There's More To Romney Than Mormonism

National Review Online: GOP Hopeful Must Refocus Voters Away From Religion

(National Review Online)  This column was written by Douglas W. Kmiec.

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This weekend at a gathering in New Hampshire, former Gov. Mitt Romney was asked, yet again, whether he would give a speech outlining his religious beliefs. He said he would be happy to do so, but that some of his advisers caution against doing so, since it would “draw too much attention to that issue alone.”

It’s too late - the governor and his faith have our attention. For better or worse, Mormonism is on the public table. The “good news” part, for Romney, is that the public interest signifies how important he has become in the presidential sweeps. Romney leads in Iowa and New Hampshire, and he is now being taken seriously as a prospective nominee. The “bad news” part is that, despite Romney’s desire to think only the best of his fellow citizens - to think that no one would disqualify a person merely because of faith, 218 years after the promise of religious freedom in the First Amendment - such a vision of religious freedom is not yet a reality.

Governor Romney would be wise, in this discussion, to remind the nation to stick to its founding ideals. There is no religious caste here. Article VI, section 3 provides that “...no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

Romney now has little choice but to pursue the course taken by John F. Kennedy in 1960, when he used a major speech to Baptist ministers in Houston to defuse Protestant concern over his Catholicism. Even as the situations differ somewhat, the reasons for confronting the issue squarely were poignantly summarized by Kennedy: “While this year it may be a Catholic against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed, in other years it has been, and may someday be again, a Jew, or a Quaker, or a Unitarian, or a Baptist” Or, as it turns out, a Mormon.

At the time JFK spoke, Rome still advocated for Catholicism to be an established church. This was commonplace in Europe even well into the 20th century. Pontiffs like Leo XIII held to the Catholic contention that “error could be given no rights.” So propagated, Catholicism and the constitutional freedoms secured by our First Amendment were incompatible, and it was little wonder Kennedy was held suspect. The modern Catholic Church would back off this view in the mid-60s after the Second Vatican Council. While giving no ground on the Catholic belief to be the “one true apostolic faith,” the church fathers nevertheless conceded that faith coerced under law could never be consistent with the dignity due each person.

Romney’s plight is different. Mormons ask only the equal freedom to believe and practice consistent with the public order. Because of Rome’s prior insistence upon favored legal treatment, Kennedy had a special burden to indicate that, as he said, “no Catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be Catholic) how to act.” Romney’s burden is lighter. It is perhaps enough for him to observe that the modern Mormon or Latter Day Saint (LDS) prophets (“revelators”) do not assert revelations that could trump the presidential oath. Faith matters, of course, and part of Romney’s attractiveness for many voters is that he is a faith-filled and faithful man. In the words of Justice William O. Douglas, “We are a religious people and our institutions presuppose the existence of a Supreme Being.”

Of course, the Mormon faith indulges some unique beliefs that non-Mormons do not “presuppose.” Many, perhaps most, Americans are unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon, or even the names Joseph Smith, or Brigham Young - let alone their prophecies. But no one can legitimately ask Romney to deny his belief in missionary service, or the reward of the “celestial kingdom,” any more than Kennedy should have been expected to renounce the Catholic belief in the true presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine at Mass.

In truth, those objecting to Romney’s faith usually know little beyond its one-time attachment to polygamy. Here, Romney must be the patient teacher, reminding, as he has, that polygamy has not been a tenet of Mormon practice since it was set aside by the President of the church in September 1890. Romney gives no quarter to false cults that distort the Mormon faith. “It bothers me no end that the term polygamy keeps being associated with my faith,” the Governor explained in an interview some years back with The Examiner. “There is nothing more awful, in my view, than the violation of the marriage covenant that one has with one’s wife. The practice of polygamy is abhorrent, it’s awful, and it drives me nuts that people who are polygamists keep pretending to use the umbrella of my church,” he added.. “My church abhors it, it excommunicates people who practice it, and it's got nothing to do with my faith.” Case closed. Asking for more would have been like asking John Kennedy to assure us that he, too, thought the inquisition a bad idea, or that Galileo got a bum rap.

