Deseret News | Romney accepts Huckabee apology

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Romney accepts Huckabee apology

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jenafuz | 8:37 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Hum... I've read just about all these postings and am wondering what the deal is. With every election comes harsh words. People say things to make them look better. As a Romney supporter myself, I say "thank you" to Huckabee. The question/statement he made, and the way Romney handled it shows that we have a good Presidential nominee having Romney out in front.

Non-beliver | 8:39 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Romney is a good guy. He has changed his position on issues as if he were a top. I don't think he would be a good president. He changes his views on issues whenever he thinks it is what people want to hear. When he decided to run he knew these attacks were going to happen.
All members of the LDS faith should have known that. Why is everyone surprised? I think Huckabee would make a good president. Just because he does like Mormons does not make him a bad guy. The Mormon faith has been under fire since it was established. Get used to it people and stop playing the victim. There are beliefs in the LDS faith that are difficult to explain. The Church does not even try to explain them.

lol | 8:55 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Mormons do believe satan was our brother, so what. I'm sure there are many out there that are very good people that have a brother they are not proud of.

Comments continue below

Comment of the article... | 9:40 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Baba-Ji | 7:48 p.m. Dec. 12, 2007
Yes, Romney and Huckabee are brothers.

Classic.

Remay1 | 9:51 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The point is... Romney has pledged not to do the bidding of his church if elected. Huckabilly, as a paid clergy person, made his living doing the bidding of his church. He regularly insulted all members of the LDS church from the pulpit for pay, is still insulting the church, and now is lying about it. Do we really want him to be president?

To My Fellow Mormon Posters | 9:53 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I used to get really worked up about some of the posts on here, especially when I would see the same derogatory comments about our Faith and I couldn't wait to show those posters the truth.

Things became a lot simpler in my life when I remembered a quote from Lucy Mack Smith. To paraphrase . . . I realized that the only people that would agree with me about religion are those who belong to my faith. (She said this in her early years prior to marrying Joseph Sr. while searching for a church to join.)

This is a very simple thought, but it has brought me peace of mind and heart to realize that I don't have to wage the battle of convincing those who will not be convinced.

Thomas | 9:59 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The problem with the "Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are brothers" line bandied about by evangelicals is that it's a half-truth. As they say, a half-truth is a whole lie.

Mormons believe (unlike Calvinist Protestants) that all men are the children of God. (Calvinists believe that only the "elect" are the children of God; all others are the "children of wrath." None of that bomfoggery about the "brotherhood of man, the fatherhood of God" for that bunch.)

It follows that all children of God are in a sense "brothers." That includes Satan. Since Christ was fully human as well as fully God, he can also be called our "brother." He is something more; though; he was the "Only Begotten" of Heavenly Father, and has always been God. Unlike us, he is not a created being.

Evangelical critics of the Church intentionally leave that out. Their purpose is to imply that Mormons believe that the nature Christ shared with us is his *only* nature -- that we do not believe he is God. That's where they're dishonest. Typical of that bunch, I might add.

Questions | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

There are three questions I wish someone would ask Mr. Huckabee:
1.Do Baptists believe Mormonism is a cult?
Answer: Yes
2.Mr. Huckabee, are you a Baptist?
Answer: Yes
3. Mr. Huckabee, is Mormonism a cult?

I would love to see if Mr. Huckabee's alledged honesty and integrity will prevail. I doubt it. He can say whatever he wants, his intentions are obvious. Does he think Romney and the rest of us are stupid?

Amazed | 10:29 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The LDS church has proclaimed since it's beginning that it is the ONLY true church on earth. And in the process has made it very clear that all other churches may have some truth but certainly are not the true church like us. NO ONE can deny that has been a central tenant of both the founding and continued existence of the LDS church. BUT NOW - members are up in arms when some of their doctrines or history are questioned or publicized. How could those "bigots" actually highlight factual LDS doctrine or history? Don't they know we would like people to only hear the nice, neat, glossy, mainstream version the PR program has been pumping out for years now? How dare you bigots actually repeat things our prophets have taught since the beginning of our church?

Anonymous | 10:36 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Huckabee is a bigot. Great way to ask that loaded question regarding Jesus and Satan. This whole LDS issue with Mitt Romney is becoming so tiresome. Either ask the same religious questions of all the candidates or ask nothing about religion. Let the campaign focus on the issues affecting the country.

