts will be more effective in changing long held, albeit incorrect perceptions or beliefs.
   

Timothy Egan's blog

Elder Marlin K. Jensen's response