Yours is an interesting perspective. I’ll have to put some thought to it.
“My point is, unless Mitt and Mormon Apologists make it clear that they will refrain from seeking to use his candidacy as a way to woo more to Mormonism...”
I, for one, indeed make it clear. I will testify of what I know to be true when my faith is attacked - whether such an attack is instigated by a discussion of Romney or not. But I have no desire to use Romney as a tool to further my own agenda; frankly, it wouldn’t do any good, because belief in the LDS Church is a reaction to the voice of the Holy Spirit, not slick marketing and packaging, and certainly not some kind of executive branch mascot.
“But if we conservatives, cemented by our conservative values though divided in our religious beliefs...”
Has that not always been the case? Conservatives are wide and varied in their creeds.
“To cease, we must stop proselytizing and responding to same.”
I agree (and I think our theological opponents are quite vigorously engaged in proselytizing, just as we are); though I think that some period of storming will be necessary as part of the group dynamics. I don’t think that period is over yet.
“NOW, do either of you really believe we (and I include myself in the pact) can or will do that?”
I do. I think Mormons need to grow a thicker skin and some more charity; and I think that our conservative theological opponents need to work on their tolerance and look for some common ground. But I’m optimistic that we really can act like adults and work together.
Still, it’s a long way from the primaries. The whole discussion may well be academic.
It’s interesting that you bring up Sharpton’s comments regarding Romney. What, if you don’t mind my asking, was your gut reaction when you heard him make that statement?
If Romney gets the nomination, I will be faced with how to respond to the negatives which will come from stealthy sources and be protected in the media. You tell me, tantiboh, how do I respond to an assertion that Mormonism doesn't believe in the same God I believe in ... when I agree, how to I deflect such an assertion in honesty? I can refuse to respond, but as a fringe source of op-eds, I have to find ways to blunt such divisive assertions without compromising my beliefs. How do you suggest this be done?