This hub is in response to a question posed about the President allowing our troops to wear "magic Mormon Undergarments".

I humbly respect the privilege of individuals to maintain a narrow mind and view of the world. I, however, would not impede on the religious or otherwise views of another individual regardless of who they are. It is called open dialogue. It is called civilization. It is called maturity.

Because I respect you, and everybody, for who they are I will answer the question you pose. Why? Because I am person of leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormons. Special garments are not unique only to Mormons. In fact, most major faiths worldwide have special garments that hold deep spiritual symbolism to the individual. The fact that this question is posed in connection with the Latter-day Saints proves only that the word "Mormon" tends to trigger a negative response not only in the media but also in the minds of most people. The question, itself, is unfair as it points toward a specific faith in connection with a practice that is more widely used than you realize.

Being of the LDS faith I will only answer as it pertains to my faith. Not all Mormons wear special garments. In fact, because of the high standards and qualifications most Mormons do not wear them. They are a symbol of one's own committment to deity. It is a symbol that one has attained a certain spiritual bar and the personal promise with God to maintain that standard. It is deeply personal. IF one remains worthy and faithful these garments are a spiritual and sometimes physical protection from adverse forces. I, personally, testify to the reality of this. The outward protections that it "can" provide is never the reason for wearing them. Devout Latter-day Saints wear these special garment as an outward expression of our inner committment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. It is really as simple as that - no magic, just faith and committment.

Yes, there are worthy Latter-day Saints in the field of battle who do wear these garments. IF it is the will of the Father they are protected physically, but they are always protected spiritually so long as they are worthy of it. Yes, it is true that even worthy Latter-day Saints who die are dressed in special clothing. Again it is all symbolic, nothing new by any means. I, personally, have dressed several individuals in this clothing who have died. Each time is a deeply rewarding experience as I get to share a last common faith with a deceased brother.

Being in leadership I have the opportunity to regularly interview members of the Church and to discern their worthiness not only to wear the garment but to enter the holy temples. Do you see where all this is leading up to? Personal integrity. It doesn't matter what form of God you believe in or even IF you believe. If you don't exhibit personal integrity in your everyday actions and thoughts then it is all for nought. Personal integrity is what constitutes who you are and it is totally in your own control. In closing we wear these undergarments because we have covenanted to a standard of personal integrity and in the end that is what will progress us as individuals.

In the spirit for which I responded I thank the individual who asked the question.