Romney has it right. he has every right to explain to the US that mormonism is not what people say it is. mormonism is not a cult. it is just another form of christianity. anyone that says that romney is lying about the religion are rediculous, how can you think he's lying if you know nothing about the religion? if a homosexual ran for office no one would worry or question it, but when it comes to this, people get all hectic and freak out, it's just rediculous and proposterous.

Here is the primary point, folks …

Mormons believe the seated president of their church (currently, Hinckley) to be a living prophet

What could Romney do when contacted by his church president on a matter of national policy, but follow his prophet's "revelation" ?

Scary ?

those of you who so openly are against Mitt Romney know nothing about the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. The name alone lets you know these people are christen,and that christ is the center of their lives. Here is their first article of faith 1.We believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. Now do your homework and find out the other 12, then make your decision on whether these people are Christen or not.

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

– 2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

– The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 32:3

Re: Are Mormons Christian?

The Book of Mormon, Jacob 4:
.
10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
.
11 Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.
.
12 And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come?

Atheism – let me see, a frog into a prince? This life time is all you get. WOW, what a disappointment. Faith in something greater than this -who would want that?

What's my problem with Mitt &
Mormonism? Let me see, just off the top of my head: Joseph Smith…Occultism….Masonry and Mormon Temple Ceremonies….Kinderhook plates ….Ha Ha Ha… it's times like these that I thank god I'm an atheist.

Mike

"Claims to be written"- wasn't it revealed to Joseph Smith, he read it (him only), and then it was taken back to heaven. Why would God do that? Christ hung on the Cross for all to see – his resurrection was seen by witnesses, his teachings were written and confirmed by different writers. If heaven is indeed real (and more importantly Hell) I would hope that you would rest your faith on grace – not works – nobody that I have met is good enough to enter heaven on their own merits. No one. Not even Mitt Romney.

Steve- well, I get what you are saying but you have to remember that the canon was a work of man not God. I do not put my faith in man but in God. men decided the canon and where the books went. so not much there to discuss. but why would God chose not to reveal anything to our time. does he not love us, too? does he not speak to you by the holy spirit? and why do we have the "stick" of Judah and where is the "stick" of Joseph that Ezekiel speaks of. You see, God believes that both are important not just the record of Judah.

Jim,

Mormons use the Book of Mormon (singular) to support Jesus Christ, similarly to how they use the Old Testament to support him. It also contains prophecies pointing to the coming of Christ, similar to the OT.

So far as I am aware, nowhere in the Old Testament does it insist there will be a New Testament, or any other future body of scripture. The Book of Mormon claims to have been written between 600 b.c. and 400 a.d. in a geographically distant place from Palestine- during the same period of time the body of work which was later edited to become the New Testament was written in. Neither work would be likely to refer to the other, as it would be geographically and temporally impossible, beyond the speculation that the Atonement of Christ might actually apply to peoples outside Palestine, and who might have some notice of it from similar ancient prophecy as the Jewish people, rather than finding out about it in extreme hindsight 1500 years later.

The Book of Mormon isn't intended to be a replacement for either the Bible or Christ, but rather a supplementary witness OF Christ, from the perspective of another people. You may not like it or believe in it, but your line of argument is illogical.

Mike

Jeff Fort Collins (GO COLORADO)

One minor point. John that wrote the gospel and john that wrote the book of revelation were two different people and the books were written years apart. Just an FYI. Adios!

Interesting how people use the Book of Mormons to support Mormons. The New Testament (Jesus) is supported by the Old Testament (prophecy) in the Bible, therefore it would mean the Book of Mormons should of been pointed to in the Old Testament and New Testaments – HHHHMMMMMMM?

I am a Mormon.
I am NOT a Republican.
I do not support Mitt Romney.
I believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible.
I do not consider myself a Christian, because too many people have ruined that for those who believe in Christ.
Something tells me Jesus would probably agree.
I think one of the worst things that happens in this country is the mixture of Church and State.
Oh, and I like gay people too.

#1 Mormons are actually Christian. They blieve that it is through Jesus Christ that Salvation comes to all people who seek it. Sounds Christian to me. No matter how ticked off it makes other Christians. I wonder why it bothers them so much that Mormons are also Christians. Don't they want people to believe in Christ and accept Him as their personal Savior? Mormons have done that, so what is the problem? Have they ruined your hate fest?

#2 Whis is it that all of the candidates are not forced to explain their relegions? Is anybody actually talking about Romneys qualificatons to be president?

#3 Those who are so bigoted against any group of people will never be satisfied because they are so caught up in the intensity of their own prejudices and hatred. Crawl back under the rocks you came from.

#4 CNN sucks to allow this sort of prejudice to pollute their blog. If people were slandering a race, it would not be tolerated. Shame on you CNN.

Finally, is there anyone out there who would like to talk about this man's qualifications? SHEESH.

Talk Politics or shut up!

Mormon's,

Christians have not excepted your faith as Christianity simply because your church has very little in common with orthodox Christianity. We do not hate. We are not bigots. We love the Lord and are concerned how you've been misled. At the same time we are also obligated to honor His name and correct what needs to be corrected.

I've read several comments that say you have the word Christ in your title. I've read comments that say you believe in and love Christ. However the Christian church as Paul and the disciples started, and Christ as taught in the bible are NOT consistent with the mormon faith by any means. Joseph Smith created a faith and used the name of Christ. Sadly, it's not that simple to become a Christian.

I urge Christians to read "Reasoning from the Scriptures" by Ron Rhodes to equip you when speaking with Mormons.

I urge Christians to read the book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants. Go to mormon.org. Understand their faith. It is obvious very quickly the mormon faith is not a Christian faith.

Pray for our mormon friends and use your knowledge of the bible and church leaders.

Why does a Mormon have to say anything about his reiligon, Bush and the Republicans are the ones who listen to Crazy Evangelicals.

Why does the gay guy from Colorodo Springs, and Pat Robertson have a open phone line to the President.

They are worried when a Catholic or Mormon runs for president because they think in some way the heads of those religons will control the Presidents action.

The only religon that cannot be trusted are Evangelicals/Baptists because their leaders are the ones who try and control the leaders and have proven the point.

Can anyone stand just one more comment on whether or not Mormonism is a "Christian" belief system or not? Something, perhaps, that may help people understand just why so many people are inclined to disagree?

All right, then, here goes:

Most orthodox, denominational Christians today would consider Mormonism to be "Christian" to the same degree that Mormonism itself considers all other organized denominations to be acceptable before God.

All of them. All Catholics, all Protestants, Judaism, Islam, etc. Every single one…

In case you didn't realize it, the answer is: null. It is Mormonism itself that FIRST declared "all other churches" to be corrupt and of the Devil at worst, incomplete and deluded at best — and only the "Restoration" as provided by Joseph Smith was declared capable of extending salvation to mankind.

So all you well-meaning but not particularly religious folks who seem to just want everyone to be "nice" to each other, please don't call others narrow-minded or bigoted unless you truly understand where they may be coming from. The response of non-Mormon believers to Mormon teachings is simply an honest reaction to what has been dealt to them.

I've skimmed through most of these comments and noticed — while everyone feels strung out about Mormonism, no one is the least bit concerned with the location of the speech: the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. Is this an endorsement from our dynastic duo? Never mind Mormonism — it's the association with Bush that scares me!

A cult of Christianity is a group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrine system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which (system) denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian Faith as taught in the sixty-six books of the Bible.

I find it interesting that with the wealth of information available today that so many "educated" people take other people's statements of opinion about the LDS church as fact. It is different than most, but bashing it without a full understanding is ignorance. For those of you who state you have a full understanding, but have never talked with a member of the church about their doctrinal beliefs or read any of the literature published by the organization itself, how can you justify that? Your neighbor/friend/minister/guy on the street corner probably has little or no accurate information about the topic.
Go to the source. When was the last time you bought a Mutual Fund without consulting an expert on that fund or getting info straight from the fund company, then studying that info… hopefully never. You definately don't call that fund company's competitor to get the facts….. same concept here folks.

As for the Nicene Creed being a litmus test for Christianity, lets not forget this was a document that was put together by a group of people who debated what the basic beliefs of the church should be, and even required 2 takes …325 AD and 381 AD to get it together.

Why not just say that CHRISTianity is the belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer, and that believing that he atoned for our sins and living a life centered around his teachings would qualify as Christian…. I think Christ would have wanted it that way.

For those who think members of the LDS Church are not Christian, do some research. Most of the doctrine centers around living a Christ-like life, and anyone who tells you different is misinformed.

For those with concern about Salt Lake influencing his decision making about the country….if he was to be elected… The presidency of the Church rarely takes a stance on anything political. It does take a stance on Moral issues that have become politicized, but doesn't everyone want a candidate that takes a stance on those things anyway… no matter where the root of that morality comes from anyway? (Yes I know Romney's positions seems to sway)

As far as a Mormon as President… why does it matter… I want the person thats best for the job no matter what their religion. I personally don't think he would be the best presidential candidate, but he would be a great VP running mate based on his knowledge and experience.

If you can't find a better reason not to hire someone for a job than their religion….. then shame.

Just remember if you lost your job because your religion was not in line with the rest of the group, you would sue and win.
Same thing if you weren't hired due to religion.

You would probably hire a lawyer and tell every news station that would listen how you were discriminated against by bigots…why is it different here?

I still won't vote for the guy, but at least its for the right reason… not my ignorance and norrow-mindedness.

-NR

I find it very ironic that so much concern is being raised over Mitt Romney's church and its beliefs by people whose own churches teach that unbaptized babies burn in hell for all eternity- and deserve it! Check the logs in your own eyes folks, and stop worrying about the splinter in your neighbors' eyes.

'Anyone who has "faith" as part of their lives is not fit to serve in office. We need reasonable people, directed by rational thinking not outmoded religious beliefs. Please!'

That sums it up nicely. Keep this religion crap out of the white house.

If Mormons are so wrong, then would you please tell me why you are so right? It is simple, don't compare, I just want to know your beliefs.

People have many misconceptions about the LDS people and seem to be satisfied with those misconceptions. Please learn righteous judgment and and please don't scrutinize that which you have no knowledge of.

Like all processes by which knowledge is attain, you must first study, think about it, and apply your understanding. You should not first try to understand before you study and ponder. That would be senseless. I have a degree in chemistry & I received my knowledge concerning chemistry this same way.

Likewise, I have read the Book of Mormon and studied the LDS faith. I have studied numerous other faiths and read what they had to offer. This is how knowledge is attained and it has a special individualistic value. I encourage all of you to find out for yourself from correct sources and there would be no need for a thread like this.

Christianity as a whole is nothing more than a cult – just with different sects. They claim to follow the principles of Jesus, yet they are intolerant to anyone and everyone that does not believe the same as them. First, they started killing off Pagans (crusades anyone) and then they took over their holidays, modifying them, when they realized there were too many Pagans and they couldn't wipe them out. After that, they made the pagan wise women into some sort of monster, calling her a witch, etc. – another fear tactic – saying she was evil. However, Christians have no problem believing in the supernatural – the thing they claim to shun. If a man rising from the dead isn't supernatural, I don't know what is.

Hypocrites.

I want nothing to do with a religious whack-job in the Presidential seat. Separation of Church & State!

This is for Lee. Seeing as you seem to be an expert on what a Christian is, I would like to know what your definition is. All you are doing so far is throwing blanket statements and rhetoric around. What is a Christian?

Don't get your hopes up…I'm sure he's not going to answer the questions you want answered as he doesn't want to offend anyone. There will be alot of side stepping and beating around the bush in his speech.

Jesus said "I am the way". On the cross he said "it is done". There is nothing left to be done until he returns. You can't say you believe in Jesus and then contradict yourself by stating heaven must be earned through works. God is Love, he provided a way to heaven by grace through Christ – now it is up to you to enter. Don't be fooled by religion's that "tag" on to what Christ said was complete. Any God worth your soul should not send mixed messages or reinvent your faith.

Posted By Jim St Louis MO : December 3, 2007 1:29 pm

Hey Jim, you scholar you, look up James 2:20. If you believe in the Bible, believe in the whole Bible, not just the parts that are convenient to your life. You really belive you don't have to do anything? How convenient.

RE: Are Mormons Christian?

7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God.

"Oh evangelicals may believe Mitt Romney has faith, but just in the wrong things. Mormons are as Christian as Muslims are, maybe less. They are not Christian.
Then again I don't think Pat Robertson, George Bush and many self-identified American Christians are actually Christians either. But that's a whole 'nother story.
There is a certain rot in a segment of American religious/political thought."

Lee, what a perfectly un-Christian thing of you to say. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Posted By Shelley, Chapel Hill, NC : December 2, 2007 9:11 pm

No, I stand by every word in my statement. Mormons are not Christian, but they are American, and borrowed from the Christian religion, which leads some American Christians to be confused.
Another source of confusion is the American culture itself. Being part of that does not make you "Christian" in and of itself, particularly if it is just Republican politics (Pat Robertson) and nationalistic xenophobia masquerading as christianity. Christianity is bigger than America, sorry.

the Mormon cult is quite deceptive…

Posted By Your conscience : December 3, 2007 3:59 pm

Wow drive by people hater who doesn't even have the guts to post their name.

