Mormons aren't Christians??? | 4:42 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Dang, you mean I spent all that time learning this song in Sunday School for nothing???

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.


Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, �Let them come to Me.�

Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven�s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Thanks to the rest of your "Christians in General" for straightening me out.

Otherwise, loved Mitt's speech.

He was talking to everyone, even the atheist and agnostic.

We all can have a seat at America's table.
get it? | 4:43 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
How many of us has reveived the e-mail basically saying something like 84% of the people belive in God and the other 26% are getting God out of schools, public places, etc. Isn't it time for the 84% to tell the 26% to sit down and shut up. I think Romney eloquently did that in his speech. As some one on the remarks said, no one wants God around until something happens, then they ask how God would allow something bad to happen. It has nothing to do with "Mormonism" it's about getting it!
To The Critics Of Mitt... | 4:44 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I think every job in America should question the religious beliefs of potential employees and research the background of their religious sects and make sure the teachings of their sect won't interfere with their on the job decision making...

What a joke.

Mitt is the top GOP candidate, (Even though I don't mind Mike Huckabee), but as far as decision making and morals and values - He is far better than any of the Democratic candidates. That is for sure.
Comments continue below
Please explain | 4:45 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Would a mormon person please explain something for me?
It seems to me that mormons try very hard to set themselves apart from the rest.
If this is so, why are some so upset because they are viewed as not part of the rest?
My 2 cents | 4:46 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Awesome speech. One of the best in recent history. I am so looking forward now to debates between Romeny and Clinton. All her Mormon-bashing Ammo just got tossed. Now, we can focus on substance.
To Boo! | 4:47 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
He didn't say he wanted an America of only religous people and only Christians and you know it.

He showed respect for all religions and mentioned many of them specifically by name including Islam. I don't think his speach was meant to promote any organized religion (as another commenter suggested). I think he was promoting faith in general. I think he was trying to unify us, not divide us like many of the commenters here. He said he or any president would need the support of all faiths (including athiests) to be a successfull president. I think he's right.

He wasn't prostlighting or promoting Mormonism, he was just trying to get people to open their minds and focus on finding the best candidate we can get, and not get bogged down trying to debate religion and apply a religion test to the candidates.

I think the bottom line was... If you don't think he's the best for the job that's fine, vote for someone else, but don't vote against him just because he believes in God.
Ignorance is Bliss... | 4:48 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
If you want to know about the doctorines of the LDS Church - there are LDS missionaries in your neighborhood that spend 2 years of their lives dedicated to sharing it. Call them.
"Speech"? | 4:50 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
The only motivation for this "speech" was that he was beginning to get behind in the polls. Politics as usual or politics at its worst, take your pick.
not an atheist | 4:51 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Atheism is a religion. Atheists are also among the most intolerant people I've ever met. Atheists also have something of pre-emminent importance that they put above all else, be it self, the job, money, the country... [something I am sure would be censored]. So, you who are atheists, please refrain from saying there is no god. Yours just happens to be different from mine.

I'm glad to have someone of faith and not afraid to say he will follow his in this race. Shows some conviction and humility in contemplating that he there is a power above that of the President of the US. And that is a bit refreshing to me.

Still, I would like to know more of his politics before casting the vote.
RE:getting it | 5:00 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
86% plus 24% equals 110%.

So 110% of the people either want more God, or less God, more or less.

I would hate to see how you figure your tithing.
Anonymous | 5:02 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
The GOP will continue to implode, with or without Mitt Romney. The GOP used to be great, but the Bush Doctrine is destroying it wholesale daily.

American will be saved by clear-thinking, freedom-loving, live-and-let-live liberal thought.

