AJE

I grew up in Utah (yes, there are Jews there) and got first hand look of some of their practices. Baptism of the Dead was done using any proxy, including children starting at around the age of 8. I recall once asking a Mormon neighbor if she could come over to play at my house and her response was, “No I can’t today, I’m doing Baptism of the Dead.” I lived in a neighborhood with very “frum” Mormons. Aside from the fact that they regularly tried to convert us and teach us their bible, they were outstanding neighbors. They were very moral, clean-cut and honest. They don’t drink alcohol, smoke or even have coffee! They helped out in times of need (snowstorms, fires, etc.) and raised upstanding children. All of my neighbors had large families and ran their homes with military precision. Every child had a job to do as far as housekeeping, and most played musical instruments. Their living rooms were kept spotlessly clean, and children were not allowed to be in the living room unless there were adults there. The women had an organization called The Relief Society that would meet regularly. At these meetings they had bible study as well time for learning homemaking tips for keeping their homes running smoothly.

Yes, there was also some weird stuff. They have “garments” that they wear under their clothes (adult men and women). They are like undershirts and shorts with strange embroidery on them. They also have different beliefs about the after-life and different levels of “heaven” they can get into depending on their deeds. In the early days, polygamy was allowed, but was outlawed when Utah wanted state recognition. There are still some breakaway polygamist groups. I never personally knew polygamists, but did see them around town, as they are easily distinguishable by their style of dress.

Personally, I think that a “frum” Mormon president would be better for the US than some of the cheaters, liars and adulterers we’ve had before.