Deseret News | Huckabee says he has not said anything unkind about Mormons

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Huckabee says he has not said anything unkind about Mormons

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Sally Jo | 7:24 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

What a bad representation of those who call themselves Christians whatever your particular faith is. Christian means "Christ like". Reread the New Testament if you have forgotten. Only a very few comments on here sounds "Christ like". Whatever your faith is, ask the question "Would anyone on here be drawn to my faith by my actions?" Do you respond like this out in the public or is it just behind closed doors on the Internet? Well, God is all knowing, the one who will eventually judge all mankind. If we have this personal relationship with him, what are we doing to please him?

Anonymous | 7:27 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Re. 4:34. Since you understand ancient languages so well, you will know that the Hebrew word Elohim (used in Genesis 1:1)is a plural.

Judge Deborah | 8:08 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huckabee never sent leather office chairs to GOP leaders to try to buy the presidency!

Comments continue below

Heather | 8:19 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

That is one thing that I appreciate about the LDS church: never bashing another church. Instead they say, "Here is what we have, what we believe." Then people can choose it if they want it. Other churches apparently feel that they must degrade (frequently incorrectly) the Mormon church before they can sway people's opinions to join their church.

IDEA GUY | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Maybe he can get another mob together next election that will be more successful at actually convicting polygamists while a mormon is running.

Observer | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I am amused at the hurt feelings Huckabee seems to have caused here, as well as the recent anger by some Mormons at Focus on the Family's decision not to run Glen Beck interviews because his theology is too Mormon.

Did anyone here really think that this fairly recent confederate consortium of expediency between historical religious adversaries, brought together by a shared fear of gays over Prop 8 in California, would overcome deep doctrinal differences that have been the source not only of shared prejudices against gays but prolonged rejection of one another?

Is the Mormon psyche so emotionally needy for acceptance from outsiders that they care what a Baptist minister thinks of them, enough so to write ugly things here about a man they find ugly?

The lack of charity in all this is stunning, not only towards gays in denying them rights, but in the hypocrisy of niceness within the consortium that beguiles how they really feel about one another when no common foe threatens.

Absent a common enemy, this conservative, confederate consortium will surely return to their rejection of one another--either as an otherwise polite religious cult or respected professors of abominable creeds.

Wake up!

C. Hill | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

As I recall, Huckabee simply stated one of the Mormon doctrinal positions about who Jesus is. He even stated it as an 'I think so' which was later confirmed. Huckabee is a social and fiscal conservative that believes in the traditional Judeo-Christian ethic. He, like Baptists, believes the Bible to be the only divinely inspired book. If you don't like these facts...that's OK. Romney has a liberal track record, that is a historical fact. If he's changed, that is legitimate as well. People with strongly held religious beliefs tend to draw criticism from those of like minded positions that are in disagreement. That's a simple fact of life. Huckabee deserves fair treatment, even by the LDS. Huckabee gave Romney a fair assessment. Enough said.

Anonymous | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Re: Barbara P.
All religions are cults. They all think they are the 'ONLY' truth out there and everyone else is going to hell. Who's wrong if everyone is right? Um, I find NO substance to any. Although I believe in god but not the silly books people make up about religion.

no fan | 9:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Go to google and type in, Huckabee keynote speaker at the baptist convention in Utah. Again he has lied to the people of Utah. He says what whatever is needed to say to push his agenda. Trust me he needs something from the Mormon's or else we'd still be doomed to hell in his openion.

mary | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Not everyone believes in the same JESUS. There are many variations of JESUS. But one thing we all agree on is that he must have been a great man.

nrobyar | 9:53 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Reading these comments I have to wonder if folks are really concerned with Governor Huckabee' views or with their own agenda's (maybe fearful of another Huckabee run). Anyone who has done ANY research knows Gov. Huckabee personally and publically apologized for the ONE question he asked the reporter about whether Mormons believed Satan and Jesus are brothers. (which is true, by the way). He has gone out of his way to defend the Mormons in the prop 8 controversy. Why can't you get it into you heads that it was Romney the man and not his religion that was the problem The governor has said many times the #1 thing people want in a candidate is authenticity. He didn't believe Romney had it and neither did the public. That's why all his millions couldnt get Mitt the nomination. I read some here say Huckabee is responsible for Mitt not winning. Do you REALLY believe Huckabee had less of a right to run because he had less money? ROMNEY is the reason ROMNEY lost, not Governor Huckabee.

