Reality of mormon life more complex than Romney image(视频)_美文

Reality of mormon life more complex than Romney image(视频)

Mormon temples are modeled after the biblical Temple of Solomon. They are considered so sacred that non-Mormons may not set foot inside. But before this temple was dedicated, the public was allowed to visit. Still, they could not take pictures inside.

These Mormons may look like a portrait of the perfect family - an image the Romneys also present.

But church critic Tom Kimball says the reality is more complex.

"We’re told to have these large families we can’t afford," he says. "And we’re supposed to be happy and supposed to be idealistic, clothes, manicured yards, and when we don’t - and most of us don’t - depression sets in."

Kimball says the image of the Mormon community that the Romney campaign presents is also not entirely true. Several years ago, he began questioning his church leaders' conservative views.

"As soon as I start saying 'no, I have a problem, I'm struggling here.' As soon as you start saying 'no' in the echo chamber, things start to come apart quickly," says Kimball.

He says he is now banned from ceremonially blessing his own children.

Kimball works at a publishing house that is reexamining early church history, when Mormons practiced polygamy.

"Mormons from the 19th century and Mormons now could not have a cogent conversation with each other," says Kimball. "They wouldn't even be able to discuss Mormon topics. They would call each other heretics."