Romney not likely to wear religion on his sleeve
Here’s a good letter to the editor in my hometown newspaper stating that Romney wouldn’t be likely to wear his religion (Mormonism) on his sleeve. The letter points out several theological, cultural, and personal reasons why Romney would successfully “separate the public sphere of his work from the personal sphere of his church.”
- The Mormon church’s Articles of Faith profess a belief in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”
- The Church regularly affirms its political neutrality. Chapels and member lists cannot be used for political purposes.
- The Church has “acquiesced to the will of the people on a number of occasions,” including stopping polygamy in 1890.
- Romney’s past and current positions on gay rights, abortion, and universal health care would not likely agree with the mainstream of Mormon church members.
- Many Church members have been politicians and it hasn’t seemed to be an issue.
While evangelical Christians contend that so-called doctrinal eccentricities of Mormonism — such as multiple books of scripture and modern-day prophets — will shape Romney’s political actions, there is little evidence to support such a theory. After all, Mormons have held high political offices from governor to U.S. senator with little religious controversy. Ezra Taft Benson, a Mormon apostle, was secretary of agriculture under Eisenhower. Mitt Romney’s father, George was governor of Michigan as well as a contender for the Republican nomination for president. Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican, demonstrate that Mormon political voices can be diverse. In short, Romney will not be given a script on how Mormon politicians should act.
Article: Romney not likely to wear religion on his sleeve
Thanks to Brian Stucki for sending in this article.