Be Honest | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Would any of you take into consideration the beliefs of a practicing Scientologist if he or she were running for President? Would you be a bigot if his or her belief in and devotion to L. Ron Hubbard and his teachings made you question his or her reasoning and decision making abilities even a little? Call me a bigot, but I would honestly want to learn a bit more about Scientology so I could have a better understanding of that candidates willingness to embrace and believe certain things and then try to decide whether that would impact his or her decision making on other issues that may impact me and my family. Whether members of the LDS church like it or not, there are many LDS doctrines or historical events that make others not of your faith very uncomfortable and willing to ask what impact belief in that may or may not have on a candidate's reasoning and decision making process. I happen to think that when it comes to the office of President, religiou's belief can shed light on how that person may operate in that role. Can anyone deny it has a huge impact on our current president?

Huckabee-Hypocrite | 11:02 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Seems Huckabee is a big hypocrite who doesn't practice what he preaches. He said yesterday at the debate to treat others as you would want to be treated and you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren. Then he takes shots at Romney and Mormons... What a hypocrite!!!!

Huckabee - A wolf in baptist preacher clothing!!!!

AMEN DOESN'T MATTER | 11:22 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I will join you in Canada... However, I WILL get there quicker... I live closer to that boarder in Maine...

KEEP HILLARY OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And yet, if she becomes Madam President.. no doubt the wickedness in this country will rage like a fire out of control....

Maybe the Savior will return sooner!!!!

To "Questions" | 11:25 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The problem with your proposed questions and Huckabee's supposed answers is that scenario would only endear him all the more to literally millions of evangelical voters. It might turn off some LDS or other moderate to liberal folks who are unlikely to want another fundamental christian in the White House again anyway.
Huckabee has to understand that his only hope here is the evangelical vote - so scenarios as you suggest (and the question he already knowingly posed) are probably a part of his game plan anyway. And if he wants the evangelical vote it should be. He could care less about carrying Utah and southeasern Idaho - he wants the 50 million evangelical votes.

re: js | 11:28 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

oh enlighten one where is this magical creed you quote from I think you may be more kin to satan if your statement is not true.

Re;Park City Resident | 11:32 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I think character admits when someone is wrong not judging him and condemning him and having no room for forgiveness you forget about the doctrine of the church called forgiveness is it still 70 x 7 or did joseph change that also? and something about if we forgive he will forgive us in the same manner...ouch that ole bible stings.

Pondering | 11:42 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

If ole Mitt getting his feelings hurt everytime someone mentions something true about his religion do we really want some paranoid politician walking on eggshells thinking that all the media is in love with his squeaky good reputation, you think Iran's leader or North Korea is going to kiss his feet, he need to get his head out the cloud and toughen up with all the winning in here we need some cheese to got with it. Take it on the chin and quit whining about thats not fair....sounds like my kids!

Re Honest | 11:44 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

you need to run for president!!!!

Anonymous | 11:55 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Huckabee-Hypocrite

Isn't your last comment a little derogatory to a wolf.

conservative democrat | 12:00 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Dear amazed - please refer to "Thomas" post.

Question: Is God the supreme creator? Did he create everything?

Hence: It must mean God create a rebellious child.... satan. God also created a humble, obedient child.... Jesus.

Have a nice day.

Steve - Obama's Looking Better | 12:00 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I'm with "Ron in OC" above on this, if Huckabee somehow manages to get the nomination rather than Rudy or Mitt I'll go Democrat for the first time in my life (but only if Hillary isn't the nominee, if she is I just might not vote in a Huckabee vs. Hillary situation).

Obama is who I'd cross party lines for... he's looking better every day now. If it's Obama vs. Huckabee I'll vote Obama. Huckabee has shown his true character, the beliefs I knew were hiding there under the surface and still are despite any denial he might make. His Satan is the brother of Jesus comment was no honest/innocent mistake.

To "Drew N." I disagree, Mitt may stand the best chance against the Democrats... but I wouldn't say he "will" be able to beat them. I predict no matter who we Republicans put up, either Hillary (let's hope not) or Obama is going to win. Obama winning wouldn't be a bad thing in my book, he's one Democrat I actually like and could potentially cross party lines for.

