Posted on 09/22/2007 9:18:05 PM PDT by CharlesWayneCT
The following is a letter written by Mitt Romney to the Washington Establishment. It is without a doubt one of the boldest statements made by a presidential candidate. As a Republican he says it exactly right. You may not support him, but if you are a true conservative you are going to agree with him. Many conservatives have already seen this letter and are taking it to heart.
Romney has been praised by many conservatives for taking this strong step toward getting our nation back on track. Richard A. Viguerie, author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big-Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause (Bonus Books, 2006), had this to say about Romney’s stance:
At last, a top-tier presidential candidate is paying attention to the discouraged, disheartened, and disillusioned base of the Republican Party. I commend Mitt Romney for urging the GOP leadership to return to its conservative values.By releasing an ad chastising the Republican leadership for its excessive spending, immigration amnesty, and ethical slackness, Governor Romney has taken a small but significant step toward reclaiming the GOP for the grassroots conservatives who are its backbone.
I hope you will read Governor Romney's Letter and Watch the ad in its entirety.
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.virginianfederalist.com ...
You think Paul’s affirmation was limited to an angelic visitation? That may be what shook him and pulled him from his pharisaic ways; but I don’t think it’s what kept him a warrior for the faith. My opinion only, of course.
This testimony to the soul seems to be something you don’t understand. If this is the case, then there’s no common foundation on which for us to build a discussion on the topic. Just realize that it’s a real thing for those who seek it. God does not leave us without personal guidance.
~”Everything from greasy pizza to lactose intolerance can duplicate the Mormon burning in the bosom.”~
‘Fraid not. The impact is more akin to a sense of abiding joy. Unless you’ve gotten heartburn from joy. In the case of some people, this wouldn’t be surprising to me.
Ah, Elsie! It’s so good to see you back to your spamming ways! I never get tired of the quote. I like the truth!
Obama keeps talking about change in Washington.
If he and Romeny start to sound alike, the negative connotation of Obama’s campaign will not reflect kindly on Romney.
If he and Romeny start to sound alike, the negative connotation of Obama’s campaign will not reflect kindly on Romney.
That's a shallow criticism. Everyone who isn't an incumbent talks about change. In this election, there is not a single candidate who is calling for maintaining the status quo. What's important is the direction in which the change is called for.
What changes will Guiliani make and how? What changes will Thompson make and how? What changes will Romney, Hunter, Huckabee make and how? Those questions are what is important to know the answer to. Once I can get a straight up answer from the candidate on what they will do with the office of the President, something more than vague position statements, than I can make a reasonably informed decision on where to cast my vote.
My position is that using the change mantra alone rings hollow.
Bush tried to peddle “compassionate conservativism” and I found it didn’t stir me from my seat to rush to the polls.
Unless you can examine a candidate’s history and at the same time examine their new proposals, there is nothing to vote for.
I find that people vote FOR things, not against.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ecstatics are common in several cults, like the whirling dervishes and Sufis! In ancient times, temple prostitution was an integral part of bringing believers to a joyous state in their worship of the Goddesses and Gods. I guess you'd say they are/were receiving a witness from the Holy Spirit, eh? ;^)
But he isn't. Romney is specifying some things that the Republicans need to change. Spending, border enforcement and ethics. If you'll note, those are EXACTLY the three things that were being cited here on FR as the cause for the Republican defeat in 2004.
Try ignoring the fact that this comes from a candidate you don't support, and look at the actual proposal. If it were Hunter or Thompson saying this, would you be kicking, or agreeing?
Unless you can examine a candidate’s history and at the same time examine their new proposals, there is nothing to vote for.
Exactly. I have problems with Romney's history and problems with Thompsons lack of new policy proposals.
And I like it when a True Believer refers to posting of their 'scripture' as SPAM.
We also have Moses claiming the miracle of the water coming out of the rock. And Peter denying Christ. Were they speaking their own opinion at the time or not? Was it God who denied God through his own prophet or was it Peter just expressing his own opinion on Christ at that time?
2 Cor. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the agrace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was brich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his dpoverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
Brigham Young and Joesph Smith (like Paul) gave their own opinion and advice at times. Sometimes it was good advice (like Paul's) sometimes it wasn't so good (Moses', Peter's) But all are still prophets.
The Greek Philosophers are the ones who emphasized mind over emotion. Plato especially pushed the idea that the mind should rule over the emotions. Yet in the shortest verse of the Bible we have "Jesus Wept" (John 11:35). Emotions and mind cannot be split as the Greek Philosphers would have it. (Modern Nueroscience shows that emotion and thought are connected as well).
Matt. 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Luke 24: 32. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Mark 12: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Rom. 8: 27, Philip. 4: 7, Heb. 8: 10
Incidentally in the Bible many times the phrase "my bowels are full of compassion" designates the Biblical understanding of the seat of emotions.)
(Ping to Colo due to his earlier involvement in the topic.)
You have, MHG, referred to scripture that mentions the mind in relation to one’s testimony of Christ. These are instructive verses; we cannot have a testimony of Christ in our hearts without the knowledge first being placed in our minds. Therefore, we are instructed to study the scriptures and -learn- the truth. After that comes the testimony of the Holy Spirit.
Humor me, if you will, and take a look at Matthew 16: 15-17. I am certain that you are quite familiar with the following verses:
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Peter here proclaims his knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. And how did he receive this knowledge? How was it revealed to him? Not by man; not by the teaching of philosophy, or tradition, or even study of the scriptures. But it was revealed to him by the Father.
