In the last few months, considerable attention has been devoted to Mitt Romney's tax returns and his former company's "job-creating performance," but there has been insufficient discussion about what arguably has had the greatest role in shaping who he is and how he views the world: his Mormon religion.
Despite his reluctance to address the subject directly, public interest in Mormonism remains at historic levels. His "Mormon Moment" is laden with obligation: never in the history of the United States has an ordained minister been a major party's candidate for the presidency. The Mormon Church has a lay priesthood, and by virtue of his ordination to the offices of Bishop and Stake President, Romney has occupied ecclesiastical positions equivalent to those within the Roman Catholic Church of Priest and Bishop. Were a Catholic Bishop to run for the presidency, there would doubtless be a demand that he address aspects of his religion in far greater detail than would be required of candidates never ordained to the ministry -- and thus Gov. Romney's obligation.
But it is also a moment of opportunity: Ever since Joseph Smith founded Mormonism in 1830, no other American religion has aroused so much fear and hatred; none has been the object of so much misinformation, falsehood -- and persecution. The hearings on the seating of Utah Senator and Mormon Apostle Reed Smoot a century ago gained Mormonism the dubious distinction of being the only religion ever to be put on trial by the United States Congress.
In ever-shifting stereotypes, Mormons have been cast as polygamists or pioneer heroes, as subversives or super-patriots; but the images have always been thin, selective and without complexity. Few know what the Mormons really are -- or even what they claim to be -- and yet Americans have never been more curious, never more open to a deeper understanding of this (in Mormons' own term) "peculiar" religion. Comprising only 2 percent of the population of the United States, mostly in western states, they are disproportionately represented in the United States Congress (3 percent), and particularly in the Senate (5 percent), where Harry Reid, the Majority Leader, is the highest-ranking Mormon ever to serve in the Federal Government. Well-known, respected Mormons are found throughout the worlds of entertainment, academia, athletics and especially business. Yet other aspects of contemporary Mormonism invite misunderstanding and suspicion, particularly the exclusion of non-Mormons from all operating Mormon temples, and the common misconception that Mormons still practice polygamy.
Religious scholar Martin Marty has observed, "Mormon beginnings are so recent there is really no place to hide." And so at this moment of unprecedented attention, Mormonism also faces the challenges of modernity. Its gaudy, extravagant, even wild early story -- which is also the basis of its theology -- is a focal point of academic inquiry that continually challenges traditional beliefs. What is history? What is myth? What remains when the one displaces the other? How does Mormonism deal with its brightest lights, and with its darkest shadows?
With this in mind, we invite Gov. Romney to seize the opportunity to clear away the fog that continues to obscure a religion whose effect can be so powerful -- and so positive -- that it led his father George to proclaim in 1968, "I am completely the product of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." We invite him to address, in particular, the following questions:
1. How have your early experiences within the Mormon Church -- particularly your two-year proselytizing mission to France and your service as Bishop and Stake President -- shaped your character and your worldview?
2. How does Mormonism's boundless optimism, which transcends even death in a manner unlike any other religion, shape your vision of America's present and future?
3. All religions have fabulous foundational stories. The Mormons are no exception. The difference is that their theology is younger and famously literal. It tells us that God has a body, that there is a plurality of Gods who eat and drink and mate as we do, that the golden plates were real, and that when we die there is a concrete and specific heaven where families are reunited. How has the singular physicality of your faith shaped your view of the world, not only as a private citizen but as a national leader?
4. When Mormons are asked about Joseph Smith's powerful final vision about man becoming God, "God-like" is almost always substituted for becoming God. But Mormonism's oft-quoted tenet is unambiguous: "As God is, man may become." Can you explain this core belief in a way that addresses the charge of blasphemy made by other religions?
5. Why do your new positions on immigration, social welfare, gay rights and abortion differ from official positions of the Mormon Church? Can you place these differences in a context that reassures Americans that Mormonism is not a philosophical monolith -- that indeed there is ample room within the label of "devout Mormon" for people as diverse as you and Senator Harry Reid?
6. What your church labels "sacred" is frequently termed by others "secret" or even "sinister," leading many to conclude that Mormons may not always be telling us what they truly believe. How can you assuage these suspicions by articulating your beliefs?
7. Given that your church's highest leadership councils consist entirely of white males, that it denies its lay priesthood to women and that it played the decisive role in the passage of California's Proposition 8, how can you assure the American public that the composition of your administration and the policies that you would pursue would be reflective of, and responsive to, the diversity that is the foundation of this nation's strength?
8. When asked about the part of his Baptist faith that meant most to him personally and as the nation's leader, President Clinton spoke movingly -- and in his words --a bout "the God of second chances." Human fallibility and the possibility of divine redemption -- these were Clinton's themes. What element of Mormon history or theology has had special resonance for you and has shaped your view of human nature, and of God?
9. Of all the misconceptions surrounding your religion, which one has offended you the most? Or, to interject a lighter note, what misinformation or stereotype has caused you to roll your eyes and even laugh when you are with your Mormon friends?
We realize that in addressing these issues, Gov. Romney would likely open himself to criticism from some quarters. However, the office to which he aspires demands of its aspirants a level of openness and clarity that he has yet to reach. Ironically, his reluctance to be open about his religion only reinforces the last and arguably most enduring of all Mormon stereotypes: its secrecy. Given the overwhelming importance of his religion in shaping who he is and how he views the world, we see the above questions as an opportunity for him to begin to emerge from obscurity.