This is the way its been since the beginning of time.
for what it's worth | 5:06 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I will be the first to admit, I am not the most religious guy on the planet, but Earl and all those that think like Earl. Listen to what you are saying, in your blog (Earl) you stated that it was ok that Kennedy was elected because he wasn't a real devout catholic, but Romney is basically too devout to be the President...that is so ridiculous I don't really know how anyone can respond to such gobbly gook. Who do you think Nancy Pelosi, panders to or Hillary Clinton or any other elected official for that matter. To my knowledge, I haven't seen a church official(s) take a stand on any real political hotbed question to my knowledge. I couldn't tell you what the political pursuasion of any LDS leaders are. It is so difficult at times to read the shallow, subjective thought of some of you at times.
Well Done, Very Positive | 5:21 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I thought Mitt's speech was very straightforward and positive. He is a good orator, has a very good presence, and has the "look". He is very "voteable", in my opinion, even if I haven't made up my mind yet on what candidate will do the best job. Let's move on with this, I'm excited to see what happens in both parties and who comes out in front.....
Anonymous | 5:29 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
You won't hear a word from any LDS official (not publicly anyway) regarding any political hotbed for one reason only:
They value their tax exempt status too much to jeopardize it.
It's always economics.
To: Not Impressed | 5:36 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I was raised Catholic in the old Baltimore Catechism fashion and now follow the teachings of Budda. What are you about? Hate and fear. Your religous bigotry is showing. I did not see the speech, but read it. Very impressive. I will probably not vote for this fine gentleman, but I certainly respect him. Of course, by your comments, respect is something you failed to learn about. Too bad!
smitx | 5:36 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I was moved by the speech. He treated this subject about as well as it could have been done. I believe what he said is true and and needed to be said.

He will not convince either religious bigots or anti-religious bigots like many whose comments populate these pages, but he will convince many honest people whose minds are still open and who are actually trying to take the measure of the man.

As to his alleged flip flopping: I don't hold it against someone to have changed his mind--if you haven't changed your mind about something, your mind is closed. I am interested in what he has changed his mind to, and I am glad he changed his mind about abortion.

Our country is in a fiscal mess; government is mismanaged and bloated, and our freedoms are being eroded. I don't think that anyone has come along who is more qualified to deal with the problems.

This is the man I am going to support, with my time and my money.
Tim | 5:38 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
"Almost thou persuadest me." But, not quite.
Should Mitt Eat His Cake | 5:49 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Romney thinks no candidate should be rejected because of his faith. Yet he appears to expect those of his faith to vote for him because of his faith. Mitt appears to want his cake and to eat it too.
Truth Is Hard To Swallow! | 5:50 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Dear RU LDS?

There you go again in typical brain-shackled dogmatically programmed fashion, spewing the spiel.

1st. I never said Mormons don't believe in Christ. I said they are not Christians in the generally accepted sense of the meaning, which leads to my 2nd point...

Mormons have defined Christ to meet their beliefs, which do not comport with greater Christianity. (I never said or implied that that was bad, only that Mormons 'Christianity' does not comport with greater Christianity.)

3rd, I've read the Bible from cover-to-cover numerous times in my lifetime. Christ teaches us, his followers to follow his example and be like him, but nowhere to supplant him as savior. Further, nowhere in the Bible does it imply or teach we can become gods (or goddesses), which not only do Mormons believe, but Christians at large definitely do not agree with.

True, a Christian is one who follows Christ. Now define what following Christ means in its general and specific sense, and that's where Mormons definition of Christianity differs with the greater Christian community's definition of Christianity.

Babble all the nonsensical out-of-context you choose, it will not change the fact that Mormon Christianity differs dramatically from greater Christianity.
Oklahoma Ute | 5:50 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
To "Oregon Ute". I've lived in and out of Utah, around Utah LDS, non-Utah LDS, bible belt LDS and non-LDS in and out of Utah have yet to hear ONE person in the LDS church say that no other religion has any truth, but rather that other religions don't have the full truth. Living in Oklahoma, I have also discovered that quite a few other churches think the LDS church has no truth. And whether you admit it or not, many folks do not believe that LDS believe in Christ. All in all, it would be nice if there could be religious tolerance as the founding fathers intended. For those who want to belong to organized religion and for those who do not. Respect every individual's right to choose.
Unbelievable! | 6:27 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Romney says and then implies:

We have to be religious to be Americans.

