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They Shoot Mormons, Don't They? Religious Bigotry, alive and well today
Saundra Duffy

Posted on 05/04/2007 5:46:36 AM PDT by Saundra Duffy

They Shoot Mormons, Don't They? Religious bigotry, alive and well today

May 4, 2007 - by Saundra Duffy-Hawkins

“I wouldn’t vote for a Mormon for dogcatcher, much less President of the United States!” There’s a lot of that kind of hateful rhetoric going around since Mitt Romney decided to throw his hat in the ring – as if Mormons are some kind of hideous evil monsters. The loudest anti-Mormon shouts, sad to say, are coming from America’s so-called “Christian right”. How can Mitt Romney hope to get a fair shake in this spiritually polluted atmosphere?

There was another man running for President who faced the same dilemma – John F. Kennedy – only he was the target of anti-CATHOLIC bigotry. In his 1960 speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, JFK said the following: “. . .I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end - where all men and all churches are treated as equal - where man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice - where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind - and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their words in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood.” John F. Kennedy Library & Museum (Speeches, 1960). By the way, if you listen to the audio version of JFK’s speech, you will hear the hurt and frustration in his voice and the unfair treatment surely must have caused many a sleepless night.

Fast forward to 2007 where JFK might as well have been “whistlin’ Dixie”. The hostility toward Mormons today, in my opinion, is even worse than that suffered by JFK. Although it is said that JFK lost about a million votes to religious intolerance, Romney stands to lose even more if the anti-Mormon evangelicals hang together.

According to Media Matters for America - “. . . a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media” - FOX News is not reporting accurately on the level of evangelical hostility to the Romney run. Media Matters for America points out that among evangelical leaders rejecting Mormons: Shirley and James Dobson (National Day of Prayer and Focus on the Family, respectively), the Southern Baptist Convention (collectively), Pat Robertson (Christian Broadcasting Network), and Dr. D. James Kennedy (Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida). “Among many conservative evangelicals – who comprise a significant part of the Republican base – Mormonism is considered an un-Christian cult.” Media Matters for America (2007)

While stumping in Florida, a man in the audience stood up during the Q&A portion and said the following to Romney: “You, sir, you’re a pretender. You do not know the Lord. You’re a Mormon.” Media Matters for America (2007). This is the kind of un-American, disrespectful treatment Mitt Romney will apparently have to endure throughout the entire campaign – as if just being a Mormon is reason enough to open the floodgates for free flow of pent-up hatred and vindictiveness.

For the record, the Mormon bashers know full well that the official name of Romney’s church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” and the members should rightfully be called “members of the LDS Church” but the words “Mormon” and “Mormonism” have an aura of negativity so they prefer to use the “M” word as if it were dirty.

Less than five minutes cruising around the official LDS website (LDS.org) will show anyone who’s interested that the Church is a Christian organization, with Jesus Christ at the Head. There are no paid clergy – all are volunteers. Humanitarian aid is legendary. Members of the LDS Church believe in strong family values; they are patriotic, they are law-abiding upstanding citizens of their community. Many LDS young men right out of high school go on two-year missions – you know, the guys on bikes – and during their mission they don’t date, read newspapers, go to movies or watch TV; but rather they dedicate two years of their lives to serving others. Many women go on missions as well, and couples, only theirs is 18 months in length but the obligations are basically the same. Most members do not shop or go out to eat on Sundays – reminiscent of the good old days when shops and stores were closed in obedience to the Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”. If they can help it, LDS Church members do not work on Sundays, either, preferring to spend the day at church and with their families. Church members are encouraged to store up a year’s supply of food and water so they will be able to care for their families in the event of an emergency. The LDS Church believes in self-sufficiency and self-reliance but in the event of a financial hardship the Church distributes food and supplies through their welfare (Bishop’s Storehouse) program. Members of the LDS Church do not drink alcohol nor do they use illicit drugs; they do not drink coffee and tea. A Mormon in good standing, therefore, will not be found in a drunken stupor puking her guts out at 3 a.m. anywhere in the world. Furthermore, members of the church are encouraged to dress modestly, be polite and courteous. And members of the LDS Church are faithful tithe payers. Come on, people, what’s not to love?

So what on earth is their beef, the anti-Mormon zealots? Why is there such disdain for the LDS Church and its members? In Hugh Hewitt’s book, “Mormon in the White House?” he states his thesis that the fierce anti-Mormon sentiment among main-stream Christians stems from one or two or all three of the following factors (in order of importance):

1) “It is just too weird.

