Posted on 01/21/2012 7:44:29 AM PST by Amerisrael
That's probably a better question to ask than the one posed by George Handlery over at the Brussels Journal:
"Would a Mormon President Subvert American Democracy?"
Handlery writes the following:
["What follows below is not a Romney-fan’s propaganda. Actually, my favorite used to be another aspirant. The LDS affiliation of Mitt Romney exposes us again to the temptation to make religion into a criterion for picking a candidate."
"Now then, the theological validity of Mormonism’s version of Christianity is beyond my competence and my interest. To many, the implications of a President embracing that creed are of concern."
"However, American public life and her high-level politics have created indicators that Mormons will not kidnap America and replace its system with their theocracy."]
"...Mormons will not kidnap America and replace its system with their theocracy."]
Most likely not.
But is that why many would be concerned over voting for Romney?
Aside from Romney's Mormonism many question whether he is a valid conservative.
But back to the Mormonism.
It is most likely not out of a concern that America's democracy would be subverted , but perhaps instead, indirectly helping to legitimise a cult religion that is the cruxt of concern for many.
Handlery concludes his article with this:
["...What matters to me now that a Mormon has become a candidate for the Presidency is that, the faith not only teaches values, its adherents live by them."
"Good Mormons work hard, try to measure up to constructive norms, and are reliable. That amounts to a strategy that results in worldly achievement."
"Even so, being a Mormon is a bad rationale to elect someone. However, LDS membership does not amount to a reasonable or a fair reason to deny such person one's vote...."]
"However, LDS membership does not amount to a reasonable or a fair reason to deny such person one's vote...."
Perhaps the reason why Handlery adapts that view is because of what else he wrote:
["Now then, the theological validity of Mormonism’s version of Christianity is beyond my competence and my interest."]
That's the problem Driscol puts a spotlight on:
In his blog article "Is Mormonism a cult?", Mark Driscol noted the following:
["... but in that it, Mormonism] claims Christianity while subtly subverting it in both practice and theology."
"Because it claims to be Christian, uses Christian language, but is antithetical Christianity, it must be labeled a cult theologically. "
"Of course, the trouble is that most people are not Christians, do not understand the differences between Mormon and Christian doctrine, and are therefore confused or upset to hear Mormonism labelled a cult, as it simply sounds cruel."
"What makes matters even worse is when presumably orthodox Christian leaders add to the confusion by essentially declaring Mormonism as a new form of Christianity."
"While it is understandable that the average non-Christian, and many Christians, don’t understand the ways in which Mormonism uses Christian terms while importing them into non-Christian meaning, it’s incumbent for Christian leaders to act like shepherds and warn the sheep about the wolves."
["... but in that it, Mormonism] claims Christianity while subtly subverting it in both practice and theology."]
Most Christians that are informed and studied about Mormonism, probably don't think Mormons are out to subvert American democracy. But rather Christianity.
To that end, would the election of a Mormon to be President help to legitimise the Mormon cult?
I remember them coming to the door and remember saying..."You're the folks that can have a bunch of wives, right?"
They were neat and clean though.
But given the choice between a Mormon and an athiestic Marxist I would prefer the Mormon.
:”Would a Mormon President Subvert American Democracy?”
...........................................................
I am not a Romney fan, but not because of his religion.
I do know that a Mormon President could not Subvert Democracy any worse than the Muslim president we have now.
When I think of “cult”, I actually think of Ron Paul’s goofy followers over at prison planet dot com.
you nailed it!
Mormonism is no more or less of a cult than any other religion. Knock Romney on policy if you disagree with him, but attacking his religion is below the belt.
“When I think of “cult”, I actually think of Ron Paul’s goofy followers”
LOL! You nailed it.
As far as Romney - Not liking him because of his religion is bigotry and unless he plans on using the presidential pulpit to sale us on Mormonism, then I could care less what religion he is. If I were to list the top ten reasons I am not a Romney supporter, his religion would not be among them.
No, Mormonism is a dangerous cult.
With all due respect, I beg to differ. Mormonism was founded by a man, Joseph Smith who claimed to have had visions. Islam was founded by a man, Mohammad who claimed to have had visions. Christianity was founded by Christ himself. Not equivalent in my way of thinking.
ON, NTSA !
Amerisrael is a Jewish blog, correct?
No, using religion as a criteria for choosing a candidate is not bigotry it is just another category for consideration.
Under your statement you could say someone not supporting Romney because he is an abortion support is bigotry against abortion.
With all due respect, I beg to differ. Christianity was founded by the disciples of a man, Jesus, who claimed to have had visions.
What are you trying to be funny? You need a sarc tag then.
Brigham Young: “when the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the ‘Mormon Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it” (Journal of Discourses 2:182).
J. Reuben Clark, Mormon apostle, said, “You and I have heard all our lives that the time may come when the Constitution may hang by a thread. I do not know whether it is a thread, or a small rope by which it now hangs, but I do know that whether it shall live or die is now in the balance” (Conference Report, October 1942, p.58).
Ezra Taft Benson stated, “In connection with attack on the United States, the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith there would be an attempt to overthrow the country by destroying the Constitution. Joseph Smith predicted that the time would come when the Constitution would hang, as it were, by a thread, and at that time "this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction” (Conference Report, October 1961, p.70).
In 2000, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch made reference to the prophecy while complaining about the Democrats tolerating everything that is bad. Said Hatch, “I've never seen it worse than this, where the Constitution literally is hanging by a thread”
Something to think about.
I agree 100%!! While I might not a share their faith, and even question a great deal of it, I've found the members, whom I've meet, to be of high moral character. Aside from all of the substantive arguments against Romney here, I simply find his fake laugh to be reason enough to dump him. I'll take a narcissist over a passive-aggressive, because at least I know what the narcissist is doing to me.
Nice to meet you, NavyCanDo!
Why is it that on another FR thread about Elizabeth Smart (A Mormon) that there is nothing but blessings and kind words, and wishes for a long and happy marriage for the young lady, and no mention of her religion? I think if we want to be consistent we need to focus on why we really don’t support Romney, and it’s not his religion. Because we can love Elizabeth and dislike Romney shows the real truth. His religion is a non-factor.
Former kidnap victim Elizabeth Smart engaged to marry
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2835792/posts
They're saving their ammo for after he clinches the nomination.
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