An apology | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You got to be kidding, big story Mitt's feelings get hurt because someone mentioned his religon which either he doesn't know or is ashamed of or admitting what they believe is true and making it public will make people bias, shall we wait till after the election to know what a guy believes? What a pansy, I who needs apologies, suck it up and act like a leader for a change if you expect votes for those who can think!

get out of kitchen | 12:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

If Romney can't stand the heat he really ought to get out of the kitchen. The comparison of Mitt to Hillary is light years on the morality scale, but on the comparison to Huckabee is not so far apart, but mitt win the whiner's award hands down! Cheer up chat, the media will never like you so wise up and don't cry every time someone throws a stone or your going to look like Al Gore "I didn't get beat they cheated in flordia", whine whine whine.

Peace be still | 12:17 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Let us continue to rant and rave with bigoted and hateful venom.

ï¿½No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing: persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent; visited every clime, swept every country and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.ï¿½ Joseph Smith
It is up to each of us to find the "truth of God and his purposes".

Steve - Thomas correction | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Thomas you're actually mistaken.

Yes, Jesus and Satan are brothers and the brothers of every person who has lived on the Earth... that's what I've been taught all my life as a member of the LDS Church. That part you got right.

According to LDS doctrine, where you are wrong is when you say Jesus was/is fully human and fully Divine... actually He's half and half (human on His mother's side and Divine on His father/God's side). Also, you're mistaken when you say Jesus isn't a created being... He was born of God a spirit child in the pre-Existence just like the rest of us (hence He being a literal brother to us all), in that way He was "created" just as the rest of us were; He didn't simply pop into being out of nowhere, nor did He always exist of His own accord. Then later He gained a human side through the mother of His physical body, Mary.

As for Huckabee's and others issue with Jesus and Satan being brothers, I don't get it... I don't see the problem. Don't we all have a "black sheep" in the family?

Huckabee-Hypocrite | 12:25 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Yep what a shot called an ace an ace or a doctrine a doctrine when will you mormons own up to your belief? Is that a new definition of hypocrisy? So he ought to call Huckabee a christian, and say he believes in the virgin birth you know a surpernatural thing, that mormons just hate because everyone know brigham say Jesus was born just like everyone else, yep let if fly Mitt hit'em where it hurts what you believe.

Arm of Orion | 12:28 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

to RE Js I just think he misused the word creed however their tradition, which often times runs deeper than creeds, is very Mormons=Cult minded

matters | 12:32 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You know what i think,,,,who cares! But we know about the those running for the oval office I hope we all care. If mitt is super sensitive he needs to go hunting with VP Cheney, He'll toughen him up.

Question | 12:41 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I dont' get it why is Romney hurt when the question was true? And why are mormons offended it they believe this? And how will this bias anyone who knows what they believe and why are they as mad as a wet hen? Something is rottin in Denmark, I think I might get it, if the news ask Hillary if she is married to Bill this will prejudgice some voters let's keep it a secret and if someone dares say it make them apologize and we won't forgive them...think I'm must be becoming a mormon because I now am thinking like one

Re: Anonymous | 12:44 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

good statement ask all the other canidates do they believe satan and Jesus are bothers and ask if they think Alah and satan are brothers...I dare the whole news media to ask that....lol

thinking | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It is despicable to use a man's religion to run someone down and worst is a man who won't own up to his own religion. Most groups are trying to get out of the closet, Romney is really different tying to get all his religion back in the closet.

conservative democrat | 1:03 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Because I built a car and gave the keys to my child didn't mean I caused the wreck. But if a choice is given by a creator that certainly doesen't make him bad or the creator of bad choices but one who would allowed a decision even though it could be contrary to his desire. If so teenagers would never drive or we ought to lock up every parent who give them the keys.

Arm of Orion | 1:28 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Sure they Teach those who reject the only eternal God are cults as does most Christian churches, but the progression godhood or we are all becoming gods is not christian and for 1900 years it was not but Joseph said it and you believe it and that settles it. But not to the Christian church it is called a cult which the dictionary say is "a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies" and that offend?

well | 1:38 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I think Huckabee should lay off the kin folks questions and ask him if secret service will have to wear the funny underwear? Or when we start a ball game with prayer will we all have to cross our arms? Besides who knows kin folks better than mormons who have the best geneological records in world and if they baptised him as they do the dead he must be in their church and their family

get honest | 1:52 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Huckabee you knew that mormons believe that satan and Jesus were brothers, you just haven't forgiven mormons for the Meadow Mountian massacure. Kill a few Arkansas folks and they just can't get over it

Conservative democrat | 1:57 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Where in scriptures did you find the obedience child was created?

Wayne | 2:45 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Mormonism is not a part of Christianity. Jesus is the only Begotten Son of God. All others are creations.

