To the Editor of Newsweek
Dear Sir,
By suggesting that Mormons' emphasis on Jesus Christ is driven by concerns about "image" and public relations, Ken Woodward cheapens the real motivation of most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — their deep personal conviction that Christ is the divine Son of God.
Joseph Smith himself declared in 1838 that "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."
To support his thesis that the Church has a new emphasis on Jesus Christ and is courting public favor, Woodward wonders why the huge new Conference Center and many of our chapels depict Christ rather than Joseph Smith. Could it be for the simple reason that these are buildings of worship for a church that has borne the name of Jesus Christ since its founding over 170 years ago? But there is no de-emphasis of Joseph Smith. A block away from the Conference Center, the former Hotel Utah, now mostly offices, was recently named the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and a nine-foot marble statue of the prophet graces the lobby.
Incidentally, your photograph of "Founder Smith" on the Newsweek web site is actually of Joseph F. Smith, another person entirely, who led the Church several generations later.
It may be that the world’s perception of Mormons is what is really changing. Increasingly, Americans are getting acquainted with Mormon associates and neighbors and seeing them as an integral part of the rich and diverse fabric of American life. If that is what is meant by "mainstream," we welcome it.
Michael Otterson
Director, Media Relations
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City