Deseret News | A Mormon president? New film shows links between Smith, Romney

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A Mormon president? New film shows links between Smith, Romney

realhistory | 6:23 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

My advice to the film maker. Be careful, there are some facts that you probably shouldn't tell. People aren't ready for the truth about what Joseph Smith did and what really happened. Lots of good stuff, we've all heard that but the other stuff has been too taboo to even talk about.

Hardy Crawford | 7:01 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

My first reaction, is overkill. Too much on Romney and the church, and not enough on Romeny himself. Why drag Joseph Smith in this political battle? We, the people are not interested in church history, but in the here and now, and what an ethical, honest, authentic and unscrupulous individual might do to bring this country together again.

Anonymous | 7:25 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Religion in this case means nothing. Most of America does not know anything about Mormons nor do they really care.
Romney is just another mega-wealthy flip-flopper who will make sure he'll use his power to keep his friends and family even wealthier.

Comments continue below

Minnie | 8:41 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

From watching the trailer, it seems to me that the makers of this film do not do the Mitt Romney bid for President any good.
My heart and intellect tells me that Mitt will make an extraordinary leader, and that his faith should not be an issue.
America will really "miss out" if he is not elected.
Shame on the producers of this production.

ralf | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

This looks interesting. I hope to have a chance to view it and form an opinion from the entire piece. As a history buff, I am particularly interested in historical accuracey...something that is fleeting in LDS productions.

etc | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Ethical, honest and... well, I'll give you unscrupulous. Must be that Utah education system again that threw that one into the mix.

It is beyond dispute that Romney took a $54,000 tax break (more than the average annual income of the state) by declaring himself to be a Utah resident. Then, AFTER he had taken the tax breaks and decided that he wanted to be governor of MA he had to change his story - and multiple tax returns - to make it look as if he was in compliance with the state's residency laws. This was not an accidental oversight - he filed tax returns in (at least) two states and with the federal government declaring himself to be a Utah resident. You can call him many things - including unscrupulous - but honest he ain't.

Thank you "realhistory" | 10:01 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

You are absolutely right! Be careful....I've learned the past history and it's not too pretty. There are many similarities between the history and what we go through now with the FLDS church. Or maybe you should get into it! It's time to open your eyes.

anonymous | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Funny, at the end saying a mormon president would be excepted, because of America's history of "inclusion." The LDS Church has held out blacks from the priesthood until 1978 (never confronting that history, using wishy-washy statements that this is "behind us"). At the same time they demonize homosexuals and spend millions to prevent their "inclusion" in society. It is a bit of a banal saying, but "practise what you preach!"

Stace Roberts | 10:41 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

The filmmaker studied theology at Biola? Balanced people don't go there. The school teaches Christian fundamentalism. This guy doth protest too much about his reasoned approach and association with RLDS (why doesn't he provide the real name?) and MHA. Anyone on this forum can join either organization. He thinks he has sent out appeals to the fundamentalists by saying Biola, Mormons with RLDS and scholars with MHA. The filmmaker himself isn't passing the smell test if he has to resort to that kind of game so I don't hold out much hope for his treatment of any topic.

Thanks Stace! | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

You are 100% correct Stace! We know that the only truly accurate depiction of LDS culture would have to come from a BYU or 50 S. Temple production. Yea, and FOX News REALLY is "fair and balanced." It sounds to me like this film maker has a diverse enough background to really get his head around the topic and present understandings from both sides of the issue in a logical and balanced way. He has brought together some of the top scholars (if you know enough about the field to recognize their names or better yet, to have read their books) to present both sides of this issue in a reasonable way...what more could LDS folks want from an outsider? The larger your church gets the more attention it is going to receive...as professors Bushman and Black obviously know already, it is wiser to work with those trying to be fair in their telling of your story than to poke your finger in their eyes and then complain how persecuted you are afterwards.

brad | 11:52 a.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Just watched the trailer. Did anybody else notice that Joseph Smith looks just like Mitt Romney?