Sharon | 9:57 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The contempt Huck and many other Southern Baptist ministers have for Mormons can't be "spun" or blamed on Mitt Romney. They believe in the mythical God of the Nicean Council--a definition negotiated between political factions. We believe in the resurrected Jesus Christ--the Christ of which the Bible testifies--the Son of the Father, in whose image we were created. That is a HUGE difference.The strength of our beliefs has caused these ministers to lose (to us) some of the best in their congregations. To stem the loss, they "spin" the definition of Christianity to include them and exclude us. The Austin TX newspaper front page headlines, "Baptists War on Mormons,"caught the real spirit of their position on Mormons. As Mormons, though, we will continue to "turn the other cheek." and let God be their judge.

However, these folks are happy to use our time, our talent, and whatever we may have to achieve their goals--but they will continue to demonize us to keep their flock from joining us.

Sorry Huck! We won't return the attack, but we've got your number.

Another Texas Mormon

Re: Anon 9:02am | 10:02 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

"All religions are cults."

Not so, and here's why the word cult is so offensive to our people. The difference is that a cult follows a leader rather than God. People who say the Mormons worship Joseph Smith instead of God have never attended a Mormon service.

You're right, the LDS church claims to be the only one with all of the truths. That doesn't mean other churches don't have truth. But truth is truth. I know today it's all about relativism, but truth is what it is, not the "flavor of the day" based on justifying what someone feels like doing.

As far as those silly books that people made up, I would recommend a quick review of the sacrifices made to preserve the Bible, Book of Mormon, etc. People died to bring these books forward. Who were the real oppressors? Read the books with an open mind.

It's easy to stereotype all religious people as simple and blinded. Another lie. I have degrees from 3 top schools, have lived all over the world and have pretty much seen it all. I have found the truth. I wish you the best in life.

steve | 10:07 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Eggs and rotten vegetables? One assumes that it would be Mormons who were offended by what he is reported to have said. Now he says that Mormons are expected to throw eggs and rotten vegetables? Maybe that's what people of principle do where he comes from, but it never occured to me.

Landon | 10:13 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huckabee is a noble man that speaks from the heart. I admire his honesty and love for people. I hope he runs again.

Lance | 10:21 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

There was a time when Huckabee was my favorite candidate in the primaries. But I agree with others who have said he's now pandering. I like a lot of his views, but I don't trust him. The comments from Huckabee: Mormo-phobe were spont-on in my estimation.

Korihor | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huck set up his presidential run under the terms, "Christian Leader". Then after setting the table he tried to deny the rest of his campaign that the table wasn't his. He is a populist, and borderline 'Gubmint Cheese' socialist. Even Palin toes that line politically, not sure if it was cowtowing to 'handlers', but it appears true "Get government out of my face, car, my bedroom, my livingroom, my business, church etc. and let me lead my life" classical liberalism / modern conservatism is to be eradicated. Conservatives truly had no champion in this Presidential fight. Libertarianism is even hijacked by 'troofers' and fools. Tragic that even RON PAUL (online vote = %1000) was looking good.Isolationist who would have us killed in this day and age. Romney was an attempted viable option but even then he is a 'politician first' and 'conservative second'...as are all the 'conservative' politicians. The system will protect itself and will not be changed from within. The system is 'Government will protect you...even from yourself'. Better "weck up to thees!" and get ready. The only 'change' the system will have is more corrupt laws and regulations to enslave.

His | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Once upon a time.....

came along a leader, who the people recognized as REAL.....

it was Governor Mike Huckabee.

And those who could not see it, attacked him.

Hmmmm....reminds me of a story in the Bible.

Rush | 10:49 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I challenge any person on this blog to provide proof that Huck was "the KEYNOTE speaker" at the Southern Baptist Convention in 1998. The source must be legitimate, not a blog or someone quoting a blog.

Go to arkansasonline.com
Then click on news
then 1998
Then jun
then 08
then huckabee-us-gave-religion

This is an article that was written after Huckabee's speech, summarizing it, and written before the convention actually started.

Huckabee was not the "keynote speaker," and in fact did not say anything about mormons in his speech, read the article.

This keynote speaker fallacy is a smear tactic to justify your irrational and insipid hate for Governor Huckabee.

image problem | 10:50 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I am a Mormon and I even wonder about Mormons. Evangelicals believe they are the only true Christians. Mormons believe they are the only true church. So what's the difference? Both Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee would make great presidents. Romney was a recent convert to some conservative issues, but that's OK, he's seen the light. Huckabee's tax plan would have saved the American economy and free market system. I hope we can make it to the next election. But Romney will find it hard to get elected because he is a Mormon. It used to be that way for Catholics, too. Mormons need to get over themselves and realize that a lot of people don't like Mormons. We have a public image problem that stems in part from polygamy. Until the Church strongly addresses that issue it will be that way.

