Deseret News | Romney: No candidate should be rejected because of his faith

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Romney: No candidate should be rejected because of his faith

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forgot something | 1:17 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Hey Mark Morphy!
You forgot to add: 'thanks for supporting the troops, the Bush Doctrine, the flag, Babe Ruth,
and most of all, for being a Mormon.

open | 1:18 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Since when does an "Oregon Ute" make a good judge of the state of Utah? You do need to wipe your eyes, not from laughing, but to get rid of your tears of ignorance and bias. They are very much messing up your appearance and your statement.
Any open-minded person would be very impressed with the inclusiveness of Romney's speech today. That, combined with his great track record for getting things accomplished will win many votes... mine included.

Eyes Wide Open! | 1:28 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Romney's speech was good... for a get-em-off-question one. His new look of grayed sideburns is as much show as Edwards is to the Dems. His masterfully avoiding the actual question put to him was expected. All in all nothing new or surprising. Comparing him to Reid is preposterous! Reid is a Dem, Romney is a Republican. Republicans are automotons to the ethos of what Not Interested rightly called "Totalitarian Federalism," which is why they gave Bush everything he wanted and visa versa - because it comported to the long-standing Republican goal of a one party system. Reid, on the other hand, is with a political party that prides itself in diversity and the patriotic ideals of not caving into the chief executive at every corner, which Dems have never done for their Dem presidents. Though Romney and Reid may both be Mormons, the similarity ends there, and in name only! Looking at the emerging pattern, which is not the first time in this nation's history, Huckaby looks to be the spoiler and man on the white horse wearing the white hat who will take the nomination when all is said and done for the Republican party.

Comments continue below

Truth Is Hard To Swallow! | 1:36 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Dear To Jackson, Thank you for substantiating the case Christians have made concerning Mormonism, namely that you folks re-define the term Christian to suit your belief, when in fact it is contrary to general Christianity at large.

Take the time to study what Christians in general believe, and what Mormons with their own peculiar definition of 'christian' believe, and the differences are profound. The Trinity belief, or Godhead belief notwithstanding, Christians do not believe they can be equal to Christ and as Mormons believe, even equal to God himself. In fact Christians do not believe they can attain to the status of a God, since that is a decidedly pagan belief.

Sorry to pop your indoctrinated bubble, but these are the facts and are the underlying reasons why Christians don't take Romney as being a serious Christian from the perspective of greater Christianity.

Bottom Line | 1:37 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

If you don't like him, don't vote for him. Plain and simple.

Mark | 1:47 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Not impressed wrote : "the whole expulsion issue was driven by the sedition and subterfuge against the State and Nation by the early Mormons."

Can you name one published, academic historian who would agree with your assessment?

Educated Literate | 1:50 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

As a devout LDS member who has never domiciled in Utah, I must admit that Mitt Romney gave a good speech and well defined his convictions about being a faithful member of the Church. I am still convinced that Fred Thompson is more of a ï¿½Reagan Conservativeï¿½ than Mitt, but his speech was well done. It will not go into the annals of great speeches unless he is elected.

So again, I ask, why isnï¿½t Catholicism (Guliani), Southern Baptist (Huckabee), Baptist (Clinton), Muslim (Obama) being called into the political fray? When I lived in New Mexico the Southern Baptists controlled almost the entire political framework of the town. In Pennsylvania the Catholics were very politically active. Why are the LDS singled out by other religious faiths for them being afraid that the General Authorities would influence state affairs?

From my point of view, it all stems from jealousy and money. We convert people from other faiths, who leave the other religious congregations and put the livelihood of those ministers in peril since they would not be receiving donations and attendance dwindles. They in turn call us a ï¿½cultï¿½, due to lack of understanding, fear and bigotry.

Is it November '08 yet? | 1:51 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

You can say what you want about the Mormon faith, that was the most passionate, heartfelt and genuine speech, not to mention the most presidential, I have heard from any of the candidates thus far.

What a refreshing improvement it would be to have a president who can deliver an eloquent address to the public without tripping over third grade grammar and vocabulary.

all the same | 2:04 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

For pete's sake! The guy's a professional politician. They're all the same.

Sorry my Mormon brothers and sisters, I know you would like to think that he's "closer to God" or something, but he's a mega-rich business man with ties to big business and a way with words, just like the rest of them. Think a Republican John Edwards and you'll get it.
Nothing more. Nothing less.

Vegas Ed | 2:05 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Great speech, now comes all the spin. If people would actually listen to the speech on the internet, they'd get it. Don't listen to the people who politicize everything. Rudy's people of course are going to say it was a terrible speech. It's like asking an animal hater why I should get a pet. If you want to know about Mitt, listen to him and go to his website.

rudy | 2:09 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

I hope mormons in this state now realize what we non mormons go through just because we are not like them.

