Romney Calls Attacks on His Faith Un-American

Right Views USA ^ | November 17, 2007 | Keith Anders

[Nathan_Hale76]

Mitt Romney called attempts to undermine him by questioning his Mormon faith "un-American" as he spoke to reporters in Nevada yesterday. Romney was specifically responding to reported "push-poll" phone calls being made in Iowa and New Hampshire, in which the calls reportedly begin as opinion polls but turn into statements and questions designed to highlight and cast doubt on Romney's Mormon faith. Here is what Romney had to say.....(Video)

[MHGinTN]

As you probably suspect, I disagree with you; the Church began with the Day of Pentecost, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

I find it interesting that you don't see the contradiction to your religion when you say the Law of Moses was fulfilled with the death and Resurrection, since your religion claims there is a need for 'aaronic priesthood' and 'Melchizadek' priesthood (knowing Christ is the culmination of same and claiming to be in that order would raise you to equality with Him!). Oh, I forgot, it (Mormonism) is all a fantasy anyway so you can claim anything you want even when it isn't in your novel, the Book of Mormon.

[Osage Orange]

Yeah, I really liked how I put together that sentence. I think I did a terrific job, even if I do say so myself. I have a wonderful command of written English, and I’m able to communicate my thoughts effectively whenever I’m of a mind to do so. I appreciate it when I find my positive traits noticed. Need I say more? I think not. I’ll be back!

Oh...ROFLOL..I can't wait. Which one will you be..? The INTJ or the other one?

[tantiboh]

~”I find it interesting that you don’t see the contradiction to your religion when you say the Law of Moses was fulfilled with the death and Resurrection, since your religion claims there is a need for ‘aaronic priesthood’ and ‘Melchizadek’ priesthood”~

The Priesthood (which encompasses both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods) predated the Law of Moses. It is, in fact the same Priesthood which Adam held, and which he passed down to his posterity. The higher portion of it was withdrawn from the Children of Israel when the Law of Moses was instituted, and the Aaronic Priesthood, or lesser portion, was conferred upon Aaron and his posterity as a preparatory priesthood pending the time when the Law would be fulfilled.

As the Priesthood was not part of the Law of Moses, but rather the Law of Moses was administered through the Priesthood, it was not done away when the Law was fulfilled.

As to the exact date of the founding of Christ’s Church, you make a good argument that it was on the Day of Pentacost, particularly if you’re looking for a formal organization. I was looking at it from the perspective of when the higher law (i.e. the teachings of Christ) superceded the Law of Moses.

[MHGinTN]

I'm not sure I want to slog through the Mormonism argument for the following, but I would point out to you that the Bible says we have a great High Priest in Heaven, so your piddling priesthood in the fantasy of Mormonism would be a joke if it were not so heretical>

"The higher portion of it was withdrawn from the Children of Israel when the Law of Moses was instituted, and the Aaronic Priesthood, or lesser portion, was conferred upon Aaron and his posterity as a preparatory priesthood pending the time when the Law would be fulfilled. ... As the Priesthood was not part of the Law of Moses, but rather the Law of Moses was administered through the Priesthood, it was not done away when the Law was fulfilled." Oy vey!

[tantiboh]

~”but I would point out to you that the Bible says we have a great High Priest in Heaven”~

Yes, we do. What you fail to grasp is that it is all the same Priesthood. That’s why we claim it to be authority from God. Christ holds a higher office in that Priesthood than any on Earth, and therefore has greater power and authority delegated to Him by the Father; but the Priesthood is the same.

It’s really quite a wondrous thing, particularly when understanding of it opens one’s eyes to many, many truths contained in the Bible that the rest of the world misses. My heart swells in gratitude for the Priesthood and the blessings we receive through it, particularly as it is utilized to serve our loved ones and administer the affairs of the Lord’s Church.

It is one more reason that my faith is unshakable. Though it would be inappropriate to share in detail such sacred things in a forum such as this, I have witnessed and performed miracles through the Priesthood; how can I deny such a thing?

[MHGinTN]

And we may conjecture that the ‘miracles’ are secret?

[tantiboh]

No, I’d speak about such things with friends and family. But such things are not for public consumption. Matthew 7:6.

The Lord does not work for public approval. He works to bless His children on an individual basis. I think it would be a violation of His trust were I to treat said blessings lightly.

[MHGinTN]

My physician friend who is Mormon probably has more astonishing stories from his time in India than your stories. But you wouldn’t even entertain that these things can be done by demonic powers, as prophesied in the Bible for the end times. So I’ll let you go for this evening.

[tantiboh]

~”My physician friend who is Mormon probably has more astonishing stories from his time in India than your stories.”~

Faith is a universal principle. I lend credence to stories of healings, etc. because faith is not limited to any particular group. In the case of miracles, the Priesthood works as an augment for faith; but it is the faith that produces the results.

~”But you wouldn’t even entertain that these things can be done by demonic powers, as prophesied in the Bible for the end times.”~

Of course I would. The adversary is powerful, and can produce many facsimiles of the Lord’s work.