2) “A Mormon president will supercharge Mormons’ missionary work.

3) “If there is a Mormon in the White House, Salt Lake City will call the shots, at least on the biggest issues.” Hewitt (2007, p. 221-227)

Hugh Hewitt has written an exquisite book about the Romney campaign and overcoming the “Mormon problem.” It’s a good read and I highly recommend it. Of the three problem points listed in the previous paragraph, Hewitt believes – unless some unforeseen blunder destroys his chances – none of the three is insurmountable for Mitt Romney. (Plus, he has the best hair.)

Well, I’m no Hugh Hewitt, not even close; he’s an icon on the conservative radio talk show circuit. Hewitt could talk circles around me (I’ve seen him in action in Sacramento); he’s brilliant; he’s well educated, well read, no doubt a genius, plus he’s kind of cute. I’m basically a “nobody” – an overweight grandma – but after having researched for this paper, I have come to a totally different conclusion as to why there is such in-your-face angst over Romney’s religion of choice: It’s all about money, power and control (in that order). I think they’re (the evangelical religious bigots, that is) scared half to death and are revving up their attacks, not to save souls, but to save their reputations (which if tarnished would lead to financial ruin).

As I said, all one must do is browse around the LDS official web site to see what the LDS Church believes and stands for. Any reasonable person would conclude that Mormons are not evil monsters at all. In fact, they are God fearing, Christ believing, Holy Ghost following people going about doing good. “You will know them by their fruit” and the LDS has plenty of fruit and they are willing to share.

Earlier, I stated that some high-powered ministries have publicly condemned Mormons: Shirley and James Dobson, the Southern Baptist Convention, Pat Robertson, and Dr. D. James Kennedy – just to name a few. There are hoards of others. Sunday after Sunday, preachers, evangelists, reverends and ministers from all Christian denominations pound the pulpit with anti-Mormon rhetoric. I heard the message loud clear when I was a Baptist and when I tiptoed through evangelical/Pentecostal territories. Was I ever miffed when I later learned for myself the Gospel truth about the LDS Church.

Just think about it, please. If Dr. D. James Kennedy, for example, who wrote the book, The Wolves Among Us, were to admit he’d been wrong in labeling the LDS Church a “cult” that leads unwary ignorant people astray (to hell), what would become of his multi-million-dollar ministry? Suffice it to say, there’s big money to be had by sale of books, tapes, CD’s, videos, and other anti-Mormon propaganda, not to mention speaking engagements and world-wide religious crusades. We’re talking trillions, all told. I realize the anti-Mormon aspect of these ministries is but a small portion of the business, but if the truth came out, that they had been using falsehoods about the LDS Church as a cash cow, their entire empires could tumble.

The ABC News program 20/20 aired on March 23, 2007, exposed the lavish lifestyles of some of the top evangelical preachers – million dollar mansions and personal jets. ABC News - 20/20 (2007) (Again, the LDS Church has no paid clergy.)

It’s nothing new. Severe harassment and persecution has been the lot of the LDS Church since it’s inception in 1820 when a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith saw visions and communed with heavenly beings. Rather than discuss the spiritual aspects of the LDS Church, however, let’s stick to facts of history. Taken from a college-level early American history textbook, Joseph Smith, upon experiencing the visions and visitations, believed “that God had work for me to do, and that my name should be for good and evil among all nations, kindreds and tongues.” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 292). The textbook continues, “They were met with hostility virtually everywhere they went . . . . As the movement gathered momentum, hundreds of people joined the church; entire congregations of churches of other faiths joined . . .” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 293)

During the dark time of American history when slavery was flourishing and when Native Americans were forced from their lands, the pioneers of the LDS Church also suffered at the hands of unscrupulous politicians, governmental leaders, and angry hate-filled mobs. “In the face of relentless persecution, Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, had led his flock to Illinois. There they had established the town of Nauvoo, which by the mid-1840’s had become the largest city in Illinois with over 15,000 people. . . In June 1844, a mob of non-Mormons broke into the jail where Smith was being held and killed both him and his brother. . .The Mormons abandoned Nauvoo in the spring of 1846 as anti-Mormons pounded the town with cannon, destroying the Great Temple. In a well-coordinated migration, 15,000 Mormons moved in stages to the Great Salt Lake.” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 334-335) Many walked all the way and many died along the way, including innocent babes.