Free agency | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The Mormon Church is not a cult. You can do what you choose to do. You are NOT forced to do anything. If you don't want to go to church, don't go, if you don't want to follow the Prophet's council, don't, if you don't want to keep the word of wisdom, don't. But at the same time we know there are blessings from living honestly. If you want those blessings, than do the things you have been counciled to do. You are not asked to do one thing that will hurt you.You are only asked to do things that will protect you if you choose. The laws of the land have been set up to protects us, if you break those laws you or someone else suffers the consequences. No one makes you do anything. If you have guilt, it is your own, your going against yourself. No one makes you do anything. It is free agency to choose that works for all of us and we do not believe that just because you are not a Mormon that you are damned. We are all children of God. We all have a purpose here, be your best self everyday.

Rick | 10:57 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huckabee reminds me of my son's pet snake. It was nice and kind (we thought) until it bit him. Thereafter, we never trusted it.

Huckabee is a serious anti-Mormon bigot. He's not changing, any more than Himler who told the Jews to get ready to take a shower, immediately before ushering them into the gas chambers.

Obama's my man, any day, over Huckabee.

twister61 | 11:03 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Trust me folks,Huckabee is as phony and untrustful as he sounds. Living here in Iowa, he was here a few weeks ago on his book tour,slamming Mitt. He does not like Mitt or the Morman faith at all. Please,we must stop him in 2012,because if there is any inkling that Mitt will run as President again,Huckabee will run too,just to stop and badmouth Mitt.All I can say is Mitt 2012!

rick | 11:13 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Even Ron Paul, when commenting on the huckster gave the following Sinclair Lewis Quote:
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross". The duped evangelicals supporting huckleberry were a discredit to Christianity as a whole.

CocoMo | 11:22 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

To: Typical Politician

The reason you don't recall them is because they weren't reported. The media likes to start a fight and keep it going to have something to report about. It makes a good story. Those of us who have followed Huckabee have heard it all along. He hasn't shifted his thoughts on Mormons at all. It's just that this reporter had the good sense to actually report it.

If you truly listen to Huckabee himself and don't listen to the biased vial and anger that is spewed on message boards or the misinformation that is "reported" or more than likely "opinionized" in today's media, you will find a man who is respectful of all human beings and appreciates the value of each individual. You will also find someone whose family values and policies line up very solidly with those of the Mormon faith.

Filter what you read and hear and search for the truth. You won't find it in today's media. Form your opinions by going directly to the source - watch his show, read his books, check out u-tubes, most of all, listen to what he is actually saying.

For twister61 | 11:28 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Couldn't agree with you more!

There's NO way that Huckabee, who graduated from a Christian seminary and would have NO DOUBT been exposed to basic LDS doctrines as well as doctrines from other major Christian and non-Christian religions, did not know that Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are spiritual brothers. He threw that bomb in the interview to shock mainstream Christians into hysteria. Plus, not too many years ago he was one of the headline speakers in the huge Baptist/anti-Mormon crusade in Salt Lake.

Mike Huckabee currently friendly to Latter-day Saints?

Not hardly....

Disco Vega | 11:27 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

What a loser...I've never seen someone talk out of both sides of their mouth so much in my life. One you are proven to a liar, fearmonger and unchristian by the comments made...you will never, never, never be able to over it. You have been cast in stone Huckboy!

somebody | 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The hate in your hearts spews forth in your ugly words.

"Be ye imitators of Christ"? Me thinks not.

Bad Advice? | 11:33 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Hey Huck,

you say that Romney was surrounded by those who gave him bad advice.

Hmmmmm....that "bad advice" still allowed Romney to compile more delegate votes than you gained and you kept campaigning for a month or so AFTER Romney suspended his campaign.

Some bad advice.

Are you sure there's not just a tad bit of jealousy in your words?

Roger Waters | 11:48 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huckabee cost Romney the nomination in my opinion. He stayed in the race when it was obvious he couldnt win just to double team along with that ghastly McCain guy to stomp out Romney.

A vote for Huckabee was a vote for McCain which ultimately meant a vote for a democrat president and this jerk knew it. His hatred for Romney was obvious. Even his jerk campaign manager, that jerk Ed Rollins who made a fool out of himself running the Ross Perot campaign said he wanted to "knock Romney's teeth in".

Hey Huckabee, give it up. Everybody, not just mormon, but everybody except the dumbest of the evangelicals (bottom 20%) think of you as a lying tool and you arent going anywhere in 2012. I would vote for Obama before you and I have never voted for a democrat in my life.

2012? | 12:00 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huckabee will not get very far. Only a very devout group of fundees will support him in 2012.

unkind words | 12:02 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Personally, I consider being called a bunch of egg and vegetable throwers "unkind".