That freedom requires religion.

Egads! As an American I'm really concerned!

By religion did he mean organized religion or personal religious beliefs. They are very different and imply very different ramifications. (The Founding Fathers of America were concerned about personal religious beliefs, not organized religions (churches) which is why they put the separation of Church (organized religion (as opposed to personal religion)) from State in the Constitution.) Religions requires freedom to exist for the benefit of individual freedom of expression, however freedom has never required religion to exist (by Religion, I mean organized religion (churches)).

One does not need to be or is required to be Religious (Churchy) to be a patriotic and law abiding American. Romney implication of otherwise is wrong, wrong, wrong!

Religious freedom, as constitutionally mandated, no where defines a particular sect or belief system, even Christian, but was intended to protect all instutional AND personal religious beliefs.

It would have been better if Romney had said or implied that religion requires freedom, and that religions are beholding to freedom, not the other way around. Without freedom, religion tends to being an inquisition.
To: "Please Explain" | 6:38 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
The reason is that Mormonism wants it both ways. They want to fit in the political and social arena, but they also want to be set apart as the only "true church." They believe in kindness for everyone (in theory), but feel that they need to "enlighten" them to the "true gospel". In fairness, they usually believe that most other religions are good, but they feel that they have something better to add to a person's original belief.
janice topham | 7:26 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Williard's speech is not selling in mainstream America. He doesn't want religion to be a factor at the same time as he cannot separate it from freedom and American politics. The naked truth about this candidacy is that Mormons will vote as a block for Romney....tell me that's not forcing the religious factor!
How | 7:33 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
How is it that the LDS church still maintains exempt/religious status while some wards still preach whom to vote for from the pulpit?
Cirrus | 7:47 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
An impressive speech, however, perhaps it covered too much ground, including topics ranging from China, WWII, empty cathedrals in Europe, etc, etc.

The speech will not change many minds as Mitt's supporters will love it, while his detractors will not care. As I predicted, those who were hoping for a "missionary momoment" were sadly disappointed.

As a news item, it is already winding down in importance, and will be largely forgotten by next week. The political campaign will go on, and it will be brutal.
Won't matter | 7:51 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Romney delivered a fine speech and I don't think it will hurt him, but it won't help him either. The conservative Evangelicals who dominate the Republican Party believe the United States is a Christian nation and they won't support a candidate who they don't believe is Christian. The history of Mormonism demonstrates that United States society, and at times the government, did not believe in religious toleration. The Mormon Church survived because it gave up their unique beliefs and practices and tried to fit in with the rest of Americans. America today says, "We don't care if you look and act like us. We insist that you believe as we do."

To Mormons who complain about religious intolerance in America, would you vote for a Muslim or an atheist? Hopefully Mitt's candidacy will push Americans towards greater tolerance for individual liberty, but I doubt it.
RE: How | 7:58 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Can you back that up? I have never heard leaders telling members who to vote for, ever. I've attended hundreds of meeting for years and have never heard anything that resembles your accusation.

And do you hold the same standard for other churches with the same status who decide en mass (see southern Baptist convention) who to vote for?
Reality | 8:04 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Sounds like Mitt has a policy of "don't ask don't tell". The voters have no right to ask him who he really is, and Mitt has no obligation to tell; but, he does tell the voters who he wants them to think he is.
FYI | 8:06 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Unlike some organized religions, LDS (Mormons) are NOT told who or what to vote for in any election. LDS members are only encouraged to vote. I am certain Mr. Romney wants a lot of people to vote for him... he is running for President. I have yet to hear him ask for a specific group to vote for him.
I hope his speech has encouraged people to look at the issues not religion.
Rocko | 8:19 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Absolutely wonderful speech. One of the best I've EVER heard! Go Mitt!
missed the point | 8:40 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Hey Mitt, 5 out of a possible 10.

Mr. Romney | 9:18 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I am a hard one to please. I really haven't been impressed with a President since Reagan, and haven't felt comfortable since George HW Bush.

