Mormons Aren’t Morons.
By Iris Claire Gaudiano
We live in a time in which we’re told that everyone is
entitled to their own opinion. Everyone can use stereotypical labels to
describe a person or a group of people and can be right about it no matter what.
Among this group are the misunderstood Mormons who are usually labeled as
“morons.” You may have heard this already from a neighbor or a friend or in my
case, an ex-boyfriend, but let’s talk for a while why this is so.
First of all, what is Moron? The Miriam-Webster dictionary
provides an absolute meaning; “a person affected with mild
mental retardation.” In other words, a moron is simply a stupid person.
This is a rather dull word to describe such a people who are capable of
self-sacrifice. Would a stupid person willingly give up 2 years of his life
serving others to help bring about a mighty change in their hearts? Would
morons spend hundreds of hours and even money to care for those who are in
need? Many Mormons are caring and compassionate people. Not likely the kind a
moron would do.
Second, people call us morons because of how we live our
lives. They think that we do NOT know how to have fun. I have had many
experiences wherein I defended my lifestyle as a Latter-day Saint and have
convinced many that Mormons DO have fun. But just because we have a different
kind of fun doesn’t mean we aren’t happy. We love parties. In fact, we hold
them once in a while. But the thing that separates us from the main stream is
that we live the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. Again, “moron” is an
inappropriate word to describe such a people.
Lastly, the world can call us morons or non-Christians or
whatever they please, but these opinions could never change the fact that we
are a happy and joyous people. None of these is ever going to change the truth
of the Gospel we embrace. Despite the many accusations, let us continue to
“love one another” as we are loved by our Savior. Remember, “Be not overcome of
evil, but overcome evil with good.”[1]
