We've all seen them on campus. Young men professionally dressed in button-down shirts, ties, black pants, dress shoes and black overcoats, carrying pocket-sized versions of the Bible. They greet people with a humble smile and introduce themselves with the title "elder."
Whether you've avoided them on your way to class or taken them up on conversation, these missionaries seek to gain public understanding of the Mormon faith.
HITTING THE STREETS
Usually between the ages of 19 and 25, Mormon men are given the option to travel to an area to clarify the common misconceptions of Mormonism. Currently in Muncie, Elder Thomas and Elder Moore are fulfilling the two-year staple practice to Mormonism: the mission.
"One of the best memories I have [from our mission] is when we spoke to a man who had never prayed before and we taught him how to pray," Thomas said. "And one day in church, he was called upon to pray in front of the congregation and did."
According to USA Today, there are 52,000 full-time Mormon missionaries worldwide.
Having spent the past 20 months in Indiana, the missionaries have been chased by dogs and even had a gun pointed at them while working to tell people about their faith.
"They definitely either love you or hate you," Thomas said. "And I can't blame them. A lot of them hear word of mouth about the church and then won't talk to us."
Despite some negative encounters, the elders stay focused on the purpose of their mission.
"I just want people to see how much [Mormonism] can change lives," Thomas said. "It changed ours, and I've seen others change. We know it's true or we wouldn't be out walking every day in the cold. We believe God has restored the faith in the prophet and that Jesus is our savior and loves us."
The Church of Latter-Day Saints began in 1830 when Joseph Smith had a series of visions that led him to create the Book of Mormon. The church has 6 million members in the United States, which makes up less than 2 percent of the population, according to an article by The New York Times. The religion is similar to Christianity; they both believe in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Mormonism differs in its theology, and it adds three books of scripture, including the Book of Mormon.
Thomas and Moore said there are two misconceptions about their faith: People believe they aren't Christian and that they practice polygamy, even though the Mormon Church has denounced the practice since 1890.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
From candidate for the Republican presidential nomination Mitt Romney to last year's "The Book of Mormon" Broadway show, Mormons are catching more headlines than in years past.
Found on billboard and TV commercial spots, the "I'm a Mormon" campaign attempts to clear up stereotypes related to Mormonism. Launched last fall, the campaign encourages viewers to visit mormon.org to read personal stories from Mormons all over the United States. Visitors to the website can also direct their questions about the Mormon faith by chatting live with representatives.
Christopher Luke, chairperson of Modern Languages and Classics at Ball State and a practicing Mormon, said he thinks the campaign is striving to create a personal dynamic to the perception of Mormonism.
"I think the campaign has multiple goals," he said. "I think they want to show Mormons as more personal and that there isn't just one stereotype for all Mormons. It captures the multiple personalities and shows that we are your neighbors, friends and co-workers — just regular people," Luke said.
Before completing his mission in Fresno, Calif., Luke went to a mission center to learn and prepare spiritually.
Junior Matt Marsee, president of the Latter-Day Saint Student Association, will attend a mission center this summer, where he will prepare for his upcoming mission to an assigned location.
Initially apprehensive to commit to a mission, Marsee now feels better equipped.
"I wasn't ready. I mean it's two years of your life," Marsee said. "But I have a real desire to now."
Marsee said he thinks the "I'm a Mormon" campaign has helped create a personal appeal to the perception of Mormonism.
"I really think this is an easy way to find out the truth," he said. "Rather than finding things out through rumors, people can learn through the website and see that Mormons are just normal people."
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