Deseret News | Reader comments: Prominent Dallas minister says Romney no Christian

Reader comments
Prominent Dallas minister says Romney no Christian

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Lori | 11:21 p.m. Oct. 19, 2007

It's so sad that in this day and time we still have such uninformed individuals. I can only say that as far as I know, there is only one Jesus Christ, and he is my Savior.

SashaBill | 11:58 p.m. Oct. 19, 2007

Since right wing protestants like Rev. Jeffress don't define the term "cult," then are we to assume that a cult is simply any religion which is different from theirs?
While Mormons are often thought of as conservative, due to their moral values. their emphasis on the family, and so forth, it is interesting to note that the most outspoken bigotry and animosity against Mormons comes not from moderates or liberals, but from fundamentalists on the far fight.

Christians | 1:40 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Reverend Jeffress is nothing more than a college graduate with an opinion. He can think whatever he likes. The ancient Jewish leaders didn't consider Jesus to be the Promised Messiah, and that didn't change reality. Mormons know who they are, and thats what matters.

Comments continue below

pointless | 2:19 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

This is becomeing a tired drum. I think many of these evangelical hate-mongers will feel what they thought was solid ground beneath their feet to be shifting sand.

Tiny | 2:32 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

This so-called "religious preacher" is way out of line. I think it's so stupid for any preacher to get up in front of his congregation and try to denounce another person just because his religion is different. And also to throw out his political views onto others. Does this Rev. Jeffress know the definition of "Christian"? He certainly isn't showing a very good example. Mitt Romney is a great person and an example to everyone. I would like to see Jeffress run for President and see how it feels to have people judge you cause of one's religion rather then your poiltical views. Which is what he is doing to Mr. Romney.

Bill Riley | 3:09 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Hmm, a guy who says a man rose from the dead doubts another man who says the same thing? What a turkey.

sfcretdennis | 3:38 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I wonder if Rev Jeffress has ever studyed the LDS Fath? If he had he would find that Jesus Christ is the corderstone of our fath. Not Joseph Smith as so many people belive. It is said that people will make comments about a church with out truly understanding it our even trying to understand why people belive the way they do. Iv had people tell me that we belive or do things and I will say we don't and they say yes to do. Just cause there minister said we do so even if I say we don't they wont belive me cause there leader said we do. how said :-(

RM Dave | 4:26 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

cult-
Etymology: French & Latin; French culte, from Latin cultus care, adoration, from colere to cultivate.
1: formal religious veneration
2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
(www.m-w.com/dictionary/cult)

Mormons are a cult, but that isn't a bad thing. According to strict language use, every religion and sect is a cult. It just has a negative connotation when used by ignorant, hate-inspired bigots such as Dr. Jefress and others of his ilk.

SashaBill | 5:15 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

..pardon me, "far Right,"

Gloria R. Rivera | 5:53 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

President Ezra Taft Benson, in his talk "Beware of Pride" taught that the question "what will God think of me?" is more important than "what others think of me?". God knows the longing of the hearts of everyone. God knows of the devotion and faith in Christ of members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. God knows of the devotion and faith in Christ of members of other faiths. For a preacher -someone committed to do God's will- to show lack of respect for the faith of others, is quite prideful and contrary to the humility taught by the Lord Jesus Christ. His attack is surely un-Christian.

Paul | 6:09 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

The truth is ... Rev. Robert Jeffress feels very threatened by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because it destroys his craft. If he loses his membership, how will he make a living?

Sokel | 6:09 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

In my belief, religion should not be the most disturbing concern of what makes a good canidate.
I believe in the hallowed home of most Americans that have seen America's courts and government in action, that it is apparent that both corruption of all forms has penetrated every aspect of this country. Such fascistic corruption by our court system is unaddressed, thus leaving us with the political machinery benefiting from the corruption and impotent to it.

Richard B. | 6:30 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I would be suprised if the good Rev. Jefferess has ever even met or talked to a member of The Church of "Jesus Christ" of Latter Day Saints.

SWJOZARK | 6:39 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

It's a crying shame we have to hear another Baptist speak negatively about Brother Romney. We must speak up to the public and let them know the blessings we have being LDS. Too bad the Baptists are being brainwashed in believing we do not believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Baptists are spreading so much negative information about us (LDS) and have done it for so long they have a momentum that needs to be stopped by sharing the truth. It all sounds like dejuvu, didn't The Prophet Joseph Smith go through the same thing? We have great examples to follow in our quest to see Brother Romney make it to Washington D.C.

The American Way | 6:52 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

What a great country!

We have freedom to believe differently, and to say so in public.

We can even choose to remain ignorant and say ridiculous things. No government agent will stop us, and there is no open warfare over differing religious beliefs. The limited instances of genocide in America have almost completely stopped.