Thomas | 3:32 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Steve -- It depends on what flavor of Mormonism you subscribe to. The "neo-orthodox" variant follows the Book of Mormon and the early Doctrine & Covenants in viewing the nature of the Godhead more similarly to what conventional Christianity teaches, although there are still substantial differences.

Then you have the Mormons who are more influenced by the Pearl of Great Price and the King Follett Discourse -- that is, the more radical version of Mormonism Joseph Smith was in the process of developing in the last years of his life.

I think the official Church position is moving away from the latter and towards the former. There are multiple Mormon scriptures that state that Christ has always existed, and always been God, which means that there is definitely a distinction between Christ and us that is more substantial than mere birth order. He wasn't just the "first spirit child," he is the Only Begotten, distinct from us in some major way (until we accept him and are thus made like him).

I like to think the Romney candidacy will boost the official LDS line closer to the neo-orthodox position, which happens to be mine.

KADDIE | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

WE NEED A PRESIDENT WHO WILL WORK HARD,HAS INTEGRITY AND HONESTY. THIS COUNTRY IS IN A HUGE MESS AT HOME AND ABROAD. SHOULD WE REALLY CARE WHAT CHURCH THE ATTEND OR WORSHIP IN? ISN'T IT ABOUT VALUES,WORK ETHIC,RESPECT? NO ONE WILL EVER WIN THE "WHO IS RIGHT BATTLE IN POLITICS OR RELEGION BATTLES" I DO RESENT THE COMMENTS AGAINST PRESIDENT HINCKLEY AND WEALTH. HE IS THE MOST HUMBLE AND KINDEST MAN THAT I HAVE EVER MET. SO SEE I WASN'T GOING TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THIS AND DID. WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER THE NEEDS OF OUR COUNTRY AND WHICH CANIDATE CAN WORK TO MAKE IT BETTER. THANKS

Mormons are Christians.. | 4:09 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Mormons believe that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son. How come that gets answered by a spokesperson for the church and several posters, but people still don't seem to realize that an answer has been given? Could it be that they've chosen to be obtuse so that they can continue to say mean things about Mormons? That's seems juvenile, but the truth. The fact that we're all spiritually considered brother and sister doesn't seem worth making a fuss over. Thef act that we're one big, dysfunctional family makes us all the more human.

Steve - To: "Question" | 4:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

"Question" at 12:41pm on 12/13/07 asked why Romney was hurt by doctrine that the LDS Church believes in was pointed out by Huckabee. I don't know that he was hurt, just accepted the apology given as it was polite to do probably. BUT, you don't get why Romney or someone would be hurt? It isn't what was said, but rather HOW it was said and the intention behind it (though Huckabee denies ill intent, which I don't believe for a minute).

"I hear you believe Jesus and Satan are brothers" isn't a typical innocent question, it is usually delivered by those trying to take a jab at the church.

And the concern isn't about creating bias among those who know better about LDS doctrine, the concern lies among the much greater majority who are basically clueless about LDS doctrine... make the church look bad in their eyes and maybe Romney looses some votes. That's what was so underhanded about what Huckabee did/said.

re: Wayne (from Steve) | 4:19 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

That's your opinion, but yes the LDS Church is Christian (their beliefs about Christ may differ, but they still believe in Him). And in Jesus' case "the only Begotten son of God" means Jesus is the only male to not only be God's literal son in spirit, but in body as well (whereas with the rest of us God is only the father of our spirits which reside within our physical bodies). God did not/does not have a direct literal hand in the creation of the physical bodies of the rest of humankind... He did so with Adam and Eve, then let nature run it's course with we humans mating and becoming pregnant.

O really | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Wayne, what do you suppose Jesus ment in John 20:17:

"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."

Why not my Father and your creator?

Re Question | 4:29 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

How come you can't see that it's not about the question, it's the fact that it has no place in the political arena? It's like slapping the beehive just to get the bess buzzing. Huckabee didn't need to say ANYTHING. Huckabee's wink and a nod approach to not saying anything is tiresome. Hopefully it will be ineffective. Romney should never have had to give a speech. His religion should be the last thing on the minds of voters concerning the leader of our troubled nation. Frankly and honestly: I'll listen to what the Republicans have to say just to keep informed, but I'll vote Democrat in the next election because I don't support Romney, but Huckabee is worse.