It is sad people won't vote for romney because of his faith but that kind of bias is alive and well in Utah.

Some people here won't vote for someone because they are not mormon or have no faith at all.

davidutefan | 2:23 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Mitt is right. He should not be rejected for his religious beliefs. He should be rejected because he's a liberal, no, a conservative, no, a liberal, no, a conservative...

Well spoken Mitt! | 2:33 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Unlike George W., Mitt Romney is quite an orator. I appreciated his thoughts on religous tolerance. Plus, I bet he can say "nuclear" and not "nu-qular".

Sad | 2:38 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Some of the statements made above confirm that bigotry is still alive in America. How must it feel to be a religious bigot? It's really something to think there are those who hate a religion. Sad.

cart before the horse? | 2:47 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

No disrespect "Bottom Line," but I think it's a bit premature to think anybody will be voting for Romney. A little matter ofthe GOP convention has to be dealt with first.

Unless somebody in a higher place had a revelation or something.

maybelle | 2:48 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

I listened to Mitt's speech and found it to be very impressive. Every American should hear it and learn from it. Hopefully, the citizens of America wiil not let this wonderful man slip through the cracks. He would be an awesome President.

Gary in New Hampshire | 2:49 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

I haven't read his speech yet. Maybe I will or maybe I won't. But my point is such that we as a country should be beyond putting a man through what we are putting Mr. Romney through. Pure and simple, if a person attacks any canidate for whatever personal religious belief they may hold, then you are a bigot, and bigotry is a trait that holds no respect,and neither do your comments.

Tom thump | 2:51 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Great speech
Sad that he has to justify his stance on religion to become the president of America. America is a great nation as long as they(people) do not remove God out of the equation.

Lew Jeppson | 2:55 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Romney says "freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedeom." Maybe he should read a little Tom Paine.

Jackson | 3:00 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Thank you "Truth is Hard to Swallow"...people wonder why sometimes the perception of Mormon's isn't the friendliest view in the world...and this comment blog is a perfect example. I didn't say one mean-spirited thing about the LDS faith, but I was bashed for having an opinion. I don't think that Mormons are bad people, or even that they don't believe in Christ, but simply that they do not fit under the Christian umbrella. You explained yourself very well!

re:Swallow | 3:02 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Mormons did not re-define Christianity. Christ lived it. Christians are those who live their lives trying to emulate him.

Born agains have re-defined christianity to fit there narrow definition in an attempt to exclude those who don't agree with them (including catholics).

Sorry, but your "truth" really does nothing to anyone's bubble, but your own that you live in thinking Christ would exclude those who believe on him.

Larry, the Missionary | 3:05 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Romney did a good job of constrasting faith and its import with public service. This was provided in a historical context from the time our nation was founded. I did NOT think that Romney even attempted to address the matter of how the Mormon religion has congruent tenets with Christianity--- which I thought and which was previously hyped as the whole point of the talk--how as a Mormon, even with different theological ideals he was not that much different. No, this talk was not in general conference style-- this speech was pure politics and the applause got him off tempo--- one of the benefits of speaking at conference is no applause for whomever is speaking. I think that the brethern need to THINK about all of the candidates and the attributes that each possesses as opposed to which faith group they might belong to. Thinking is the key here--- I don't see readers of the Deseret News really doing any independent thinking.

Tied their own hands | 3:05 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Boy the evangelicals are in a real bind. For years they've been preaching that Mormons are evil, weird, not Christian, perverting the true and simple words of Christ, etc.

Now they are in presidential election where the only solid conservative choice is a Mormon.

Whoops.

Christopher | 3:05 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Nobody running for pres. should be judged by his/her faith; but also nobody should be judged for serving in vietnam, like Kerry and Gore were (unlike bush, cheney and romney who have spent a life time chasing money). We need tolerance for LDS, just as we do for war vets, the poor, the mammed, the injured in Iraq. I will vote for Romney but I don't think he gets past Rudy in GOP primary, but I will vote for Romney because he has same opinion as the Kerrys, Gores and Clintons on abortion and gay marriage (the former of which all oppose personally but don't think it should be criminalized and the later of which none of them think there should be gay marriage). And yet interestingly enough most would think the above people on opposite sides of the political spectrum. So either way we all get a great president in '08.

Wayne Perry | 3:12 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Will his speech get the endorsement of Billy Graham?

Slugger | 3:14 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Beautiful speech. Much better than I anticipated. Romney has my vote. Everything he touches turns to gold. He is smart, savvy, charismatic and articulate. He simply knows how to run, manage and problem solve. Mormon or not, the guy is sharp. I thought his speech was fantastic. He is right, he should not have to go into details about the religion. If people want to know, they can talk with a full-time missionary or go to the Church's website, lds.org. His approach was dead-on and his historical references were awesome. There is a great deal of confusion, hypocresy and ambivalence in this country. One minute the general public is trying to denounce God and distance themselves from religion, yet when a tragedy occurs they cry out "where was God and why did he let this happen?". Too many people are getting hung up on too many inconsequential details. I believe God understands the role of the President and would not require Mitt or anyone else to act or make decisions that solely align with the religion. Overall a great speech. There is nobody out there better suited to be an American President.

