Well, I've had this discussion many a time on various FR threads...where the Q is raised: Are we voting for a 'pastor-in-chief' or commander-in-chief?
There's a few operating Bible-based "principles" that undergird this Q...And it's essentially this:
Principle: This question addresses not only the role and identity of the POTUS, but the perceived 'self' identity of the candidate. If a given candidate thinks he's a 'god' or 'would-be' god, he exposes himself as deceived on one of the most basic elemental identity issues you can think of.
If a candidate doesn't even know who he is fundamentally, how do we know similar distortions won't effect his judgment? Besides, if he inwardly lauds himself as 'divine,' why would we want to reinforce such an idolater who steals glory from the One True God?
Then there's an associated principle to consider here: Is a POTUS a 'minister' of sorts?
Apparently, you might say 'no.'
I say 'yes,' and here's why:
Even non-religious people tend to at times honor the Bible. The Biblical record shows that true successful leadership in public office is done by those who fear the TRUE Lord -- not by some low-level Mormon god who is part of a great number of Mormon gods...
And these Biblical leaders did not -- or were not to -- worship false gods/idols. The Old Testament is replete w/ such examples. The Israelites had secular kings, not "pastors in chief." But that didn't mean that these kings' ministrations were any less a "ministry." Romans 13 makes it clear that public office is also a "ministry." Those who contend against this are openly militating against this Scripture.
It doesn't mean that public officeholders administrate in a parochial way; it just means that public office is a "ministry of service" like the soup kitchen down the street.
History (biblical & otherwise) shows that the more pagan or counterfeit god that a leader adheres to, the more trouble that leader's "exhaust" settles on the people-at-large. Kings & presidents need all the grace, mercy, & guidance possible, since God gets more credit for preserving & directing leaders than we care to give Him credit for. Therefore, one who worships a false god & has no true relationship w/the living God is stifling access to God's resources; & a nation may suffer for that.
Therefore, we must weigh a candidate's level of vulnerability to deception - for that transcends 'religious' considerations: If a candidate is gullible in the most important area of his life -- his faith – this serves as an excellent indicator of potential other gullibilities.
It’s obvious that you have put a lot of time and thought into dissecting Mormonism. I happen to agree with all of your major tenets. But FreeRepublic is a political forum. Believe me Romney was my 5th choice to be the republican nominee. I am willing to bet that Romney’s nominal mormonism is less of a threat to the republic than Obama’s white-hating Rev. Wright liberation theology. Obama is the one who disguising his faith and subtly changing the definition of Christianity away from orthodoxy.