Deseret News | Mitt should speak on Book of Mormon

Reader comments
My view: Mitt should speak on Book of Mormon

Earl | 9:27 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I recommend that readers take the time to look up JFK's speech before making any comments. JFK wanted to reassure Americans that he would act according to his own conscience if elected president, not at the behest of Catholic officials. What separates the Mormon church from other churches, including the Catholic church, is that there is a prophet at its head who, it is claimed, reveals God's mind and will when directed to do so. If so, then there is no room for argument or political maneuvering. In the event that a prophetic pronouncement conflicts with Romney's policies, what will he do? Will he, as the song directs, "Follow the Prophet", or follow his agenda? If he's the faithful chuch member he purports to be, he MUST follow the prophet. In that event, he's unelectable. Americans WILL NOT vote for a president who follows his religious leaders when it affects policy decisions. JFK was elected because he convinced Americans that he wasn't going to change policies when they conflicted with pronouncements from Catholic leaders. Will Romney be willing to say the same about his religious convictions? I don't see how he can.

Anonymous | 9:52 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

People who are prejudice against the Church more than likely will not be moved by anything Romney says. I can't imagine the prophet saying anything which would be meant to influence public policy. People SO misunderstand the Church, it's leaders, and it's followers. Romney ought to just read Section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants regarding our beliefs regarding government. Inspired.

G.A.

Wind Of Fire | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

There are only two churches on earth
Gods church and mans church
and you can fined those two churches in every Demomonation in the world.
People living for the Lord and people following
the flesh. how can you tell them apart
Jesus said you will know them by there Love.
If you are one of those people walking around thinking that your church will get you to heaven
WAKE UP it's not the Church that gets you in,, it's
your heart.God is not going to look to see what
church you are a member of.
He is going to look and see what is in your heart.
if you love Jesus Christ Repentance is used more than
"I am right"
And remember God is not punishing you He is changing
you.
Let's Pray for one another more.
Love you and hope the best for you
Wind Of Fire

Comments continue below

MB | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

The speech isn't about the church. It's about the candidate and the candidacy. Opening the door to theology would be a mistake, because people want to vote for people who share as many things as possible. So Mitt should emphasize UNIFYING factors, not the ones that take us apart.

Thomas | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Earl: It's very simple. The Prophet will simply confirm that he will give no direction to Romney as to what policies he ought to adopt as President.

The Church declares that it stays out of politics, except when "moral issues" are involved. I can't think of any such issues where there is a divergence between the Church's announced position, Romney's position, and the position of a majority of Americans. (Take same-sex marriage, for example.)

Generally, the Church doesn't issue "prophetic pronouncements" that give specific instruction to political office holders. (The Proclamation on the Family does call generally on government officers to promote family-friendly policies, but there's nothing like "Harry Reid must disavow his party's support for same-sex marriage or be excommunicated.")

I have never heard of a Mormon public official being subjected to Church discipline for advocating any particular political policy. As far as I can tell, there is no prophetic counsel addressed specifically to LDS government officers that they are bound to follow.

willie | 10:55 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

as Earl said, if Mitt explains his religious beliefs, no one will vote for him. We already have one guy in the WH that says he hears voices that tells him what to do. Look how well that worked out.

If Mitt explains any part of his religion, with the exception of that catch-all phrase "family values" he will show the country what would be a very bizarre set of religious beliefs. That would be unacceptable religious and non-religious voters. No one is voting for Hinckley by proxy.

Chad | 11:49 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, and in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

LDS article of faith.

Bible elevated? | 12:06 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Every ward I've ever been in (7 wards in various states), has always used the Book of Mormon significantly more than the Bible. Why wouldn't we? It has not lost many "plain and precious truths" as the Bible has. So, I'm not sure why the writer of this opinion feels that the BoM has not been used as much as the bible. The early missionaries took the BoM with them to hand out, not the Bible.

Thomas L. Shimek | 12:10 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

We seem to have forgotten that the U.S. Constitution expressly prohibits a religious test for public office. But since we seem hell-bent on having one, why have it for just one candidate? I'd like to hear some of the other candidates explain their religious beliefs, if they have any. I, for one would be thrilled to have a president whose public policies are influenced by his/her core beliefs, instead of by the daily poll numbers. It may not be politally correct, but almost all thinking people's political views are founded in their core principals and beliefs. As for the cries from the left that you can't "legislate morality", blah, blah, etc... I maintain you can't avoid it. Our entire legislative code is founded in Judeo-Christian values. Hurray for candidates with a conscience! Maybe if this anti-Mormon witch-hunt were turned into a forum where all candidates discuss their beliefs it will give us all a chance to vote for something more meaningful than sound-bites. Incidentally, one "Mormon" article of faith states "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates in honoring, obeying, and sustaining the law". Doesn't that answer the question about Mitt's loyalties?