<b.Mormonism is a dangerous cult that subjugates women and hates gay people. It would be extremely detrimental to have a Mormon as a President.

Posted By Maybelle Wilson, Santa Cruz, California : December 2, 2007 11:42 pm

Don't all Christian faiths hate gay people, I've heard enough Christian people talk about how being gay is an illness that needs to be cured..so how about you drop that crap..also there have been black people in the church from day one, so you all can drop that lie as well.

GOD has given everyone the freewill to decide what their going to follow. The question in America is why ethics and values are declining. You can see at every turn that society has totally given up trying to police itself and is saying do anything you want. Just because you say your Godly doesn't make you Godly, and just because you say you don't believe in GOD doesn't mean He doesn't exist. What is certain is if we don't concentrate on the true issues (see Ross Perot), we will continue to sink farther down to the point of no return, then you will need a faith that will do more than tell you what to do but will supply true deliverence.

I believe in the original god, Zeus, which makes me a Heraclean. I don't know if Mormons are Christans but they are definitely not Heracleans. Unlike Christans, Muslims, Buddhist etc. Heracleans don't put up the charade of being tolerant of other religions. Someday Zeus will come down form Mt. Olympus and strike down all the non-believers.

the Mormon cult is quite deceptive…

Is anyone still reading this thing???

Why isn't anyone discussing how practicing Mormon HARRY REID, Senate Majority Leader, discerns church and state?

Posted By JT, Ada OK : December 3, 2007 2:13 pm

Great point JT, most people have no idea that Reid is a Mormon and most people wouldn't give a bleep even though he is one of the most powerful people in the country (by his position anyway).

Romney has to do this as there are bigots from BOTH sides who are making this an issue.

If he came out and said "I base all my thoughts on my religous beliefs and nothing else" simply instead of what he thinks is right and wrong, I would hammer him as well.

The MSM would never speak ill of a Muslim or a Jew's faith running for office, the people would be allowed to decide and that is the way it should be.

You would think that since John Kennedy was forced to do this we would have moved forward, not the case, and it is proven by many of the ignorant postings here and elsewhere.

I live in Canada and am a Canadian citizen and therefore have no real concern for your elections. I am quite sure that whoever you vote in can't possibly be worse than what currently resides in the oval office.

What does concern me is a number of individual's comments regarding my and Mitt Romney's religion. Would it surprise those of you with the vitriolic commnets that if I were American I would not necessarily vote for Romney even if he is of my faith? Would it surprise you even more if I said I was impressed with Huckabee in the You Tube debates and would not rule out voting for him even though he is a Baptist minister and the Baptists are generally some of the worst anti-mormon crusaders out there?

For those of you that are curious, our Prophet goes out of his way every time there is an election to tell the members of the Church to vote for whoever they want and that the Church does not endorse any one Candidate and they never will.

In addition, if you are going to post asinine commnets about my religion at least make sure they are right. Most of the ones I have seen posted here today are way off base and some completely fabricated. If any of you posting are Christians perhaps you should remember one of the commandments that States "thou shalt not lie" because that is what books like the God-Makers do in abundance.

As for those that say we are not Christian when the name of the Church starts with the Church of Jesus Christ and that everything we do revolves around Christ, either you need glasses, a new brain, or a sanity test because you are clearly a moron.

What a tough position to be in for Mitt. He undoubtly will lose the evangelical support which frankly if he does will not hurt him as I think that the bulk of the world looks at Born Again Evangelicals as the most hypocritacal people in the world. But he will need to start courting mainstream America and then they will call him a flip flopper again.
It is pretty tought to be a Mormon who have a clergy made up of people who are not paid by the church and battle against a paid ministers whose living is paid by their followers they have a lot at stake if their members convert to Mormons so of course they will distort the truth to scare people away. The Mormon church is a huge threat to these people thus they go on and on about the fraud of Mormonism yet what do any of these ministers or their churches do for the community or the world?
1. Jim Bakker and about 20 others rolls royce driving ministers.
2. Kill abortion Doctors
3. Protest at funerals of soldiers stating it is because of the sin in the country that we are at war. lets therefore punish the soldiers family at their time of grieving.
Evangelicals are the Jihadists of the Christian Faith.
If Mormonism is a fraud how do you explain a 14 year old boy establishing an organization that now stands at 13 million 200 years later. it is the fastest growing christian religion in the world and has been for the last 20 years. If Joesph Smith was a fraud the Church would have ended when he was killed 170 years ago.
Mitt your in a tough spot best of wishes in your speech. Start being more of yourself and care less what some people will say to you. You will never have agreement from everyone.

In 2008 some ideal occupation changes for Mitt Romney would be to co-star with aw come on Fred Thompson in perhaps a new television series called CSI Salt Lake City. Rudy G. should get a promotional job at the ole ball game with the New York Yankees. Also last but not least is possibly the greatest realistic Republican challenge to any 2008 potential Democratic nomininees for the leadership of the United States of America. Namely a Ron Paul, Mike Huckabee ticket.

Steve Pinkston,

The very last verse int he bible is "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." I fail to see that this invalidates any religion. I assume you are referring to the fourth to last, which mentions that "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book."

Where are the plagues? Why was John himself not visited by the plagues, as he wrote the gospel of john after having written revelation?

Why is it that they can't add to a book that was compiled and canonized hundreds of years after the books were written? is the apocrypha also heretical? where are the plagues that should be visited upon the catholic church for those ones?

If you would like to make arguments against the Mormon religion, please do so using points that are a little harder to refute than this.

Romney's religion aside, he is the more qualified for an executive position than the others as far as I can tell. If you can show me that another is more qualified, and more in line with my conservative values, I will be happy to re-evaluate my position.

To – Ben from Norcross – You absolutely correct in your timeline. My comment earlier was not to be a historical statement but a Theological one.

IF you believe the Bible as cannnized in the current 66 books is God's word (not the ghist of his thoughts or mans scribling of history), then you must believe that Revelations and its concluding finality of God's breathed word by being the last book of the Bible. It would be NO mistake that it was intended to be the last thing GOd wanted humankind to know.

As Jim in St. Louis concurred, Jesus said it is finished on the cross. His last breaths in human form were not acclamation of his life was finished but that GOD the FATHER's work of salvation, redemtion and atonement were complete with HIS sacrifice.

What need is there for another depensation or revelation from a MAN (Joseph Smith, Charles Russell, Jim Jones, Sun Youn Moon…) if God's work is complete?

What more does one need to gain salvation?

Is Christ all I need or not?

Is Christ's death all that was needed for atonement for mankinds sin or not?

If not:
– then Christ's sacrifice was in vain,
– he was not the son of God
– the Bible is NOT the word of God
– the Billions of followers that have had faith in HIM are wrong.

Christianity is faith based solely on the life of Christ, not the Pope or Smith, Russell or Moon or any other man.

I am NOT a bigot, hate monger nor a hater of Mormans. I have stated before I have many friends who are Mormans, whcih I hold dear and close.

Mitt Romney seems like a nice guy, I admire his nice morals and leadership skills running the state of NH and the Olympics. But all those qualifications do not save his soul and neither does a belief in a Man's 'revelation from God'.

Folks, Christ is about love. I love my morman friends, muslim friends, all my friends. It is for them I want them to see the God of love and know HIS one true act of grace and mercy.

But I have a question.
IF Christ was enough why the need for Smith's book? Why? There is no gray here or waffling or flip-floppin. Either Christ's sacrifice was enough or it wasn't. And if it wasn't, then EVERYTHING in the BIBLE is false and worthless.

So in that regard I completely understand all the atheist and christian haters here. They beleive the Bible was not God's word and that it is false.

Mr. Romney, from what the article says, will not discuss his faith but, rather, religious tolerance and freedom in America. I'm sure he is also going to say that his faith informs his family values, something which he's said before.

Of course, one does not need to be a Christian to live a family-centered, faith-centered life with high moral values. If that were the only sign of true Christianity, my agnostic, atheist, Buddhist, Islamic, and Hindu friends would be termed "Christian." Boy, would they be surprised!

I think that Evangelicals are upset when they learn some of the LDS beliefs–becoming God, getting one's own planet, dominance over wife and children, having a book equal to the Bible, etc. Most importantly, the belief that Jesus was a human prophet–one in a long, continuing line–is problematic. Why? Most Christians believe that scripture is closed and that not one jot or tittle (let alone an entire other book)should be added to the faith. They also believe that Jesus Christ is a part of the Trinity and divine, not human. Since, with regard to the Christ and to other areas of faith, Mormonism and Islam are very much alike in their history and beliefs, Christians become uneasy whether they wish to feel that way or not. Fear? Bigotry? Logical conclusions? I'm sure the reaction to Mr. Romney is a bit of all of these.

To Aburgess, Phoenix, AZ:

Let me ask you some questions in response to yours.

As you know, Orrin Hatch (prominent Republican serving our country since 1977) and Harry Reid (prominent Democrat serving our country since 1982) are both are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They too took the oath of the office.

Question: Have these men's service to their respective constituency in any way been compromised because of their faith? And have there been any decisions made by Salt Lake City, Utah, since these men have served in US Congress?

To Val Molina, Del Rio, Texas:

Evangelicals, like yourself, for some reason think that God favors you more than the rest of us. Thinking this way you are deceived that you are above all other denominations. Please read James 4:6 – "Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Is anyone still reading this thing???

Why isn't anyone discussing how practicing Mormon HARRY REID, Senate Majority Leader, discerns church and state?

This planet doesn't need another
leader that believes in magical ghosts
in the sky,or in the ground or fairies
or magic underwear or any of this
other delusional stuff.

All you need to do is look around the
planet and see the arrogant leaders
that think their magical being is
better than your than yours and is
willing to kill or subjugate you if
you don't belive it.We don't need any
more of this religious nonsense.It's
time to grow up planet earth and put
the myth's to bed.

Regardless of what Romney says about his religion, most people here will not change their mind about him. Yes Mormons are Christians =, so what. Yes they allowed Blacks to join their faith but they did not allow them to become a member of the Priesthood until recently (last 20 years or so). So what, most white Christian churches in the south did not allow black members until the last 30 years or so. My biggest problem is he (nor any of his five sons) served in the military. I guess he like most rich folks, like the poor and middle class to do their fighting for them. Just another Chicken Hawk.

I would like to see anyone that is a member of the Christians Right to define the meaning of baptism of fire which was one or many doctrines given by Jesus Christ to early Christians in the Bible and advise if they in any way believe that they are Christians in the sense that early Christians were Christians. By what
authority did they baptize by water and baptize by fire.
There was much more to the Church doctrine praticed by the early Christians than just believing in Jesus christ as our savior.
Come on I am only asking you to define
one doctrine.

RE: Are Mormons Christian?
.
** Christ's Atonement **
.
"The Book of Mormon," Alma 34:
.
8 And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
.
9 For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.
.
10 For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.
.
11 Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another. Now, if a man murdereth, behold will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay.
.
12 But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonement which will suffice for the sins of the world.
.
13 Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away.
.
14 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.
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15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
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16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of eredemption.

Mitt, keep that Mormon mantra going by repeating:

I want my own planet..
I want my own planet..
I want my own planet..

Now may or may not be the right time for a Mormon to successfully run for President. But I think, as a nation, one way or the other we'll get there.

The anti-Mormon hatred and rhetoric, with its attendant absurdities will continue to ebb, like racism's high age of the last century. Consider that during the early and middle part of the 20th century being a member of the KKK was acceptable by the mainstream, and even desirable and politically astute. But over the course of decades that opinion ebbed, until it was merely tolerated, and then stigmatized and eventually it became a virtual disqualifier for any serious politician.

The same is occuring now. Where once Mormons were driven about, robbed, and murdered, eventually they found a place to settle a measure of peace. Though the anti-mormon rhetoric, lies, and absurdities would rage on for more than a century. But there too–with more and more people finding themselves friends of Mormons, or seeing through the nonsensical claims of certain insecure evangelicals and "former Mormons," or otherwise adopting progressive attitudes–it has become less and less acceptable to bash on the Mormon faith. Even the hater-monger types have started to go from (even in this string of comments) "Everyone knows Mormons aren't Christians" to "I can't believe we're calling Mormon's Christians (or that we're even being nice to them)." This trend will continue until those individuals who currently hold such passionate enmity (and who spread the lies to perpetuate their beliefs) adopt a more beneficent attitude, or succumb to the mainstream pressure to at the very least keep their backward views to themselves, or simply pass on with their generation and leave the progress to their children. Without claiming that America's problems with racism and bigotry have been solved thereby, it can still be claimed that this process has certainly gotten us from the acceptability of hatred to its total stigmatization. Bearing in mind, that there is no forum better for hate-mongers than the internet, where they feel free to spew out their hate and their threats, safe from the consequences they would face in the real world for being so backward, intolerant and…dare I say it: ignorant.

