1. We believe in SUVs and minivans as the form of transportation, in knee length shorts (if they are comely), and in multilevel marketing.

2. We believe that church ball players should be punished for their own fouls, and not for unsportsmanlike aggression.

3. We believe that through breadcrumbs, cheese, creamy soups, and rice, all casseroles can be saved through obedience to ward cookbooks and creativity in the mixing bowl.

4. We believe that the first layers and ingredients of The Dip are: first, beans; second, cheese; third, chopped tomatoes; fourth, the gift of sour cream; fifth, olives; sixth, salsa; seventh, guacamole—if you have it.

5. We believe that a Mormon should have a distinguished or a cute name; that it is appropriate to name a child after a church leader or a historical figure (including an ancestor); that alternative spellings and French prefixes improve a name; and that when referring to General Authorities, middle initials should be a part thereof.

6. We believe in the same wall decor that exists in many Mormon homes, namely, framed family proclamations, vinyl lettering, inspirational word signs, family photos, pictures of temples and Jesus, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of the re-gift, church books, crafts, family photos, baked goods, emergency supply kits, and so forth.

8. We believe in sparkling grape juice so long as it is nonalcoholic; we also believe in bringing root beer and Sprite to ward parties.

9. We believe in all that we have scrapbooked, all that we will now scrapbook, and we believe that we will yet scrapbook many great and important things pertaining to our family, friends, pets, and vacations.

10. We believe in the literal mixing of ketchup and mayo and in the generous application of ranch dressing; that CBAs (church-based acronyms) will be used to describe YM/YW, PEC, the Y, NCMO, and CTR; that Mitt Romney will get Mormons to vote for him any time he runs; and, that the Mormons will enjoy reading Twilight and The Work and the Glory.

11. We claim the privilege of trying to identify common acquaintances with any visitor at church, and allow all other people at church the same privilege, and let them name drop the names of famous members and General Authorities how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to scoutmasters, pampered chef hostesses, and the writers of the U.S. News and World Report Rankings for professional schools, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining Glenn Beck.

13. We believe in being above average, good at crafts, optimistic, and being fifteen minutes late everywhere we go. Indeed, we may say that we follow BYU football; we believe rumors about famous people joining the church; we hope to meet the three Nephites; we have endured many pyramid schemes, and hope to be able to endure all pyramid schemes. If there is anything cheap, free, sold in bulk, or given away when somebody is moving, we seek after these things.

So, I bumped into this on Facebook last week and maybe you have seen it before there or on e-mail.  I think it is pretty clever and rather accurate.  Although I would not have wasted two articles on mocking Mormon food, I understand it is an easy target.  What do you think?

The thing that stands out the most to me is how much of the text addresses home-life and the experience of Mormon females.  Only a few points are obviously directed at Mormon men.  Perhaps this is a positive note–feminists often complain about how male the Church and Church culture is–maybe the fact that much of the culture identified here is the culture of women shows that our religion is home, and therefore female, centered.

Then again, the entire piece is one that trivializes the aspects of Mormon culture mentioned.  Think back on the last 10 years of Homemaking Enrichment Weekday Relief Society Meetings in your wards, and consider how many of them have included, cooking, vinyl lettering, and scrapbooking. A hefty percentage of mine did, unfortunately.
While I would not have planned those activities, it troubles me that there is so much to mock in what the sisters spend time on.  What about you?