From Deseret News archives:
Politics isn't place for Mormon-bashing
In Utah, however, we could be witnessing a rare event: a political campaign that is influencing religion.
On many occasions, presidential aspirant Mitt Romney has artfully deflected inquiries regarding his LDS faith (appropriately refusing to disclose whether he wears garments). Yet, answers to more difficult theological questions are satisfying evangelicals but disconcerting fellow Mormons. On a Sunday news program in February, reference was made to LDS scripture that Jesus will return to the United States to reign on the Earth. In response, Romney stated "that doesn't happen to be a doctrine of my church. Our belief is just as it says in the Bible. It's the same as other Christian traditions."
The lack of recriminations for these public lapses is generating whispers among politically oriented LDS Church members. Some are wondering whether members can now pick and choose, "cafeteria style," certain doctrines and ignore others. (Catholics perfected this style of worship; the church couldn't survive in America otherwise.)
For good reason, church officials avoid humiliating high-profile members. But the Massachusetts governor will remain a contender for a national office for at least a year. During that time, Romney can expect more questions that explore the intricacies unique to the LDS Church, while facing scrutiny from evangelicals. Romney does not want to run for president and simultaneously defend the church but may not have a choice. Some LDS Church members in Utah believe how Romney responds to upcoming queries could promote subtle, but very real changes to how church members accept their faith.
Comments
- Transactions 6:14 p.m.
- MLB: Police search for kidnappers 6:11 p.m.
- Students: Michigan AD shoved them 6:06 p.m.
- Spurs' Duncan, Parker sidelined 5:55 p.m.
- Falcons say they feed off Smith 5:54 p.m.
- Another delay possible in MLB case 5:53 p.m.
- TCU gets first sellout in 3 years 5:52 p.m.
- S.L., Provo mayors renew rivalry 5:45 p.m.
- Man sentenced for assault, stalking 5:44 p.m.
- Man pleads in drug-beating death 5:39 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf'
- Reducing game time laughable
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
264 - House passes health care bill
222 - Lobo suspended
176 - TCU showdown has big implications
167 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
110 - Thousands protest health bill
110 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - RSL rallies to advance
103
I was at the convention when Huntsman was elected, as I recall, it was a...
No where in the article did I see a reason for increasing the tax except to...
The real championship game looked like it was played against PG and Bingham....
Raise taxes on food to 25%. Make those rich people and large families pay....
Where is Fedor???
I have a solution (maybe short term, but a solution nevertheless), regarding...
Yes, you are slow.
["Marriage in all Religions is between a Man and a Women. Largely because of...
I remember the 80s where Utah would get torched by apponents. It seems...
big numbers really don't matter against terrible teams. Nobody really cares....


You can be the first to comment on this story.