MORMONS: AN APPRECIATION

Evangelicals for Mitt ^ | May 3, 2007 | David French

[Capt. Cox]

I know that I'm going to get in trouble in some quarters for the following statement, but I'm going to say it anyway. I love Mormons, and I deeply appreciate the role played by the LDS church in our nation and our culture. I have returned from a lengthy absence from EFM (I was out of town working hard on my day job) to find a debate in these pages about whether Mormonism is a "cult," flipped on the TV to see a two part special about Mormonism on PBS, and turned on my computer today to see this absurd column by Robert Novak demanding that Mitt Romney account for a massacre that occurred 150 years ago. Given these times, I thought I'd take a moment to write a post that is perhaps a bit outside the EFM (i.e. political) umbrella and share with you my own perspective on Mormonism.

We live in tough times. Faith is under attack -- from within and without. I know there are some folks out there who deride such comments, but I ask those people who do to walk not a mile but a few feet in my shoes. In moments, you would hear from people of faith from across this country who are silenced, intimidated, and sometimes subjected to vile threats and abuse merely for standing for Biblical values and fundamental rights. Yes, Christians have political power in some quarters, but in others -- such as the academy, the mainstream media, and in popular entertainment -- we are relentlessly demonized. And this demonization has consequences. When "family values" are derided, families tend to falter. When families falter, poverty and violence follow like night follows day.

[Capt. Cox]

"Ronald Reagan truly admired the Latter-day Saints. His administration included more members of the Church than any other American president, ever. Three of us, David Fischer, Gregory Newell and I, served on his personal White House staff. Richard Wirthlin was his chief strategist. Ted Bell served as Secretary of Education, Angela Buchanan was Treasurer, Rex Lee was Solicitor General. His White House included Roger Porter, Brent Scowcroft, Richard Beal, Blake Parish, Jon Huntsman Jr., Dodie Borup and Rocky Kuonen, and there were many other Latter-day Saints throughout his Administration. President Thomas S. Monson served on a Presidential Commission on Volunteerism. Others were ambassadors. LDS senators and representatives were held in special regard, and the Tabernacle Choir was his special inaugural guest." -Stephen M. Studdert, Special Assistant to President Reagan

Source: "President Reagan respected Church," Church News, 12 Jun 2004, page 7

The Tabernacle Choir at the inauguration - 2001

[gidget7]

I have no problem with Mormonism. I have known some who practice this faith, and they were wonderful people, very genuine. I like Romney, I just don’t support him for President. That having nothing to do with his Mormon religion, and folks I know feel the same way. The Media is touting lack of support as a bias, and most Christians do not feel that way.

[Migraine]

and there were many other Latter-day Saints throughout his Administration

Bush I had a prominent Mormon -- Brent Scowcroft, National Security Advisor -- and he was one of the worst ever. He also undermined Bush II by his 'expert' media pronouncements. So I think policy/philosophical factors far outweigh religious ones.

[Barney Gumble]

I have a lot of respect for Mormons. I’ve always found themselves to be very bright, hard-working, polite, and kind.... much more so than average people.

However, Romney is a candidate just like many others. I don’t like his socialized healthcare or his passionate defense of abortion rights even as recently as a couple years ago. The Mormons I know don’t even drink coffee. Yet, Mitt is pro-choice? It may not be his Mormonism that prevents his nomination, but his lack of Mormonism that prevents it.

[TFMcGuire]

Is Mormonism a denomination, a religion, or a cult?”

Answer C.

Joseph Smith claimed to have a revelation from God stating that all extant religions (middle 1800’s) were an abomination to Him.

JS attacked the Bible-preaching and teaching faiths of his day along with all the errant religions. Mormonism began its course by attacking bilical Christianity and it continues until this day.

Mormonism attacks biblical orthodoxy while masquerading as evangelical Christianity. No matter how moral and nicey-nice Mormonism may seem, it is heterodoxy.

I love you. So I give you the truth.

[AU72]

I will wait in vain for PBS to a documentary on Islam that was as critical as the one on the Mormonism

[nctexan]

If my only choices for POTUS were between a nominal Christian who lived a totally secular life, or a very committed and faith living Mormon... I would choose the Mormon. (all other things being equal)

However, I would not want either for my pastor or spiritual leader.

While I greatly differ with the LDS theology, it generally drives works, values, and morality that are not incompatible with traditional Christianity.

Choosing the label is not good enough.. Remember all these folks call themselves "Christians"... Jesse Jackson, Bubba Bill, Rev. Al, Jimmy Carter, Obabma, Hillary, Edwards.. and look at the values, ideas and morality that you get.