Joseph Smith at one time was tarred and feathered by a mob. No jury, no trial, no judge – and they had planned to castrate him, too. On October 27, 1838, the then governor of Missouri issued an “extermination order”: “The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary . . .” Far West History (n.d.) Please note that the order called for exterminating “Mormons” making no distinction between men, women and children, and indeed women and children were subject to the extermination order.

In an event known in LDS history as “the Haun’s Mill Massacre”, precipitated by the extermination order, 30 to 40 LDS families were surprised by some 200 to 250 militia. After the smoke cleared, seventeen LDS people lay dead including a ten-year-old boy. Thirteen LDS members were wounded including a woman and a seven-year-old boy. “A few Missourians returned the next day and took plunder.” LDS FAQ (n.d.) No Missouri militiamen were killed but three were wounded. Just a few years earlier, the LDS folk who died that day had been members of other churches - Congregational or Methodist or Baptist or Presbyterian.

In l976, Governor Bond of Missouri officially rescinded the extermination order and presented apologies for the “unfortunate developments” it caused. Quoting from Governor Bond’s Executive Order: “WHEREAS, Governor Boggs’ order clearly contravened the rights to life, liberty, property and religious freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, as well as the Constitution of the State of Missouri; and . . . Expressing on behalf of all Missourians our deep regret for the injustice and undue suffering rescind Executive Order Number 44 dated October 27, 1838, issued by Governor W. Boggs. . .” Far West History (n.d.) The individuals who harassed, abused, and even murdered Mormons in cold blood were never tried for their crimes.

I read Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and it really touched my heart. There he was, suffering for the Lord in jail, and these religious leaders with highfalutin titles on the outside wrote an open letter (“A Call for Unity”) in which they criticize King’s tactics and basically blame King for the racial turmoil of the time. Though you can tell King is upset and hurt by the attack – made worse because he’s stuck in jail and can’t confront the religious leaders face-to-face – his response is gentle genius. “I wish you had commended the Negro sit-inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer, and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes.” Barnet and Bedau (2005, p. 881)

King has a few choice words for the Church, too: “If today’s church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.” Barnet and Bedau (2005, p. 880)

King signs off with “Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood”.

There’s an eerie commonality between what JFK and MLK endured at the hands of the religious bigots of their day and what Mitt Romney is facing today. I hope and pray that Romney will be able to fend off these undeserved attacks from the religious hypocrites with the same grace, dignity and God-inspired resolve displayed by the other two.

A few popular bumper stickers read: “Honk if you love Jesus” and “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” or “Jesus is my co-pilot”. Yet, apparently, these same bumper-sticker Christians are the ones waging war against Mitt Romney’s run for the Presidency solely on the basis of his chosen faith in a Church that bears the name of the Savior of the world.

References

ABC News - 20/20 (2007). Philanthropic donations come from your heart, but where do they end up? Ex-money manager says "enough!" to secretive Christian Ministry spending. Glenn Ruppel & John Stossel. United States: ABC News.

Ayers, E. L., Gould, L. L., Oshinsky, D. M., & Soderlund, J. R. (2004). American Passages - a history of the United States - Volume I: to 1877 (2nd ed.). Belmont, California: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Barnet, S., & Bedau, H. (2005). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Current Issues and Enduring Questions - a guide to critical thinking and argument, with readings (7th ed., pp. 867-882). Boston and New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Far West History. (n.d.). The Extermination Order and how it was rescinded. Retrieved April 28, 2007, from http://www.jwha.info/mmff/exorder.htm

Hewitt, H. (2007). A Mormon in the White House? 10 things every American should know about Mitt Romney. Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, Inc.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. (1960, September 12). Address of Senator John F. Kennedy to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://www.jfklibrary.org

Lds Faq. (n.d.). What was the Haun's Mill Massacre? Retrieved April 28-2007, 2004, from Brigham Young University Web Site: http://ldsfaq.byu.edu/view.asp?q=57

Media Matters for America. (2007). Fox News whitewashes evangelical hostility to Romney's faith. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://mediamatters.org/items/printable/200702280002


TOPICS: Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: boggsforgovernor; cuespookymusic; election; lds; mormon; mormons; romney; whitesalamanderblues
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To: Saundra Duffy
I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I believe Heavenly Father hears my prayers and we always pray “In the Name of Jesus Christ”.

