"Excuse Me, You Seem to Have Spilled some Religion on Your Sleeve"

I recently read a book in which Orson Scott Card, a well-known Mormon author, referred to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a “surprisingly secular religion.” I really like this simple observation he offered for our religion, and think it says a lot about how the religion is reflected in the lives of the church members.

At first glance, using the word “secular” may seem to be an oxymoron, as it is not a commonly used adjective when describing a religious group. Sure, you will hear people talk of “secular Muslims” in Turkey or the UAE (meaning they do not have a religiously-tied government), or “secular Jews” (sometimes used to describe the Jewish community which ethnically Jewish but do not practice and/or believe in Jewish doctrines). However, a “secular Mormon” to me, means something very different.

While the interpretations of the meaning may vary, I believe that this refers to a somewhat atypical phenomenon that isn’t witnessed as much in other religions. Many Mormons have seemingly found a way to balance living a highly religious (and even peculiar) lifestyle, while remaining fully engaged in secular affairs. Indeed, Mormons have long been counseled by their leaders to “live in the world, but not be of the world.” They are encouraged to participate in nearly all sectors of public life, including business, education, politics, the military, and so forth.

While this is what is taught, it certainly isn’t always the practice. Some become secular Mormons in the sense that while they are Mormons by birth and/or culture, they do not accept the doctrines of the Church to be true. At the other end of the spectrum, there are Mormons who would never want to be associated with the word “secular,” and who very readily wear their religion on their sleeve.

In an effort to understand the proper balance, I will offer some scripture to compare and contrast. Jesus taught: “Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). Just one chapter later, He gives another teaching: “…when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray…that they may be seen of men…when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and pray unto thy Father which is in secret;” (Matthew 6:5-6).

Is it possible to “let our light shine before men,” while at the same time worshiping in secret? I think so.

Now, I don’t mean to say that worshiping in secret means to hide our religion. On the contrary, I think one can and should be completely open and honest about who they are, in terms of religion. They just shouldn’t feel the need to advertise who they are at first glance. It is important to learn to demonstrate one’s Mormon-ness in the proper context.

Those who like wear their religion on their sleeve often find that the practice becomes habitual. Such people tend to have a hard time talking about something that isn’t related to their religion. While this isn’t the worst habit one might have, I think that we should all strive for a better balance. We can find our way of worshiping in secret, while still letting our light shine so that others may see.

For everybody this process may be different. Where we live, the number of Mormons in our community, and other factors may affect this balance. For those that are Mormons, what are some suggestions you have for being balanced in representing your religion, while not becoming overzealous? For those who are non-religious, former-Mormons, or followers of another religion or belief-system, what are some of your observations and/or suggestions?