But not while the Holy Spirit is present, and not while the Priesthood of God is the instrument (yet another reason that I am grateful for it).

And one final thought: wouldn’t you think that the adversary would want to publish his works far and wide in his attempts to deceive as many as possible? Yet, in the LDS Church, we are counseled to value, treasure, and be silently grateful for the miracles we witness, and not to share them casually. Is that conducive to the widespread deception sought by Satan?

Have a fine evening.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Why did the apostles write of Christ’s miracles? They were not to be kept secret. Miracles happen every day in life. And we are witness to them, constantly.

You hold no special revelation that deems miracles should be kept in the dark. The definition of miracle means an act of God... NOT of man, nor of tantiboth.

[tantiboh]

~”Why did the apostles write of Christ’s miracles?”~

To build the faith of His followers. The same reason that the Lord provides miracles today. But it does no good to publish such works to those who do not believe - it will tend to only harden their hearts more.

I would also be willing to wager that many, many of the Lord’s works were never published.

~”You hold no special revelation that deems miracles should be kept in the dark.”~

I did not say kept in the dark. But I do have the wise counsel of prophets that miracles should be granted the respect and discretion accorded to a sacred experience.

~”The definition of miracle means an act of God... NOT of man, nor of tantiboth.”~

That is not in dispute here, PYW. But the Lord does operate through His faithful servants, and I do try to be one of those.

It’s been a while, PYW. It’s good to see you again.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thank you for your kindness.

I’m a recovering mourner, having lost my nephew and mother in a matter of weeks. Each day it gets easier to accept the loss.

Anyway, I do not believe that keeping miracles to yourself serves ANY purpose.

You are ignoring that fact that miracles happen around us so much, every day, that they become commonplace and man forgets to find the divine in the world around us.

Every miracle, as every life, should be celebrated with loud, joyous laughter!

It IS a good day, tantiboh.

[tantiboh]

~”You are ignoring that fact that miracles happen around us so much, every day, that they become commonplace and man forgets to find the divine in the world around us.”~

No, I don’t ignore that. I also think, though, that publishing those special blessings lightly to the non-believers of the world does tend to make them seem “commonplace” and less valuable.

If I am testifying of Christ to a friend of mine, then I will gladly relate the details of such marvelous experiences; but I do not think it’s usually appropriate to relate them to the stranger on the street, or even to the congregation of the church.

You have my best wishes and my prayers.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I also think, though, that publishing those special blessings lightly to the non-believers of the world does tend to make them seem “commonplace” and less valuable.

How can a blessing, a gift from God, become less valuable!? How can that be? How can the goodness of God who is GOODNESS HIMSELF, diminish?

You actually rate your blessings?

That seems sacrilegious! The very sun that shines upon your head, tantiboh, shines upon the heads of "non-believers"... whatever the definition you use for that! You are saying that when the sun shines upon my head it is less of a blessing than when it shines upon yours? Do you really believe that God ranks the blessings that He bestows upon all of creation?

One of the greatest blessings that God gave the world is His Word... and His Word is sacred and available to the entire earth! You don't believe that? You think the Holy Bible has only been set aside for one group of people and not another?

If that is true, why would you even do any missionary work or offer your testimony of faith to ANYONE?

[tantiboh]

You are misconstruing my words, PYW. I said what I said, and I think it was pretty clear. I feel no need to clarify further.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I’m not misconstruing your words, tantiboh.

I’m trying to understand your statements, while at the same time I am trying to engage you in a discussion.

That you cannot see that from my comments and my tone, is a formatted response that leaves me cold... in that, it is difficult to think why I would attempt the same in the future, with one so unresponsive.

[tantiboh]

I’m sorry, but phrases and sentences such as:

You actually rate your blessings?
That seems sacrilegious!
whatever the definition you use for that!
You think the Holy Bible has only been set aside for one group of people and not another?

seemed to me more combative and confrontational than conversational, particularly when I saw them as accusatory of a position opposite that which I had taken. If I misinterpreted, I apologize.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

In my statements I didn’t use adjectives against you. I didn’t say, “Tantiboh, your beliefs are crazy!” I didn’t cast aspersions on your character.

I’m guilty of trying to engage you in a dialogue that you don’t want want to engage in.

So be it.

But, in the future, when I ignore your posts, you may remember that I choose not to converse with those who ignore me one day, and then rain bricks down upon my head the next.

[Elsie]

The adversary is powerful, and can produce many facsimiles of the Lord’s work.

I'll bet he can even float in the air and point to one of his minions and say...

"This is my Son. Hear Him."

[tracer]

Bruce R. McConkie said this in his book "Mormon Doctrine." He was called to task on this, and his book was modified.

The "Church of the Devil" refers to the entities that have chosen to wage war on the lord and those who love, obey, and worship him. McConkie's claim was ill-advised, unscriptural, and worthy of being modified post-haste....