Even "Reverend" Jeffress' professional income is not threatened by his cult's weird behaviors.

He has, and we all have, much to be grateful for.

Thanksgiving is coming. One more blessing to count.

george | 6:53 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

While I don't agree with Rev Jeffress' reason, I agree with saying NO to Mr Romney. Some of the reasons include his politics and lack of ' Standing for Something'.

Preaching bigotry | 6:54 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

If Jeffress wants an audience that is prone to bigotry or will cheer for it, he should visit Utah or at least read the posts that will be made about this article.

Thomas. | 6:56 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

It is obvious by comparing the doctrines of the faith that Mormons and Christians do not believe in the same means of salvation. This has always been the seperation between the two. Remember is was Joseph Smith that said all other churches were apostate and that is why the LDS church came into existence....let us not be revisionist.

TRK | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

SashaBill - Romney doesn't have the nomination yet. If he gets it there will be plenty of bigotry and animosity coming from the left. This is the minor leagues compared to what will come if he wins his partys nomination.

Hal Layluya | 7:18 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I think it would be nice if the other Christian organizations would acknowledge the LDS Church as a Christian Church. But it would be a sad day indeed if we capitulated our postion as the true, restored Church in order to gain the approval of right wing wackos that crticize everyone who is not exactly like them. And teach false doctrine on top of that! We really don't need their approval and neither does Mitt. Love your enemies.

dianechambers | 7:21 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I don't know this Dallas minister, but I sure wish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints would demand an apology. This minister has slandered the church with his outright lies.

Anonymous | 7:26 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

who gets to define the term christian?

this comes from internet research of the term...

The first known usage of this term can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, in Acts 11:26: "the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." The term was thus first used to denote those known or perceived to be disciples of Christ. Similarly, in the two other New Testament uses of the word (Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16), it refers to the public identity of those who follow Jesus.

Alan S | 7:30 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Rev. Jeffress and other extreme right evangelical leaders say that any faith differing from their own is worthless. They reserve for themselves the "authority" to define Christianity, and who gets to be a Christian. They tell people how they must vote to be a "good Christian." They dismiss Mormonism as a "cult" and spend a great deal of energy witnessing to the world the evil of other people's faith.

Mormons and Mitt Romney believe in people making judgments for themselves. They believe in participating in government, in finding and recognizing the good in others despite differences, and allowing people to worship according to their beliefs and conscience. They believe in voting with conviction, not with party or with church endorsement. They teach their own to build feelings of friendship and cooperation with non-Mormon neighbors.

Which group of believers is behaving more like a cult?

Anonymous | 7:32 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

based on the above definition those who are disciples (defined as someone who believes and helps spread the doctrine of another) and those who follow jesus, would be christians, right?

other sources say that certain religions require baptism for you to call yourself christian, at birth, as an adult or after repentance. i fit all the the birth one (and since you can't fit them all, everyone has to pick) but i was baptised, and i do follow and spread the teachings of christ so i get confused when others feel the need to preach that i'm NOT christian.

i will conclude with this...how about YOU teach what YOU believe rather than what *I* DON'T and i'll do the same. if would seem that then we would be teaching things we were qualified to teach since personal testimony can't be disagreed w/. it's PERSONAL.

Anonymous | 7:33 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

sorry for the typos, i normally reread what i type but i am rushing out the door and was just trying to finish it up and get it posted so i could get it off my chest...

Dallas | 7:36 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Get this man the Good News: 2 Nephi 25:24.

The Mormons | 7:37 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I served my mission in Oklahoma and I met many people who left their Christian church to go to another Christian church because they were very annoyed that their pastors always ripped on the mormons.

Carl | 7:39 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

This family won't be putting money in the plate he passes (nor any of the televangelist cults).

At least Al Sharpton had the humility to go see for himself.

Montana Mormon | 7:41 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Brigham Young said: "Every time you kick 'Mormonism' you kick it upstairs; you never kick it downstairs. The Lord Almighty so orders it" (Discourses of Brigham Young, 351). These "Mormon kickers" just don't realize the huge favor they are doing for the Church. So let them kick away because before they know it, the Church will be at the top of the staircase and they will be scratching their heads wondering what happened.

Carbo | 7:46 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Sure it is wrong that Romney's Mormonism should be a negative factor in this election. But it is also unfair that his "personal relationship with Christ" should give him an advantage over other candidates. Romney shamelessly promotes his status as a Christian, so why must he whine when those who disagree use it against him?

Steve | 7:49 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

"It is a big deal if anybody names another way to be saved except through Jesus Christ," the pastor said.

As a faithful member of the church for 9 years, who can count how many sacrament meetings I've missed on one hand, I have yet to sit in a doctrine or even a principles class where the teacher taught there is another path other than through Jesus Christ. I guess the church keeps that information from us until we've reached our 10th year. I thought everything we do to return to Heavenly Father is through our Savior, Jesus Christ. I do not understand how we can be seen as anything else other than faithful believers in Him. Please help...