Learning about Mormons (and deciding on one's vote for the US Presidency…) from those with axes to grind is already intellecutally compromising. But to do so from websites purporting to tell you the "truth about the Mormons" or "Old Joe Smith" with shoddily patched together "facts" makes one rather worse than true ignorance: it misinforms.

Jesus said "I am the way". On the cross he said "it is done". There is nothing left to be done until he returns. You can't say you believe in Jesus and then contradict yourself by stating heaven must be earned through works. God is Love, he provided a way to heaven by grace through Christ – now it is up to you to enter. Don't be fooled by religion's that "tag" on to what Christ said was complete. Any God worth your soul should not send mixed messages or reinvent your faith.

By the list of comments it's easy to see why Gov. Romney feels the need to address his religion. Most of the negative comments are unfounded, and/or incorrect. Romney's faith is HIS, and he respects those of other faiths. He must do this, just as JFK needed to in his day. No one is going to try and convince America to become Mormon from the White House. But, understanding his religion, will help people understand that to be honest, hard-working, self-sufficient, and morally upright are a huge part of the Christian faith to which he belongs.

RE: Are Mormons Christian?

"The Book of Mormon," Helaman 5:

9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.
10 And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
11 And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls.
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

It's sad that this speech is needed, but, I am proudly sanding at your side as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We all support you and see the blessings of your hard work that will come to pass. May God Be with you. May his love shine in your comunication with this great country. All things happen for a reason. And within Gods will.

redbeard:

I guess you are either:

a) bigot, or
b) uneducated bigot.

In my book, you are both.

Steve Pinkston- you're way wrong. you say to read the last verse of the bible which states that nothing should be added. That argument has no legs whatsoever. It was not until the year A.D. 393 that a church council first listed the 27 New Testament books now universally recognized. There was thus a period of about 350 years during which the New Testament Canon was in process of being formed. They placed the Book of Revelation at the end which was not in sequential order from when John wrote it while exiled to the island of Patmos thus it would mean that other books in the New Testament were added after John The Revelator said that nothing should be added.

Mitt do it! Inform these people and the rest of the country that we here in the United States of America have the right to choose how one worship. In your speech I hope you focus on the rights of people of this country rather than your own individual personal beliefs on Mormonism.

When that state, such as Massachusetts forces children to accept teachings of alternative lifestyles against the will and religious beliefs of their parents it is VERY PERSONAL and in-your-face. It is these areas whereby the true character of the candidate is revealed. Romney, irrespective of his beliefs, allowed Massachusetts to head down the path of moral swill.

Posted By Kim : December 2, 2007 8:50 pm

Sorry Kim, you are misinformed. Mitt was against those teachings and the progressive in this state as the MAJORITY over ruled him.

Just like there were sanctuary cities here, but they were all voted in by local city councils where a Governor has NO jurisdiction.

This is after all a state where a few hundred parents paid for and signed off on their children going to see a Miracle on 34th street and at the last minute the trip was cancelled as one parent complained and the principal to save face said "it was not part of the curricula"????

Many of the parents who are Jewish were offended that the trip was cancelled as well.

This PC BS has screwed this country up big time.

Never has the whining of a small few, over ruled the will of the HUGE majority.

So we can't have our 13-14 year olds see this play, but we can have our 6 year olds have alternative lifestyle curricula shoved down their throats.

Keep in mind that Mormonism is based on sham and snake oil. It's main goal is to convert everyone else to Mormonism and all other religions are satanic. Freedom of religion is a one way street for Mormons. You're free to become one but not to become something else. Watch for the spin on this and educate yourself about the Mormons. What you find will appall you!

Mitt don't do it! The GOP base does not want to hear about Mormonism similiarities to Orthodox christian beliefs on same-sex marriage and homosexuality. They want to hear about why do you think the Garden of Eden is in Missouri. Also does the Book of Mormon trump the Bible in matters of faith for you?

If these questions get asked of you, you will lose the existing GOP evangelical support that you have.

It is too late for my advice, since you if decide not to go through with your speech, you will be labeled a flip-flopper to the second power!

It is so so sad that this "religion" has penatrated this country to the point of acceptance that it is Christian. Mormans like many other sects may be a religion of peace, love, service to others and kindness but it does NOT promote a relationship with Christ, rather it promotes a religion of propagation of Joseph Smith's satan induced dreams of magic underwear and personal heavens filled with whomever they baptise their spirit into. Don;t get me wrong, I have lots of morman friends and love them to death, but they are not Christians. The Bible could not be more clear that the entire premise of the book of Morman is false.

1 – Read the very last verse of the Bible

2 – In Christ alone is salvation, no work, no act, no other book or priest, elder, pastor or missionary or process is needed to gain access to the Father and HIS everlasting presence.

I agree his faith however twisted it is should have nothing do with his ability to run a country. I personally just don't want anyone running my country who in the core of his soul and heart thinks that baptising Christy Brinkley's spirit will put her in their personal heaven as one of their wives where their are a GOD in the afterlife.

Sorry this again is another violation of the 2nd commandment. "There is no other God.."

For Matthew and the others here who think persons of faith have no place in government or in life in general. EVERY KINGDOM, EVERY MOVEMENT, EVERY NATION, EVERY 'PEOPLE' WHO HAVE RULED their part of the world or civilization
have collapsed into ruin because they reveled in their own reckless pleasure abandonment. Yes even 'christian nations' have failed because they took their eyes off Christ and looked to man for answers.

Search the entire earth for one man, just one single man who is without sin.
There is not one, which is why we need God. No pope, no preacher, no elder, no pastor, no plumber, carpenter, computer engineer, real estate agent, teacher, politician is perfect without sin. NOT ONE!!! But I would rather have a President who knows this fact and looks to guidence from God when decisions are difficult and complicated.

I really could not care less what religion Mr. Romney is. Or, for that matter, what religion, if any, ANY of the candidates choose to espouse. I wouldn't vote for Romney if he were running for dog catcher, but it has nothing to do with his Mormonism. It has plenty to do with his inconsistent positions on virtually everything; gun control, abortion, immigration. I can't speak for everyone, of course, but I think this country has had enough of well-dressed, expensively coiffed prostitutes running for office.

a couple things, to the one suggesting to see The Godmakers- it is full of lies from excommunicated members and anti-Mormon Ed Decker. it is about as reputible as Adolf Hitler. and then the one about the magic underwear- whatever. it is a daily reminder of covenants to the Lord. they do not wield magic as these crackpots come on here and say. I do hope Mitt comes out and says some things instead of ignoring it. what he really should say is that it is personal as is everyone's business. this is the USA after all.

Luana, I'm sorry, but you are sooo misled. I have been on a mission and spent 2 years of my life talking to people about my faith hearing every rumor and misperception out there. But I have no heard the ones you mentioned. I'ts crazy to think that your trying to teach what we believe, but you are so way off. Where do you get this stuff? Of course NONE of those things about women are true. Get your facts strait before you decide to teach out our doctrine! Don't just believe a web site claiming to expose our truths when in reality it's only meant to turn others away by mis stating every single fact there is and twisting the truth into false lies about us. Your comments are a classic example of this. STOP THE HATE!

If the Mormon religion is so false, why then is it one of the fastest growing religions? Why are their families some of the strongest in the world? Why do so many businesses seek to hire LDS persons?(FBI,etc.) Mormons are good neighboors, they have strong families, and next to texas, Utah votes Republican almost everytime! Some of the comments on this site are simply self-rightous! Perhaps, Mormons are the true Christians here.

He is doing this 2 fold: 1 for PR because any publicity is good, 2nd with his #'s falling he is feeling the pressure to make headway with Christian conservatives.

Like several other people who have posted comments here, I also believe Romney is done. He tends to flip flop when it is politically expedient for him to do so. His opportunism is shining through and people aren't digging it.

So, it looks like everyone will need to openly discuss the history of their church and the nature of their theological beliefs now right?

A sad day for America.

Many are correct to note the mistakes made by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. If find it interesting that they did not put this in the context of the Mormon extermination order, the killing of men, the raping of women, and taking or destroying of their property. Mormons will be the first to admit they are not perfect, but others might want to examine the history of the inquisition or crusades too.

Separation of church and state means one does not have to belong to a specific ideology it does not however mean we, as voters, can not consider a persons religious beliefs when deciding who to vote for for president. A religion can at minimum influence your past, your problem solving methods, your reasoning skills, and thinking processes. It can influence how one feels about policy and their voting record and it can influence how a voter may expect them to vote on other future issues. Religion does matter and Romney has to discuss it because the general populous does not know what to think about it. Education is better then nothing. Separation does not mean it should not matter or should not play a roll. With 85% of americans claiming Christianity as their religion i say it matters more then many other issues that are discussed in debates and on the campaign trail!

If people do not care to vote for Romney, I will support their freedom to choose otherwise. I am more concerned about the continual misunderstandings or protraylas of Mormons:

1. Some claim that Mormons desire world domination. Ironically, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not even endorse a single political party, and its articles of faith suggest "We believe in being subject to kings, rulers and magistrates."
2. Some suggest Mormons are racist. Ironically, Joseph Smith strongly opposed slavery when most people and religions in American didn't. The Book of Mormon also states "He [God]inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."
3. Some suggest Mormonism is a cult. Interestingly, the church that Christ established was regarded to be a sect, and "everywhere it was spoken against" Acts 28:22.
4. Many people criticize Mormon involvement in polygamy. What is not mentioned is that this also took place in the Old Testament. In fact, an angel of the Lord even told Hagar that she she return to Abraham (Gen 16:7-11). Of course, Mormons stopped polygamy over a hundred years ago and it is hard to deny that Mormons have strong family values today.
5. The video entitled "The Godmakers" and other like it have been condemned by the anti-defamation league.
6. Many claim that Mormons are not Christians. They state this for at least two reasons: We believe God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are separate beings; and because we believe Jesus has a physical body. We believe God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are separate beings because Christ taught us to pray to God; because God's voice was heard from heaven when Christ was transfigured (Matt 17:5); because Jesus prayed to God while on the cross, and because Stephen had a vision of God and Jesus standing on his right side (Acts 7:55).
We also believe Christ has a resurrected body. He said in Luke 24:39 "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." In our view, if Christ does not have a body, then he was not resurrected. If Christ was not ressurrected, we could not be resurrected either and religion would have no point since there could be no afterlife. Phil 3:20-21 states that our resurrected body will be fashioned like unto his. Others disagree with out views of God and Jesus and the Holdy Ghost, and I respect their views.
7. Some of the other comments about Mormons are a little hard and contradictory. One minister stated: "This is not a conversation about a person, it is about a religion that drives a person to do what he does." So, we might ask what does Mormonism drive people to do? This leader answers this question: "The people of the Mormon religion are very highly astute, highly family-oriented, deeply character-driven people." And yet, he says "Mormonism does make me nervous, because I am a Christian, and because the precepts and principles, and more importantly, the practices of Mormonism have cause for great concern." Without trying to cast stones, doesn't this seem a little contradictory?

Finally, one of our articles of faith states "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." We do not ask or force others to agree with us if they don't want to, but we would invite people to respect our faith and people of all different faiths.

When asked if he would hire an american muslim as an advisor or to another high level position within his whitehouse Romney stated that he would not because islam makes up such a small portion of american theology. "There are not enough people of that faith for them to be in any place of power"

Does Romney know how many mormons there are?

Why should it matter what faith a person is? After all there have been several past Presidents who have claimed to be Christians, but look at their lives! Clinton, need I say more? It is simply sad. Mitt Romney would be number one in all the polls were it not for his Mormon faith. Huckabee seems like a great guy, but I think he is quick to wear his relgion on his sleeve. I have a minister already, I want a President that has good moral judgment, and will bring optimism back to the American people. Mitt Romney is the real deal, and he has my vote.

It is unbelievable that a nation that has been gauranteed seperation of church and state in its noble consitution, insists that our elected officials pass some sorrt of religious litmus test. None of the candidates religious beliefs are any of my business, but rather, a matter best left to themselves and their God. President of the United States is, has always been, and should always be a secular office. It's sad that so many Americans no longer accept this founding principal.

Faith is like flipping a coin. Pray for heads, pray for heads. It lands on heads the coin gods listened to you and are real. If it lands on tails, the coin gods instead, have a plan for you. Believing in such nonsense, should be a wake-up call to one own mental health.

The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason. – Benjamin Franklin

It is not as in the Bible, that God created man in his own image. But, on the contrary, man created God in his own image. -Ludwig Feuerbach

There are a lot of urban legends floating around about Mormon beliefs and several are on this thread, also a few personal accounts that ring false with mainstream Mormonism. If you really want to know what they believe and how they believe it, the most pure source is lds.org or an active LDS friend/neighbor/co-worker. You won't get real info off this thread or others like it. They have an agenda to twist and malign. Good news is America is growing up and more people are walking away from anti-Mormonism than picking it up. Bigotry is out of style.

I'm really looking forward to the other candidates special news conferences explaining the beliefs of the churches they attend. It appears that we hold Romney to a different expectation than the other candidates. It would be interesting to see how much about their own religions the other candidates know. With the exception of Huckabee, I would be interested to see the other candidates discuss the history and doctrine of their chosen faiths.