Almost a half century ago, Kennedy observed that “because I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured . . . So it is apparently necessary for me to state…not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me - but what kind of America I believe in.” Substituting Mormonism, Romney should similarly and properly refocus voters on the positive vision he offers America. It is better that we debate how to meet the terrorist offensive against the free world, or the economic imbalances at home, or our health care and education needs, than to invidiously disqualify one of our brightest prospects on the basis of his religion.

Whether or not he ultimately succeeds, Romney’s candidacy reminds us anew that citizens may pray differently, but equally desire America’s well being.

[gkc99]

Of course the fact that the Book of Mormon constantly refers to the "***********" might make Pat Robertson wonder if they''re talking about him.

[scottfromaz]

This is problay the best and most informative article on Mitt Romney and his faith. It is very informed and not disrespectful.

I happen to believe 1 thing is true, Mitt Romney is the brightest mind in the field. He has lived a highly successful life and I think he is the guy to help our country right now. Look at the candidate and what he has done with his or her life and plans to do for a America.

If you have questions about the LDS church, go to LDS.org, If you have questions about Mitt Romney do your homework and you''ll find the sharpest leader since Ronald Reagan.

Go Mitt !

Scott Taylor
Chandler, AZ

[shingles1]

"There''s More To Romney Than Mormonism"

There''s his hair, for example.

[sevenveils]

Polygamy is a key beliefs of Mormonism as taught by Joseph Smith, or Brigham Young. This belief was abandoned as a term for Utah to enter the Union. So if this core belief is so wrong, what other core beliefs of this cult are also wrong?

Mormons practiced a Theocratic form of government; again abandoned because the Union saw this a conflict with the Constitution. Like Scientology many of its cultural quirks are instilled into its believers.
Let''s only hope Romney won''t be jumping on sofas during meeting with a world leader.

Thank You!!!

Growing up Mormon you get used to people bashing your religion. I never really mattered to me until this year when I realized the number of people who would use their prejudices to cast me as a lesser-qualified citizen.

Some people need to just grow up.

[random_radar]

No president yet has let religion get in the way of his quest for power.

But I guess it should be a compliment that people actually believe that Romney would follow any kind of religious principles as president.

Is anyone afraid of Giuliani, McCain, Clinton, Obama, or Edwards being religious? Does anyone know or care what their religious convictions are? Do they even know or care what their religious convictions are?

Then again, the Republicans can go for Huckabee if they like religion.

I think that people should be judged by their actions. I don''t care what motivates their actions so long as I like what they do. If we elected people based upon what they do rather than what they say, we would be better off.

[imnho]

I would not vote for or aginist someone based on there religion. I would vote aginist anyone who was a fanatic.

[mrtracker]

A vote for Romney is a vote for torture!
http://www.reason.com/news/show/121088.html

[mrtracker]

A vote for Romney is a vote for torture!
http://www.reason.com/news/show/121088.html

[mrtracker]

A vote for Romney is a vote for torture!
http://www.reason.com/news/show/121088.html

[mrtracker]

A vote for Romney is a vote for torture!
http://www.reason.com/news/show/121088.html

[wooleywews]

As the article pointed out and as we are experiencing here on the discussion board, we are focusing on religion. We should be studying each candidate%u2019s political philosophy and examining their administrative abilities to lead and manage the federal government.

[culturechang]

I cant go for another "family values" republican. We have enough of a theocracy now provided by hypocrites who cannot live up the standards they promote. We need smaller govt and less intrusion.

[sevenveils]

wernet2 states:
We should be studying each candidate%u2019s political philosophy and examining their administrative abilities to lead and manage the federal government.