I am to believe? | 4:33 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Rev. Huckabee has a degree in theology. Not one of those classes was a 'world religion' class that even touched on the bad stuff of Mormons?
And when he came to the belly of the beast (SLC) to preach at the Southern Baptist Convention, and try to convert Mormons, he knew nothing of us?

I may have been born yesterday, but I at least was born with braincells.

then steve | 4:54 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

You are denying Scriptures Psalm 139 where it says He did.

Famous Last Words-1 | 10:33 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Comments posted on the Internet in regard to the entry of Mitt Romney as a US presidential candidate, and by association, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are ranging from defensively friendly to belligerently hostile. Such comments and articles are proliferating like plants in a garden. And, as with a garden, it is understandable that there is a desire for some Latter-day Saint members to help the flowers and veggies to flourish, while others choose to dig up or whack down the weeds. This posting, and the ones that follow, will address both outcomes, and the methods we use to achieve them.
The first thing to realize is that even while striving to be true Christians in word, as well as deed, we will be judged clumsily by othersï¿½ interpretation of our words. Some of us have already said things that will be judged - accurately or not - as offensive, defensive, or downright silly by many readers. Our words - in print or on the Internet - can be used against us in various ways, so we should choose with great care those words we use, that they may be used for good rather than ill.

Famous Last Words-2 | 11:02 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

As my wife and I have been both High School and Collegiate debate coaches and judges, we came to the sad conclusion that debating is seldom about providing clear, rational explanations of one side of an issue or not ... instead itï¿½s about winning points against an opponent, at all costs. I refer to recent responses - both to this article, and the bumper crop of rhetorical weeds that have been springing up all over the world, threatening to obscure issues or choke out any opposing opinions. Itï¿½s true that the Deseret News may refuse to put into print those comments that are deemed (by mere, defective humans, it is true) to be offensive in one form or another. But, someone has to make these sorts of judgment calls, or all ï¿½heckï¿½ will literally [and literarily] break loose, and some of us will be unable then to retract our words. Obviously, this makes it unwise or inadvisable to cry out, ï¿½can you say BIASED news publication!!!ï¿½ ï¿½ which can turn out to be especially embarrassing when we have to issue an apology or retraction later. A word to the wise should be sufficient, but how many are wise?

Famous Last Words-3 | 11:07 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

We would do well to consider that - capable or not - laymen are not positioned for making comments regarding either Mitt Romney or the LDS Church - only them. Consider: why does Mr. Romney have press secretaries, and why does the LDS Church have a Public Relations department and an online Newsroom? They can speak for themselves and be judged by their own merits. Argumentation posited by self-appointed defenders only muddies the waters. Are any of the rest of us qualified to speak for God? Frankly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not need to be defended ... itï¿½s doing just fine on its own. And when the Church or its spokespersons choose NOT to respond to something, shouldnï¿½t that be a clue to the rest of us? Several comment-makers may honestly feel like they were ï¿½defending the faith,ï¿½ yet all they have done is stoke the flames of further criticism. I call these commentary-dropping tribunals ï¿½whipping boards,ï¿½ but really theyï¿½re much more like a puppet-theater venue, with two sock-puppet characters zinging each other in ï¿½Punch and Judyï¿½ style: ï¿½Mormons are Ba-aad!ï¿½ ï¿½No weï¿½re not, you are!ï¿½ ï¿½No, YOU are... .ï¿½ Letï¿½s re-think this approach.

Famous Last Words-4 | 11:19 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

These ï¿½last wordsï¿½ of mine likely wonï¿½t become ï¿½famous,ï¿½ but thatï¿½s irrelevant ... I only hope to help someone see that theyï¿½re potentially causing more harm than good. Let the opposition rave! Itï¿½s done them absolutely no good in the past. Godï¿½s work rolls on! Evidence, history, and common sense, affirm that their assaults could turn and rend THEM. In the minds of others, their brazen attacks and sophistry reveal them for what they are (not followers of the Prince of Peace) ... more interest gets generated for the Church (itï¿½s happened time and again) ... and members of their own congregations will even become offended by the air of un-Christ-like invective they feel. My advice? Write up your comments, then submit them to the fireplace or trash can, not some public venue. Youï¿½ll feel the catharsis of venting your spleen, and no poor soul gets hurt, even if your intent was not to offend. A certain Christian song beseeches: ï¿½Quiet, please! Too much has already been said. Just let it be, and learn to listen instead. For sometimes through the silence, big problems become small. If you donï¿½t have something good to say, say nothing at all.ï¿½

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