Good job | 3:20 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Mitt said exactly what this nation needs to hear from its next president.

Home run | 3:24 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Incredible job Mr. Romney. I cannot help but think how you described our nation and its need for faith across the board, your speech ranks right up there with, "I have a dream". You clearly defined what our nation and constitution stands for.

Mitt Romney for President!

flip-flopping will doom him | 3:26 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Romney's flip-flopping on abortion and gays will doom him as a GOP nominee.
You just can't make up things as you go along.
Most of America (sorry Utahns) are smarter than he thinks they are.

Anon | 3:28 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Flip flopper is a very negative label which can be given to someone who simply has the guts to admit when he's made a mistake and change his mind on a position because of it. I would vote for someone who has the integrity to admit he feels he was wrong on an issue and then publicly change his mind, without giving him the negative label of flip flopper. All of us make mistakes, including those in public office, and we should be more wary of those who seem unwilling or unable to admit when they've made a mistake and change their minds accordingly. It takes a great person to have the integrity to admit if they were wrong.

re:rudy | 3:33 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

I agree it is alive here in Utah, but, both ways if you watched the SLC mayoral race and the exit polling they did. People voted against and for down religious lines both ways. Would have been more interesting race if you had to non-mormons or mormons racing, but alas again.

Strikes a Chord | 3:35 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

I am not saying I am voting for Romney, but people like him and Gov Huckabee have struck a chord with America. Why does every religious person have to apologize for being religious. Are environmentalists apologizing for being so religious about that? Are secularists apologizing for being so religiously secular? Black people shouldn't have to apologize for being black, women shouldn't have to apologize for being women and religious people don't have to apologize for their religion. This country has had senators, cabinent members, powerful advisors who have been Mormons. Past presidents and leaders have counseled with religious leaders regularly including the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One noteworthy person was actually a democrat. LBJ thought very highly of President McKay and regularly sought his opinion on things....These anti religious people are just a different color of bigot but bigots non the less...

Leonard Lords | 3:37 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Like it or not the timing of the speech is perfect right before the Iowa caucus. Mitt Romneyï¿½s name was mentioned by thousands of Americans today, every news channel, nearly every talk show and since the writers are on strike the late night talk shows cannot attack him. No amount of marketing could buy this much coverage, Romney gave a great masterful speech and a masterful job of marketing.

Anonymous | 3:39 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Religion can be very different than having a Relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Religions are man made, and are based on trying to get to God through rules and regulations and works. Man made religions all are based on people's efforts at reaching God and being made right with Him through their own efforts. God's plan for man's salvation and for being right with Him is told throughout the Bible, in the Old Testament and the New Testament. God's plan is not based on people's efforts and good works, but is based on His amazing Love and amazing Grace for us; His plan involved His precious Son Jesus paying the price and cost for our sins on the cross. You need to put ALL of your trust and faith in Jesus and in what He did for us on the cross, and not in any religion or in your own efforts. Simply put all of your trust and faith in Jesus, and accept His gift of salvation and eternal life, and experience the joy of having a right RELATIONSHIP of love with God.

Sorry, folks.. | 3:42 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Sure Mr. Romney's speech is going to sound great to people who already support him (as is evident from the many comments posted here). But his speech probably won't convince non-supports that he's the right man for the job. For one, it didn't bridge the gap between Mormonism and evangelism. Second, Mr. Romney made a huge misstep by choosing to give this speech in a formal setting. He should have taken a more casual approach and tried to appear human (after all, seeming "plastic" has been one of the biggest complaints against him). Instead, he stands in front of everyone and sounds pedantic. I don't need a lecture about religious tolerance. I need to understand who Mitt Romney is, and he's yet to show that. But then again, maybe he is the type of person who's never going to let his guard down and is always going to talk down to you.

christian | 3:42 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

By definition, christian means one believes, follows and prescribes to the teachings, precepts and beliefs of Christ. Not their belief in a trinity or godhead. Based on the definition of "christian", I think you would be hard pressed to find a group who does that more often and more consistently than the mormons.

When there is a natural disater who is always there to lend assistance, supplies, manpower, resources, etc.? The mormons. Regardless of the nationality or religios belief of those being affected. Who is one of the largest contributors to the Red Cross and other aid organizations, despite their relatively low per capita membership? The Mormons.

If you are looking for someone who truly tries to live by and emmulate the teachings of Christ, just ask those who have actually taken the time to get to know the Mormon "people". Afterall, that is what christianity is all about.