Jared | 7:51 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Wow. Jeffress obviously knows nothing about the LDS since he contends that they try to be saved through some other means than Jesus Christ. The problem with Romney is not his religious affiliation, but with what appears to be a lack of integrity.

Jay | 7:57 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

It is interesting and somewhat ammusing to hear ministers of religion use the word "cult" disparaginly. I was in Greece recently and while browsing at a store I noticed a rack of books in multiple languages. The title of English version conatined the word "religion" while the version in another language the word was "cult" and in another it was "kult". To me this just shows their ignorance of the etymology of the word which comes from the Latin "cultus" which means worship. So by definition all religion is a "cult".

LS | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I guess this minister didn't look into Mormonism enough to know that we believe that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the means by which we are "saved" provided we do our part as well. I guess it is a bit different from some Christian religions where showing up on Sunday to shout "Jesus is my Savior" and "Hallelujah" is the primary requirement for being "saved."

MFM | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Why do columnists insist on quoting people who are anit-Mormons? Jeffress has no creditability whatsoever. Non of the other candidates are being queried about their religions. I dare say Mitt Romney is living his religion better than the others (either side of the aisle). It's all about a smear campaign. Romney is a more qualified candidate anyway you evaluate it....from core principles/values to experience. Go Romney! Wake up people.

Jay H. | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

To SashaBill | 11:58 p.m.
I wonder how the active, mainstream LDS consider those who are in Warren Jeff's "group" - are they a "cult" or not? Certainly, the testimony being given in trials associated with Utah's recent crackdown on polygamy reveals a great deal of "mind control", social control, manipulation, isolation, various forms of pressure - all designed to maintain the power of the RFLDS Church over its members. It is not an easy thing to distinguish the techniques and tactics of the RFLDS from the mainstream LDS Church. Indeed, social scientists have studied Jonestown and other obvious "cults" and have found that the LDS Church's practices (e.g., Home Teaching, Tithing, regular 6 month "interviews" with the youth, etc) are exactly the same controlling techniques used in these obvious "cults." In fact, the LDS Church has a staff of social scientists working for them in the Correlation Department! We might have reason to conclude, then that Rev. Jeffress is not making idle chatter.

Dear Rev. Jeffress, | 8:15 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Before speaking for Christ on who is not a Christian, perhaps you should check with the Big Man himself.

Anonymous | 8:16 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

So, what is Jeffress afraid of - that Romney will turn the entire U.S. into a huge Jonestown? Give me a break.

ma`at | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I'm going to get in trouble I know for saying this, but I think it needs to be said . . . Rev. Jeffress is a bigot.

KittyR | 8:25 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Yes, SashaBill, I also find it interesting. I'm a classic Northeastern liberal woman, and I can honestly say that my reasons for voting for or against Mitt Romney would have to do with his policies, not his religion. I find the idea of slagging someone's religion as distasteful as slagging someone's race. This just reinforces my belief that far-right fundamentalists care more about a candidate's professed religious affiliation than their actual voting record.

wow | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

His comments obviously do not affect the millions of Mormons that live around the country. Mr. Jeffress its nothing we have not heard. But what I find ironic about all of this is that this man is speaking to the Republican base. Mormons the Republican party does not think you are christian why would you count yourself among them. I know if Romney was running as a democrat he wouldn't have people attacking his religion at every turn. Maybe you should all re-think where you place your alliances cause Romney won't have a chance unless he addresses his faith.

Andrea | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

You know the difference between a Northern Baptist and a Southern Baptist?

The Northern Baptist says "There ain't no HELL!" The Southern Baptist says "The HELL there ain't!"

What's the point of the joke! Darned if I know except I thought it was funny 40 years ago when I first heard it and I still think it's funny. I feel the same way about this Baptist minister who thinks that everyone in the country is going to latch onto his opinion and consider it "gospel". Some will, some won't. I suspect most WON'T!!!

Religious Bigotry Is Alive | 8:43 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

It seems this is a common thread for Baptists. Our local Baptist Minister would spend several Sundays throughout the year bashing the LDS Church. Most of it inaccurate, because he was more interested in hearing people clap and less interested in being accurate.

One Sunday an inactive LDS member and her non member husband were looking to find a church and start to become involved. After Pastor Zinn reamed the LDS Church she confronted him and reamed him. She told him what things were inaccurate and how unbecoming a Christian he was to do this in a Church. She told him this helped them determine not to attend his church. She gave him her phone number and left. He called later to apologize, but has continued his haranguing. He would have been irate to discover that his teenage daughter was coming to the local LDS Church on Wednesday nights to play basketball with other youth.