CJem | 12:24 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

1) I am religious, but I would prefer a president who has no particular religious persuasion but knows what he or she is doing than a president who claims to be religious but doesn't know what he is doing, such as our current president. 2) As shown by the comments here, balance to one person is bias to another. 3) Those who use the inclusion argument against the LDS show a lack of knowledge about the history of race and ethnic relations in the United States. Abraham Lincoln risked rebellion by his own officers when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Martin Luther King did his work, and was murdered, in the southern States. Catholics, Irish, Chinese, Mexicans and others have all experienced exclusion in US history.

The Money Changers | 12:35 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Adam Christing, would you have made this move two years ago when Mitt Romney was not yet a condidate? I think not. This film is nothing more than the effort of an opportunist to make bundles of money from curiosity-seekers at the expense of our nation's democratic process. Put the film back in the can and bring it out after the presidential election. If your production is historically interesting as well as fair and balanced, you will succeed. If instead it is a shoddy bit of work aimed at Mitt Romney's campaign, shame on you!

Dale | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

I'm LDS, and I would not vote for Romney. He doesn't believe in evolution, women's rights and abortion? That's enough for me.

Anonymous | 12:48 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Smith ran as a democrat.

LC | 1:07 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Typical DesNews. My earlier comments weren't published because they went against the LDS grain.

Tim | 3:41 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Obviously, if the closet is stuffed with items that you don't want revealed, ..........don't open the closet door!!!

Mona | 4:27 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Anonymous, I've been LDS for 35 years, since age 18, and didn't know we "demonize homosexuals and spend millions to prevent their "inclusion" in society." I must be out to lunch because I also didn't know blacks and the priesthood is still an issue. My black friends in my ward fully participate like everyone else and don't dwell on the unfairness or injustice of the past. How would you like the church to "confront" their history? Please explain.

LDS History | 6:03 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

This will be interesting. I wonder how many people are really likely to see this film?

The man who tells you a comforting lie is not your friend.

The man who tells you a painful truth is not your enemy.

Clark Roger | 7:54 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Mona - LDS critics will never be satisfied with anything the LDS Church says or does. That's a fact that will never change.

I know the critics claim they simply want the LDS Church to be honest with its history, but that simply isn't true. After all, how many books and pamphlets, critical of the LDS Church, say anything positive about any Latter-day Saint, past or present? How many of them say a word in response to the writings of people like LDS author and lecturer Truman G. Madsen, who presents details of LDS history the critics won't address?

If I followed what the critics say about LDS history, then the next time I read about the Catholic Church, it should be from books written by atheists. If I want to read about the Jewish faith, then I should read books written by the KKK.

My only question to the critics is, please explain why you continue to fulfill LDS prophecy? Joseph Smith was told his name should be known for good and evil throughout the world. All your doing by writing against Smith is making sure this prophecy is fulfilled.

As for the film, I hope to see it.

Anonymous | 9:09 p.m. Nov. 24, 2007

Wow i cant believe the haters that come after the lds church whenever it is mentioned. You can leave the church but you cant leave it alone!

Shelly Brown | 12:38 a.m. Nov. 25, 2007

I don't give a rip about what god Romney believes in, he is a proven political leader and seemingly an ethical man. I am glad the filmmaker is leaving it up to viewers to decide about Romney and Smith.

Sorry Mormons | 5:39 a.m. Nov. 25, 2007

Sorry Mormons, religion isn't a nice little component amongst many in your life. Religion and your subservience to God permeates your life. I don't agree with the assertion that religion and politics can be separated. Even the belief in the notion should be considered downright dangerous in terms of your walk with Christ. This is not an attack on the belief of Mormonism but rather an attack on the rationalization to justify a "non-issue." Our religious beliefs direct our lives, not the other way around. If you have reservations about a candidate based on their religious beliefs, it is totally acceptable.