For something. | 3:42 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Phil,
I really couldn't tell from your comment if you are an athiest or are against athiests and just being sarcastic. All religions have things they stand for and one of the things that is present in all of them is that we need to be kind to each other and that what you put out into the universe will come back to you. Whether you call it Karma, or tradition, or charity, it's the same thing. Athiests don't seem to stand for anything, they seem only to be against what others stand for. There is a law of physics about forces being equal. When you push someone the natural thing to do is push back. The problem with athiests is that they have been pushing everyone of all religions in so many political arenas that it is only through the religous beliefs of the believers, that the athiests have not been smacked on the head.

Anonymous | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

religion is all man made. It is man trying to reach to God through their own good works and efforts where Jesus Christ is God reaching down to man.

Boo! | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

So Mitt believes in an America of only religious people. And only Christians, to boot. As an atheist, I suppose this means I won't be asked to pay taxes any more. Romney is either a religious bigot himself, or he'll willingly shuck and jive for evangelical bigots.

Kennedy had a lot more class.

john bob | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Loved his speech...still will be interesting against hillary in the election next Nov. I am still thinking Clinton for my vote...

anonymous | 3:56 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Governor Mitt Romney did an awesome job. The founding fathers wanted each of us in America to have freedom of religion. Whether we choose to be religious or not is our choice. We should never judge anyone because of their religious beliefs or whether they believe in a God or not. I vote for someone who I believe will do the best job as the President, not basing my vote on what religious beliefs they have. "All men and women were created equal." Let's get back to what our Founding Fathers wanted this country to be. Make sure you go out and vote because one vote could make the difference. I am proud to be an American and I believe Mitt Romney wants to do what is best for our country. He has my vote.

Confused | 3:57 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

I find it interesting that people question whether or not Mormons are christians. Isn't a christian someone who believes in Jesus Christ. Anyone who claims Mormons are not christians are ignorant and need to educate themselves. I still care for you though. Just don't appreciate the false accusation.

Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Romney is a great man and a great American. His speech was heartfelt. I loved what he said about some wanting America to have a religion of secularism- IT IS SO TRUE. We need more faith- of any kind- in America today. Our country was founded under the belief "In God We Trust." No matter who your God is, it is an amazing thing to believe in a power higher than yourself.

Secularist | 4:04 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

It's amusing to me that the very people Mitt is trying to impress are the ones most least likely to support him because he's a mormon. Selling your soul to the religious right is a double edged sword.

Saddened | 4:09 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

It sickens me to hear the bigotry throughout these comments; I am awe-struck. I've just had one of those epiphany moments where my trust in general humanity has been shattered.

Without pointing out names, I would ask each of you to ask yourselves...

Before posting your comments, do you feel you had all of the facts?

Were your comments spiteful, having a hurtful intent? If so, why?

Have you educated yourself thoroughly or are you relying anything and everything you've heard and seen?

RU LDS? | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

to Truth is Hard to Swallow!

Hey pal, explain Romans 8:16-17, 1 John 3: 1 - 2in light of your comment that we puny little beings cannot be like God. And there are others in the New Testament (look 'em up).

And that idea of God, Jesus, and Holy Ghost being one in three, etc. Explain Steven's vision of the heavens opening and seeing Jesus on the right of God while he was filled with the Holy Ghost. And to whom was Jesus praying in the intercessor prayer (John 17) or when he was in the Garden suffering for all of us.

And I know of no Mormon anywhere who says he will replace God at all. God will always be God to us. They just say it is possible to be as He is, because of Christ. So blow it Truthie. Start reading the WHOLE New Testament. You just might learn something useful.

Re: Home run | 4:19 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Romney's speech ranks right up there with "I have a dream," are you kidding me? Dr. King's speech was the cornerstone of the largest political and civil rights movement in the history of our nation. Kids in middle schools memorize it. Thousands of articles and scholastic papers have been written about it. In the wake of the speech, King was named Man of the Year by TIME magazine for 1963, and was the youngest person ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize one year later. A pedestal at the Lincoln memorial commemorates the locations of the speech.

Perhaps if he is actually elected, Romney's speech may become a footnote as the turning point of his campaign, but to say it ranks up there with perhaps the most important speech in the past 50 years is quite the overstatement, and a discredit to Dr. King's words.

To Doom | 4:19 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

His speach is very refreshing and very much like a rock solid canadate.

Anonymous | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

No, Anon,
flip-flopper (like the word liberal)was invented by the Bush administration against John Kerry, to demean and degrade the opposition.
Now that your man (one of your own) has been notorious for flip-flopping, it's now an honorable thing to do.
He doesn't stand a chance and the GOP will continue to implode.

Re: Good job | 4:32 p.m. Dec. 6, 2007

That is why Hilary will not be saying it.

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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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Romney: No candidate should be rejected because of his faith