Nice to see that all the so called "Christians" posting here have so much room in their hearts for hatred of other people because of their beliefs. I guess that's what Jesus taught right? True Christianity is about love and not hate. Try reading a Bible some time.

And the next time you try to shine the light of absurdity on someone elses faith or beliefs, just remember, you are opening YOURSELF up to questions of YOUR sanity for believing the things you do. You believe that God appeared as a burning bush and talked to a man who could turn a stick into a snake? Really? You believe that God told a man to build a giant ship that held all the animals in the world? REALLY? You believe a man that was actually God yet also a man, raised the dead and healed the sick, died for all the sins of the world and came back to life? I mean COME ON!! How gullible do you have to be!

Well I believe all those things, and I'm a Mormon. It's not gullibility, and it's not insanity, and it's not a CULT. It's FAITH. And the day when faithful people with totally illogical beliefs ridicule SOMEONE ELSE'S TOTALLY ILLOGICAL BELIEFS is a sad day indeed. Stop being hypocrites and start being CHRISTIANS. Look into your hearts and ask your savior to forgive your hatred and venom. Ask him to cleanse your soul with his atoning blood and fill your heart with his love. Then maybe you'll know what it means to BE a Christian and not just SAY you're one.

It is disappointing to hear Americans questioning the religious beliefs of Mitt Romney and not looking at his other attributes.Do we really know what God thinks of us who claim our faith is better than others.Mitt has demonstrated more moral discipline than some of the religious zealots who always want to be king makers.America needs Mitt Romney's services in this trying times.

Do you want an unknown quantity running the United States of America and the free world?

Romney and all Mormons have sworn an oath to "obey" the head of their church – the so called "prophet". The oath includes many things but above all Romney must do as the "prophet" commands or he will go to Hell.

Do you want a President that is severly compromised with an oath greater than his office?

Do you want the country's decisions made from Washington, D.C. or Salt Lake City, Utah?

If so many are willing to so easilly dismisss Mormonism, why are so many so violently opposed to it? If you don't agree, why not just let it go? It reminds me of how much Christ was persecuted by the Romans and Jews. They fear what they do not understand.

Anyway, like others have said, we are electing a president, not national preacher and just as Kennedy was not led by the Vatican, the same holds true with Romney…

Here is a great article of why Romney's religion shouldn't be a factor in the upcoming presidential elections.
People of Paradox
Filed in American History , Western Religion , A-Featured , Politics , Media , Religion on November 7, 2007 | Share This
Terryl L. Givens is Professor of Literature and Religion and James A. Bostwick Chair of English at the University of Richmond. His newest book, People of Paradox: A History of Mormon Culture not only traces the development of Mormon culture from Joseph Smith through today, but also looks at Mormon culture in the context of society at large. In the article below Givens uses Mormon history to elucidate why discussion of Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s religion is irrelevant.
On the 10th of September, 1846, the bombardment began and continued sporadically for three days. As many as 800 (some Mormons said 1800) U.S militiamen and area citizens with six pieces of canon had surrounded the virtually deserted city of Nauvoo, Illinois. The two to three hundred remaining Mormons converted some steamboat shafts to canon and threw up barricades in a feeble attempt to survive. After a stubborn resistance by the besieged, and a daring sortie that brought temporary respite but at a cost of three Mormon lives, the combatants signed an agreement of capitulation on September 16th. By October, the Mormon temple in Nauvoo—finished at such tremendous sacrifice even while persecutions raged—was desecrated, the beautiful city that had recently rivaled Chicago in size was a shell of its former self, and the last weary and infirm Mormons had joined their fellow believers in forcible exile. They left behind not just the “City of Joseph,� but the very borders of the United States of America.
At almost the same time and thousands of miles away, the Mormon Battalion, a group of Mormon volunteers, trudged toward Santa Fe to rendezvous with the federal Army of the West on their way to fight the Mexican War. On October 9th the battalion arrived, and Colonel Alexander Doniphan of the Missouri Mounted Volunteers ordered a one-hundred gun salute to honor the Mormons for their loyalty to the United States. They had just completed the longest march in American military history, on behalf of a government from whose territory they had just been expelled at cannon-point.
It is one of the great paradoxes of the Mormon experience in the nineteenth century that the American flag suggested to the Latter-day Saints both promise and oppression; it was both an emblem of God’s purpose and designs and bitter ensign of a nation that expelled, disenfranchised, and persecuted them.
Today, the situation is markedly different, yet the paradox persists in modified form. The Latter-day Saints express as one of their Articles of Faith, an unswerving devotion to patriotism and civic duty (Article 12). Mormon teachings ascribe to America a providential role in world history and even in millennial events. One Mormon scripture proclaims this a “land choice above all others� (Ether 2:15). Another Mormon scripture, certainly unique in the canons of Holy Writ, makes the specific claim that the Constitution of the United States had been established “by the hands of wise men whom [God] raised up unto this very purpose� (D&C 101:80D&C 101:80). Yet in the looming election, the question recurs: can a Mormon president be loyal to the country and constitution first?
Good reasons may exist to question the qualifications or judgments of Mormons or any other candidate this year. Yet it seems ironic that the candidate with the most explicit theological grounds for special loyalty to the American constitution and rule of law, is the only candidate whose theological attachments are singled out as possible disqualifiers for presidential office.
Mormon culture has thrived on this and kindred paradoxes. A church that embodies hierarchy and centralized authority surpassing that of the Catholics while celebrating a conception of individualism and agency that in some regards surpass Pelagius. A religion filled with the rhetoric and promise of theological certainty, which at the same time conceives of salvation as an educative process that will reach into the eternities. And a people whose isolation from the mainstream is marked in blood and history, reflected in a language of exceptionalism and difference, and reified by architecture and physical space, even as that same people aspires to search out, proselytize, and bind together the entire human family living and dead.
It could be that to call these conflicting tendencies in Mormon culture paradox is to resort to euphemism for what is really the simple inconsistency so often at the heart of human ways of ordering experience. Or paradox could be a sign of immaturity, an indication that Mormon ways of articulating their values and preferences have not yet found a synthesis free of fault lines. In any event, exploring the ambiguities and tensions at the heart of Mormon culture reveals a faith tradition more complex and multi-dimensional than the caricatures often generated by the simplistic language of sound-bites and presidential campaigns.
The odyssey of the Mormon faith in American history is perhaps in this case the greatest paradox of all. The church has gone from being a public enemy to be exterminated, in the words of a 19th century Missouri governor, to the quintessential American religion, in the view of more recent observers. The status of Mitt Romney as a contender for the presidential ticket is a sign of that progress. That his religion is, in the eyes of many, a potential disqualifier for that office, is a sign of progress yet to be made.

i would like Mitt to explain not only the underwear and the inherent raccisim and sexism embedded in Mormonism but also Joseph Smith's magic spectacles, which allowed him to read the secret golden plates (that became the book of Mormon)…. i have no problem with people's religions but this is a cult. please read "No Man Knows My History" by Fawn Brodie for the real story of the beginnings of this "religion." i would also suggest objectively reading the book of Mormon. weirdos.

The Mormon Church changes its beliefs often on the recommendation of whoever is the current prophet of the church.

They do wear "sacred undergarments" which have symbols embroidered into them that look very much like Masonic symbols.

Caffeine is now allowed. Mormons drink caffeinated beverages now all the time. Because the church prophet said it is okay now.

Can change like the wind.

Don't we criticize countries like Iraq because religion tears them apart?

I do not care about the religion of a person running for president. I do, however, care how they project themselves. Mitt has projected himself (much like Hillary) as above the mud slinging. And just like Hillary, when the race gets tight, he responds by increasingly attacking Huckabee. I am disappointed that he is just another politian. So as it stands now, the ONLY way Mitt will get my vote is if Hill is the candidate for the Dems.

When Romney won the Family Values poll one of the evangelical leaders that was against the Mormon faith was asked why he was backing Mitt Romney. He responded, "I'm picking my president, not my preacher."

How narrow-minded are we to be focusing on this? This is a desperate attempt to slander a candidate very worthy of the GOP nomination. The Mormons I know keep church and state separate. How many Mormons do you really know? Are you scared of that person? Honestly? Some of the nicest people I have ever met are Mormon. Growing up in North Carolina, I've heard about every Mormon 'Tall Tale' there is. Religion is evident in how you live you life. Let that be a witness of someone's character, not researching and swallowing what you read on the internet or what your 'for-profit' pastor tells you about a religion you probably know nothing about.

We're electing the leader of our country! What are we really looking for in a leader? You think Romney relied on faith to become Governor of MA? Was it faith that helped him to turn around so many businesses and the 2002 Winter Olympics? Did faith make healthcare affordable for everyone in Massachusetts and erase their state debt?He is an extremely intelligent and capable business-minded politician who has incredible organizational skills and vision to get the job DONE. America doesn't need another big talker, it needs a finisher.

I think he's done a great job of answering questions on his faith, without making a big deal about it. He is the only candidate that hasn't danced around the hard questions in the debates. Romney has stood head-and-shoulders above everyone else running for the Republican nomination. Our country is on a serious decline and is in need of a President that can produce results. Mormon or not, Romney has my vote.

I once ordered a free video from the LDS Church that was advertised on TV. It looked to be a costume-drama based on the life of Jesus. I received a phone call to inform me that it was to be hand-delivered. So I declined. I didn't want the video nor the visit. Two nineteen-year-old "elders" showed up anyway, and invited themselves in to enlighten me as to the history and basic tenets of their faith. They used a flip-chart to tell a story that in my opinion no ten-year-old would be willing to believe. I found it all quite outlandish, particularly in this modern age. Their story of an angel and a sacred book etched in stone goes back just two centuries, and yet there is no archeological evidence to support it. The founder of LDS was a known huckster who developed a "theology" based upon his own child-like misunderstanding of Seventeenth Century Christian Protestantism. Having studied theology and philosophy at the college level, I had many questions for these boys. But they had very few answers. Just that I should believe what they believe. By the end of the conversation though, I think they were beginning to have doubts themselves. It's disheartening to know that one of the leading Presidential Candidates in the United States for 2008 comes from such a background. But unfortunately, in our world today, despite science and technology, religion is beyond reproach, no matter how unreasonable.

Let me give some advice to those struggling with whether or not Mormonism is Christian, heretical, pagan, or whatever.

In terms of religiosity, Mormons are very much like evangelicals. They are clean-talking, uptight, clean living, no drugs, no booze, no tobacco, no caffeine, work hard, marry ONE woman, raise good kids, be financially responsible, no fornication, no adulterous sex, commitment to faithful marriage, and discourage others who want to live differently. Not all Mormons live by all those rules, but neither do all evangelicals.

Where Mormons differ from evangelicals is in a few important points of theology. However, theology occurs only in the minds of people, not in the world. It is actions that count, not thoughts, in the world. So what if they say potayto and you say potahto? The french fries come out the same.

Also, Romney's brand of Conservatism is very much like Bush's brand of Conservative: lower wages, less medical care, shrinking middle class, a tiny by magnificently wealthy upper class, corporate control of government, and a declining standard of living for most Americans. So while Bush's theology differs a little from Romney's theology, their actions would be the same. Theology therefore means nothing. And you all know as well as I do that politicians think very little about spiritual matters.

Perhaps Romney would not be as incompetent as Bush, and he could achieve Conservative goals faster.

So much for the principle of seperation of state and church. I don't see any one of the other candidates having to address (much less explain) how their faith impacts the issues they stand by. Goes to show the overall hypocrisy of American society when it comes to weighing who to choose for president. Perhaps a promiscuos liberal atheist would sit better with American voters than a monogamous man of faith who was brought up in a wholesome family environment and has led a successful business and political life due precisely to his religious upbringing. I'd vote for Romney blindfolded, whether I knew his religious background or not.

This is getting ridiculous. I’m am not and would never vote for this man! But what about the constitution and the "little" part in that says “…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.â€�

Oh how I hate organized religion. It really tears us apart more and more each day. I do not practice any religion, but I believe that Mitt is a fake. Please don't vote for this fool.

I am a right wing evangelical fundementalist crazy person, or whatever label you want to give. I have taken a survey of my sphere of influence and we have an issue with Mitt bring a Morman. Based on the standards of our faith, Mormanism is a cult. I can't vote for someone who falls of that kind of deception.

Terrific: The Vatican already owns the Supreme Court; soon the LDS will own the White House.

Romney wants to talk about "how faith is what shapes our values." I personally don't want to hear what he has to say about this topic and i am sure a lot of other fellow citizens will care less about what he thinks. This is a secular country and our officials shouldn't talk religion AT ALL AT ANY TIME, running for presidency doesn't entitle you to use a public forum to advertise and market your beliefs.
I am all for an Atheist president because i believe all religions distort our values, and it is time to realize this. I wish a day will come that this country will embrace non believers/Atheists as mush as they embrace those religious leaders.

I wonder how much religious people are willing to hear a speech from an Atheist presidential candidate?

READ THIS!