Cindy | 7:40 a.m. Nov. 25, 2007

Dale, are you kidding?
MR just in the last minute became "pro-life", of course he is for women's rights (that is not an issues anymore, are you in the dark ages).
He will not win the Republican primary because he is a nor-eastener liberal.

John Adams | 7:54 a.m. Nov. 25, 2007

I'm LDS, and I would not vote for Romney. He doesn't believe in 9/11 theories, he believe in Iraq war. That's enough for me. A true Christian believes in the peace. I believe in Dr. Steven E. Jones and in 9/11 conspiracy theories.

Trainman | 9:20 a.m. Nov. 25, 2007

Romney will say just about anything to get your vote. He is a man with ever changing convictions. The Country do not need such a shallow man as it's leader.

Really??? | 10:30 a.m. Nov. 25, 2007

To Sorry Mormons - Does that mean if someone chooses not to vote for a candidate simply because they are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or even an Athiest, that's alright with you? Also, if it's okay to NOT vote for someone because they are LDS, it is then just as okay to vote FOR someone simply because they are LDS?

I honestly can't help but wonder if the religious test you and other people propose are only directed at those candidates whose religious faith does not fall under the "politically correct" umbrella.

If certain people had their way, I honestly believe Mormons wouldn't be allowed to hold office or even vote.

Yes, religion does indeed direct people's lives, there should be no no question about that. However, when the religion of one candidiate is scrutinized over and over again, while the religion of other candidiates is either ignored or look at from time to time, how is this in anyway beneficial to our democracy?

anonymous | 12:41 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

If i remember correctly this is the USA. Our country is about fairness and equality. So why is it when a mormon runs for president a lot of people start freaking out? If he was a different religion like Catholic no one would give a hoot. I'm LDS and I think the problem is that most people don't understand our church and when people don't understand something they put their defenses up. i may be ignorant on some things (i'm only 18 after all) and i want to learn but i also want to help others understand my religion. I don't want to "convert" them, i just want them to understand.

romneyfan | 12:44 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

If Romney was to embrace the LDS theology as part of his platform, he would encourage strong families (which he is doing), weed out corruption and unfairness wherever it might be (he is doing that), make everyone fast once a month and give the money saved to a good charity to eliminate hunger (he should do that), ween people off of entitlements (you have to work for LDS church welfare), create government welfare farms to help the needy as the LDS church does, be proactive with regard to disasters like the LDS church does, keep America strong (as encouraged in the Book of Mormon), encourage kids to serve in some way for two years after high school, in short, GO MITT!!!!

james stowe | 1:16 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

MORMON USA PRESIDENT?
I HOPE NOT IN MY LIFE TIME!

Another Romney Fan | 1:25 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

Mr. Romney Fan, are you aware that President Bush invited LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley to Washington to discuss the LDS church's welfare practices? It was early in his first term. President Bush was impressed with the Church's welfare principles and organization. Later he announced his "faith-based initiative", giving to charites as a means of helping those in need (as opposed to increasing the public welfare rolls). Former Secretary Tommy Thompson was selected for the cabinet in the first Bush administration because he had promoted a work-based welfare program in Wisconsin when he served as Governor of that state. Your comments represent wisdom...thanks for sharing.

Not Stupid | 3:16 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

I'm not stupid and neither is the filmaker. He admits to having the idea of a Joseph Smith film long before Romney became a national figure campaigning for President. Now he decides to throw Romney into the mix. Why? Because it will get the attention he wants. This would be another Joseph Smith film most of us wouldn't care about if it wasn't for the politics of the day. Shame on him for the lack of a balanced film. No doubt doing a film on Joseph Smith and polygamy and then introducing some Romney "parallel" is not politically balanced.

hoosier LDS | 3:57 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

What a wonderful undertaking but editing from 45 hours to 45 minutes gives the filmmaker quite an advantage over the ultimate consumer. I expect non-LDS to be skeptical of my beliefs because those "in the dark" don't want to be "in the light." It has always been so and will always be. Whether Mitt makes it to the White House or not doesn't matter. With all due respect to my Utah brethren, if being LDS made for excellence in politics, Utah and its LDS dominated state legislature and governors would be a "shining star" to the nation which, ahem, it isn't.

der Altekrieger | 5:24 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

Hey !!