I wasn't a fan of Romney. I felt he was always hiding something, afraid to let who he is out.

The rest of the Republicans might be passable, but not exciting.

The Democrats for the third straight time are putting forth uninspiring candidates trying to recapture the Clinton Mystique.

I watched his speech. 5 out of 10 from "Hey mitt", I'm thinking he went in to watch Mitt bomb.

He may not win, but I am excited for a presidential candidate again for the first time in 16 years.

Maybe I'll leave the "D" Street Band to go on the road and help Gov. Romney win himself an election.

Hey Mitt | 9:25 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
10+ out of 10.

missed the point, 2 out of a possible 10.
Col J.P. O'Connor | 9:35 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I's not a Romney supporter, but I felt he did his best under the circumstances. I find it interesting to read the comments of those who rant about "the Mormon persecution complex," and used Romney's speech to make negative Mormon comments. Although I am not LDS, I have lived around them in several states. Those who say that the Mormons were "seditious against the State and Nation" understand nothing of the true history. To issue an "extermination order," to kill them, jail their leaders, and assualt their women and children and drive them out of their homes in the middle of winter is a reality and not a "complex." To bury their loved ones as they sought refuge in the Rockies took great courage. I love living among them, and I have little respect or tolerance for the "Johnny come latelies" who enjoy the beauties of a state carved out of the wilderness by the Mormons. Tolerance of all religions is part of the foundation of our nation and constitution. If some must be negative, remember that you chose to come to Utah. The rest of us would like to live in harmony and brotherhood.
Non LDS | 9:46 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I find it interesting that some find it important to jump on any issue that may have something to do with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Christ said His followers would be "known by their fruits." I find the LDS to be true Christians who gave of their means to help others throughout the world - regardless of their religion or nationality when they are in need. I have seen it personally up close and first hand.

Any who feel that the Leadership of the LDS will dictate to an "LDS president" does not listen closely to what that leadership says. They will not endorse a candidate nor will they take a stand on a issue, unless it is a moral issue. Anyone who feels otherwise has never read the Bible. Someone's opinion does not change what is considered as truth. You can claim that the earth is flat as long as you want or that a watch didn't have a maker, but God is just, rules in the heavens and will judge all by their works - good or bad. Stop pointing the finger!
Sam Hofer | 9:58 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
All hail mitt. He's cleared the way for the nations' first muslim president.

No he hasn't. Faith still matters. It shouldn't but it does, because we can't leave it as an individual issue.
if freedom of religion lived up to its' billing, we could elect anyone and not worry about their religion. Their foreign policy plans, or economic plans, or energy plans, that would be enough to get them elected or not.

I guess I could vote religion. Nah...votin' party. Democrat.
Matt | 10:49 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
Mitt gave an awesome speech. He addressed the great challenge that liberals constantly put in front of him, if he will seperate his church affairs with the nations affairs. He clearly stated for anyone that was paying attention that if he is to become president, he will NEVER affiliate the personal belife of the church leader to his own. Mitt has been hammered right and left with liberals attacking him of his idea to come out about being a Mormon, but that was the only way to get many of the people off his case. They say that the Mormon religion is secretive, it's not, go to their website and you can learn everything about the church and have everything they teach. Mitt gave an amazing speech and people should not attack it because they have a personal belief against the religion he is a part of. Our nation was founded on the belief of religios freedom like Mitt said, so why are liberals and people constantly trying to harp on and on about the Mormon religion? Let them forget differences and look at what Mitt is running for in campaign, not for his religious views.
Paul Dayton | 11:03 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I found that the speech was well delivered. It did feel a little strange that Romney stated that Religion and Freedom both require each other. I believe that Religion requires freedom, however I do not believe the reverse is necessary true. We should be free to live without religion if we so choose.

Nevertheless I am disappointed that Romney's religion is such a big issue. I would have liked to believe that our nation has moved beyond a religious litmus test.