But you don't pray directly to Jesus?

361 posted on 05/04/2007 10:31:07 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian
No, but why would that matter to you or any other republican or Christian? Has he ever done anything in his political life that would warrant such a paranoid fear as you seem to have of him?

Has any Mormon in public office?

362 posted on 05/04/2007 10:32:07 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: Colofornian

I wish you’d stop obsessing.

I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and I feel bad that I’m such a screw-up that He had to pay the price for me. I love Heavenly Father for instituting such a wonderful plan. And the Holy Ghost tells me it’s true.


363 posted on 05/04/2007 10:33:19 PM PDT by Saundra Duffy (Mitt Romney for President !!!)
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To: Colofornian

I pray the way Jesus Christ taught us to pray: “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .”

What is wrong with that?


364 posted on 05/04/2007 10:36:26 PM PDT by Saundra Duffy (Mitt Romney for President !!!)
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To: sevenbak
Do you believe that all other Churches of Christian leaning are equally of God? Lutherans, Baptists, Catholics, Presbyterian, Unitarian, etc, etc.

Has God sourced all of these churches?

No. For example, the Unitarian church.

Are all "traditional" Christian Churches the same to God in your opinion?

First of all, please specify if you are referring to "local churches" or denominational church bodies. Beyond that, ya gotta admit this is a fairly vague question. Finally, I kind always go to Scripture, but I can't always discern alone the mind of Christ as to how He evaluates each church.

If you look at Revelation 2 and Rev. 3, He had very specific commendations and encouragments, and very specific critiques and correctives for each local church.

I believe God evaluates each local church distinctly. And I base that conclusion on Rev. 2 and Rev. 3.

365 posted on 05/04/2007 10:36:59 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian
Neither did Jesus. He is my example.

“Our Father which art in Heaven...”

But those that do pray to Jesus can do so all they want, I don’t think of them any less and am considerate and usually stringent by the faith they have.

As for me personally, I take this route:

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

366 posted on 05/04/2007 10:39:16 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: Colofornian
please specify if you are referring to "local churches" or denominational church bodies. Beyond that, ya gotta admit this is a fairly vague question.

No, it's not a vague question. You brought up the first vision and what God told Joseph Smith. I'm asking you the same question. Do you feel that all Churches are created equal and provide "one Lord, one faith and one baptism? Are they all preaching the same gospel of Jesus Christ?

367 posted on 05/04/2007 10:44:08 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: Saundra Duffy
I pray the way Jesus Christ taught us to pray: “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” What is wrong with that?

Why don't you pray directly to Jesus? Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit did:

"Lord, Jesus, receive my Spirit" (or "Jesus, into your hands I commend my Spirit." (Acts 7:59).

After the Nephite disciples asked for the Holy Ghost in 3 Nephi 19:9, what did they do? "And behold, they began to pray; and they did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God...and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with them...when Jesus...came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him...Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him..." (3 Nephi 19:18,22,24-25)

Isn't there something wrong with a church and with all general authorities when they tell you not to pray directly to Jesus, yet the evidence of someone who is full of the Holy Ghost, is to pray directly unto Jesus? And not just a phrase here or there, but "without ceasing."

Why don't you want to be blessed by the true Jesus--the One who created all things--by praying directly to Him?

368 posted on 05/04/2007 10:47:08 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: FastCoyote

The main thing is Jesus and Him crucified. Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am proud of Mitt Romney and I am proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And I love my Church.

My Ward is the best Ward in the whole wide world. We are small and poor but we are rich in the Spirit and in love. You seem to make fun of our testimonies. I have a testimony of the truthfulness of my Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Missionaries came over today and helped my husband paint the garage. Those fine young men deserve our respect. I don’t like it when people put them down. I am grateful for their service, love and sacrifice.

Sheeeeeeeeeeshh already!!


369 posted on 05/04/2007 10:49:39 PM PDT by Saundra Duffy (Mitt Romney for President !!!)
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To: Saundra Duffy
Good paper, Saundra. Most impressive. I give it an A+. : )

You know how I think and feel about Mitt and about Mormon's who I have long been aware, have suffered tremendous bigotry throughout their history. I hate to see this bigotry again rearing it's ugly head in modern day America. You would think we would have gotten beyond it long ago!

You go get 'em girl! : )

370 posted on 05/04/2007 10:49:55 PM PDT by TAdams8591 (Mitt Romney for President '08)
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To: GOP_Raider

Nope, not offended. This thread is pretty interesting.