Anyone who says that Mormons are not Christians is either bigoted or extremely misinformed. Even an atheist who is academically honest, if he were to study this faith group, would find the claim that mormons are not Christians to be ludicrous. I really feel sorry for those of you who buy into this – do you realize what a mockery you are making of your own intellect? Those of you who say Mormons are not Christians are just trying to smear another faith group. Last time I checked, that would technically make YOU the one who is not Christian!

I just hope Mitt tells us all if he believes that nonsense about golden plates in the woods. Mitt, please tell us how Joe Smith "transcribed" the Book of Mormon w his top hat and seer stones! Just be honest!

Some of you miss the point. I am not for Romney because I think Mormons are dumb or evil, it's not that at all. Quite the contrary — I think the Mormon Church has contributed significantly to the arts and society at large, and I have many friends who follow that faith.
The reason I am not voting for Mitt is that I believe that even though Christ is a central figure to the Mormon faith, there are so many Joseph Smith add-ons that make it more of a cult in the end. Being a bible-believing Christian is the core of who I am — and I cannot vote for someone in a Primary election that does not reflect that core belief — especially when there's a Mike Huckabee, who more closely represent my faith, and conservative views.

Why can't we get more Muslim candidates?

Durka durka. Mohammad Jihad! Durka durka!

Re: Are Mormons Christian?

"The Book of Mormon," 2 Nephi 33:

6 I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.
7 I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.
8 I have charity for the Jew—I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came.
9 I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.
10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.
12 And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.

TO ASHLEY IN DALLAS

In 1990, there were significant changes made to the temple endowment ceremony. Just 17 years ago, you would mimic the penalty you agreed would befall were you to not "live up to the promises you made in this temple, this day." They included moving your thumb across your throat; another one had you disemboweling yourself.

Your comment only tells us that you did not attend the temple until 1990. It also shows that you have either never really asked all those people in your family about their endowment ceremony before the changes were made, or they are comfortable lying to you to protect your testimony.

Ask your Bishop or Stake President. They'll have a "reason" for the change, like the one to the Book of Mormon last month, which you can accept or reject. But at least you won’t embarrass yourself again as a person unfamiliar with your own religion and its history.

RE: Are Mormons Christian?

The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:26,

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Women, and everyone, really need to know how the Mormon religion feels about women. Women cannot wear pants to church. They must have the permission of their husband, even if divorced, to become a member of the church, or to make any decision effecting the family. If two married Mormons have an affair, the woman is excommunicated, the male is not.

I had those very sweet young men with white shirts and bicycles bother myself and my children for months. I tried to be polite and open minded. I did not want to become a Mormon, but was curious as to what they believe so I attended church there several times, and spoke with them quite a bit. I would have to have the permission of my exhusband, who is in prison in another state but will be getting out soon for trying to kill his second wife, to join the church. My choice, without his permission, would be meaningless. Also my ex doesn't know where we are and is a very violent person who has in the past harmed my children and myself. I would have to let him know where we are. The elders said "heavenly father will take care of you". Now, my Jesus gave me a brain to think and reason with, and that does not make sense.
I was also informed that my family is not a "real family" because there is no father in the house. When I told them I was not in a hurry to remarry, they handed me a pamphlet on this. If someone loses a spouse, they are to remarry asap!! The Mormons believe in three heavens and no hell. I am set to go to their lowest heaven, which I was told was pretty awful. I guess so since the likes of Hitler and John Wayne Gacy will be there too.

It is all the things that a woman must get permission for from her husband that should alarm people.

Also, I attended High school with Barack Obama. Punahou School is a Christian High School founded by missionaries with mandatory weekly chapel assemblies. Our baccaleaureate, before graduation, was always held at Central Union Church – a United Church of Christ where i taught Sunday School for several years, and is closely affiliated with Punahou School. Barack Obama is not a Muslim.

I am voting for Barack, of course.

The comments on this post are disgusting. Liberal bloggers show their true colors on this site, with a grand display of ignorance and intolerance.

I am excited for Romney to share his perspectives on his religious views and on the importance of faith in one's life. This may lead to a new comfort level with even the word "Mormon," which has stigma associated with it in our very Christian country.
As a non-practicing Roman Catholic, it is disconcerting that presidential candidates even have to validate their religion publicly. What does religion have to do with being a presidential candidate? Why do people care? Why are no presidents atheists or non-practicing? Are these presidential candidates trying to attract the conservative Christians that voted for President Bush?

I am sure the Morman leaders are trying to coach Romney in what not to say about their cult… Mormanism is not Christianity… they have added to the Bible and added their own little book of morman to it. Look them up.. if you are a true Christian.. you couldn't vote for this guy when you know the deceptive truths about his faith. I believe God wouldn't want someone to be in charge that wasn't with HIM.

*cough* I was taught in school to never discuss these three things in public (unless you wanna incite a riot or a fight or whatever) : politics, religion, and football. But, if he'sa politician, he hasta talk politics but really, where does religion tie into running our country? Yeah, his religion might be a little unorthodox — but will that really influence his ability as a president?

Sometimes, I find myself believing that nearly everyone in this country is narrow-minded and a hypocrite. Maybe I'm included.

Mitt needs to quit. His Mormon beliefs stigmatizes him in the public eye.

Religion is the engine of elections in this supposedly secular government. Faith has nothing to do with managing political office. Several expressly pious leaders are later proven to be adulterers, liars, and thieves, and have kept this government operational.

So, why do we keep choosing devout hypocrites? Because we identify with people who are exactly like us, me included.

wow… Now, can everyone who has read these comments see WHY the world is in so much trouble? This is ridiculous. People bashing other peoples religious beliefs and bashing "The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints". If you do know the truth about this religion, then why speak and spread such awful lies?
It is every persons right to believe in whatever religion, they choose. How many people do not even believe in god? Are you condeming them?
There is so much more that needs to be addressed, the hungry, the poor, the homeless, the crime…..must I go on?

Please people get your priorities straight. Help fix the world, not make it worse than it already is.

This Nation was founded on the seperation of church and state. We can only pray the canidate who wins the next election has the ability to carry on in that venue. I am sick and tired of people in this counrty trying to make everyone fit the born again Christian mold, Lets give everyone the freedoms of choice, which includes religion that this nation was built upon and let God sort it out in the end.

Why does it matter that he is a Mormon? He just chooses to believe in a different made-up story than main-stream Christians believe in.

Its almost 2008, we no longer need myths and fables to understand how the world works. Its time to abandon "faith" and embrace science and logic. Use your brain to vote, not your rosary.

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I like to respond to this:

Posted By Matthew – San Antonio TX : December 2, 2007 6:31 pm
Anyone who has "faith" as part of their lives is not fit to serve in office. We need reasonable people, directed by rational thinking not outmoded religious beliefs. Please!

Matthew. Apparently you have never read what it says on the money you are spending every day "In God We Trust".

The American Founding Fathers were people who had Faith.

Mitt Romney apparently is a person that stand for something and that is what USA needs, since your biggest enemies are "religious societies" which are in power.

They teach their children "systematically in schools" that Americans are evil.

I come from an European Society where religion was not respected, but I can tell you that the young people in Europe are going back to church, because it is the only thing that can counteract the awful things they are experiencing from a religious society of hate.
Vibeke Madsen
Canada

"Kennedy promised a White House in which decisions would be made "without regard to outside religious pressure or dictates." Such a presidency was essential, he said, because "today, I may be the victim, but tomorrow it may be you — until the whole fabric of our harmonious society is ripped apart."

… and this is what is happening. Keep your religion in your own heart, live your moral life so well that you lead by example rather than babbling on and on and on … God knows your heart – the rest of us don't care.

When are we as a country going to finally say the religion of a person shouldn't even matter AT ALL in a political campaign. This story of Rpmney being a Mormon is the most overrated story of the year. A persons religion shouldnt even be considered at all, it shouldnt even figure into politics. Thats the problem with this country right now, everything is based on religion, and I thought we were just a bit better than those countries that base everything on religion, but I guess we are just like them…go figure. Vote or dont vote for a candidate based on his/her views, not his/her religion.

Yuck! Anyone who believes that a "magic" carpenter who lived 2000 years ago is coming back from the dead loses my vote. Now more than ever, a rational leader is what we need. Not someone who believes fantasy as fact.

Holy Crap there is so much misinformation about Mormonism on this thread its nauseating. I am not a Mormon but I was one for several years and I studied the faith voraciously.

I can tell you honestly that the vast majority of the claims on this board are totally false. There is not nearly enough time to address each of them but it shouldn't take more than a quick glance at an objective website to find the flaws here.

Don't believe every word your Christian pastor tells you about Mormonism guys! That's like letting a Ford salesman teach you about Toyotas and believing it will be accurate.

I'm no longer Mormon because I no longer believe in God. But Mormonism is no more ridiculous than any other sect of Christianity (and yes it is Christian by any normal definition). And it is probably the most misunderstood faith I've encountered.

But what does it matter anyway? I'm not voting for Romney because I don't agree with his political stances but he's clearly demonstrated his intelligence in other ways. If you agree with his stances, you'd be foolish (not to mention going against the constitution) to let his faith stop you from voting for him.

I find the comments below very disturbing. Obviously there are a lot of folks in the world that are very ignorant to what Mormons really believe. The only real way to find out about someone's religion is to ask them. We shouldn't judge something we don't understand by reading material published by folks who preach against a particular faith. How ignorant and simple minded can we be? Like the commercial says, "Ask your Mormon neighbor" Thank you, Governor, for trying to help American see what we really stand for….

Some major congressional news tonight, as the DCCC did a huge ad buy in OH-05 where there is a special election in nine days. OH-05 is very conservative but Dems apparently believe they have a shot. Full analysis here.

Honestly, I don't think Mitt Romney has decided to make this speech because he really wants to. There are many who feel "lets focus on the important issues", or "these Mormons are wackos and not Christians as all".

If you think about it, Mitt doesn't have much of a choice. He knows that in order for the huge number of Americans that have closed-mindedly decided I cannot vote for this man because of his religion, he needs to try an put their minds at ease. If he avoids questions about his church, people think he is hiding something.

This is a difficult step, even though it shouldn't be the main thing considered for his candidacy. He is not trying to convert the U.S. Maybe though, he can help a huge chunk of people out there, that when it boils down to it, hardly know anything other than rumors about his church, or really any religion for that matter.

The real issue here is can this man lead the country and make the best decisions on tough issues that will reform our nation. I am a Mormon, but I would not vote for someone just because they are Mormon, there are good and bad people out there from any background. I do feel that his qualities would make him an excellent leader for our country. Lets at least understand the situation here.

I would like a member of the Christian Right to define the doctrines that made the Chritians 2000 years ago Christians.
Again by what authority was Jesus Christ Baptized and where is the Authority for baptism that the Christians of the Bible held today?

After reading this entire string of comments part of me wants to be angry at the MANY misinformed individuals who have decided to grace us with their comments. If you are going to slander someone's beliefs makes sure you have the correct information. Obviously there are all kinds of OPINIONS floating out there. If you really want to know what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes go to the source and figure it out for yourself. Don't subject yourself to the ridiculous game of "telephone" where things get so distorted that there isn't much truth left.
Go to the churches official website:
http://www.lds.org
or
http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/

Gov. Romney took an oath in the Mormon Temple and vowed to consecrate all that he does and will ever to building up the kingdom of his church here on earth. He pantomined slashing his throat and disembowling himself during this "covenant".
You don't think the Mormon religion is going to influence his decision making. Come on. Get real.

—————–
YOU HAVE BEEN WATCHING TOO MANY SCI FI MOVIES. I WAS MARRIED IN THE LDS TEMPLE, AS WERE MY PARENTS, MY HUSBANDS PARENTS, MY SISTER, MY BROTHER IN LAW, MY GRANDPARENTS, MY GREATGRANDPARENTS,ETC… NONE OF US HAVE SLIT OUR THROATS OR PROMISED ANY SUCH FOOLISHNESS. GROW UP AND STOP SPREADING LIES AND BIGOTRY. I AM SO SICK OF PEOPLE WRITTING THIS CRAZY STUFF ABOUT A RELIGION THATS CORE IS LIVING A CLEAN LIFE AND OBEYING GODS COMMANDMENTS.

IT IS SAD THAT HE HAS TO DO SUCH A THING. HOWEVER, I RESPECT HIS CHOICE AND WILL STAND BEHIND HIM ALL THE WAY. RELIGION PLAYS NO PART IN POLITICS-SAYS THE CONSTITUTION WE LIVE UNDER.
MORMONS ARE CHRISTIANS AND HAVE THE RIGHT TO PRACTICE THIER FAITH WITHOUT ANYONES JUDGEMENT. WHAT WOULD THOSE OF YOU WHO SAY OTHERWISE DO IF SUDDENLY OUR COUNTRY CHANGED FROM A MAJORITY CHRISTIAN FAITH TO A MAJORITY BABTIST ONLY FAITH AND THE BABTIST DECIDED YOU AS A CATHOLIC, METHODIST ETC WERE NOT A CHRISTIAN? THINK ABOUT IT! IF WE ALLOW ONE GROUP SUCH AS MORMONS WHO BELIEVE IN ACCORDANCE TO THE DEFINITION OF CHRISTIAN TO BE MISLABELED AND BIGOTED THEN WE SOON WILL ALLOW ALL RELIGIONS TO BE OPEN TO SUCH HATE.