While I do not support Romney as my number one choice, I believe that he is a capable, good individual and I wish him the best of luck.
Very Impressed | 11:38 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I am very impressed with Mitt Romney's speech. I'm glad my husband encouraged me to listen to it. He looked very handsome and so presidential. I love how he is trying to be fair to all faiths. It's amazing how those who are so hateful of him hates him even more so now that he has done such a great job with his speech. Whether he becomes president or not, he will always be great and will be respected for who he is.
Phil | 11:53 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007
I did not think this would go over that well. After reading and watching the commentary this is a home run to republicans, and I don't think it will alienate democrats that much. I also believe this will touch some people to the point of supporting in the primary elections coming up.
Defender of Flip-flopping | 12:09 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
Many of you who have contributed comments have referred derisively to Mitt as a flip-flopper. Yes, indeed. One of the reasons, among many others, that I will vote for him is because he has the courage to be a flip-flopper. A wise man/woman changes his/her mind, a fool never does.
Steve in CO | 12:18 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
I read the transcript of the speech. I thought he did a fine job. But Muslims are a faith here in America too. Stop making them in to terrorist all the time. Just like not all white people support the KKK, not all Muslims are radical fundamentalist. They have not cornered the market on hate. Let�s not give some one a reason when we don't have to.

Neutral | 1:00 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
I listened to Mitt's speech with an open heart. I thought it was a very well planned, and very well executed speech. His reference to Martin Luther King Jr., reference to the jews, evangelicals, and all faiths made it clear that Mitt is not biased as to which religous denomination everyone is a part of. He stated clearly to me that we need to be tolerant of everyone's religion. Again, he said that the religion of a man running for president shouldn't matter.

Truth is about the LDS church, is they rarely get involved in politics. Rarely, I mean almost never, and they never endorse a candidate. They will not endorse Mitt Romney. So why is everyone worried so much about the Church's influence on Mitt's opinion?

I thought he answered the questions directly and boldly. If anyone says "I won't vote for a Mormon", then they missed the whole speech. That is not religous tollerance.

And as far as the LDS church and their stance towards other churches, they never hate or belittle other churches, but they do take a strong stance that they are the only true church. That is there stance. They won't apologize.
Anonymous | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
It must be shock when LDS people realize the outside world really could care about anything they believe in and anything that they do.
Anonymous | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
Romney is banking on a modern-day Crusade that pits Christians against Muslims.

This is very dangerous territory and immoral as well.
Anonymous | 10:10 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
The flip-flopping term sank John Kerry and got what we have today elected (if you want to call it that).
Now that it's "one of our own" - it's okay.
What utter nonsense!
To "Non-LDS" | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 7, 2007
I agree that we shouldn't persecute or "point the finger", but at the same time we need to face reality. The average Mormon does not know all their history. I've studied up on it and there is definately a "white knight, or horse" in the actual beliefs. If you study up on it there were leaders of the church that said that everyone that wasn't a member was not to be inclded in the kingdom. They also have said that it is their goal to convert the world.
It's scary to me. Mr Romney may not personally believe that, but he should at least know that there are people that know this has been (and still is, for some) the case.
Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. Dec. 7, 2007
Mormons only believe what their "prophets" tell them.
And that can change moment to moment.
You are correct | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 7, 2007
You are correct that Those who do not accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be baptized and receive other ordinances of the Gospel performed by those who have authority will not enter the Celestial Kingdom of God. That does not in any way mean that all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will inherit the Kingdom of God.
And to anonymous-yes we do believe what our prophets tell us. They receive revelation from God. They were call by God to be his spokeman. If a prophet of God ever said anything or did anything that was not in harmony with Gods wishes he would be removed from his calling.
Truth? | 5:49 p.m. Dec. 7, 2007
Mormons try to convince others that their beliefs are "common values" that are shared by all religions.

If that is so, how can Mormons also claim that everyone else is WRONG?!

This two-faced characteristic of Mormonism is what makes people distrust you and your presidential candidate. You smile to our faces and tell us you love us, but then gather together in your meetings and condemn us. In my moral book that is called lying.

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David J. Phillip, Associated Press

Republican presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks Thursday at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.

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