TRUE. But ones underlying morals and philosophy is based upon their religious beliefs. Their their administrative abilities to lead and manage the federal government will be based upon that core. Case and point: GW Bush.

Last time I trusted Republicans to show some common sense they reelected a known donkey''s behind as president. See where this is going?

[themaelstrom]

Romney recently gave the definitive JFK-esque promise about a month ago everyone is looking for right here on Meet The Press:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/21/ftn/main3389270.shtml

Romney: "Well, no president could possibly take orders, or even input, from a religious leader telling him what to do. I guess you can always listen to ideas but you certainly wouldn''t be guided by someone outside the constitutional circle, if you will. And I subscribe to something Abraham Lincoln spoke about when he was a young man. He said you take the oath of office and you subscribe to America''s political religion. And that is you take the oath of office and the rule of law as your primary promise to God. And that''s the way I feel. My church wouldn''t endeavor to tell me what to do on an issue and I wouldn''t listen to them on an issue that related to our nation. If I''m President of the United States and put my hand on the Bible, I do what the Constitution tells me, what the rule of law tells me. I certainly don''t do what leader of my church or any other tells me to do."



There is no need for him to do such a speech, for Romney has already done so.

Romney is the best candidate out there and will win the nomination and the presidency.

Go Mitt!

[mrtracker]

"I certainly don''t do what leaders of my church or any other tells me to do." --Romney

Yeah, especially if they tell him to stop his campaign financiers from torturing children. Get ready for Bush III. http://www.reason.com/news/show/121088.html

(Sorry for those multi-posts. Misunderstood the "button disabled" message.)

[h30571]

YOU CAN BE A POLOGAMIST AND BE A MEMBER OF ANY CHURCH IN THE U.S.A. EXCEPT NOT THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN MISSIONRIES FOR THE L.D.S. CHURCH FOUR YEARS IN GHANA AND NIGERIA (WEST AFRICA). EVERY CHURCH THAT WE KNOW OF, ARE ALSO IN WEST AFRICA. ALL THE AMERICAN AND AFRICAN CHURCHES IN WEST AFRICA ACCEPT POLOGAMISTS! NO EXCEPTIONS.

[jcr103]

What''s the most interesting about Romney''s Mormonism is that it brings out the true colors of many conservatives and "value voters." That is, they tend towards intolerance and narrow-minded thinking.

[gkc99]

More than Mormonism? Yes, Romney can explain to us how he dodged the draft during the Vietnam war, how not one of his 5 sons is serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, and how is such a Chickenshithawk!

[one_american]

"...That is, they tend towards intolerance and narrow-minded thinking."

Posted by jcr103 at 05:14 PM : Nov 14, 2007


Look who''s talking.

[jcr103]

What the matter One_American? Is a little honesty a little uncomfortable for you?

[jasonroiz]

Vote for Romney. He''s awesome! Top 5% of Harvard MBA''s; Top 20% of Harvard Law school at the same time; worked his way from bottom to CEO of Bain Consulting (one of moste elite co.''s in the world)

[cpaide]

"The practice of polygamy is abhorrent, it''s awful, .... and it''s got nothing to do with my faith." --Mitt Romney

I agree. However, I think that candidate Romney is speaking of his personal faith or beliefs, rather than the doctrines of the Mormon Church.

Latter-day Saint revelation regarding the plurality of wives (aka polygamy) can be found in Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka Mormon Church or LDS Church).

This revelation was given to LDS Church Co-Founder and Prophet Joseph Smith in response to his queries regarding the many wives and concubines had by various prophets, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and Solomon (see Verse 1).

This "new and everlasting covenant" includes two parts: #1-the eternity of the marriage covenant (Verses 15-21) and #2-the plurality of wives (Verses 29-66). Clearly, both of these components of the new and everlasting covenant were and are "essentials for the attainment of the status of godhood" (small g), although the plurality of wives is acceptable only when commanded by the Lord.

