I think there are several things going on here, none of which is directly related to Mormonism per se.

1. Evidently, there are a lot of people who know little or nothing about the LDS. I would say there’s a fair amount of curiosity (and maybe even surprise?) about the temple garments. I’d also venture to say that this curiosity would have manifested around any other religion that people are unfamiliar with.

2. There’s zero chance — zero — that Islam wouldn’t be coming under precisely the same level of scrutiny if a Muslim had thrown his hat (so to speak) into the 2008 presidential-wannabe ring. Likewise with Judaism.

3. I’m sure you’re right; some folks are in fact using Romney’s religion against him. However, I don’t think overreacting is helpful… nor do I think one can easily distinguish between outright curiosity (mixed with incredulity) and hostile mockery. It’s a mistake to automatically assume the latter.

4. Finally — yes, you’re right in that I don’t particularly care. What bothers me about Romney (and I’ve already posted about it here) is that he’s snuggling up to the religious right, and that makes him a non-starter in my book. Even if he’s not actually as conservative as he’s sounding (and he probably isn’t, given the state he’s from), I’ve already got a bad taste in my mouth from the recent years of pandering and posturing to religious zealots.

And that has nothing to do with his Mormonism. Or his underwear.

If you don’t care, and I think you probably don’t, I think that’s good. I fear however, that many are merely going to begin to spin Romney as a Mormon boogeyman without applying the same reasoning to others, namely, Reid.

The “underwear” is merely a tongue in cheek way of attacking the man based on his Mormonism, and that’s just not right, even if you, or others do couch it within the context of seeming jokes.

LIke your bowling team members, the ladies who used to regularly bring me baked goods everytime I ran some notice in the newspaper for the church were among the nicest people I’ve ever met, but in general the CoJCoLTD creeps me out. I still can’t figure out why the damn missionaries won’t come in for something to drink or eat after I tell them I’m not interested. Do they think I’m going to poison them? I’m just trying to be nice, since my nephew went through that entire ordeal.

A

You’re kidding, right?