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Posted on 08/03/2011 4:48:52 PM PDT by greyfoxx39
Last month, a Gallup poll indicated some trouble for Mormon presidential candidates: 22 percent of respondents said they would not vote for a Mormon. And this time, the main problem was not among conservative evangelicals–as was once thought–but among self-identified Democrats, where the anti-Mormon bigotry was most pronounced.
Today, the Wall Street Journal has a fascinating article laying out the Mormon Church’s strategy for the current campaign, in which two candidates–Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney–are members of the LDS Church:
“We not only don’t want to cross the line” between religion and politics, Michael Purdy, director of the church’s media relations office, said in an interview at church headquarters here. “We don’t want to go anywhere near the line.”
And that means being actively apolitical. In contrast to its relatively quiescent approach in 2008 when Romney ran for president, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is going on the offensive, aiming to swiftly counter anti-Mormon political arguments and push back against what it considers unfair portrayals of the faith.
The article also notes the Church will bar permanent employees and their wives from participating in the campaign, which will to some degree undermine the fundraising of the Mormon candidates. But this line the Church plans to walk–not supporting Mormon candidates but pushing back against anti-Mormon bias that emerges during the campaign–is bound to get blurred. When a presidential candidate is not Protestant, he is often taken as a representative of his faith. This is less of an obstacle for Catholics and Jews, who are familiar enough to the greater population they don’t usually need to worry about being the only Catholic or Jew voters will be acquainted with.
But that is not necessarily the case with Mormons, which is perhaps one reason Gallup found that 7 percent of respondents wouldn’t vote for a Catholic and 9 percent wouldn’t vote for a Jewish candidate–numbers significantly lower than those who say they won’t vote for a Mormon.
But more problematically, what happens in a general election if Romney is the Republican nominee? President Obama was, as a candidate, shockingly negative. (It is still difficult to imagine Obama was shameless enough to make an ad like this, which would have made Nixon or Kennedy blush and which inspired a defense of McCain from a vice president of La Raza.) When the inevitable attempts to summon this far-too-prevalent anti-Mormon prejudice provoke a response from the Church, won’t they be seen as defending Romney, first and foremost?
It may not be fair, but the Church is going to have a difficult time separating its own public relations work from that of the Romney campaign–at least as voters see it.
I wonder how the mormon church's tax exempt status may be affected if they support Mitt openly?
Ping
Self identified Democrats have higher levels of anti-Mormon bigotry?????
How can this be? I’m shocked, just shocked.
The Democrats are the party of liberalism, tolerance, diversity, and all that. By definition, there can be no bigotry among good Democrats, because good Democrats celebrate diversity and tolerate anyone and everything. Right??? What am I missing?????
If Palin, Bachmann, Demint, or Cain were Mormon, that would not affect my vote even a little. I would vote for them in a heartbeat. The problem is that the leading LDS politicians are far left libs - Romney and Reid - and that gives their politicians a bad name.
You put your left side in
You leave your right side out
You put your left side in
and you shake it all about
You glad hand all the liberals
and you kiss up to ol Reid
And thats how you do the deed
People like you and I don’t want to vote for Romney because of his record. Add to this people who don’t trust Mormons and you have 0bama re-elected.
Any guess why the media are so enthusiastic about Mitt? They'll stay that way too . . . but only until he gets the nomination. Their only hope is that we will choose someone unelectable or at least indistinguishable from Obama - and Romney is both.
One word:
Whitehorse Prophecy
There are very few unfair portrayals of the LDS faith. There are however several unfair portrayals of other faiths in the LDS doctrine.
I am not sure that trying to defend a faith that at its core claims that everyone else is wrong is going to go over very well. Not only wrong but an abomination in the sight of the lord. Any defense of that will only bring several ugly truths to the surface quickly so the arguments will be total spin and double speak.
Hey, if Joseph Smith, Lds founding dictator, could dictate in a busybody manner whether or not church member Newel Whitney was to retain his store in 1831 (Lds Doctrine & Covenants 63:42)-- and then for Whitney + church member Sidney Gilbert not to sell the store (D&C 64:26)...& for church member Josh Billings to dispose of land (D&C 63:39)...
...then ya better believe that the Lds dictatorial hierarchy will pinpoint when Lds grassroots members cannot exercise their citizenship rights...
...as well as dictate away to Romney were he ever to get into the White House.
If these so-called "revelations" can utterly control the commercial dealings of grassroots members, like Smith did, and probably like Lds "prophets" have done ever since just less noticeably -- then how can people like Lds scholar Richard Bushman claim that the Lds hierarchy won't weigh in on White House decisions?
They really can't.
What with the Warren Jeffs trial and this, Romney is prolly tearing at that beautiful hair.
What happened to the tax exempt status of the First AME Church with Democrats openly campaigning from the pulpit and front steps of the church buildings? The standard policy inside an LDS building is NO discussion of politics. Period. There are exceptionally sensitive about the issue. The know there are vultures who would love nothing better than to pull the tax exempt status of the LDS church. There are probably some lurking on this very thread.