Let's get over the prejudice and intolerance.

If you think Romney's politics are incongruent with yours, or he lacks the intelligence, political savy and experience to best serve our country and its people, then simply don't vote for the man.

If you feel he does have these qualities, then cast your vote accordingly.

Let's put some of that "acceptance of diversity" and "tolerance towards others" that liberal and religious philosphies preach in to practice.

If Romney was a Jew or Muslim, would (or could) we be having these same arguments? Would religious defenders of tolerance and liberal defenders of diversity defend Romney then?

btdt | 7:10 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

once upon a time i was cooking dinner in my provo apartment when my roommate walked in with someone i didn't know ... he proudly started introducing this guy to everyone ... when they got to me, my roommate said, "i'd like you to meet mitt romney" ... i guess i was supposed to be honored, but my overwhelming impression was that this guy felt he was being forced to deal with people of a social class beneath him ... for my part, i was glad when they both left ... i don't think romney has changed since then ... he's too slick, too conscious of image ... he seems to think he can buy the presidency ... i hope he never sits behind that big desk in the oval office..

Goose | 8:17 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

Support Romney in UTAH. He will make a Great President. I am not to impressed with your last choice. BUSH But keep trying you may pick a winner one day.
As for the movie I can not wait to see. Disagree with your religion But anyone that likes history has to like Mormon History it is the best. Great men and women.

Eliza R | 10:55 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

I am LDS and I won't vote for Romney. How can anyone who is honest make a personal fortune of $250 MILLION? Can't be done.

Gloria | 11:55 p.m. Nov. 25, 2007

The so called "balanced" approach means a context devoid of respect for the Church, with the inclusion of token favorable points. I would not see it for anything.

The attacks against the Church are getting more creative: exploiting the sensationalistic idea of linking a present day candidate who is a member, with the revered founder of the faith -in a context that ridiculizes the Church showing a caricature of it! What next!

I love the church. I know it is the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ! No amount of caricaturing the church will ever change the personal witness I have received from God about the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 12:54 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Everyone who is a movie buff knows that the best part of a movie shows up in the trailer. The trailer portrays a Joseph Smith who looks literally and emotionally darker and angrier than the accurate protraits based on his death mask and contemporary portraits and descriptions. If that portrayal were accurate, Smith would have mobilized the Nauvoo Legion to prevent the Illinois authorities arresting him and his brother Hyrum. Instead, he submitted to arrest peacefully, and after his murder, there was no organized armed attack on any of the people who carried out the attack or praised it in their newspapers. The RLDS/Community of Christ has become officially at best neutral and often critical of Joseph Smith, refusing to endorse the Book of Mormon as an authentic ancient scripture. Anyone who progressed from that to being a "Christian stand-up comic" with a degree from Biola is starting from an anti-Mormon environment, where his view of "neutral history" will be colored by that culture. So I would be surprised if the overall message of the film is positive toward either Smith or Romney.

John Lambert | 3:18 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

Joseph Smith was running for president as a third party canidate, with plans to hold a convention for his party. He was not running with any specific party.
I also do not think it is right to claim someone can not make a fortune honestly. There are honest and ethical ways to make large amounts of money.

Adam Christing, Director | 11:07 p.m. Nov. 26, 2007

If my "media advisor" knew I was posting, he'd be upset, "Directors shouldn't do that." Too bad. I love Mormon history and I wanted to share a few thoughts.

