I have been reading on multiple blogs and news articles that Mitt Romney's Mormon
(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) faith may be prohibitive in his quest for the Presidency. I've read several posts that liken the LDS faith to a cult. I have seen remarks similar to the ones made about John F. Kennedy's Catholicism that call into question whether Gov. Romney would put his church above his duty to the country in the role of President. All the negative remarks have one common thread, they know virtually zilch about the core beliefs of those called Mormons.
Let me state that I think Mitt Romney is the very best potential candidate on the horizon. He is exceptionally smart, he is experienced, he is not only good looking, but has a commanding presence and charisma, he is a skilled public speaker, and he is a man comfortable with himself. These are all qualities we should be looking for in our leaders. Even his critics recognize all these positive traits and yet they will end with the question: do we really want a Mormon (likening it to be a kook) in the White House?
With that in mind, I think it time that the basis of the LDS faith be discussed. The idea of a cult is ludicrous. Here are the LDS "Articles of Faith." Secularists will hate it, but mainline and evangelical Christians and those of Jewish faith (Jesus was a Jew and a Prophet, afterall) should embrace the ideals (if not the doctrine) as articulated in the "Articles." When considering these "Articles" and the suitability of a Mormon becoming our President, Articles 11, 12, and 13 say it best.
The Articles of Faith are a vital part of the LDS canon and are published in the Pearl of Great Price. They were composed by Joseph Smith to concisely represent key elements of LDS doctrine.
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. 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.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. 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.
Disclaimer: The Squiggler is a woman of faith, but with no love for any organized church-going religion. That said, when my children were young and I believed it my duty to give them a religious grounding, I chose the local LDS church. I chose it for one very specific reason -- the very best youth program and family unity programs of any church I investigated. I've never regretted that decision.
I don't know why being a member of our church (LDS) should stop anyone from being able to run for or be elected to the White House as President of the United States. There are members of every religion holding political offices all over this country. What are people thinking of when they say "Do we realy want a Mormon in the White House. Who do they think they sre? We have Muslims, Catholics, ect. as well as athiests in our Government. What is the problem with a Mormon (Later Day Saint. You bet I'd like to see a Mormon as my President and Mitt Romney seems to be a great example for our youth and it wouldn't hurt for every one at any age to take a lesson from Mitt. Talk about people getting offended. Well, I'm offended by the stupid remarks these crybabies have been making of Mitt Romney and the LDS Church. If the Clinton's had a half of a brain between them they would hide in the back room any time anyone said "Good Example" out loud in their presents. Now can anyone tell me how being a Mormon could be as bad as being a Clinton. Thanks for listening. Bonnie G
Posted by: Bonnie Germer | 12 February 2007 at 05:00 PM