Can Romney Escape the 'Mormon' Issue?
May 15, 2007
At tonight's GOP debate in South Carolina, Mitt Romney will be asked about his religion. Rudy Giuliani won't. John McCain won't. The other candidates won't get asked about their religion. It doesn't seem right, does it? Read more about it here.
Romney knows the questions are coming and he's prepared for them. The real question is this: Will Evangelicals vote their theology or their values? I was talking to Republican strategist Ralph Reed who believes values trump theology for most Evangelicals. That would be good news for Romney. Reed seems to subscribe to the theory that we're voting for a Commander in Chief, not a Theologian in Chief. On the other hand, you have certain people saying a vote for Romney is a vote for Satan? That's a bit much is it not? Read that article here.
Now here on The Brody File, we've seen it both ways. As you know, The Brody File is about fairness and to that end, I'm going to post some responses I've received on this issue. The more and more I study the candidates, the more I realize that the Mormonism "issue" as it is being called is really the critical issue for Romney. Think about it. If he was a George W. Bush Evangelical, my guess is he'd be a lot higher in the polls. Christian "leaders" would be flocking to him in droves. That's why there's all this talk about how some Christian leaders are lining up behind Fred Thompson. Some will line up behind Newt Gingrich if he gets in. But let's be real here. If Romney wasn't Mormon, this would be a slam dunk for Evangelical leaders.
Here are some of the comments I received. Listen, some of these will sound harsh but I put them up because this Mormonism debate is real, We don't shy away from it here at The Brody File. Also, I'm not putting these eup for "shock" value. I believe the comments below will really get to the heart felt "feelings" on both sides of the issue. Why ignore it? Though there is not supposed to be a religious test for public office, you and I both know that for some, that's not the case.
First the Anti-Romney Crowd:
Mitt Romney's run for the White House is raising the profile of the false religion he espouses.
We Christians must have lost our minds and our faith, or it least it seems like at times. We have for so long wanted our views to be promoted that we have willing made some huge compromises in order to get them promoted…This guy believes he is going to become a god someday in a distant galaxy. Have we all gone crazy?
It finally dawned on me a couple of weekends ago why I’m against Mitt Romney and why I’d not vote for him. It’s not because he is a Mormon. It’s because it gives legitimacy to the LDS Churches drive to be accepted as a Christian group.
This is not going to be easy, as Mr. Romney may be a nice guy, however he is seriously misguided in his faith, electing a president of this faith, is going to encourage others to look at this as their faith. You will either, walk the walk on this one or not. There is no middle ground here. You know it. You can state these things without being offensive. Will you stand for Christ, or buckle to man? That is the question.
Now, the pro-Romney crowd:
The Romney candidacy is bringing bigots out of the woodwork, and I don't think there are really that many of them. I believe and hope that most conservatives are able to rise above religious differences and vote for the best man on his merits. And so far, he is beginning to look like that man.
I respect all persons of faith and believe only God can and will be the judge of one's salvation. What is important to me are the values of a person, which are clearly visible though a lifetime of behavior. Mitt Romney shares my values. Which are without question Judeo-Christian-Christian values, clearly visible through a life time of behavior.
I firmly believe Romney would not force Mormonism on anyone. But their families are quite good and the kids are always taken care of as far as I know. Not perfect, don't know a lot, but as Independent that is my opinion.
Your
comments are defintely welcome. I'll post them.
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