Sam Hofer | 12:44 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

As a normal among mormons, I already know that as a president Mitt would think and do things that do not represent my interests. I don't think he can run far enough from that in a speech.

members only | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I wonder if there will ever come a time when the dominant culture will realize that the outside world doesn't care about Mormonism and never will.

Stay within the confines of your community, Mormons.
Some of your flock is beginning to make you all look like fools.

Roger | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Thomas,

You are wrong; the prophet certainly will not promise not to give counsel to the President.

The major job of the prophet is to tell us how God wants us to live our lives. Sure, it would be expedient for Romneyï¿½s sake for the prophet to declare that he wonï¿½t give direction to the president. But I canï¿½t imagine the prophet doing such a thing.

Romney says he believes every word of the Bible, and the Bible has many examples of prophets telling government leaders what to do.

Now from a practical perspective, I doubt that any revelations are forthcoming and Americans donï¿½t have much to worry about with regards to the president taking inapropriate orders from Salt Lake City. However, you can rest assured that the prophet will reserve the right to issue any counsel he sees fit to issue.

veedub | 1:25 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

members only: I'd be tempted to believe you except that it seems that everyone in the media, other candidates, and the religious right seem obsessed with the fact that Romney is a Mormon. There have been more articles written, commentaries spoken, and discussion made about Mormonism since Romney showed that he was considering running for president than I've seen in my life. I don't see that kind of curiosity about the religiosity of others running for office.

So it looks like quite a few people are interested in Mormonism, or his religion wouldn't be an issue about Romney, like religion really isn't with other candidates.

While I think it's actually a good thing that people are talking about the LDS church in the outside world, I think it's silly that they're making such a big deal about it with Romney.

change is good | 1:32 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I'm glad you are being a good boy and are doing what you are told, Chad.
But I am afraid they've got ya where they want ya.

Meanwhile, this country was founded on revolution and freedom-loving Americans are getting restless with their authority figures.

Thomas | 1:54 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Willie -- I see you're passing on that unsubstantiated rumor floated by a minor Palestinian official, contradicted by everyone else in the room when President Bush supposedly said it.

I thought it was only religious folks who blindly accepted faith-promoting rumors?

Ryan N. | 2:06 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Thomas L. wrote "I'd like to hear some of the other candidates explain their religious beliefs, if they have any. I, for one would be thrilled to have a president whose public policies are influenced by his/her core beliefs, instead of by the daily poll numbers. It may not be politally correct, but almost all thinking people's political views are founded in their core principals and beliefs."

Sounds to me like Huckabee is your man.

Also, what is this anti-Mormon witch-hunt of which you speak?

Slavery not for me | 2:26 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I, for one, am glad I am not forced into being subject to Kings, rulers, or magistrates.

I am too much of a freedom-lover to enter into any form of bondage such as that.

It's my liberal nature, I guess.

Anonymous | 2:49 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Some people view a prophet the way they do Elvis.
Giving both way too much power over their lives.

ps- I want to be a prophet.

Janey | 3:18 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I really like the one post that said that if Mitt has to explain himself, then all the candidates should be questioned on their faith. Also, maybe those with non-faith. I would very much like to know what Barak Hussein Obama would have to say since he went to Muslim school, Catholic school and now belongs to a church whose pastor has some questionable ideas. Would Obama be influenced? Will he be questioned and have to explain himself? I still see that picture of him not saluting our flag when Hillary, Richardson and others did. Why is Mitt being singled out to explain himself? Hmmm...

A inLA | 6:24 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

For "members only" who posted at 12:51.
Well, I am not a Romney fan, but if you ever tuned into the National news you would realize just how wrong your comments were. It is the media that keeps bringing in the religious issue - They are VERY interested. So maybe it is you who is "looking like a fool"......ya think maybe you need to get your facts straight?

zrw | 8:21 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

"I, for one would be thrilled to have a president whose public policies are influenced by his/her core beliefs, instead of by the daily poll numbers."

You have one... George Dubya Bush.

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