A Guide to Promoting a Religion in "Mormon-Dominated Utah"

(Revised)

Trying to establish a religion in a land dominated by Mormons?

Try following these simple steps to success!

Before I begin, I'd like to give some of the back-story to this guide.

I have a decent number of memories at that take place at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.

My earliest visit took place when I was about twelve years old.  My older sister and her friends were all big fans of The Emperor's New Groove.  Of course they went to Llama Fest.  My sister, the great sister that she was, took her younger siblings/fellow Kuzco fans down to the festival with her.

Most recently, I went down with friends to the Festival of Colors.  We took a look through the gift shop and other places inside the temple before going outside to get thoroughly covered in colored powder.

It was only recently, however, that I visited the Krishna website.  It happened to be at a time when I was surrounded by family.  I was curling my younger sister's hair, so I had her read out loud from the site.  

I realized something.

The whole website was excellently crafted.  The Sri Krishna devotees were well aware that their religion was often misunderstood.  They were especially sensitive to what was the common belief here in Utah.

I found one particular page that emphasized my realization.  The very first paragraph was this: 

 The thesis of this paper will address one major question: Why would a Hare Krishna consider locating a temple in [a] low density, rural area of Mormon-dominated Utah?

It amused me how appropriately worded the heading was.  It was tactful and informative.  Directly below the well-done sentence I read this:

"Utah's Krishna Pioneers"

by Chad Young
This piece was written for a history class at BYU in 1994

It was then that I got an idea.  As I read Chad Young's history article, my ideas became more concrete.  I decided to analyze the Krishna website by outlining the rhetorical tactics they used to describe their religion to their Mormon-dominated audience.

Their example is the foundation for The Guide.

Step One: Remember Religion.

Utah is already full of religious nuts.  Most of them have been going to church since birth.  There isn't a need to worry much about the agnostic and/or atheist who would potentially require a religious foundation; you can jump straight into building them up with your religion.  


For example:

The closer your relationship is to Krishna, the more his opulence (All Attractive, All Wealthy, All Wise, All Knowing, etc) applies to you and your life. His love and mercy for us is unlimited. The temple is a means to come into His circle, to experience the bliss of His company.

This paragraph is on the home page of the Krishna website.  They don't spend time trying to convince their reader that there is a Divine Being–Mormons know that.  It's not over-bearing.  It's not tearing down Mormonism.  They just state some of the good things that Krishna has to offer.  

Step Two: Find Some Common Ground.

If you're going to be sharing Utah with Mormons, find some common ground.  Since Mormons have been learning their principles for so long, it's good if your values are similar to theirs.  Mention them!  For instance, 

Central to the lifestyle ... are vegetarianism and abstinence from illicit sex, intoxicants, and gambling.

This article, along with many others, mentions the similarities the Krishna followers share with Mormons.  Mormons are big fans of the no illicit-sex/intoxicants/gambling idea.  Many Mormons are even vegetarians!  

And speaking of vegetarians, the Hare Krishnas have a vegetarian feast once a week on Sunday.  Guess what day the Mormons observe their Sabbath?  Sunday!!

Try it out.  You'll find more success if you're relatable.

Step Three: Know How to Describe God.

Step three builds on the previous two rules.  Mormons, contrary to popular belief, are monotheistic.  The rumor about multiple gods came about because unlike most Christians, they don't believe in the Trinity; their Godhead consists of three separate beings.  However, only one God is in charge of everything.

So take a look at this:

Krishna naturally has His own personal identity, just as each of us does. 

The Vedas define God as the one supreme conscious being among all other conscious beings. He is infinite, we are finite, and He maintains us all.

The description of God follows steps one and two.  It's also very careful to describe God with reverence and respect.  This allows the reader to connect to the description of God on an emotional level, which helps to provide a stronger connection to the overall site and religion.

Stories help too.  If you can, include a story that will tug at the heart strings.

Step Four: Pay Attention to Word Choice.

Once again, this step builds on the past ones.  As can be seen in the last example, the Hare Krishna often substitute the word 'God' for 'Krishna'.  If you can use words that the Mormons already know, it'll help to validate your religion.  Be sure to use words like 'spirit' and 'family' and 'spiritual family'.


Here's a list of Mormon phrases, and the Krishna website counterpoint:
Scripture Study – Scriptural Study
The Pioneers – Utah Krishna Pioneers
The Temple (of the Lord) – The Krishna (or Lotus) Temple

Step Five: Fellowship and Familiarity.

Mormons are all about being friendly.  They like to make friends.  You can use this to your advantage!  Krishna includes many festivals that all kinds of people enjoy!  

Make sure your face is a fun one.  More importantly, make sure your face is familiar!

Step Six: Be Resourceful– Use a Mormon 

This is the most important step.  You can validate everything about yourself if you just remember to Use a Mormon.  That's what inspired this Guide!


If you can follow the example of the Krishna site, you should.  

1. Mormons are all over.  Find someone's work and use it.
2. Brigham Young University makes it even better.  Try to use a professor, or at least a scholar from that school.

Good luck!!