The mormon faith is ridiculous. I don’t want a president who seriously believes that Joseph Smith, who states he discovered "divine golden plates" in his back yard in up state NY about 150 years ago, was a religious prophet! People, mostly christians, tend to focus on the polygamy issue, but that’s not even the most absurd part about this “faith�. Take the time to read about the origins of this faith and the charlatan Joseph smith who concocted this doctrine. To think we could have a president who subscribed to such contrived doctrine is an insult to thinking people. Maybe if we are lucky we can get a candidate running with a strong background in astrology or even witchcraft.

Let’s clarify some things here. Yes, we have religious freedom in this country, which is a good thing. Mormons have the right to practice their interesting belief system, just as jews and christians do. I see liberals saying its bigotry to criticize Romney for his "faith", but liberals seem to call everything bigotry, if you in any way point out a difference in people. I am a democrat myself, but do not blindly follow party lines like some myopic robotic idiot. Why is that we always have to respect others beliefs no matter what? Yes, the mormon religion is absurd. I am not uninformed, I have read a lot about Joseph Smith and momornsim, as well as other world religions. I can’t believe people on here actually say it doesn’t matter what someone believes, as if it has no relevance to being the president, or being an intelligent thinking person. Yes, Christianity is also absurd, as well as the other monotheistic religions. I'm not simply some christian on here putting down a rival religion, its all supernatural antiquated hog wash in my opinion. However, Christianity has been around for a long time, and has thoroughly indoctrinated so many.

14 million every 24 hrs in Irag/Blackwater crimes/abuse of your tax dollars-the "dollar at an all time low/American infrastuctkure crumbling/the huge deficit-we owe China,Saudi Arabia-no,they own us/then there is global warming and the illegal immagration issue-I keep thinking Bush/Cheney cannot think of more horrible things to do-they must have had their kick by now-but still more-and yet the right keeps talking about religion-what is it with republicans/conservatives-you are not conserving this republic-you are detached from reality.ct

Oh good, he can address some issues that Mormons really like to sweep under the rug. For instance their claims that Lamanites (American Indians) are descendants of the Jewish prophet Lehi and the DNA evidence doesn't support that that claim at all. Or the fact that the translated pearl of great price came off of what we now know to be funerary papyrus common with Egyptian burials and are in fact not the books of Moses and Abraham. They can thank the Rosetta stone for that OZ pay no attention to the man behind the curtain moment.

Or better yet, I wanna hear him explain Joseph Smith's fraud conviction and how that fraud conviction includes mention of the use of a "seeing stone" to search for treasure. Polygamy, funny underwear, and racist's beliefs are just the tip of the iceberg.

How about an explanation of the Adam/God Doctrine that Brigham Young taught, or the Mountain Meadow Massacre.

Hope everyone blocked out about a week's worth of time cause that's what it's going to take.

Now that I have said that, I should add that there probably aren't that many people out there with relatives (other than Mormons) who were at the Mountain Meadows Massacre. (1857) (and it is because nobody that was there, minus mormons, had a chance to have any family) That is because Mormons butchered the wagon train of "white settlers" because they were essentially the same thing that many extreme Muslims call us "non-believers" now. -infidels! I don't really want to compare Mormons to Muslims here, but, both have their extreme sides, and history factually tells us that they are not that far apart. Mormons have just become more civilized, that is all. Unfortunately, religious people seem to have a pension for killing people in the name of "their" religion. Thanks, folks.
Our country was founded on freedoms of all sort, which is great, faith (other than in one's self, and in their fellow man or woman) should have no bearing on our politics, EVER!

How sad that all of these "Christians" display such hateful and unchristian like attributes/attitudes. It basically voids any negative comment posted here. All of the Mormons I know are more Christian than any other group of people I've ever seen. While all of you "Christians" believe that all you have to do is accept Jesus Christ and you will be saved, the Mormons actually act upon their beliefs and serve their fellow man on a daily basis. Whether you think Mormons are Christians or not, if we are to be "saved" according to how much we follow Christ's teachings in the Bible, I'm afraid to say that there will be more Mormons in heaven than any of the rest of us.

Let's see here. Mormonism is, yes, another religion that doesn't exactly treat all people equally. Is there anything else that should be said? I don't think so. If you look back, there are probably quite a few people that lost relatives in 1857 in a little place called Mountain Meadows, Utah, due to things I don't want to speak of. That situation is just another that should tell people that we shouldn't vote for anyone who has any major religious devotions. Isn't that supposed to be private? You can rail against any religion, and all of them have their bad sides, as well, but I think we need a person that will unite everyone. No person can be a Mormon, Catholic, Muslim, etc. all at the same time. We aren't all the same, and we don't all believe in the same thing. JFK managed to put religion aside, perhaps Mitt can do the same. Catholics are responsible for more deaths (so far) than Mormons, so, who knows? Maybe it could be a good thing, but I doubt it. Anyone who promotes their faith (in the words of John Wayne) "don't get my vote!"

A religion is deemed Christian when it can affirm the Nicene Creed (with filioque or without). Mormonism will not do this. Besides, calling oneself a Christian does not make one a Christian. Regardless, one's religious beliefs should not make a difference when evaluating a candidate for political office.

Read the comments before mine to find some of the most profound hypocrisy one can see.

If you're religious, the bible I read contains a Christ who tries to include, not exclude.

This aim to make "Christianity" a small limited group is disgusting as it actually goes against the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I don't agree with many other religions, but if they claim to accept Christ as their Savior who a I to say if their personal relationship with God is acceptable or not.

The accusation that Mormons are not Christians shows a major beam in the eyes of those making such an accusation.

It's an insinuation of hate in the name of the God of Love.

It's a cry from those who claim to have read Christs words beaconing men to come, yet saying to other "go away".

It's disgusting to see. Harry Reid was appointed leader in a party that is viewed as the anti-religions party.

So while you read these comments understand that calling a large amount of people racists and cultists (a term which technically refers to ANY religion) is bigotry at it's best. Is a bigot so much better than a racist?

Vote for issues. It's not can you vote for a Mormon, it's can you vote for THIS Mormon.

If Rudy can put away his personal beliefs on abortion to win support of evangelicals, then what a great hypocrisy to assume that Mitt cannot keep his personal beliefs personal.

Some of you "Christians" are bashing Mitt for what you consider weird beliefs, but you probably have no problem with Huckabee who believes the Earth is only 6,000 years old.

In the fourth Mormon Bible called "the Pearl of Great Price" in the chapter called "Joseph Smith History" verse 19, Joseph Smith had said that he was told by God not to join any sect because, "they were all wrong, and…all their creeds were an abomination". I would like to know if Romney agrees that Joseph Smith is a true prophet. He started an intolent sect claiming others were corrupt then went and took several new wives claiming that God gave them to him. This upset his first wife Emma Smith. Then Joseph claimed that God commanded Emma to receive the other wives that God had given to Joseph. Romney served a two year mission in France in 1966, and he went around giving testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. These Mormon scriptures can be checked by going to the website http://www.scriptures.lds.org/en and doing a word search on "creeds" and on "Emma".

The main problem with Romney is that for the past 60 years, he's been indoctrinated by a deceitful, dysfunctional, authoritarian religious organization (the Mormon Church) that promulgated "eternal truths" such as polygamy, blacks being cursed by God with dark skin, and "penalties" in the LDS temple endowment ceremony involving simulated self-violence (throat-, chest-, and belly-slicing). Do Americans want someone to be president who has failed to recognize that he's been part of a cult for his entire life? I think not.

More people have died in the name of Christianity than all of our modern wars combined, and that was prior to Mormonism arising in the 1800s. I see more problems with a Lutheran who believes they are "saved by grace" and therefor "sinless" than I do with a Mormon who believes he is accountable to God for his actions. It's about time Mitt address this, lets hope he's upfront and honest.

By RS, Phila PA

I find it quite telling, on YOUR part, that you would label me a bigot when I'm merely stating FACT (something you should familiarize yourself with)!. Whether you want to accept it or not it is HISTORICAL FACT that the Church of Latter Day Saints DID not view blacks as humans prior to 1978 (I've lived long enough to have witnessed that). And it is my right as an American citizen to align myself with whatever religious denomination I choose!!! The Mormons that have approached me on numerous occasions have not given credible or viable information as to why it took until 1978 for blacks to be accepted into their circle (clearly Mitt was a member of CLDS dring this time frame). So, NO..I'm not at all convinced about the appropriateness of a Mormon for president…a person who should be representative of ALL the people.

I deal with the facts, RS…perhaps YOU should do the same before being so quick to place a label on someone.

The Zogby Poll that seems to be loved and quoted by Obama supporters almost as mush as FoxNews has one major flaw? It’s wrong! I took that Poll and Zogby has no way of making sure that the control subjects are who they say they are. Anything taken online should be subject to doubt and highly scrutinized. They can't be right just look at the numbers and every other Poll in existence and you see Hillary winning. The Gallup Poll came out the next day with Hillary winning against everyone of those 5 Hillary stumping Repubs by a minimum of 5% points and as much as 13%. That Zogby Poll had Tancredo beating Hillary…PLEASE??? I hope that you guys aren’t taking that Poll as seriously as you say? I know it showed Obama winning and so you have to hang your hats on something, and that I understand. But pull your heads out of you butts and get real.

Oh my! The Mitt is really going to hit the fan now…

"1. The Constitution says that there shall be no religious test to hold office.
"

Exactly, so it would be ridiculous to exclude someone because they are religious. I thought the Left preached tolerance…except against things they dont' believe in.

And anybody who thinks that the majority of Mormons agree with polygamy are morons and do not know jack squat about their religion. I'm Catholic and even I know that stereotype is not true.

More than a few people here have lectured us on who isn't "Christian" in their book. Sadly, their words don't sound at all like the words of Jesus Christ, whom they claim to follow and worship. Mitt Romney has more kindness, integrity and Christlike conduct in the tip of his little finger than many of the people writing here, and he also shows a whole lot more intellectual ability than those with an obsessive paranoia of anyone who believes in God.

Angry people who can find only evil in Mitt Romney are actually fueling curiosity in Romney and Mormonism, and painting a rather unflattering portrait of themselves. Hopefully, they will adopt a more Christ-like attitude and save themselves the eventual regret of having spoken so poorly of their Mormon neighbors and fellow citizens.

anyone who defends Mormonism is either
a) one of them decieved into thinking what the serpent said to Eve in the garden of Eden- "ye shall be as gods" ( the teaching of Mormonism

b) someone who is totally ignorant of facts & details of Mormonism

yeah sure, they can be & generally are good, decent people

but what part of when you vote for Mitt you are voting the Headquarters in Salt Lake to deem decisions- can't you understand?

Joesph Smith was found a fraud & liar in a court of law in Bainbridge, NY- and is not a prophet but a lier who is revered as a martyar-
what martyar would shoot until death in a jail cell?

sorry Mitt- no thanks

Why don't some of you who comment on this board spend some time using your computers to find out the information you so desperately need to learn about Mormonism? Mitt's speech will fall on deaf ears of you who 'question the Mormon Religion and don't understand it.' Why don't you spend some time 'Googling' the Mormon Religion? May help your education, especially since you didn't learn about 'being a Mormon' in Junior or Senior High School….OR American History!

To all suspicious Evangelicals, take a deep breath. Mormons are not to be feared. There are more similarities between the two groups than not, in terms of ultimate lifestyle. The only real difference (and big deal, by the way, when weighing political matters) is that of the Orthodox notion of God (the Trinity, which states that God is three-in-one and one-in-three) and the Latter-Day Saint God (the Godhead, which states that they, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, are separate and distinct, but one in purpose), and of course, belief in a modern day prophet and 12 apostles, as in the same context with Peter's mortal ministry, with up-to-date revelation from God, if needed.
The word "Christian", means belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world,and Mormons believe that too. Unfortunately, many Protestants feel the one has to be a Trinitarian to be a "Christian". So be it. Even if you still disagree with Mormons, fine. But if they are really so terrible, then think about what Christ told His disciples, "by their fruits ye shall know them". This was the measuring rod that the Savior gave to the disciples, in order to determine a group of people. Because, AS A WHOLE, the Mormons are quite exemplary citizens and neighbors. If you lived out here in the west coast you would notice them more, where they are much more prevalent. Of course, you will always have very disgruntled and vengeful traitors and tyrants, (many of which live in Utah, by the way, and often write nasty lies, as you can read in the above commentaries). The early Church in the Mediterranean had many traitors also. Additionally, the early followers of Christ were also considered a "cult", by the Orthodoxy of that time. Right? Ironically, the Mormons could consider the word "cult", as being in good company and a compliment, if the early followers where also considered such. You Evangelicals need to lighten up. Check out evangelicalsformitt.com. Romney is the real deal. He may have changed his position on abortion, but seems to be sincere about his mistake. Undoubtedly, he is very talented and capable of winning against Hillary, in many political expert's opinions within the D.C. beltway. Intelligent Protestants (and Catholics too,) by the way, know he is the most talented to help this great country through economic difficulties. He knows how to handle money and is very well read on many domestic AND international issues. His organizational skills are amazing. He has no real skeletons in his closet. Squeeky clean. And that really scares the Dirty Pool Clinton Camp. The only real dirt they will have to throw is his faith, (if you allow that to be dirt.)
So, LIGHTEN UP EVANGELICALS.