Well, Mormon church. Counter the following:
(1) The Mormon church deems Joseph Smith's "revelations" in Doctrine & Covenants as their "god" speaking to them. Do the following two verses from Mormon "scripture" sound "apolitical" to anybody?
(a) Mayor & soon to be POTUS candidate Joseph Smith less than two years before his death -- and deemed as "scripture" to his disciples:
It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of --
a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven.
Nevertheless,
in all ages of the world,
whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given.
Hence, WHATSOEVER those men did in authority,
in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same,
IT BECAME A LAW ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN, AND COULD NOT BE ANNULLED...
...This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it? (Lds Doctrine & Covenants 128:9)
(b) Joseph Smith, 1834 "revelation" from Mormon god: ...the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever." (D&C 103:7) [Here, Smith means ONLY the latter-day "saints" -- because he was already on record a little more than 3 years prior claiming that ..."this church..." is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth with which I...am pleased." (D&C 1:30)
(2) Some like to draw some sort of "comparison" to Kennedy running for POTUS in 1960, but do Catholics go around claiming re: the Pope -- as do Mormons re: their "prophet" -- that "whatsoever" this church authority does authoritatively that it becomes a "LAW ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN, AND COULD NOT BE ANNULLED"????
If you're a true-believing Mormon, then D&C 128:9 claims the Mormon "prophet" can establish laws not just for America, but the entire earth!!! And it's even worse than imbedded Obama"health" "care" -- once in; can't annull worldwide Mormon-imposed legislation!
And then to continue in this vein, please show us where any Pope has made similar spiritual-political imposing statements such as what you find from Lds leaders below...except for the first three statements, ALL of them were made by Lds leaders between the 1960s and 1980s...and even the third statement was being reprinted in official publications ranging from 1984 in a book -->July 7, 2011 in the Lds church-owned Deseret News! Talk about current...can't get anymore "current" than that!
| Lds Leader | Chronological 'Prophet' or Fundamental # (or Other Title) | Overlap Areas: Could the President of the U.S. become a 'puppet' to an Lds 'Prophet?' (The Lds Prophets -- in their own words) | |
| John Taylor | Lds 'Prophet' #3 | “The Almighty has established this kingdom with order and laws and every thing pertaining thereto…[so] that when the nations shall be convulsed, we may stand forth as saviours…and finally redeem a ruined world, not only in a religious but in a political point of view.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 9, p. 342, April 13, 1862) | |
| Orson Hyde | President of the Lds Quorum of the 12 Apostles for 28 years (1847-1875) | “What the world calls ‘Mormonism’ will rule every nation...God has decreed it, and his own right arm will accomplish it. This will make the heathen rage.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 53) | |
| Heber J. Grant | Lds 'Prophet' #7 | "Elder Marion G. Romney recalled the counsel of President Heber J. Grant: 'My boy, you always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever tells you to do anything, and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it.' Then with a twinkle in his eye, he said, 'But you don't need to worry. The Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray'" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1960, p. 78)." Cited in Official Lds publication Search the Commandments: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide, p. 209 (1984) | |
| Harold B. Lee | Lds 'Prophet' #11 | ...President Harold B. Lee said: 'We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, '...as if from mine own mouth...(D&C 21:4-5)...You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself..." Cited in official Lds publication Remember Me: Relief Society Personal Study Guide I, p. 27 (1989) | |
| Spencer Kimball | Lds 'Prophet' #12 | "President Spencer W. Kimball said: '...We deal with many things which are thought to be not so spiritual; but all things are spiritual with the Lord, and he expects us to listen, and to obey..." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1977, p. 8; or Ensign, May 1977, p. 7) Cited in official Lds publication Come, Follow Me: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 1983, p.12 (1983) | |
| What about Marion G. Romney, cousin to Mitt's father? | Who was he in Lds hierarchy? (Title: 'President' - Top 3 of church as 2nd counselor to both #11 & #12 Lds 'prophets') | "Elder Neal A. Maxwell has said: 'Following the living prophets is something that must be done in all seasons and circumstances. We must be like President Marion G. Romney, who humbly said, '..I have never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, and political life' (Conference Report, April 1941, p. 123). There are, or will be moments when prophetic declarations collide with our pride or our seeming personal interests...Do I believe in the living prophet even when he speaks on matters affecting me and my specialty directly? Or do I stop sustaining the prophet when his words fall in my territory? if the latter, the prophet is without honor in our country! (Things As They Really Are, p. 73). Cited in official Lds publication, Search the Commandments: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide, pp. 275-276 (1984) | |
| Ezra Taft Benson | Lds 'Prophet' #13 | Benson speech given 2/26/80 @BYU. Summary: “…remember, if there is ever a conflict between earthly knowledge and the words of the prophet, you stand with the prophet…” (See excerpts re: 3 of 14 'fundamentals' below) Source: Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet | |
| Benson (cont'd) | Fundamental #5 | 5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time. (My Q: Ya hear that Mitt Romney? Ya hear that Jon Huntsman?) | |
| Benson (cont'd) | Fundamental #9 | 9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual. (My Q: Still listening, Mitt? Still listening, Jon?) | |
| Benson (cont'd) | Fundamental #10 | 10. The prophet may advise on civic matters. (My Q: What say ye Mitt? What say ye Jon?) | |
| Mitt Romney as POTUS??? | Aside from above prophetic impositions, why would Mitt not only honor what these 'prophets' have spoken, but what a future Lds 'prophet' may tell him to do? | The Law of Consecration Oath Mitt Romney has sworn in the Mormon temple (done before marriage/sealing in temple): "You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do accept the law of consecration as contained in this, the book of Doctrine and Covenants [he displays the book], in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and EVERYTHING with which the Lord has blessed you, or WITH which he MAY bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion." Source: What is an LDS Church/Mormon temple marriage/sealing? [Q: Please define 'Zion': The LDS PR Web site (lds.org) defines its primary meaning: "membership in the [LDS] church."] |
Do the quotes on post #15 sound like Mormon leaders for years have been "worrying" about overreach on political matters? (Not on your life!)