And what was the means of this revelation to Peter by the Father? We have no records at this time of Peter having seen angels, or having received a personal visitation from the Father. Jesus does not say that He revealed this knowledge to Peter, but that the Father did. It is my belief that the Father revealed this to Peter by means of the Holy Spirit - the testimony to Peter’s soul of the truth of the principle that Jesus is the Christ.
(It is to this same phenomenon, we believe, that Christ then refers as the “rock” upon which He would build His Church - the power of revelation, or the ability of the Holy Spirit to testify to the soul. And what happens when men choose to abandon this fount of knowledge? Are they any longer on the Lord’s rock? And therefore are they any longer the Lord’s Church? But if they remain on this rock, then the gates of Hell truly never will prevail against them. Such is my experience in my comparatively short life.)
I further declare that this same testimony is available, not only to the Apostles of Christ’s day, but to each of God’s children - you and me both - who will earnestly and sincerely request it. It can be utilized to discern all truth. How useful it is to have a universal truth detector at our ready disposal in spiritual matters!
I consider it, from my viewpoint, as one of the great tragedies of our age that the power and influence of this testimony of the Holy Spirit has been so roundly abandoned as a source of divine knowledge. Many truly good, earnest people are led astray by their refusal to accept this one simple principle. They stumble because the philosophies of men teach them to trust in the arm of flesh - manifest in the dogmas, traditions, and religious philosophy surrounding them - rather than in the arm of God - manifest (partly) in the revelation of the Holy Spirit to confirm the truths learned in scripture and the teachings of the prophets. But, then, many be called, but few chosen.
All this is why I say that the precepts of mainstream Christianity are as dross to me when compared to the pure, refined, abundant truth of God of which I have sampled. I have found a fine diamond, whereas others have only found a lump of coal. Is it any wonder, then, that you find me entirely intransigent on such things?
All I can do is invite. There are diamonds aplenty for all.
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All this is why I say that the precepts of mainstream Christianity are as dross to me when compared to the pure, refined, abundant truth of God of which I have sampled. I have found a fine diamond, whereas others have only found a lump of coal. Is it any wonder, then, that you find me entirely intransigent on such things?
Ooh, this could get interesting...
Not interested in fights today, folks. Just sharing my beliefs with somebody with whom I’ve a long and storied history.
But I do stand behind my comments. It is an explanation for the reasons behind my faith - a principle with which many here will no doubt be familiar.
I’m suspicious of all politicians. Especially those who could have had careers as fashion models.
Tantiboh, you said:
“All this is why I say that the precepts of mainstream Christianity are as dross to me when compared to the pure, refined, abundant truth of God of which I have sampled. I have found a fine diamond, whereas others have only found a lump of coal. Is it any wonder, then, that you find me entirely intransigent on such things?”
You have just masterfully shown, as a Mormon, Tantiboh, your utter contempt for “mainstream Christianity.” Very well placed, I notice, at the end of a long thread, so most will not read it.
Never fear. I have it bookmarked, and am going to throw these words back at you every chance I get.
And you accuse others of being judgmental?
Oh, and by the way, I put Mitt Romney in the same boat as you — that’s why I won’t vote for him. He obviously believes the same thing since he is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Would he have a different belief than this, one of the main tenets of your church, as espoused by Joseph Smith, your false prophet?
~”You have just masterfully shown, as a Mormon, Tantiboh, your utter contempt for “mainstream Christianity.””~
Contempt? Hardly. I love mainstream Christians. They make terrific converts.
Look, I’ve found something I believe is better. That does not mean -I’m- better. I’m a lowly sinner just like everybody. When I say my faith is the truth, I say no more or less than a member of any other denomination, including Catholicism. I found the Pope’s pronouncement a few weeks ago most interesting, for example. I’m sufficiently grounded in my own beliefs that I found it anything but threatening. How is it that you find it offensive when I, as a Mormon, say essentially the same thing about my own faith? Why should I accept the tenants of other faiths when I find those tenants to be fundamentally unsatisfactory to my soul?
I have some very good reasons, as do other people, for my confidence in my beliefs. My attempt here is to explain those reasons, because the context of the conversation made it appropriate. I’ll take the diamonds over the coal. I’ll take the Swiss chocolate over the Hershey’s. I’ll take the juicy steak over the salted jerky. And I’ll not apologize for it. While they may provide another with much needed sustenance, the jerky, Hershey’s, and coal are not what I will choose.
If you find those reasons disconcerting, I suggest you work on strengthening your own faith. It’s never appropriate to take offense where none is meant.
~”Never fear. I have it bookmarked, and am going to throw these words back at you every chance I get.”~
I welcome that. It will give me many opportunities to explain again why I think what I believe is true. I’m not ashamed of what I’ve said, and I stand behind it. In fact, I will gladly copy paste the entire passage myself wherever warranted. Just do me a favor and be sure to ping me when you quote me. There are some participating on this thread who have abandoned that habit of late.
~”And you accuse others of being judgmental?”~
I’m afraid I don’t follow you. I’ve explained the reasoning behind my beliefs. That you have chosen to take insult was a decision you have made, not one resulting from some sort of judgment on my part. What I am is confident. This is, we know, most off-putting to some people - an unfortunate phenomenon stemming usually from insecurity. I am unapologetic nevertheless.
Jesus is the Christ. His Church has been restored. God speaks to His people today through His prophets. We are blessed with additional spiritual light by means of new sacred scriptures to bolster and reinforce the old. We invite all to learn more.
But, if you choose not to, then I will smile and instead do what I can to help you be the best Catholic, Lutheran, or Baptist you can be. That’s the way the Lord would have it. Worship as you will. I will do the same.
Ah, yes, and of Romney? I couldn’t care less.
Sorry but you are unable to tell the difference between a shinny piece of glass and a diamond.
You have fallen for the piece of worthless glass.
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