A Mormon’s Ultimate Doorbell

New York Times ^ | December 9, 2007 | LAURIE GOODSTEIN

[Defiant]

IT is probably not to his advantage that Mitt Romney’s clean-scrubbed, youthful presence so readily reminds voters of those earnest Mormon missionaries knocking on their doors.

If it were almost any other church, a missionary past would most likely be an asset for a presidential candidate. To have spent two years in mission work after high school is a sign of early and admirable idealism, commitment and strength of character.

But to many American Christians, those friendly Mormon missionaries embody exactly what they fear and resent about Mormonism. And Mr. Romney, after nearly a year of graciously sidestepping invitations to a theological duel, may have engaged it despite himself last week by giving a speech on faith the likes of which hasn’t been heard since John F. Kennedy took on voters’ fears of Catholicism in 1960. While Mr. Romney uttered the word “Mormon” only once, he jump started the discussion about what makes Mormonism problematic for some Americans.

[Defiant]

This is an unbelievable hit piece, attempting to sow hatred among Christians and Mormons. I am not for Romney, but the NYT's vociferous attacks are a strong point in his favor.

[CARTOUCHE]

Apparently she missed his speech last week or paid it no mind whatsoever. The speech should have ended what is turning-out to be a religious test as prohibited by Article 6 of the US Constitution. Nevertheless, the Times will do it’s best in it’s dying light to promulgate religious animosity. Apparently so will Mike Huckabee.

[Graybeard58]

The speech should have ended what is turning-out to be a religious test as prohibited by Article 6 of the US Constitution.

The "religious test" is wearing thin. There is nothing to prohibit individual voters from applying any test they choose when selecting a candidate.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Governor Mitt Romney is not my candidate, as you all know, but this smacks of religious bigotry, and should NOT be tolerated! What a COMPLETE pantload! No surprise that it’s the NY Times!

[Gorzaloon]

This is an unbelievable hit piece, attempting to sow hatred among Christians and Mormons. I am not for Romney, but the NYT's vociferous attacks are a strong point in his favor.

The Politbureau must be scared.

[Krankor]

Although the columnist has nothing to do with it, the headline is incredibly nasty.

[2ndDivisionVet]

BTW, I find the Mormon missionaries to be one of that Church’s biggest assets! Two came to my Mom’s house several years ago and helped her with yard work and some handyman things around the house. They were polite, well-mannered and obviously strong in their faith. Other denominations could learn a thing or two from the LDS and RLDS.

[FrdmLvr]

IT is probably not to his advantage that Mitt Romney’s clean-scrubbed, youthful presence so readily reminds voters of those earnest Mormon missionaries knocking on their doors.

I think you're mixing them up with Jehova's Witnesses, another cult.

[Gorzaloon]

...since Mormon theology is a challenge to all Christian denominations.

Have we ever elected a Unitarian? Just wondering, really.

[Blue Highway]

As an aside, I'd like to envision a Mormon missionary knocking on the door of a Jehovah's Witness. Would they be 2 peas in the pod or would the Mormon still try to recruit the Jehovah's Witness? Would the opposite happen?

Also envision the opposite of a JH soliciting a mom=rmon's house and predict the outcome.

[D-fendr]

Can’t wait til the start on Obama’s religious upbringing..

[2ndDivisionVet]

"Have we ever elected a Unitarian? Just wondering, really."

Some claim that Washington, Jefferson and several others were Deists, which is sort of close, IIRC.

[Yorlik803]

Better a Mormon than a Muslim any day of the week. And I dont even like Mitt.

[restornu]

Thank you many have no clue what some Religious Leaders are doing for Religious understanding!

Ravi Zacharias speaking to the Mormons and Evangelicals in Salt Lake City in the Mormon Tabernacle. Presented by Standing Together.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5799634011915096131&q=ravi+zacharias&total=127&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

[Tribune7]

I think I might vote for Mitt. It's not as though I like any of them that much anyway.

And if he's going to drive the NYT and Larry O'Donnell crazy I guess that puts him in the lead.

[Popman]

By definition, Mormonism is a cult when defined as what is and is not a Christian Church.

That being said, does that disqualify Mitt Romney from the POTUS? Hardly.

It's not like he cuts the heads off chickens or does blood sacrifice by slicing open his child head !

I find it much more troubling that a POS like Bill Clinton who used his religious pandering as a front to fool his sycophants that he is a Christian.

[2ndDivisionVet]

They’re afraid of Fred as well:
Iowa Democratic Party: Thompson out of touch with Iowa priorities
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/1936948/posts#comment?q=1

[Kolokotronis]

“Have we ever elected a Unitarian? Just wondering, really.”

John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Millard Fillmore & Wm. Howard Taft.

[Gorzaloon]

As an aside, I'd like to envision a Mormon missionary knocking on the door of a Jehovah's Witness. Would they be 2 peas in the pod or would the Mormon still try to recruit the Jehovah's Witness? Would the opposite happen?

It would be something for YouTube. Or, if Monty Python were still around, it would be a classic.

"We have the doctrine of Headship, you see...The woman is subservient."

"Woman? Singular?"

"What about the Be-It-Yourself-Someday God Kit™? Bet you don't have one of THEM!"

"Do you have a 144,000 package deal?"

[SkyPilot]

I am glad you liked that video I sent you restornu.

Ravi Zacharias is a very powerful speaker. I am honored to call him a friend.

He took a lot of heat from the Christian community for speaking at the Mormom temple. The fear was the message would be lost and Mormoms would hoist his appearance at the temple there as justification for Mormon theology.

Sadly - the fears were correct.

Ravi gave a sermon (I have it on tape) where he used Joseph Smith as an example of what happens when you add to or take away from the word of God.

Dr. Zacharias was trying to get the truth to the LDS church through love.