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sonic109 wrote: “I totally agree , religion has no place in US politics and I wish people would stop making it a major issue.”

Religion is very important to many voters. Why should they ignore something that is important to them when they are choosing candidates? Also, think about a Muslim president. Would you ignore his religion even though it conflicts with the freedoms we hold dear? Christianity compliments democracy. Islam opposes it. My point? Religion is one of many aspects that should be used to determine a candidate’s fitness for office. It shouldn’t be an overriding factor (the candidate’s track record and historical job performance is a better indicator), but it should be considered.

I’, speaking of Western religions being that we are a Western culture. I think any Easter religion may not jive with Western democracy. That being said I think making a candidate’s religion and religious DOGMA a main concern is huge mistake in US politics.

Religion is very important to many voters. Why should they ignore something that is important to them when they are choosing candidates? Also, think about a Muslim president. Would you ignore his religion even though it conflicts with the freedoms we hold dear? Christianity compliments democracy. Islam opposes it. My point? Religion is one of many aspects that should be used to determine a candidate’s fitness for office. It shouldn’t be an overriding factor (the candidate’s track record and historical job performance is a better indicator), but it should be considered.

The important issues, for any candidate, with respect to religion are:

What are the values that are important to our country that are influenced by religion?
Does the candidate's religion influence these values in the right direction?
Does the candidate apply these values correctly in his governance?
Has the candidate's life demonstrated that he lives by the moral values taught by his religion?

So let's have a look at Romney's religion and how it will influence his decisions as president.

broncobilly's post on a previous thread provides a good start:

Abstract theology is not as important as how that theology is meant to translate into public positions. For example:

1) Romney’s religion believes in God, and therefore that man’e sovereignty comes from God, not government.
2) Romney’s religion believes Christ is divine, and therefore believes that Christian values are not negotiable.
3) Romney’s religion believes that the Constitution was inspired by God, and therefore should in no way be subverted.
4) Romney’s religion believes that every child is a “child of God,” and therefore should be protected.
5) Romney’s religion believes in honoring and sustaining the law, when that law respects our freedom, and that where laws are unjust they should be changed by constitutional means.
6) Romney’s religion believes individuals should be self sufficient and not take government dole, but should help the unfortunate.
7) Romney’s religion believes in the importance of education.
And so on. . . .
Now whether or not Romney lives up to those ideals, that is another question. At least we know what direction Romney’s religion will be pushing him.

And I agree, We should be more interested in Romney living up to the ideals of his religion rather than dismissing him because of his religion.

16 posted on 11/13/2007 2:36:00 PM CST by broncobilly

To this list, I will add some other LDS teachings:
8) We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. (AOF 11)
9) We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. (AOF 12)
10) We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (AOF 13)
11) We do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. (D&C 134:4)
12) We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy. (D&C 134:7)

This may also be of interest for general information about the LDS Church: Faith, Family, Facts, & Fruits by LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard.

BTW, My current preference is #1: Hunter, #2: Thompson, #3: Romney. In my opinion, these are the only candidates who are right on "most" of the important issues.