I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I was twenty years old and thought that I could convince my family to join as well, because it made good sense to me. My family never rejected it verbally, but they did in the sense that they denied me an audience. I was never accused by any of them of being a traitor to the faith I was raised in, but they avoided any conversation that would lead to religious discussion. I suppose my siblings could accuse me of bigotry as easily as I might accuse them. They for not giving me an audience and they, me, for trying to convince them that what they believed was less true than what I had found in the Mormon doctrine. There are many forms of bigotry, and it is no more related to religion than it is to all the other differences found among people of various nationalities and their customs.
The Wikipedia definition of a bigot includes: A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices, especially one exhibiting intolerance, and animosity toward those of differing beliefs. The predominant usage in modern English refers to persons hostile to those of differing sex, race, ethnicity, religion or spirituality, nationality, language, inter-regional prejudice, gender and sexual orientation, age, homelessness, various medical disorders, particularly behavioral and addictive disorders. Forms of bigotry may also have a related ideology or world view.
The origin of the word bigot and bigoterie (bigotry) in English dates back to at least 1598, via Middle French, and started with the sense of “religious hypocrite.” The exact origin of the word is unknown, but it may have come from the German bei and gott, or the English ‘by God.’ William Camden wrote that the Normans were first called bigots when their Duke Rollo, who, when receiving Gisla, daughter of King Charles, in marriage and with her the investiture of the dukedom, refused to kiss the king’s foot in token of subjection unless the king would hold it out for that specific purpose. When being urged to do it by those present, Rollo answered hastily “No, by God,” whereupon the King, turning about, called him bigot, which then passed from him to his people. This is probably fictional, as Gisla is unknown in Frankish sources. It is true, however, that the French used the term bigot to abuse the Normans.
By using the Wikipedia definition of a bigot: ‘a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices,’ there has probably been no other group of people isolated and abused by bigot’s more than have the black people in this country and the Jewish people worldwide. There have been pockets of bigotry aimed at various groups in different locations, but none of them have been so abused and having such tenure as the two groups mentioned above. The Mormons have been isolated by bigotry and driven from place to place in their early years and continue to be targeted by some groups of bigots. They are accused of being a cult and non-Christian even though the accusations are only based on a different view or doctrine in relation to Christ and the Godhead. The Governor of Missouri and President Van Buren, the president of the United States were not even sympathetic to the Mormon cause. During the 1830’s and 40’s the Governor even agreed with the mob that the Mormons should be exterminated.
Obviously President Van Buren was a bigot, unlike our first President, President George Washington, who wrote the following letter on religious freedom and tolerance to a Jewish congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790:
“Gentlemen: While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of citizens. The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people. The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy—a policy worthy of imitation.
All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants-while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.
—George Washington”
Why different colored skin, religion, nationalities, and languages, etc. should spark hatred is sometimes difficult to understand, but it seems to be the nature of human kind. Suspicions commonly initiate fear of the unacquainted and unknown. That is why Christian ideals are so important to foster among us. It is interesting that given a chance, friendships are easy to establish among any and all groups. May God bless us to learn tolerance and to love all as Christ has taught. Those who have ears to hear and hearts that can be touched please be open to all people for we are all God’s children.