I'm hurt all over again.

Tyler | 12:04 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I strongly second the comment on the first page from the person who had Huckabee as a governor, who said "What he primarily seeks is celebrity status." When Mitt Romney stepped aside for the good of the country to throw his support behind McCain, because he could do the math (Huckabee continued his run beyond the point of ridiculous because he "didn't major in math"), it showed me that Romney was all about country first. I would support Mitt Romney for President in 2012 in a heartbeat. Huckabee? He belongs right where he is, soaking up the limelight.

Noelie | 12:08 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

that's fine Mr Huckabee. Excuse me if I still won't vote for you in a million years. It's certainly telling that you accuse Mitt Romney of being two-faced, when YOU were the one to run blasting our religion, and now try to kiss up to us after.

Give me a break.

Mitt Romney said... | 12:18 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I remember one time when Mitt Romney said on that one show where he thought that Christians were meanies. See I can do it too. Say things that may or probably aren't true and not substantiate them, but say that they are fact. I'm not saying that you even knowingly are doing it, but do the research for yourself. Don't trust blogs that say that Governor Huckabee said all these bad things. Tell me and show me what he said and when, then I can take you seriously.

Iowa Republican | 12:28 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The Huckster is trying to rejuvenate his image so he can run in 4 years. Don't believe it. During the Iowa Primary his campaign would not do anything overtly anti-Mormon, but surrogate groups would do the dirty work of making the anti-Mitt anti-Mormon calls so Huck would have deniability. He ran the dirtiest campaign I've seen in a while at the same time attacking Mitt for running a dirty campaign for comparing records. The Huckster hated Mitt for being Mormon and for being rich and still does! He will use any tactic to tear down any Republican who he thinks will stand between him and the White House.

Texasconserv | 12:36 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

During the early primary debates Huckabee was only asked the religious questions. He found overwhelming support for his great answers. People were craving a politican who was proud to be Christian and stood up against secular society. Thus Huckabee used the words Christian Leader in his tv ads. However, after Iowa Huckabee found that those words boxed him in and he needed to appeal to more voters in NH and MI.

As to the apology that LDS church members are still seeking, Huckabee apologized right away to Romney regarding the NYT article. He also, despite southern baptist doctrinal differences, never said that LDS were not Christian. He gave outward support to the LDS church for their great effort in passing Prop 8. Huckabee has publicly endorsed other LDS politicians.

In reading Huckabee's book, I can see why there was a rift between Huckabee and Romney. Huckabee did not find Romney to be a true social conservative, thought Mitt was disengenuous. Romney also went out of his way to treat Huckabee like a tier two candidate based on financial and working class status. Similarly how Palin was treated by Washington elites.

LDS members need to forgive and forget.

Anonymous | 12:44 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I remember Huckabee responding to the a question about Mormons: "Aren't they the ones who believe that Sataan is the brother of Jesus?" I thought at the time: "And art thou a Minister in Isreal and knowest not these things?" If more of these commercial ministers would read the scriptures and earnestly pray, instead of blindly following their creeds, they would know such things!

Anonymous | 12:45 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I remember Huckabee responding to a question about Mormons: "Aren't they the ones who believe that Sataan is the brother of Jesus?" I thought at the time: "And art thou a Minister in Isreal and knowest not these things?" If more of these commercial ministers would read the scriptures and earnestly pray, instead of blindly following their creeds, they would know such things!

Republican Activist | 12:50 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I campaigned for Romney in Iowa, Nevada, Idaho, and Florida. The #1 problem with people voting for him was his faith. Whether or not Huckabee is sincere, he deliberately chose to keep stoking the bigotry that exists within the radical "Christian" world, and McCain loved it.

Huckabee and all of his bigoted supporters will not find any friends among real Conservatives in 2012. Many people are disgusted at what happened in the Primary.

Hardly Wright | 12:55 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

On his campaign trail, the pious Gov. Huckabee merely asked a simple question: "Would you vote for a president who belives Satan is Jesus' brother?" His cleverly crafted one-liner created exactly what he intended: alarm over the "weird beliefs" of his LDS contender.

While Huckabee praises the absence of a religious test in US politics, he deceitfully employed one of his own againt Mit Romney.

David Anderson | 1:02 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

It is to the credit of the faith of those Mormons that many look for the good in Huckabee. Others, who flaunt their paranoia by insisting that they "know" what he really means when he says something else, only do a disservice to themselves and to Mormonism. They fool no one, and only lower the esteem of other Christians for Mormons. Remember, Catholics and Protestants killed each other for a century after Martin Luther was excommunicated, but have gradually come to terms with each other because more unites them than divides them. Let us hope this will also happen with the Mormons, but irrational and undeserved hostility against a southern Baptist running for President will not get the job done. On the contrary, he is probably their best hope.

