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Is Mitt Romney a Christian or not?
Herald News Chicago Suntimes ^ | August 23, 2012 | George Gaspar

Posted on 08/23/2012 8:20:55 PM PDT by delacoert

Edited on 08/23/2012 8:26:36 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]

In recent decades the Republican Party has made a person’s religious beliefs an issue for election to political office, despite the First Amendment to the Constitution explicitly forbidding this.

For the Republicans, that requirement is a person must be a Christian. Mitt Romney has chosen staunch Roman Catholic Paul Ryan as his running mate. That should help divert some of the concern about Romney himself being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints — a Mormon.

There has been debate, including in The Herald-News’ OpenLine, about whether or not Mormons are true Christians. Most people don’t know what Mormons believe, so I thought I would publicize some of their basic precepts, all of which can be easily confirmed.

Mormons believe that “God” created multiple worlds with people living on them. Multiple gods exist but each has its own universe. All people existed as pre-mortal spirit children of God and are then physically born on this earth and are subject only to our specific “God.” If you follow God and his law (the precepts of the LDS Church) you can reach the highest level of heaven and become a “God” also.

Our “God” was a mortal on another planet who reached this highest level and became “God.” He had a mortal wife who also became a “Goddess.” He physically had sexual relations with Mary and Jesus became mortal from his spirit life as the eldest son of “God.”

Mormons recognize God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but all three are not one substance but completely different beings forming one “godhead.”

They feel the early Christian Church became corrupted by pagan influences at the Council of Nicea. The Church was finally “restored” through appearances by God, Jesus and some of the apostles to Joseph Smith, beginning in 1820 at age 14. (Smith and his mother and father all believed in “visions, prophecies and folk magic.”) Joseph Smith viewed himself as the “prophet” of God who spoke to the people through him. The LDS still has a “prophet” who can have visions from God and announce new Church beliefs, such as the acceptance of African Americans into the “priesthood” in 1978.

Further beliefs: When people die, the “spirit” is separated from the body and either goes to “spirit heaven” or “spirit prison” waiting for the second coming; Jesus appeared to the people of America after his resurrection; and God, Jesus, and “resurrected beings” have bodies of flesh and bone.

They believe there is no salvation outside the LDS Church, there is no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet, and Satan originated the idea that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.

Mormons believe the entire world must be converted to Mormonism, and they proselytize aggressively.

The final item is their belief in “temple garments,” often referred to as “Mormon underwear.” These are worn day and night, and are required to be worn to enter a temple. They are believed to be a constant reminder of the LDS covenant with God and are a “source of protection from evil.”

These are some of the beliefs of Mitt Romney, the man who would be president; beliefs he does not want to discuss. What do you think?


TOPICS: Other Christian; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: christians; inmans; mormonism; no; romney; romneyandgod
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To: mlizzy

The lds-org denies that Jesus is the Creator, that everything was created THROUGH Him, BY Him and FOR Him.

They deny that Jesus created even the angels out of nothing.

They do NOT teach the truth about Jesus.

121 posted on 08/24/2012 2:08:50 PM PDT by fishtank (The denial of original sin is the root of liberalism.)
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To: RaisingCain

Gee, you’re so right, if Romney was a Methodist we’d still be talking about Mormons all the time. /S <—— (Do I really need to put the /S there?)


122 posted on 08/24/2012 8:17:30 PM PDT by MacMattico
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To: ravenwolf

LOL, I think that post exhibits your thoughts perfectly.


123 posted on 08/24/2012 8:31:26 PM PDT by ansel12 (Massachusetts Governors, where the GOP goes for it's "conservative" Presidential candidates.)
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To: ravenwolf
I can not see why Paul would say that at all, did Jesus do wrong? we know he did,nt and how about the killing of James and the one called Simon i think it was. This shows that rulers often do not do what is right so i guess Paul was just trying to pacify the authorities, i have always had a problem with that one even though paul makes so much sense in most cases.