[TheBethsterNH]

Funny, Novak did not require Reid to apologize for 150 year old massacre...Reid is a Mormon convert...the hypocrisy tank is getting very deep.

[gidget7]

While I cannot argue your points, I don’t dislike people because there faith is different. I pray for them yes, but don’t dislike “them”, so long as they live a conservative lifestyle, I believe the Lord will reach them. Much the same as I am not Catholic, but I do not believe Catholics are not going to Heaven. Granted Mormonism is different, but it is not my reason to not support Romney. There are plenty of other reasons not to.

[gidget7]

“While I greatly differ with the LDS theology, it generally drives works, values, and morality that are not incompatible with traditional Christianity.”

Yes, what you said.

[Colofornian]

I love Mormons

By all means love them. ("Loving them," BTW, includes not withholding vital news from them).

I deeply appreciate the role played by the LDS church in our nation and our culture.

You mean this cultural role?

Folks are to "join none of them" (other churches); "for they were ALL wrong...[AND] ALL their creeds were an abomination in his [Personage that appeared to him] sight; that those professors were ALL corrupt..." (Source: LDS scripture--the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith - History, verse 19)

So you "appreciate" the fact that the LDS church has castigated every other church member as apostates, coupled with castigating every other creed as abominable, and labeling every other professor of faith as "corrupt," and we're supposed to feel "warm fuzzies" over that?

Again, how is an LDS presidential candidate who believes this about me and millions of others supposed to inspire me as a voter to vote for him?

[ASOC]

WOW

I have stayed out of these Mormon bashing thread up to now. And not to pick you personally - but.

Tell you what - as a long time raised as a Catholic kind of guy - how about *you* make your choices and leave *me* to make my own choices?

Say what you will about the Mormons - they at least publicly allow for freedom of choice.

"11. We claim the privelege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privelege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

That's a hecka lot more open then what some 'Christians' have posted here.

America has, among other rights, freedom of religion. Let these folks go on - if they pose a danger to society or proper govenment - say something.

If they don't meet *your* idea of 'right' keep it to your bad self!

/rant over intolerance

[TFMcGuire]

Of Course, Miss G.

I cannot dislike Mormons as individuals. They, in many ways, are on the same team as the rest of us right wingers.

I do however denounce as damnable the unbiblical teaching of the organization.

Good points and regards,

Terry

[Colofornian]

I...turned on my computer today to see this absurd column by Robert Novak demanding that Mitt Romney account for a massacre that occurred 150 years ago.

Since Novak in this column clearly says "Today's Mormons, including Romney, cannot be blamed for these events," wanna explain your above comment more?

All Novak was asking is: Won't Romney even comment on this movie? (You know a journalist/columnist asking a comment from a politician--even about historical issues--is not exactly a weird thing to do).

Novak wrote: "...the candidate has followed the church's example in ignoring this movie. Romney will not comment on ''September Dawn'' and indeed will not watch it...Romney surely is not responsible for what kind of man Brigham Young was, but that question hurts his candidacy. ...Similarly, he has rejected efforts by the producers of ''September Dawn'' to reach out to him. I made three attempts without success to get his views of the movie. Neither watching it nor condemning it, he may just hope that Americans will not include this bloody tragedy in their spring and summer viewing."

Tell me again, how Novak is being "absurd" here?

[Colofornian]

Say what you will about the Mormons - they at least publicly allow for freedom of choice. "11. We claim the privelege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privelege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

I guess you didn't see the Frontline/American Experience PBS program recently, then, did you?

The last part of the show featured commentary on the fact that almost every hour of the two years of an LDS missionary's life is scheduled for them. So that's your "freedom of choice?"

[Colofornian]

/rant over intolerance

(He said intolerantly)

[Colofornian]

If they don't meet *your* idea of 'right' keep it to your bad self!

Hey, if reconrick doesn't meet *your* idea of 'right' keep it to yourself.

(Sorry. I just couldn't help myself raise the issue of why you have a platform to keep reconrick "in check," but reconrick doesn't. So the platform you afford for yourself is not "worthy" of the likes of a poster like reconrick?)

[gidget7]

Colofornian, I have heard Priests as well as Pastors say the same things about there religion. That others will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Which I do not believe either, however those Priests and Pastors are free to preach that. I am not a proponent of Mormonism, or Jehovah Witnesses, don’t even believe in Priests, but those who do, and are living Christian values and principals, I do not condemn.