The Closed Minded

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Nine to five workday, five days a week. That was work. Men got out of their beds, shaved, went to their work place, and did as their bosses told them. Religion was not a topic of discussion. The bank was a small, but good business in the community. One day, a man came in to get a job there. A few questions later, he was an employee. He would begin the next day.

The man went into his little corner of an office, and began his work. The other employees, in higher positions saw how well he did. The man worked constantly, only leaving his office for home at five in the afternoon. His co-workers considered him a great man; he never spoke unless spoken to, and he never questioned anyone. Still, a few men at the bank were a little nervous about the man. The fact that they never witnessed him drinking coffee, the fact that he never took a break to smoke, and how he constantly read from a little book whenever he wasn't busy, even though people had seen him finish it and begin reading it again.

One day a man came into his little corner office. “Tell me about yourself.” he told the man.

“Where would you like me to begin?” “Tell me about...that book you read.” The man reached into his pocket and took out the small little book. “This is the Book of Mormon. It is another testament of the Lord Jesus Christ.” his co-worker looked stunned, or shocked. “...What is your religion?” The man looked as if he knew a storm were approaching. “I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” the co-worker was confused. “I'm afraid I don't know of a church by that name.”

“We are more commonly known as the Mormons.” the man's co-worker stood up suddenly. “Mormon...you Mormons are a cult! You worship that Joseph Smith, and the Devil!” “No sir, we worship God and Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith simply founded the church, and we have no affiliation with the Devil.”

The co-worker didn't seem to listen. “You lie! I cannot believe that we had one of...you people employed here. You are not a true Christian! You are Devil-worshiping, evil people, and therefore you don't follow Christ!”

The man stood up, towering over the co-worker. “I ask one thing of you sir, and one thing only. Don't you EVER tell me what I believe. You may hate me, you may hold a grudge against me, you may insult my looks, my intelligence, you may fire me, but don't you EVER tell me what I believe in!”

At the bank, there were Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims, but he was the only Mormon there.

The next morning he went to his corner office, to find it completely torn up. The man sighed, and proceeded to pick up the office so that it would be tidy again. At that time, one of the Jewish men came to his office, “I have heard about that argument you had with Steve yesterday. I know what it is like to be hated and misunderstood. I would like to let you know that I have no problem with what your beliefs are, in fact, I think it was the right thing for you to set the man straight.” he offered his hand. The Mormon grabbed it and they shook hands. “I grew up in the home of my Jewish parents, who made me go to the Synagogue every Saturday, and I just kind of grew up with the religion. I felt...out of place. I didn't really know what I should believe in. I attend when I can, but I don't know if I really believe in what my parents raised me with. I...I was wondering about the Mormon faith.”

The Mormon man smiled. He pulled out a little card, with the title “Articles of Faith”. “These are our basic beliefs.” he said, as he gave the Jewish man the card. “Thank you very much.” “If you have any more questions, you can see me.”

Friday, the Jewish man, who was named Jordan, asked Jeffrey, the Mormon, if he could attend Church with him. “By all means, yes.” They shook hands. The rest of the day, other workers passed by his door, with angry looks. Men whispered back and forth, rumors were spread, still, Jeffrey worked very hard at his job, no matter what people thought of him. Later, Jordan came back to his office, just before he was about to leave. “Some of the guys wonder why you never drink or smoke.”

“We have what is called the Word of Wisdom. Think of it like your Kosher dietary laws. The Word of Wisdom prohibits consumption of alcohol and coffee or caffeine, and we do not smoke cigarettes or cigars, or use illicit drugs, or abuse any types of drugs.” Jeffrey replied. “Makes sense to me. Steve keeps saying you aren't much of a man because you chug beer with the other guys after work.” Jeffrey smiled, “It is fine by me whatever he thinks, and it is fine that he does whatever he likes, as long as he keeps me out of it.”

That Sunday, Jeffrey and Jordan went to the local LDS church. Afterward, Jeffrey was able to obtain a Bible and a Book of Mormon for Jordan to read.

On Monday, after hearing all of the negatives comments from his co-workers, Jeffrey got to work. Suddenly, there was a commotion in the front of the bank. A scream or two. Jeffrey went out to see what was going on. A man, with a mask on, a bag, and a gun, was threatening Steve to give him money. He ran at the robber, and almost tackled him, but was shot just a foot away. He fell to the ground, and about the same time, Jordan ran behind the robber and jumped on his back, toppling him to the ground. The gun slid to Jeffrey's side, and he grabbed it, shooting the robber as he tried to stab Jordan with a knife.

He laid on his back, trying to breath, the blood flowing out of him. Steve ran over to him. “Jeffrey! Jeffrey! Hang on, we are going to get help!” Jeffrey lost consciousness.

He awoke in a hospital. When Jeffrey opened his eyes, he saw a man, dressed in white, and glowing. The man walked up to him and put his hand on his shoulder. “You have done the right thing. I am very proud of you.” With that, the man disappeared. Steve walked into the room, trying to hold back tears.

“Jeffrey, I am sorry for what I said to you. You are a good man, with good values. I am amazed that you risked your life, to save mine, even after all the trouble I gave you. There is nothing wrong with you Mormons, I was ignorant. Will you forgive me?”

“He sat up and reached out to shake Steve's hand. “I would like nothing better.”

Steve cried.

Authors note:

I am a Mormon. Every day, I deal with people who hate me based on my religious beliefs. So remember one thing: never judge a person by what they believe in, but what they do. I find it very difficult having to tell so many people that Mormons are Christians, only to have them curse me out, and say terrible things about me. So if you know a Mormon, and they are having difficulty with other people, just remember this story. Lend them a hand, make a new friend. You will find that they are not as weird as you might think.

- Robert Quintin Penn.

Copyright 2007 Robert Quintin Penn

Comments (4)

Posted by Radix77 12-03-2007 22:13,   I know what you mean It's funny how people are so quick to spend so much time and energy criticizing each other based on their religion when the basic message is to love each other for almost all religions. Don't worry, you're not the only one other there who sees bigger picture.   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment...   Posted by tarhead 12-04-2007 00:42,   always thought is was a funny thing christians judging...    green day - walking contradiction..   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Wesley Freeman 12-04-2007 14:01,   ... Very good story. I enjoyed hearing your perspective.   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment...   Posted by C.R. Vard 12-04-2007 15:42,   ... excellent story... the dialogue at the end was to full of the plot though   » Report this comment to administrator » Reply to this comment...

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