ME..ME....Pick MEEE.....the mormon church is a for-profit corporation thinly disguised as a religious entity.
How Corporatism Has Undermined and Subverted The Church of Jesus Christ
"Smith's new book is titled The Book of Mammon: A Book About A Book About The Corporation That Owns The Mormons. If you had no idea before now that the Church was actually owned by a corporation, read on. It gets worse.
And if you harbor the happy illusion that all Church policy is the result of prayerful consideration by the general authorities, be prepared to have those illusions shattered. Much of what has been handed down to us in the way of “inspired” Church programs originated in Marketing or some other department of the Church Office Building and was later approved by the G.A.'s.
Time: June 4, 2007...during Romney's previous campaign.
Publishing source: Salt Lake Tribune,
Headline: Romney candidacy has resurrected last days prophecy of Mormon saving the Constitution
Excerpt: Note especially the bold face portion below:
WASHINGTON - It's Mormon lore, a story passed along by some old-timers about the importance of their faith and their country. In the latter days, the story goes, the U.S. Constitution will hang by a thread and a Mormon will ride in on a metaphorical white horse to save it. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it does not accept the legend - commonly referred to as the "White Horse Prophecy" - as doctrine. The issue, however, has been raised on those occasions when Mormons have sought the Oval Office: George Romney was asked about it during his bid in 1968, Sen. Orrin Hatch discussed it when he ran in 2000, and now Mitt Romney. "It is being raised," says Phil Barlow, a professor of Mormon history and culture at Utah State University. "I've heard it a bit lately." Romney says he doesn't believe in the supposed prophecy, nor did his father when he ran. "I haven't heard my name associated with it or anything of that nature," Mitt Romney told The Salt Lake Tribune during an interview earlier this year. "That's not official church doctrine. There are a lot of things that are speculation and discussion by church members and even church leaders that aren't official church doctrine. I don't put that at the heart of my religious belief." The disputed prophecy was recorded in a diary entry of a Mormon who had heard the tale from two men who were with Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Ill. when he supposedly declared the prophecy. "You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed," the diary entry quotes Smith as saying. "It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber." Not only will the Mormons save the Constitution, under the prediction, but the prophecy goes further, insinuating that Mormons will control the government. "Power will be given to the White Horse to rebuke the nations afar off, and you obey it, for the laws go forth from Zion," the prophecy says.
In light of...
...Mormon "scriptures" like D&C 103:7, where Lds "saints" are promised to "possess...the earth...forever and ever"...
...and statements like Lds "apostle" Orson Hyde claiming "Mormonism will rule every nation"...
...and Lds "apostle-turned-'prophet'" John Taylor saying that Mormons would become "political...saviors"
...The White Horse prophesy is one of arrogant Mormon control.
Penny: I am not sure that trying to defend a faith that at its core claims that everyone else is wrong is going to go over very well.
____________________________________________
Do you mean this penny ???
The statue to Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, which stands in the middle of Salt Lasker City, Utah...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2753623/posts?page=436#436
It reads in part: (quoting Joseph Smith)
“I asked which of the sects was right and which I should join. I was answered I must join none of them; they are all wrong; they teach for doctrine the commandment of men; I received a promise that the fullness of the gospel would at some future time be known to me”
In other words only Mormonism is right and all other religions are wrong, and especially Christianity, of which Joseph Smith claims he was inquiring.
Later Joseph Smith claims that the gospel included multiple sex partners for exaltation, the younger the better..
And in 1831 he began to take advantage of that “promise that the fullness of the gospel would at some future time be known to me” for by that time apparantly he had hearsd from the mormon god..
The very thing his devoted follower Warren Jeffs is now being charged with in his court trial..
“We not only don’t want to cross the line” between religion and politics, Michael Purdy, director of the church’s media relations office, said in an interview at church headquarters here. “We don’t want to go anywhere near the line.”
_______________________________________________
No temple recommend for you Michael
You are not sustaining “the prophet”
The first mormon leader and prophet and president and general of the mormon army and mayor of Nauvoo, Joey Smith, whom all good mormons MUST honor and praise and sustain RAN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE
in fact he was running for POTUS in 1844 when he got himself killed in that shootout
and the mormons went out and canvassed for him door to door throughout the land..
Oh SNAP
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