While it is true that "polygamy has not been a tenet of [Orthodox] Mormon practice" since 1890, as the writer of this National Review opinion piece states, it remains an essential part of Mormon belief. Otherwise, Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:29-66 would have been repealed.

[cpaide]

"My church abhors it [polygamy], it excommunicates people who practice it..." --Mitt Romney

True enough, but polygamists are not excommunicated because the LDS Church has severed "its one-time attachment to polygamy", as the writer of this National Review opinion piece suggests. Rather, it is because current LDS Church President Hinckley speaks for the Lord and anyone who contradicts him (or should I say Him?) on the subject of plural marriage or anything else is subject to administrative actions, including excommunication.

In 1890, after losing a Supreme Court case involving polygamy, another LDS Church President declared in a "Manifesto" that Latter-day Saints should "refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land." Hence the position of the current Prophet (Hinckley).

Theoretically, if someone could successfully litigate an anti-polygamy law all the way to the Supreme Court, there would be no reason why the Lord or LDS President Hinckley (or U.S. President Romney) should oppose the reinstitution of plural marriage.

Oh, except for what the Lord said in the Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:23-35.

Maybe it''s time for President Hinckley and the Lord to get together and revisit (or revise) Doctrine and Covenants Section 132.

[frb01]

I don''t know much about Romney other than he presents an image that often times looks too pretty and perfect. He needs to have a press conference to discuss his faith and how and how it doesn''t impact his life.

[sloagm]

A former leader of the Mormon Church said this, speaking of the members of the church as a whole: "we teach them correct principles and they govern themselves." In terms of commitment to the doctrines of the gospel, I believe that both Mitt Romney and Harry Reid are faithful and upstanding members of their local congregations. They are, however, extremely different in terms of their political ideologies.

To say that Reid and Romney would see eye to eye on anything politically is unlikely, despite their similar religious tenets. Therefore, the risk that a Romney President would be governed from Salt Lake is completely ludicrous, otherwise they would both march in lockstep on every point of legislation.

[dlounsbury1]

A whole bunch of talk about polygamy, theocratic form of government, and many other objections to supposed Mormon doctrine appear in these posts.

Let''s apply the same logic to mainstream Christianity:
Jesus'' followers in the New Testament had all things in common. (Acts 2:44 and Acts 4:32) Does this mean we should worry that Huckabee (or any other Christian candidate) is a communist or will lead the government into communism? Of course not.

[farmerbb]

Justice Douglas said "our institutions presuppose the existence of a Supreme Being%u201D ??? Hmm. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn''t the Constitution specifically eliminate the mention of religion at all, other than in the First Amendment ? Adding "In God We Trust" was done in the 1950''s ???? The trend towards a theocracy started a long time ago. Try reading some of the more recent books on the subject, like The God Delusion.

[gkc99]

"Vote for Romney. He''''s awesome! Top 5% of Harvard MBA''''s; Top 20% of Harvard Law school at the same time; worked his way from bottom to CEO of Bain Consulting (one of moste elite co.''''s in the world"--Posted by jasonroiz



Worked from bottom eh? Guess his daddy being governor of Michigan and rich to boot didn''t have a *** thing to do with it.

Mutt is just another spoiled rich kid born with a silver spoon. What challenge has he ever dealt with? His rich daddy even got him out of the Vietnam draft--I''m sure that''s very important to all the "patriotic Neocons" who made such a big deal about Clinton--isn''t it? Or are you total hypocrits, neoconscum?

[perception5]

FYI.......Mitt is running for Commander-in-Chief not Pastor-in-Chief.

We have also had others Mormons from both parties run for president like Democrat Morris Udall.

Bottom line is Mitt Romney is the most qualified candidate running for president from either party.

[briannorwood]

There''s more to Mitt Romney than Mormonism?

Well, of course! He''s also a flip-flopping panderer! That should count for something!

[perception5]

There''''s more to Mitt Romney than Mormonism?