It is almost as if people are scared of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church). People that say Mormons arn't christians are clueless about the church. They are usually the religous bigots that are addicted to finding fault within the Mormon Church.

Only an American would admit his ignorance of a very old religion known as Mormonism. It is an embarassment that as a citizen of the United States, a candidate for President must explain and discuss his religion. Mormonism is an old religion and part of the History of the United States, and Salt Lake City, Utah. How can American citizens or any resident of the United States remain so IGNORANT and under-educated in this time of COMMUNICATION and INFORMATION? Didn't anyone study American History in High School? Go Mitt, sorry that the common man is so UNDEREDUCATED in the United States….something for you to work on!

I am most likely not going to vote for Mitt Romney, however it is not because he is a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am also of that faith.

Politics is not a part of our religion in that it is not discussed in Church, no one is "told" who would be best to vote for, in short, when we go to Church, it is for the sake of giving that day to Heavenly Father which is one of the ten commandments.

Romney's political persuasion is his own, though I would add that if he is and good and faithful Mormon, he will be the most honest candidate in the race. Just depends on if you like his politics or not. It has nothing to do with our religion. I go to Church every Sunday and politics is just not discussed. That is not why we go.

For anyone who wants to know what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) truly believes. Go to mormon.org It is a website approved by the church, and will answer any questions which you have.

I'm simply praying for everybody on here and especially for the individuals who are spreading hatred…towards another Christian faith. Sad…

Mormonism is a dangerous cult that subjugates women and hates gay people. It would be extremely detrimental to have a Mormon as a President.

It seems to me that that on this ticker-blog-thing-y it is socially acceptable to be an open bigot….that is if the person that is being defamed is a Mormon. Did I miss Cooper Anderson announce, "Hello Americans….Free game on Mormons…say whatever you want!! Hmmmm…I don't think so.

If these same comments were made towards other religions or particular races one might be considered an INGNORANT BIGOT. However, if it's about a Mormon somehow it's perfectly acceptable?

Good luck on your speech, Mitt. We are pulling for you.

Finally, we get a candidate that is willing to speak about his specific religious views and relate them to his political views. We have long heard candidates merely say they were Christians with no explanation of there personal beliefs.

A true Christian would stand up and tell the world Jesus is the Christ. He would also live his life in the wholesome way that Gov. Romney does. Mormon's are a peculiar people these days because they are honest, hard working, educated, and have good family values. Sounds like a good president?

If this thread is any indication of a Christian welcome. you can count me out.

Maybe he will speak about the Mormon Church's history of racism against African Americans? Or about the Magic Underwear? Or about the countless cases of Polygamy within the organization? Or about how Jesus was hanging out in America?

When will Romney, the Evangelicals, etc. realize America is NOT a theocracy? If they want to make it one, then trouble is a brewin' sure as bears you-know-what in the woods!

Mr. Romney is a great leader but unfortunately, not for our country. I am an evangelical Christian & a Republican & am very uneasy about his faith because I know the truth about it. Mormons are not Christians & everyone needs to know that. What's sad is they think they are. I don't want some cult leader running America!

Mr. Romney is a great leader but unfortunately, not for our country. I am an evangelical Christian & a Republican & am very uneasy about his faith because I know the truth about it. Mormons are not Christians & everyone needs to know that. What's sad is they think they are. I don't want some cult leader running America!

With Huckabee now leading outside of the margin of error in Iowa, Romney has to win back some social conservatives — and this is the way to do it for him!

To PW in VA. Some of the earliest members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were African-Americans, and yes this was back in the 1860's. Please do a little research before you recite such false statements, which were probably told to you by your preacher. Also, if you are so inclined to take the position that you could never be a part of an organization, or group that did not want you prior to 1978, you seem awfully to quick to claim the US who didn't want to give you basic human rights until the 1960's although your and my ancestors had been on this land since the 1600's. Please come up with a better argument for not liking someone because basing it on their beliefs (which by the way is the farthest thing from being Christ-like and a Christian) is pretty ridiculus and bigoted (or did you not know that Christians and African-Americans could be bigots). Also, since your pastor is afraid to tell you the truth, and you don't have the guts to find out the truth for yourself, Mormons or Latter Day Saints, are indeed Christian. A Christian is anyone who belives in Jesus Christ and accepts, knows and belives that He is our Savior and the Son of God.

Gov. Romney, if he is faithful,to his beliefs,must submit hinself to the caucasian overseers of the Church of Latter Day Saints. This submission to these men takes precedent over the United States Constitution. This body of men have, in the past, banished men and women from heaven, according to their beliefs.

Gov. Romney took an oath in the Mormon Temple and vowed to consecrate all that he does and will ever to building up the kingdom of his church here on earth. He pantomined slashing his throat and disembowling himself during this "covenant".
You don't think the Mormon religion is going to influence his decision making. Come on. Get real.

I don't see how Mitt being a Mormon is relevant to the election or why this talk would be needed. I am not looking forward to it because I think it's difficult for politicians during an election year not to use something like this as another tool for positive spin. Religion is a private matter and talking about it should not be a pre-requisite during an election. Perhaps religion or lack thereof does influence one's values and worldview, but people judge your values by how you've lived your life so far and the choices you've made, and that's ultimately what we need to be learning about Mitt and other candidates. By constantly referring to religion at every possible opportunity we're making it common.

There is a vast array of fantastical misleading information about the Mormon church. If any of you would like to know the truth about what the church and Mitt Romney bleieves you can find it at the LDS web site…

http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/

Or you can get your information from hysterical, finatical, bigoted, Mormon hating people that want nothing more than to mislead you for their own corrupt purposes. It's up to you.

About Mitt Romney for president.
#1 He has a strong record on illegal immigraton. He puts America first and he will put America back into the hands of her legal citizens. Huckabee will not, neither will McCain. We are currently being overrun by illegals; in fact,Texas is drowning in them. HELP!

#2 He is a financial genius, and we need his business sense in Washington now more than ever. Huckabee's economic record is a disaster! Do not let him get ahold of our current economy!

#3 He has shown himself an intelligent man when it comes to our military. He stated emphatically that he thought that it was unwise to discuss the US military's interrogation tactics. McCain on the other hand wants to reassure the terrorists on national TV that they will never be made the least bit uncomfortable while in the custody of the United States. Not too bright for someone who is supposedly a "military expert". Still there are those who did not quite grasp the debate and are determined that Mitt Romney endorses torture. Never mind that he repeatedly stated that he did not.

#4 Romney has stated and laid out a plan to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. YAY! It's about time that someone took that seriously.

#5 Romney has repeatedly come down on the side of socially conservative values. Everyone wants to call him a flip-flopper but I would challenge you to find a time when Romney voted pro-choice or in favor of gay marriage! He has consistently protected socially conservative values.

You will not find a better candidate than Mitt Romney. As a matter of fact, the only ammunition of those who oppose him is to call him names and attack his relegion. Brilliant!

Why is it that the bigots are so willing to turn their brains off and hurt thier own country in the name of their own hatred? Amazing. The ultimate betrayal.

Because Mormons do not believe Jesus is God, and because they do not believe He is the Messiah, they are not Christians.

They all use their religion to bash people anyway so who really cares. They are all a bunch of hate mongering, fear mongering bigots

Morman's reject the following Apostles creed.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

Unlike Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christianity, Mormonism does not include belief in a Trinity, in which the one God consists of three persons. Instead, Mormons believe that the "Godhead" is made up of three distinct beings who are "one in purpose" but not in being.

In addition, the Book of Mormon, although about Jesus Christ, contains a different Jesus than traditional Bibles who is “not the only begotten Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, or the one through whose death on the cross we can be saved from our sins.

I'm actually kind of sick of all these Christians complaining that the rest of us are backing them against a wall because of their religious beliefs. If you don't want to address it, don't advertise it! Don't tell me how you believe in creationism and abstinence, and expect me not to question you as a candidate. If you want to advertise your beliefs and blanket your explanation under religious freedom, I'm going to utilize my democratic right and question your authority.

To Lee in Mays Landing, New Jersey, and to everyone else that thinks like they do.

"They are not Christian. Then again I don't think Pat Robertson, George Bush and many self-identified American Christians are actually Christians either"

Who are you to decide who is a Christian and who is not? What authority do you have to decide what criteria merits the "Christian" classification? You have the Bible and your own interpretations, just like everyone else. Why are your interpretations of certain scriptures that much more superior than that of others, so much so that they can no longer be called Christian, despite their belief that they are?

Is it based on majority vote? So because there are more people that are Protestants than Mormons, the Protestants get to decide that the Mormons don't count as Christians? What if the Mormons outnumber them? Would the Mormons then get to declare that they are the only Christians out there?

If Pat Robertson declared that Lee in Mays Landing, New Jersey is not actually a Christian, would that mean that Lee isn't anymore? Would it make Lee think that he wasn't anymore? Would it change anything at all? Then WHY this incessant argument of who gets to be Christian and who can't?

So is he going to admit that Mormonism is a cult?

Come on Mitt, you're the one who says marriage is between one man and one woman yet your religion says it's OK for one man to marry as many (underage)females as he wishes. Mormonism, as practiced by your Grandfather.

Sure Mitt, tell us about your cult religion and how you stand for Family Values.

this is very important his performance is pivital in this – with veyone asking him when he would address it he can finaly take the center stage and do it, in my opinon i'm glad he will – good for him.

Mitt's speech will be the beginning of this discussion, not the end of it. Personally I hope some of the questions he is asked in the upcoming weeks in defense of the Mormon church include:

Do you believe that God was once a man and that you can also become a God?
Do you believe that you, Satan and Jesus Christ are brothers?
Do you believe there are other Gods that also have distinct universes they have created?

Of course, Mitt cannot be honest and answer yes. Even their current "prophet" answered the first of these questions on 60 Minutes saying "I don't know if we teach that," so I guess we can't be too hard on Mitt. Even the church's prophet won't admit to this and other Mormon beliefs.

Good for Mitt. I look forward to hearing his speech.
I get so sick and tired of hearing alledged "Christians" trying to tell us that we are not Christians. They use as their litmus test aged and flawed doctrinal statutes developed 300 or more years after the mortal life of the Savior by men using their own limited rationale while trying to please the masses. There is only one true litmus test and that is whether or not we (anyone) believes that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. Since we adhere to the believe that there is NO other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven whereby we can be saved in the Kingdom of God — that makes us Christians.
The real question is will Mitt Romney's faith hinder him from administering the laws of the land or upholding the consitution of the US? I think not. Listen on Thursday and decide for yourself. If you prefer to listen to all the drivel and lies of the enemies of the LDS Church, nothing will change your mind anyway.

You know, Tom Las Vegas, Nevada (you said: just because they have good family values doesn't make them Christians), that is exactly why Romney is running to become the president and not the Christian missionary of our land. We really need someone as president with good family values, someone with strong leadership and someone highly intelligent to run our country – and that someone does NOT have to be Christian. I am Christian myself and I envision Gov. Romney as one great president of the United States. He is that "someone" that possess all those aforementioned qualities.

Many people are saying to research the mormon religion. The Book "Inside Mormonism" is a great one, with about 20 pages that are really a reprinted "Rap Sheet" of founder Joseph Smith. Considering he was a liar, a thief and the best con man of his century, perhaps they have a place in our current political spectrum after all.

The hypocrisy of the "Christian Right" is so evident as they say "You are not 'Christian' because we say you aren't." Maybe you people should really think who you are persecuting! The fact is every Mormon, and yes it is spelled "Mormon" (J. Francis), I know are devout students of the Bible and are not as devilish as your pastors paint them.

I am more concerned with Mitt's dishonesty than with his Mormon faith. He will change positions on very important issues just to get himself elected. Only two years ago he was pro choice. He was also pro-gay. That got him elected in MA. Now he is taking the opposite stance to pander to the evangelicals. I hope that everyone is smart enough to see that he's a phony.

I often have young men of the Morman faith (in their white shirts, black slacks and riding their bicycles) knock on my door to promote Mormanism to me. I've yet to have any one of them explain to my satisfaction why I, a black woman, should be wiling to denounce my faith as a Christian to become a part or a religion that did not even view me as a human being prior to 1978.

It will be interesting to see what (if he dares) Mitt's take will be on this.

mormons are not Christians!

I'm not afraid of someone because they have different religious beliefs than my own. Are you?

I would never slander someone because they have different beliefs than my own. Would you?

The LDS religion is the same as nick name "Mormon" The samr as "Bill" is "William". The people who say "Mormon" isn't Christian surely have absolutely >NO< knowledge about this religion. I don't agree with this religion but thet are CHRISTIAN.

These kind and open minded comments really impress me. Thank goodness we have such kinda and tolerant people to teach Christians about tolerance and open mindedness.