Of course Paul was stating the truth of how a society is to work, with civil authorities instituting laws so that order is preserved and lawbreakers are punished. Anarchy is NOT an idea from God. As such, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells believers how they are to conduct themselves so that they can live peaceful lives - he is NOT just giving his own "two cents" worth. That we have had unjust rulers in various times and places does not negate God's purpose for there to be laws that govern mankind and, as in this passage in Romans 13 shows, leaders are used by God to fulfill HIS purposes. Our responsibility to obey the laws of the land and respect authority is NOT unconditional, though, - God's law is above the laws of men - we are to obey God rather than man if and when it comes to that. Just like the apostles and early Christians did not obey the laws that forbid them from preaching the gospel because those laws went against the commands of God.

I really am peeved that the Republican establishment has once again - think Dole, McCain, Romney - given us a mediocre, wishy-washy candidate, but we MUST make sure Obama is not given another term so we will once again have to hold our collective noses and vote for the pseudo-RINO. I hope we learn a lesson this time so that we are better prepared in 2016 to offer America a strong and Conservative choice - maybe by then America will finally be ready.

124 posted on 08/24/2012 8:53:12 PM PDT by boatbums (God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.)
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To: mlizzy

mormonism is not Christianity.
If someone follows mormonism. they could not be Christian.
Can a mormon become a Christian? Absolutely, but not as a mormon.


125 posted on 08/24/2012 9:47:37 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: MNJohnnie

Fruits of the spirit refer to false teachings and prophets.
mormons work for their salvation, so they must be “good”, striving for that godhood they are promised.

God provided away for Salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Salvation is given by Grace, it is a gift.


126 posted on 08/24/2012 9:50:28 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: Arthur McGowan

The religious test refers to the government, not individuals.


127 posted on 08/24/2012 9:51:56 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: marygonzo

mormons can be saved, they are not saved by being mormons.
The lds jesus christ is a created being, a son of the lds god who was once a man.
mormons salvation is something that must be worked for, Christian Biblical Salvation is a Gift of Grace.
Mmormonism is not Christianity.


128 posted on 08/24/2012 9:56:02 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: marygonzo

Then they would not stay mormons, it would not be possible.


129 posted on 08/24/2012 9:58:45 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: Unam Sanctam

This is the religion forum, that’s why.


130 posted on 08/24/2012 10:03:01 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: MacMattico

On FR, exposure of mormonism has been going on since before 2002...just a heads up mormonism will be continue to be exposed even after nobody remembers who Romney is.


131 posted on 08/24/2012 10:08:13 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: Unam Sanctam
This thread is posted in the Religion Forum.

If you do not wish to see Religion Forum posts, do NOT use the "everything" option on the Free Republic browse option list. Instead, browse by "News/Activism." When you log back in, the browse will reset to "everything" - so be sure to set it back to "News/Activism."

Click here for more guidelines to the Religion Forum.

132 posted on 08/24/2012 10:09:49 PM PDT by Religion Moderator
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To: MacMattico

I’ve actually used Free Republic for a long time for quick resources on Mormonism and on Catholic discussions. I just type what I want + Free Republic and I usually get the quote or reference that I needed. That’s because debates have usually taken place on the forum, with lots of good apologetics going back and forth. It is a lie that these Mormon questions have only come up recently. Here’s an example from 2002:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/660660/posts

It’s certainly possible they have come up more frequently, but I have no way to gauge that. Whatever the case, it isn’t healthy to pimp for Mormonism just for your political candidate. Though, coincidentally, I do think Mitt Gimmick is a perfect specimen of his religion! If it was Beck, I’d still debate Mormonism, but probably would be softer. At least Beck is conservative and has a certain degree of integrity, so far as any human being can have it.


133 posted on 08/24/2012 10:34:13 PM PDT by RaisingCain
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To: svcw

I have no problem talking about Mormonism, don’t agree with it, don’t think it’s Christian, but don’t hate the people that practice it either. Now, come on, it’s just common sense that’s it’s talked about more because we have a Mormon running for President, and to say otherwise is pretty disingenuous.