Debate shows prejudice | 1:12 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The Deseret News and Doug Wright should set the record straight on Mike Huckabee and his documented prejudice against Mormons. A starting point would be to review the GOP debate in which Mike was asked whether he could vote for a Mormon for president. He stuttered and stammered and then said, "No."

Sadly, seminary programs and ministries have misled Mr. Huckabee and other evangelicals with their poorly-researched information about Mormonism. Scholarly Biblical research shows that Mormons actually have substantive research to back up doctrines departing from those originated at the Council at Nicaea. At this convention of Bishops which Constantine gathered, founding Judeo-Christian doctrines were changed and reconciled with contemporary philosophers. Mormons believe those lost and founding principles have been restored and fulfilled.

Cherilyn Bacon Eagar

not a fan | 1:12 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Huckabee spouts the rhetoric. The best he can say is that Mormons are good community helpers? Utah is a beautiful state? Read the words, he has said nothing of substance. It is a lie that he has any admiration for Mormons, his view is that we are all deceived by the devil.

My reaction to his pandering statements/lies? Bull-loney!

elizabeth | 1:15 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

If you want to really get back at Mr. Huckabee then have all of your family and friends pray for him. Pray that he is driving down a dark lonely highway, he is miles from nowhere and his car breaks down. Then pray that after a long wait a car comes along with two Mormon missionaries going home. I would like to hear that conversation. Okay?

BJ | 1:17 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I would appreciate hearing a good journalistic research on Huckabee comments. He has nothing to lose from talking to Mormons now. What about the rest of the country. He lacks guts as well as fairness.

David Anderson | 1:41 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Mormons constitute less than 5% of the population of this country, and Protestants more than 50%. Mormons only defeat themselves by focusing on whether or not Huckabee secretly "hates" Mormons. The truth is that they are of minor significance to him, and he spends very little time thinking about them. Romney did not lose the nomination because Huckabee turned the Protestants against him. I was a Protestant who was FOR Romney until I saw the campaign unfold. I am not a southern baptist or evangelical Christian, but I saw that Romney was disingenuous and unprincipled, and also saw that Huckabee has some excellent ideas (some of which have been adopted by Obama). No one is now better positioned to defend the social interests of the Mormons than Huckabee. Certainly Romney would only be wasting his time (and money) to run again in 2012.

I still only care about a man's religion to the extent that it makes him more fit to help this country return to the values on which it was founded, and if the Mormons will assume the same attitude, all will be well.

myth buster | 2:37 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Romney slandered both Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul by claiming they divorced their wives when they had not. "I am the only candidate still married to his first wife." Besides, Romney seems to have made an idol of money and power. He's a liar and a scumbag, not even a true Mormon. Romney is disgusting.

Gov. Huckabee at least has the humility to treat the voters as his bosses, which they are. He, Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal all come from us. They are hard working, self-made people who have proven themselves to be leaders who come through in the clutch. Mitt Romney comes to us, and treats the common people like they are beneath him. In this country, we believe the person best qualified for the job should get the job, regardless of who his/her father was or where he/she went to college.

Listening in from New Mexico | 2:37 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I agree with everyone who spoke up to tell Mr. Huckabee that we can see right through his "politicking" attitude. And being two faced. It's pretty fake. And I say to him, "Shame on you!"

Our nation is in serious need of good leaders who are willing to see things as they really are and to have the ability to help our nation understand what we can do as a people in order for our country to be truly strong. That has been a problem with many who have run for office for years now. They claim to want the best for our nation - when the reality is that all they want is to be popular and to control more than they are able to handle. Mud slinging is a trait of those who are not able to truly handle power and authority.

We need leaders who have experience in truly leading, based on their qualifications of past experience and not other things which mimic true leadership.

God Bless America!

Huck and LDS | 2:37 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I see myriad reasons to dislike Huckabee as a candidate that have nothing to do with his religion, or ours. I really don't care about his LDS outreach, because it's irrelevant to me. I dislike him as a candidate because of his policies, his personal nastiness - his quick wit is not tempered by empathy - and his class-wedge populism.

One candidate is not worth driving a political wedge between natural allies. There are many candidates who can attract the same social conservative demographic, without the burden of Huckabee's baggage.

He's toxic waste. Leave him to his talk show, where his talents - and he has talents - are marketable. But I want nothing to do with him running entity I live in - federal, state, local. 18 months of his endless primary was enough.

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