It's interesting how people see Themselves in whatever you put on screen. I get scores of emails from critics. Half from Evangelical Christians saying, "You must be working for Romney or the Mormon Church!" The other half is sure that the film will be an attack piece on the LDS church. It's neither.

I am thrilled with the variety of voices and level of scholarship in the film. (BTW, I did not tell this excellent reporter that I was a "Christian comedian" But I did start a company called "Clean Comedians")

My goal is not to "cash in." It's been a "cash going out" scenario. I'm fascinated with Joseph Smith and have studied his life intensely for the last 20 years. I do think it is appropriate to connect Joseph with Romney.

Joseph is the Prophet of Romney's religion. Both men ran for President and encountered opposition because of their Mormon faith.

My hope is that viewers of "A Mormon President" will be inspired to explore Mormon history.

sb | 6:44 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I would be interested to see this movie. Is there anyway those of us not living near SLC or Los Angelos could see this movie?

Vice president | 11:49 p.m. Nov. 27, 2007

I wonder if the film will mention Sidney Rigdon? He was to be selected by Joseph Smith as the vice president.

Razzle | 12:11 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I have lived all over this great country and ended up in Utah. Wierd.

Nobody in Los Angeles is going to be influenced by this film. We all have good Mormon neighbors so anti-LDS media won't be accepted as fact.

When I lived in New York, everyone just kept to themselves. They won't care about this film either. That's why Mountain Meadows bombed.

My new Utah neighbors should just chill.
Groups that like to pick a fight know just how to do it in Utah. By our fruits you should know them.

The Govenor of Mass and a 19th century religious leader? C'mon, I'd rather spend my money on Fred Claus.

UT is the Big Love State | 11:23 a.m. Nov. 28, 2007

realhistory You are right on the money

Gustavo Hernandez | 4:26 p.m. Nov. 28, 2007

I think this film is a must see, for the historical and discovery aspects. Few people know that Joe Smith ran for president and many never knew he ran for president. The timing couldn't be better Mr Christing has picked an interesting subject. I believe the film will probably be pro Romney as I'm sure he needs Romney to succeed for his film to be successful.
It will probably be an accutrain, meaning as accurate as possible yet very entertaining. The whole country should view this film as it provides a hisotrical aspect of Joe's run for president.

Mitt is no fool, he didnt' amass his fortune without counting the beans. He and this film should both do well and Mr Christing should be applauded for taking this risk!

Mark | 3:11 p.m. Nov. 30, 2007

There is a good book out now entitled "When Salt Lake City Calls" This book by Hulsey (Xulon Press) explains precisely why there should NEVER be a Mormon President. And you Mormons out there who are so shocked that there would be anti-Mormon sentiment in the world, do you not recall that the official LDS belief is that ALL other Churches are an "abomination". Is that not the pot calling the kettle black?

KirtlandSaint | 6:00 p.m. Dec. 1, 2007

If you want to know more about the 1844 campaign and evidence for a political conspiracy to murder Joseph Smith, check out "Junius and Joseph: Presidential Politics and the Assassination of the First Mormon Prophet" published in 2005 by Utah State University Press. It received best book awards from the Mormon History Association and the John Whitmer Historical Association.

WC | 10:00 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

" Rocky is the best spokesman out there to deal with whether Mormonism should be an issue in this presidential election. If Mitt Romney were a Muslim, we wouldn't be so squeamish about asking deep and probing questions about the influence of his religion. They didn't refer to Joseph Smith, Jr. as the American Mohammed for nothing. No one, Mormon, Muslim, Baptist, Catholic, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist or Atheist should expect to keep their faith off limits when it comes to seeking the position of "most powerful person on the face of the earth". We should expect more from our journalists than an abdication of their responsibility to vet the motives, aspirations and foundations which likely form the basis for these candidate's decisionmaking. Mr. Hulse is a man who has seen both sides, is articulate and has much of importance to say. Buy his book and read it. "

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