134 posted on 08/24/2012 10:39:19 PM PDT by MacMattico
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To: MacMattico

I disagree.
The difference is that now Romney who is a mormon and a candidate, people are noticing the threads more.
Exposing mormonism in no way means the person posting the thread hates momrons.
I do not hate mormons, my large mormon family are in general pretty nice people, they are however deceived and my hope is that they are freed.


135 posted on 08/24/2012 10:51:23 PM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: ravenwolf

“I can not see why Paul would say that at all, did Jesus do wrong? we know he did,nt and how about the killing of James and the one called Simon i think it was.
This shows that rulers often do not do what is right so i guess Paul was just trying to pacify the authorities, i have always had a problem with that one even though paul makes so much sense in most cases.”


Romans 13 closely echos Christ’s own words here:

Matthew 22
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

And here:

Joh_19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Romans 13 isn’t saying that we should not resist evil commands, such as worshiping a false God or committing a sin, as the law of God is higher. It is also worth noting that it is not so much the vile person who may have the seat that we ought to respect, but the seat of power itself that deserves respect. That is because God, through His providence, establishes nations across the world for the general good of humanity, insomuch that without a government there would be rampant crimes and anarchy. Governments are instituted among men for the purpose of common defense and enforcement of laws, as even the pagans had to a certain degree an understanding of God’s law by the dim light their philosophers and lawgivers provided. At the same time, of course, governments are also instituted as a punishment for their own people or for others. Evil rulers were often used to punish the Jewish people. In this sense, I suspect Obama is very much a punishment, and Romney, who has no morals, will be another punishment.

Look to the example of the Prophet Daniel in how he handled living under the dominion of Babylon. Also look at Christ who gave Himself up freely of His own choice, and of the Apostles who also gave themselves up (though, at other times, they escaped by the command and help of God). To be a Christian is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. No matter how bad things get for you, always know that God is faithful and in control.


136 posted on 08/24/2012 11:00:46 PM PDT by RaisingCain
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To: MacMattico

“I have no problem talking about Mormonism, don’t agree with it, don’t think it’s Christian, but don’t hate the people that practice it either. Now, come on, it’s just common sense that’s it’s talked about more because we have a Mormon running for President, and to say otherwise is pretty disingenuous.”


If we don’t discuss Mormonism, then the Mormons and RINOs would infest the forums pimping for it. I’ve seen a few, but they generally get pummeled to pieces by good Christian fellows.


137 posted on 08/24/2012 11:04:40 PM PDT by RaisingCain
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To: RaisingCain

I am not “pimping” for Mormonism. It makes no sense to me and is not Christian. As a matter of fact I grew up not to far from where Joseph Smith lived and found his “golden plates” or whatever they were and came to the conclusion at an early age he was probably mentally ill and suffered from delusions.

I also studied Islam in college. I had classmates and people my husband trained with die on 9/11. Any discussion about Mormonism two months out of a Presidential election, even on a religious forum, is bound to bring up Romney as it has if you read not only mine but others posts.

So while I disagree with the Mormons, they never tried to kill me or my friends. The Muslim or at the very least Muslim sympathizer in the White House’s religion stresses the killing of infidels, torture of women, and destruction of Israel. I’ll discuss religious issues with anyone, but a few months out of this election religion and politics are intrinsically mixed.


138 posted on 08/24/2012 11:12:46 PM PDT by MacMattico
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To: MacMattico

Whenever someone knee-jerks about Romney in response to a perfectly accurate post, that’s pimping and a call for censorship for political reasons. It represents a serious problem where a person can’t differentiate between a guy and his religion (and then they imply we have the same problem). I even had one fellow in this thread (his post got deleted) who called me an Obot because I responded with scripture to his assertion that Mormons would have a better chance of getting into heaven than eeevil judgmental Christians. That’s certainly obnoxious, and I will utterly ignore it.


139 posted on 08/24/2012 11:28:23 PM PDT by RaisingCain
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To: svcw

Correct.


140 posted on 08/25/2012 12:10:37 AM PDT by Arthur McGowan (In Edward Kennedy's America, federal funding of brothels is a right, not a privilege.)
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