Are people actually thinking that they need to somehow be AFRAID of MOrmonism and what it teaches-you're worried about underwear when Kennedy's "Catholicism" knew NO MORAL BOUNDS???

Wow- I've never seen more bigoted comments. Talk about religious intolerance. The Mormons I know in VA are some of the nicest, family oriented and faithful people I know. I find it amusing that people with bigoted comments are so inflamed and make ridiculous accusations. Mormons are Christians like the rest of us. They believe in CHRIST– get over it and get your own houses in order.

To all of those people who have left comments before me that find disgust when the topic of faith comes up with political candidates, need I remind you that this land that we call home was founded by the belief of individuals that felt so strong in this regard that they fought against all odds for. Against the superpower fo their day, they fought in the snow, feet bleeding, for the oppurtunity to worship as they feel. It is not a requisite for candidates to have a faith in God, but the framers of the constitution felt it such an item of importance that they freely included their belief that it was by the power of God that they found victory and that it is that same faith in God that aided in the structure of our nation. Like it or not, that is what this country was built on – a faith in God that motivated great men to action. It is also comical to me to have people feel as if they know if someone is Christian or not without knowing them, and in the same light calling themselves Christian because they go to a certain church. Jesus Christ said that "by their fruits you shall know them".

Michael from NYC is ill-informed & wrong. Mormom's have allowed African American's to join their faith from the beginning. They are Christian – as they are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ & believe the Holy Bible to be the word of God. They also believe the Book of Mormon to be a sacred book from God. Why not? I am married to a Mormon – though I am not one. They are good Christian people.

As a person who left the Mormon religion, I feel obligated to comment on this. People who say Mormonism is a cult or that Mormons are not Christians, are misinformed. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a fan of the Mormon religion, or any other religion for that matter, but generally speaking Mormons are good people who believe in Jesus Christ.

Never argue with an idiot
They will drag you down to there level
and beat you with experiance

Any way try voteing Independant this time around.There is still hope if we
can get the message out.

As far a Romney goes we need to wait and see what he says to the people in his upcomeing talk. Being a Morman is going to be an big up hill battle for him to win. I doubt he can. Huckabee is coming on to strong. Its a long time yet till November 08 and there are going to be some bombs going off on a regular basis in the political areana.

Go, Mitt go!

………….Just go away.

I don't care a whit about your religion. It shouldn't be a factor in how you think you would be as a president. You've already shown you can't run a state, let alone our county.

Massachusetts says "Good riddance"

Don't let the door hit ya where the Good Lord split ya.

"Oh evangelicals may believe Mitt Romney has faith, but just in the wrong things. Mormons are as Christian as Muslims are, maybe less. They are not Christian.
Then again I don't think Pat Robertson, George Bush and many self-identified American Christians are actually Christians either. But that's a whole 'nother story.
There is a certain rot in a segment of American religious/political thought."

Lee, what a perfectly un-Christian thing of you to say. You should be ashamed of yourself.

In the true fashion of a Mormon missionary, Willard Mitt will say very little while sounding as pious as a polytheist can.

I'd like to see him give a speech on WHERE EXACTLY HE STANDS on the issues, with no flip-flopping. Not that it would matter anyway, since he will change them all again next week. Just like he used to support amnesty for illegals when he hired them to work in his sanctuary mansions, then all of a sudden about 5 months ago decided he was against it.

We don't need a flip-flopping, bold-faced liar, silver-spoon elitist hypocrite in the WH. We had enough of that the past 8 years.

Harry Reid is not running for president, that's why his Mormon faith is not being scrutinized. He was elected by Nevada, which includes a large population of Mormons.

Please stop these moronic statements that Religion is Private, Especially when secular forces within this nation are on the continuous attack against the faithful (i.e. ACLU, etc).

The public sector within this nation is on the attack of any resemblance of morality — period!

When that state, such as Massachusetts forces children to accept teachings of alternative lifestyles against the will and religious beliefs of their parents it is VERY PERSONAL and in-your-face. It is these areas whereby the true character of the candidate is revealed. Romney, irrespective of his beliefs, allowed Massachusetts to head down the path of moral swill.

There is such a thing called judgment and this nation is not immune to it. There is TOO many who hold on to their belief in title only.

Jesus did NOT asked the faithful to be Christian but to be DISICPLES and to go out and make disciples. There will be many Christian's (in Title Only) who will stand in judgment.

Check out: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?id=28434

If Governor Romney is going to speak about religious liberty in America, let's hope that he addresses the specifics of where he thinks that religious dogma should drive policy decisions. It would appear that he thinks that it should … religion is, after all, the basis for the Religious Right's opposition to reproductive choice, stem cell research, and gay rights. Our society respects religious freedom … women opposed to abortion are forced to have one … but they would prevent others from having the freedom to make that choice. Imposing religious views on an entire society is one of the underlying problems of the Middle East. Let's not let people like Romney do that here at home.

The country has reached a new low.
I could care less about someone's religous beliefs, how about what you are you going to do to get us out of debt, get the illeagls out of the country, get a real energy policy so we dont have to fight wars over oil.
What about all the americans that do not have enough to eat and can not go to a doctor. How about changing the tax laws so it encourages manufacturing here again before we get in a war with China over oil. Ever wonder how we are going to pay for social security or medicae payments.
Wake up people, we got serious issues, keep your religion to yourself and address what is important to me and my children.

I am apalled at how many people think Mormonism isn't a Christian religion. Every single faithful Mormon will agree that Christ is their savior. Christ is our elder brother, our example and our redeemer. He was resurrected, and each of us will be as well. The difference between the Mormon religion isn't whether or not Mormons believe in Christ. The biggest difference is that Mormons believe there is a latter day prophet, just as in biblical times (makes sense to me that if there was a prophet to lead and guide people 1000 years ago, there would be one in our day of age).

If you really wonder if Mormons are Christians, ask one of them. Each and every one of them will tell you that they are. In fact, if you watch some of them, you can find out the answer through their actions.

How disappointing that some people think they know so much about a religion, and use their tid bits of knowledge to spread untruths.

As the direct decendent of the first mayor of Salt Lake City and a grand nephew of the second longest serving President of the Church of Latter Day Saints I offer the following two points

1)It is not about discrimination against religion its being discriminating about 'silliness' masquerading as religion. If you don't know the details of the Mormon religion suffice it to say that it is based on key elements which can now be proved by science to be 100% false (in addition to being silly) like the assertion that Indians are decendents of the lost tribes of Israel.

2) More critical do we really want someone in the white house who actually believes that he is not going to heaven but is evolving and will eventually become a god just like Yahweh did? Do you Christians really want a god in training having nuclear capability?

stop the hate

Most of my Christian friends vehemently deny Mormonism's place in Christianity. In fact, many of them hate Mormonism so much they prefer extremist Islam to it. While I'm not Mormon, if I were I would not want to be associated with the Christian Right. "Christian" people are among the most INTOLERANT I've ever met.

I'm sorry. I must not. I can not. I will NOT vote for a Mormon. People simply do not know what Mormons believe (they will be Gods someday and baptizing the dead, among other things). This is not representative of my faith or my values. Mormonism is a cult. Plain and simple.

should be interesting…cant wait to hear it

ya know..it really IS sickening to watch- not only the section of the electorate that has religion on the brain and entrenched in its voting ideology- but to see how the Christian Right is completely consumed with things that have nothing to do with reality. America is in an incomprehensive financial mess and we have the whole world pissed off at how our overwhelming idiocy can result in such a braindead loser at the controls…and yet we still…STILL watch the Right continue with its OCD style politics.
and the GOP knows full well, that that is ALL they are going to do as they campaign, is focus every ouce of energy on the JFB (jesus freaks block) because that critical voting group knows NOTHING,zero, nada, about money management and problem solving…ALL they do is wake up and pray, hang around for the whole day and pray, and pray before they go to sleep…

Jesus is going to take care of everything…but only after everything goes straight to hell, courtesy of our republican leader-wannabees.

what a mess.

1. The Constitution says that there shall be no religious test to hold office.

2. Religion is all mythology anyhow.

3. If people want a theocracy, they should move to one of those fanatical Muslim countries; then they'll see what it's really like.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post_group/ObamaHQ/CRRB

What do you all think? I can't tell if this is a good move or not. If he claims that Mormonism is the same as Christianity he will alienate the Christian right that disagrees with that position. If he claims that Mormonism is different than Christianity he makes the Mormons mad.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-rutten1dec01,0,4122002.column

I do not believe Mormons are Christians, Just because they have good family values doesn't make them Christians. Lets not confuse the two, I've heard Mr. Romney talk about his good family values, but then say if you want to learn more about the church's teaching and doctorine please refer to the leaders of the church. I believe this is a total cop out on his part. The teachings of the book of Mormon are not in line with the Christian beliefs. Mr. Romney does not get my vote.

Considering that the proper name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where does the confusion regarding its Christianity arise? Perhaps media outlets should review their style guides.

Oh evangelicals may believe Mitt Romney has faith, but just in the wrong things. Mormons are as Christian as Muslims are, maybe less. They are not Christian.
Then again I don't think Pat Robertson, George Bush and many self-identified American Christians are actually Christians either. But that's a whole 'nother story.
There is a certain rot in a segment of American religious/political thought.

Finally! I'm excited to see what he has to say!

This is what he really really needed to do, not that he needs to explain his faith but because he seems so flustered when people bring it up, he comes across as not wanting to talk about it. He is not a spokesman for his church so I doubt there will be any doctrine in his talk. He should really tell people about how his faith will influence his decision making policies which it undoubtly will. He probably will at the same time quote one of his churches articles of faith.
" 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.
Joseph Smith "
Most of the Mormons I know I look up too, a few oddballs but you see that in any organization religious or corporate.
Good Luck Mitt!

This man is a loser and deserves to lose an incredibly pitiful primary election. Mormon are NOT christians. Don't let this man pull a sheet over your eyes. Which is exactly what he is attempting to do. Do your own independent research on Mormonism and it will shock you. This a cult, not a religion, and especially not Christianity. Be smart, do research. http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/mormon.htm

Sen. Harry Reid, the senate minority leader, has never been under fire from the Democratic party for his being a Mormon. It is ridiculous that the Republican party has Mitt Romney's back against the wall because of his religious affiliation. It just shows the hipocrisy of the "Christian" right.

It's about time, long overdue. It will remain to be seen if Mr. Romney will actually be forthright about some of the more serious issues of his faith that concern most of us (such as the aspect of racism contained within the Book of Mormon) or not, but at least this is a step in the right direction.

I commend him for this decision.

Romney's timing is perfect regarding this decision. Those who believe he wont win the nomination are blinded by false hope from other candidates. GO MITT GO!!

I truly hope that after this, Americans will set aside their fears of the "Mormon" religion, and realize that Mitt Romeny is the most ethical, honest, intelligent, and best candidate out there for president, and the only republican who can beat Clinton. God Bless America!

Here we go again!
How many people who committed crimes also
find religion right away for personal gain?
Mormans only recently allowed "Negroes"
to become part of their religion.
Thats really benevolent ,Ain't it???

Faith should be private. I care less for a candidate's religion. I want a President who cares first about the nation, and leaves religion out of politics. The idea that the President should be a person of faith is dangerous. Our republic was built on religious freedom, not on one religion. The President, and the candidates, should leave religion to the people, and govern the country, or talk about how they would govern the country, not about the Gods they pray to each day.

Anyone who has "faith" as part of their lives is not fit to serve in office. We need reasonable people, directed by rational thinking not outmoded religious beliefs. Please!

too little, too late.

Romney is sunk and he knows it. Giuliani lost the nomination thanks to his new scandal (just a sample of what would have come along in the national election). Thomspson peaked before he announced his candidacy.

It'll be McCain or Huckabee, which should scare democrats because Clinton will lose to McCain and maybe even Huckabee.

After his speech, I would suggest reading The God Makers: A Shocking Expose of What the Morman Church Really Believes. Could the Mormon belief that Jesus returns to Independence, Missouri have anything to do with Romney's running??

Don't screw it up Mitt! All of us Mormons have have been punished enough with Mitt's animal abuse, torture advocacy, intolerance towards homosexuals, and general flip-flopping. Don't mess this up too!

We look forward to hearing Mitt Romney speak about his religion and faith in America. He comes across as a god fearing man with good principles and values. The full name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints and it sounds pretty Christian to me.

I wonder if he will talk about his mormon "magic underwear". A country can only hope. USA! USA!

Maybe Romney will clear some air regarding some of the misconceptions that people hold about Mormons.

Overall, hopefully the public can be educated a bit about the Mormon religion and feel comfortable that they are a Christian religion that preaches love, service, and kindness to their fellow beings.

I look forward to hearing what Romney's speech will include. He is an educated, sucessful, articulate and upstanding man. I think he would be a wonderful president.

Romney 2008!

The fact alone that Romney has to explain himself about his religious beliefs is proof that this country knows no "religious liberty"!

Religious Discrimination

Mitt is reayd and willing to lie about the true nature of the Latter Day Saints just like he's lied about his stances on key issues. Mitt Romney is not a leader, he's a misleader.