Well, of course! He''''s also a flip-flopping panderer! That should count for something!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by briannorwood

........briannorwood, didn''t Hillary Rotten-Clinton just flip flop on drivers licenses for illegals in New York? I guess since you have "principles" you won''t be voting for her now. BTW did you vote for the "mother of all flip floppers John, liberal snob, Kerry in 2004? Please advise.

[roger_inkart]

Bottom line is Mitt Romney is the most qualified candidate running for president from either party.

Posted by perception5 at 08:12 AM : Nov 15, 2007

He''s certainly preferable to Guliani IMO. From what I can tell he''s not a neocon, he''s not Evangelical who would shove his beliefs down the throats of the nation, he''s likely not start foolish wars to prove how tough he is and so forth.

Of course, after suffering through the worst administration in US history, my first concern is the next one will inflict limited damage on the county. GW set the bar so low anyone ANYONE will be an improvement.

[davek455]

I don''t think the taxpayers should have to pay for Secret Service protection for more than one first lady. How many first ladies would Romney get protection for?

[davek455]

I get the feeling that there''s more than meets the eye with Romney. Too perfect, too coiffed, too polished. I have a hunch there''s a teenage daughter out of wedlock out there somewhere, or a h.o.m.o.se.x.ual boyfriend out there ready to pop up at any time. Something smells fishy with Mitt.

[dlounsbury1]

I guess everyone who went served religious missions and who got married were draft dodgers. Give me a break. A mission is an expected rite of passage. It was not like it was a planned effort to avoid military service. Of the numerous reporters and liberals who keep mentioning that none of Mitt''s sons served in the military, none of their sons have either. What a bunch of hypocrites to keep bringing that up. The VAST majority of americans with sons (over 90%) DO NOT HAVE SONS IN THE MILITARY. What a genuflection from the fact that Romney''s sons are intelligent, educated, successful and sincere. If all the fathers world all raised such sons there would be no war.

[eagle19561]

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE AS THE CHURCH THAT SOMEONE GOES TO???? AREN''T WE ALL BELIEVING IN A HIGHER POWER?

[timpsond]

According to the AP:

"While Mitt Romney condemns polygamy and its prior practice by his Mormon church, the Republican presidential candidate%u2019s great-grandfather had five wives and at least one of his great-great grandfathers had 12.

"Romney%u2019s great-grandfather, Miles Park Romney, married his fifth wife in 1897. That was more than six years after Mormon leaders banned polygamy and more than three decades after a federal law barred the practice.

"Romney%u2019s great-great grandfather, Parley Pratt, an apostle in the church, had 12 wives. In an 1852 sermon, Parley Pratt%u2019s brother and fellow apostle, Orson Pratt, became the first church official to publicly proclaim and defend polygamy as a direct revelation from God."

Does Romney "abhor" his ancestors (prominent early leaders of the faith) the way he does current polygamists? To me, this is the key question Romney must answer. I want to hear him denounce these early mormons in the same harsh language he uses with the mormon polygamist sects. He simply cannot have it both ways. Polygamy is a definite part of Mormonism, both past AND present. Until the Mormon church eliminates polygamy from its canon, and until the modern Mormon church denounces Joseph Smith and Brigham Young as "abhorrent," the polygamy questions will continue to be raised.

[logicanada]

Mitt romney should convet to Judaism to satisfy N.R.O.
Then he should be perfected into Christianity to please Ann Coulter''s crowd.
Then he should be converted into a Muslim to help him deal with the middle east.
Then he should pray to Budda so he understands the far eastern society.
The he should surrender to atheism to gain a little sanity.

[icon121]

I had the oppertunity to read all the comments, and oppinions about Mitt Romney and to be honest he has my vote. I as of right now am not a register voter, however I told myself when Hillary Clinton runs for President thats the day Im registering to vote, to vote againts her. All I have to say about any of this is God has his hand in this election as well as we do as citizens. Amen.