371 posted on 05/04/2007 10:52:25 PM PDT by Saundra Duffy (Mitt Romney for President !!!)
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To: JRochelle

You’re right, no one should ever say “all ministers do this or all pastors say that”. One should be more accurate and say the exact truth. Like maybe; not all, but every main stream denomination I have attended over 30 years of every Sunday attendance at one time or another the paid minister had something outrageous to say about the LDS church. Follow the money. Main stream “Christianity” in this country is a trillion dollar business. They cannot afford to tell the truth. Not all do it for the money. But, how do we know?


372 posted on 05/04/2007 10:53:11 PM PDT by lager (Lager finally posts)
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To: sevenbak; FastCoyote
No, it's not a vague question. You brought up the first vision and what God told Joseph Smith. I'm asking you the same question. Do you feel that all Churches are created equal and provide "one Lord, one faith and one baptism? Are they all preaching the same gospel of Jesus Christ?

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times SOME will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Tim. 4:1)

We would agree on apostasy if we were both in unity with the Holy Spirit. Apostasy is prophesied by the Holy Spirit through Paul. Only it's partial apostasy: "SOME will abandon the faith." (You're not calling the Holy Spirit a liar are you? Especially when He could have just as easily said "all" or "total"?

"Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many.'" (Matt 24:4-5)

Slapping "Jesus Christ" on to a building doesn't necessarily make it sourced in Him, as both Matt 24 and the LDS church both show. I believe it was Fast Coyote who said this week: Creating a new group called, "Democrats of the United States and Jesus Christ" doesn't mean that the Democrats are "out" as the viable party and the new restoration group is "in."

373 posted on 05/04/2007 10:54:38 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: TAdams8591

Thanks, FReeper pal.


374 posted on 05/04/2007 10:54:56 PM PDT by Saundra Duffy (Mitt Romney for President !!!)
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To: AmericanMade1776; bcbuster; bethtopaz; Bluestateredman; Capt. Cox; cardinal4; carton253; cgk; ...

A belated ping!


375 posted on 05/04/2007 10:54:58 PM PDT by TAdams8591 (Mitt Romney for President '08)
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To: NittanyLion
"As a Roman Catholic, I find it appalling that some people would not vote for Romney simply because he’s Mormon"

Me too. I so agree with you.

376 posted on 05/04/2007 10:57:14 PM PDT by TAdams8591 (Mitt Romney for President '08)
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To: Colofornian
Ah, but he saw Jesus didn't he? Standing right there on the right hand of God, the two of them looking down at Stephen. Perhaps this is not the best reference for you to use ina settign like this, unless you want to discuss the trinity belief vs. the LDS belief of a separate Father and Son.

Your bringing up the Nephite example is kind of weird, considering your initial assertion is that we wouldn't respect anyone who prayed to Jesus.

The Nephites were practicing the law of Moses, and prayed to God. Jesus was a fulfillment of that law, and his appearing unto them the way He did was indeed in Godlike form. He didn't walk among them as a man like he did in Jerusalem. Of course they would pray to him, he was their God. He is also my God.

377 posted on 05/04/2007 10:57:53 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: sevenbak
No, but why would that matter to you or any other republican or Christian? Has he ever done anything in his political life that would warrant such a paranoid fear as you seem to have of him? Has any Mormon in public office?

Wanna explain how you calling folks paranoid is different from gays who label folks as homophobia? (More drive-by verbal taunts?)

Re: Other LDS office-holders and their track record vs. a potential LDS president, I've already explained that in detail on this thread. You'll have to go to posts #251, #280, and #290, where I do make distinctions between the two.

378 posted on 05/04/2007 11:04:34 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian
Well, at least you came half way and acknowledged apostasy. Because we believe that all direct authority of God was lost with the death of the Apostles, I understand why you are so offended. There are many many millions who are not offended and recognize truth as inspired and given from the Holy Ghost.

Since you quoted the D&C on this topic, let me give you one more to chew on...

D&C 123:2 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

379 posted on 05/04/2007 11:04:45 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: Colofornian
Wanna explain how you calling folks paranoid is different from gays who label folks as homophobia?

You said yourself that you didn't trust him to separate his religion from his politics. Is that not paranoid? What term would you use, and how would it mean any differently?

380 posted on 05/04/2007 11:08:05 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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