Criticism has has often flowed one way in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is to be expected from an authoritarian religion, but Elder Dalin Oaks of the quorum of the twelve apostles has taken the idea of not criticizing the Mormon leadership to a new level or as some might see it, a new low. In fact, it seems to be an old idea popular amongst dictatorial leaders of many countries that they should not be criticized recycled. Obedience to church leaders is often seen as a virtue, even when the Mormon leaders themselves do not deserve it. A recent comment made by Oaks where he said that it was wrong to criticize church leaders even if it is true deserve special criticism.

It is easy to say that it is wrong to criticize church leaders is merely the well-considered opinion of Mister Oaks, rather than an attitude that is pervasive among Mormon leadership that the leaders can do no wrong. Part of it is the Mormon culture itself. These leaders are almost, if not quite, worshiped by members of the Mormon church. Perhaps the distancing of themselves from the public is deliberate, but even the pope, who leads far many more Catholics than the Mormon leadership ever will.

People on the fringes of the Mormon culture that the church has looked down on or mistreated in the past may occasionally look to Oaks as an example of how the church is trying to become more moderate and distance itself from its racist and homophobic past, but the idea that authority cannot be questioned is troublesome and only leads to problems later on.

It is not surprising that those who have studied Mormon history describe it as having cult roots, and those who have left the religion will describe it as a cult even though it does not fit the definition of a dangerous group.

Dalin Oaks should have known better than to make this statement, but perhaps he has been too long in the reins of power of a relatively small group that he has forgotten that questioning authority is part of the essence of what democracy is about. Blind Obedience to religious leaders will merely send society back into the dark ages, and since the Mormon leaders are supposed to be bringing the Light of Christ into the world, perhaps they should think before making statements like this and “when the brethren speak, the thinking has been done.”

Oaks is not unusual in this sentiment, but for someone who seems to have been chosen to move the church towards the center, he should be more careful about making these statements and despite his opinion, it is not wrong to criticize Mormon leaders especially when it is true.

Sadly, this sort of attitude has been prevalent in the Mormon church for a long time and if they wish to be perceived as a mainstream denomination, criticism of the leaders where appropriate should be encouraged.