Helen C. Whitney is a documentary filmmaker who produced the four hour PBS series, "The Mormons." Gregory A. Prince is a biologist, author and consultant on Ms. Whitney's documentary. Dr. Prince is a practicing Latter-day Saint.
Joanna Brooks: Why Mitt Romney Should Open Up About His Mormon Story
Tanya Martin: Go Wherever God Leads
Sister Mary Ann Walsh: U.S. Catholics' Satisfaction With Bishops Is Up
Richard Brand: Not Happy With Jesus
 |
 |
|
| Obama | Romney | |
|---|---|---|
| Electoral Votes (270 to win) |
332 | 206 |
| Obama | Romney | |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 65,899,660 | 60,932,152 |
| Percent | 51.1% | 47.2% |
| Democrats* | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Senate | 53 | 47 |
| Seats gained or lost | +2 | -2 |
| New Total | 55 | 45 |
| Democrats | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats won | 201 | 234 |
http://www.casteyanqui.com/heresies/relitics.html
from him, how can his kingdom ever be established? It is impossible! What is the first thing necessary to the establishment of his kingdom? It is to raise up a Prophet and have him declare the will of God; the next is to have people yield obedience to the word of the Lord through that Prophet. If you cannot have these, you never can establish the kingdom of God upon the earth.
What is the kingdom of God? It is God's government upon the earth and in heaven." http://jod.mrm.org/6/18 (Journal of Discourses Vol. 6, pg. 25)
"What would you think of the conduct of a God who would let the human family continue forever to transgress his law without interfering? You would think he was getting foolish and in his dotage—that he did not understand himself nor correct principles in allowing a lot of bad boys to rise up and increase around him, letting evil principles exist instead of righteous ones, and the wicked afflict and persecute the good with impunity.
The time was to come, and is now, that God has set up his kingdom upon the earth, and he is determined that men shall be in subjection to his laws. Can the Lord go to any other people but this and declare his will? He cannot. There is not a nation, kingdom, power, or people—there is not a political, moral, social, philosophical, or religious society in the world that would receive the word of God, except this people. (con't below)
moment in progress
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkp4G7Z3yyo
Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
TEMPLE PATRONS: "Yes."
PETER: "That will do." (All patrons sit down.)"
(For the entire ceremony see here: http://www.i4m.com/think/temples/temple_oaths.htm)
If you would like to actually see what Romney does in the Temple, some sneaky devil has filmed it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg2bxBHbsIU&feature=channel&list=UL (six videos so far, more to come)
The Bible is wrong and Jos. Smith wrote the Book of Mormon to fix it.
Missouri was the site of the Garden of Eden.
Jesus visited the USA.
Until 1974 all people of color had 'the Mark of Cain" and were second class people.
I SAW Coka-cola Products go from banned to liked exactly at the time the church purchased a bunch of stock in the co: So DO NOT tell me that never happened.
Women are second class.
AND MEN (not women) become Gods on their own planets.
It is run exclusively by and for male white people.
It is wonky at best and by most Christian religious standards NOT Christian. The Baptists have spent the last 30+ years calling it a cult....and now they are going to vote for one? Well, that is a Baptist character answer and they will have to answer for that.
I think this is a BIG issue.
it would be Build a Mall.
Ka-Ching!
They seemingly think these dead don't need the resurrection that Jesus perfect life ransom will provide at the appropriate time because they are still alive, but not baptized to get into Heaven. Using 1 Corinthians 15:29 to justify this practice."Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
Seeming not to care that the Bible speaks of sinners as dead people, “Let the dead bury the dead”, Matthew 8:22, "Who were dead in trespasses and sins" Ephesians 2:1,5 Then by being converted into one of Jesus faithful followers they became dead to sin, "Ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord". Thus these early Christians are no longer "dead" because they have become dead to sin and are now considered "alive".
It only takes lying or the doctrines of men to be considered dead, John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil,...for he is a liar, and the father of it". "
So if, Are Mormons in an approved state with Our Creator and His Son Jesus or a cult ?
On another note, while some of these questions are wonderful and respectful, and things I would like to hear addressed as well (though only for my own curiosity, not because these discussions have any bearing on the political environment), the questions asking Romney to explicitly delineate points of doctrine for your benefit are absurd (especially the one about addressing accusations of blasphemy- are we going to ask each presidential candidate in the future to defend their religion against every claim every leveled against it?). Has President Obama ever been asked the same? He has not, not should he have been, and nor should Romney. If you would like to learn more about Mormon theology, there is a wide variety of sources available for your perusal, from the unbiased and authoritative to the wildly speculative. Keep discussions of this type out of my presidential election, please.
If Romney and his religion wilt under the the glow of daylight, that would hardly be the fault of the American electorate.
No one, absolutely no living person, has any idea what will happen after this life. You can have faith and hope for whatever you want, but allow others the dignity to do the same for themselves.
And do not tell us it is like saying a prayer for someone. Being baptized in the Mormon faith is being baptized MORMON, not just being baptized. You are labeling someone, someone who has no voice to protest. And please also don't give us the excuse that it's just an invitation to the country club in the sky. It's much more hopeful than an invite and you know it.
If you want to have faith in your faith, feel free. But leave other people ALONE, please.
Dont know much bout mormon theology
Dont know much bout mormon history
Donkt know much bout mormon books
Dont know much about the rite sI took
But I do know that Im a fool
and if you will be one you can join me to
what a wonderful world it would be.
Im not sayin that Im an A student
but Im trying to be.
Prophet con me a little deeper
make like the other sleepers,
Oh then how happy Ill be!
=)
Thanks for the smile.
can you?