The inactive sister and her husband started attending our ward the next Sunday. Her husband was baptized and several years later was put in the Bishopric. We have become very good friends.

This Pastor is abolutely clueless about the LDS Church and shows his ingnorance.

Let's See! | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

A church which has no central authority to determine the doctrines and is led by men who chose to become the minister instead of being chosen as Christ chose his disciples and then preaches false hoods about another Church; sounds like religious bigotry and unchristian at its best. Each minister can teach what he wants whether truthful or not.

Why is it so many man led churches choose to blast other churches each week instead of teaching the Gospel of love and tolerance? They apparently don't know the bible well enough to research it and teach its doctrines, but have to go out of their way to cause conention and disputations.

As far as I am concerned Pastor Jeffers is a leader of a cult, one which is close minded and does not understand what a true Christian is.

Jesus is my Savior and is the only way I will ever regain his presence is by worshipping him, and him alone. Despite all I can do and will do it is by his Grace that I will ever be allowed back into his presence.

Tennor | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Elder Holland recently addressed this issue at General Conference: "It is not our purpose to demean any personï¿½s belief nor the doctrine of any religion. We extend to all the same respect for their doctrine that we are asking for ours. (That, too, is an article of our faith.) But if one says we are not Christians because we do not hold a fourth- or fifth-century view of the Godhead, then what of those first Christian Saints, many of whom were eyewitnesses of the living Christ, who did not hold such a view either?"

And.."So any criticism that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not hold the contemporary Christian view of God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost is not a comment about our commitment to Christ but rather a recognition (accurate, I might add) that our view of the Godhead breaks with postï¿½New Testament Christian history and returns to the doctrine taught by Jesus Himself."

Anonymous | 9:14 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Last I checked the "Christian" world made a belief in the trinity as the requirement for a "Christian" faith. This is ludicrous because it has nothing to do at all with being a disciple of Christ. Using this definition, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are indeed not "Christian" even though they fit the strict definition of the term (according to dictionaries). We should relabel them as "Trinitiarians" rather than "Christians" then all of the confusion will settle. In fact, they can have both terms applied to them and those of the LDS faith can omit the "Trinitiarian" term and we can all be happy Christians living side-by-side in an evil world working together to help the world rather than attacking each other about their religion.

David | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I'm not LDS, but how pathetic is it when a so-called "Christian" attempts to destroy the reputation of another's religion by calling it a "cult"? People use that laden term, "cult" to describe those religions they do not agree with. The reverend is a FINE example of "Christ-like" behavior. Alexis de Toqueville, a Frenchman, studied America after America had won its independence. His book is called "Democracy in America." He stated that America needed relgion (of whatever kind) to instill those moral and religious values on its citizens for the "great American experiment" to succeed. I don't care if you are Christian (of which Mormons must be included since the name of their church has Christ's name in it, unlike Mr. Jeffress' church), non-Christian, Jewish, or whatever--teach moral principles and values. Build up, don't tear down, as this "Reverend" unfortunately does (and thinks he does in Jesus' name!) When Jesus was on earth, he built people up, not tore them down. I'm voting for Mitt Romney because I want someone with conservative values, someone who will oppose abortion on demand (that great curse on our nation) and someone with good moral principles. His particular relgion is unimportant.

Craig | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

"We love all men. We have nothing against mankind, and will never oppose them so long as they will leave us alone. We do not make war upon the tenets of others; we do not make war upon their churches, nor upon their religious beliefs. It is not our purpose to do it, and it is not any part of our mission to do so, let them worship how or what or where they please. ï¿½ Our duty is simply to go straight ahead, do our duty, preach the gospel by good example as well as by precept, and let our light so shine upon their understanding that they may see the light as God sees it, and accept it, and walk in it, if they will". Jospeh F. Smith, Aug. 1906

pointless | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

To those who claim the LDS church is the same as, or makes the same claim as these evangelicals, the laeders of the congragation don't get up in front of their congration and spout hatred for another religion. They don't tell them that baptists catholics, methodists are going to hell. They don't try to tell them not to vote for someone because their religious beliefs differ. And no one in the congregation applauds them for it. We believe they all have a portion of the truth. We believe we have parts that were restored. Anonymous, thanks for having the courage to publicly out yourself as a bigot of the first degree.

Julia | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I think one of the beliefs that bothers many is the LDS believe that we must repent as taught in the scriptures, and improve. The atonement of Jesus Christ is not a get home free card for all believers in Christ. When repentance is required, it follows that there must be specific laws from God. There is less freedom of interpretation of what is right and wrong. It could even be argued that it would require continued revelation from God at the very least for His doctorine to remain pure through the ages. A minister couldn't just set up his ministry as he pleases, there could not be so many doctorines as there are churches and each be right.

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