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Mormons hold peculiar place in politics, survey reveals
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Jean Sharp | 12:01 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Mitt Romney will not become president because he is mormon but because he is
arrogant.
Fredd | 12:10 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
If, as an active Mormon, you believe your prophet speaks to God (at least on
occasion) and that you must obey your prophry to go to heaven, then how can i
trust you to put the public good ahead of your religion if your prophet directs
you to act because God told him to? Fair question i think.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 12:11 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Many Mormons are torn between political views and why not. Neither political
party can take the place of the Zion philosophy Mormons put aside a long time
ago when they decided to marry the world.
ZelphtheWhiteLamanite | 12:15 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
What the study doesn't discuss is that we Mormons belong to the only true
church. Evangelicals are not true. I know Mormons are true. I ...just know.
desert dame | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
separation of Church and State...definitely missing in Utah!
Dan Morgenstern | 12:28 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Matt, you shouldn't really be surprised that regular people are afraid of
mormons. As an outsider in Utah, I am suffocated by a theocracy that basically
forces me to live the LDS life whether I choose to or not. In my conversations
with people, I have seen that many LDS typically don't see a difference
between church and state, and much like in Saudi Arabia, think that the church
should be the state. If you listen to the rantings of Chris Buttars, Mike
Waddoups, and that leader who said that the LDS are being treated like black
because they interfered in California politics, you can see why the rest of us
could never live with a U.S. president who takes direction from someone he
believes is a prophet. When John Hunstsman took the job as ambassador to China,
I saw a lot of chatter on the Internet from LDS people whose first thoughts were
that this was an opportunity to spread the LDS message. WHAT??? I have some
great LDS friends, but for the most part, I have never seen such hatred,
close-mindednes, and bigotry as I have in Utah.
Mona | 12:31 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I agree with Matt. Don't let ignorance be the basis for judging people
from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Anonymous | 12:37 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
This is why the Republican Party is sunk in 2012. Romney is perhaps the best
chance to unseat Obama, but he will *never* get through the primaries. Romney
should have run as a very conservative democrat.
Sam Jensen | 12:42 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Mormons will never be accepted by the mainstream Christian community until they
stop the belief that they can become Gods after their time on earth. There is
only one God and that is all there ever will be. They also need to recognize
the Trinity as the Three-in-one and not as three separate entities. Further,
their penchant for babtism-for-the-dead runs directly against Christ teaching
since He died for all sins.
B | 12:44 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
What will serve ALL American well is if we remember that politicians generally
try to pit us against each other. Look at what has happened in the past 20
years. There is class warfare (used especially well by the Democrats), there is
religious warfare (See Mike Huckbee's torpedo of Mitt Romney in '08).
Too many of us think in terms of us vs. them, Republican vs. Democrat.
Don't let some pea-brain in Washington tell you how to think about your
neighbor. Who cares if he's a Mormon or a Catholic? He's still an
American. Right?
RE: Matt | 12:45 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Totally Agree!!! Huckabee is the biggest wolf in sheeps clothing around. He is
almost as disceptive as Barry Soetoro (aka Barack Obama).
To Fredd: | 1:12 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Rest assured sir, that since Mormons believe that this country was founded to
further the Restoration of the Gospel, as well as the Lord's admonition to
embrace the Constitution; the Mormons will never do anything by direction of the
Prophet to harm this country. Your arguement as set forth in your post has
often been used to question whether a Mormon could serve the nation as
President, and I beleive that I have answered it as best I could.
JanSan | 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
re: Luke
I think that your comment was very rude and condesending !!!! What is my name? How old am I? What sex am I? Where do I live? How much money a year do I make? What color is my hair??? etc..
You do not know me and millions of others like me, so how do you figure that you can pass such an overall judgement on any of us?
I studied VERY HARD leading up to election!!!!!
I made an informed vote !
Did you ????
I think that your comment was very rude and condesending !!!! What is my name? How old am I? What sex am I? Where do I live? How much money a year do I make? What color is my hair??? etc..
You do not know me and millions of others like me, so how do you figure that you can pass such an overall judgement on any of us?
I studied VERY HARD leading up to election!!!!!
I made an informed vote !
Did you ????
Sam, Sam, Sam | 1:43 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Didn't I see you carrying a large sign in front of the Conference
Center?
Mormons will NEVER be accepted by the "mainstream" Christian community, primarily because we don't even seek such acceptance.
We always have been, currently are, and always will be separate from "mainstream" Christianity, at least as defined by you.
There will be no changes to our doctrines to please "mainstream" Christians, since we're only worried about pleasing God. And He's already told us what we should believe.
But maybe you should ask God what He wants YOU to believe.
Mormons will NEVER be accepted by the "mainstream" Christian community, primarily because we don't even seek such acceptance.
We always have been, currently are, and always will be separate from "mainstream" Christianity, at least as defined by you.
There will be no changes to our doctrines to please "mainstream" Christians, since we're only worried about pleasing God. And He's already told us what we should believe.
But maybe you should ask God what He wants YOU to believe.
Svoboda | 1:44 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
To Desert Dame:
Give us specifics of why there is no separation of church and state in Utah. Salt Lake City and now Salt Lake County are voting democratic. The rest of the state generally goes republican. So are you saying that it is the Democrats in SLC that are bringing Mormonism into politics?
Give us specifics of why there is no separation of church and state in Utah. Salt Lake City and now Salt Lake County are voting democratic. The rest of the state generally goes republican. So are you saying that it is the Democrats in SLC that are bringing Mormonism into politics?
Clare | 1:44 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
If I did what you suggest Sam Jensen, then I would no longer be a member of the
Church. As I'd rather die then give up my beliefs, I guess that means
I'll never be accepted by the mainstream. So be it. This does not imply
that I expect other people to believe as I do, but I do expect them to respect
my constitutional rights to freedom in my choice of religion.
Jean Magann | 1:47 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
This will be debated until the Millenium.
I am a convert to the LDS church. I am also a Democrat...blue dog. I would vote for Orrin Hatch to be president. I voted for ....I am disappointed that LDS women seem to be fearful to go challenge the husbands.
Obviously not my problem, nobody ever married me. I have had to develop my own relationship with God without somebody else telling me how to do it.
I've noticed that too often, people are afraid to make their own decisions. I say my Father in Heaven gave me a brain and He intended for me to use it. He gave me free agency and He intended for me to use it.
I've had to repent for more than most; but that is between me and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am my Father's child just like you.
I'm an old, single, LDS democrat woman and I've got to tell you making friends is hard. But I can always count on the Friend who matters.
I am a convert to the LDS church. I am also a Democrat...blue dog. I would vote for Orrin Hatch to be president. I voted for ....I am disappointed that LDS women seem to be fearful to go challenge the husbands.
Obviously not my problem, nobody ever married me. I have had to develop my own relationship with God without somebody else telling me how to do it.
I've noticed that too often, people are afraid to make their own decisions. I say my Father in Heaven gave me a brain and He intended for me to use it. He gave me free agency and He intended for me to use it.
I've had to repent for more than most; but that is between me and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am my Father's child just like you.
I'm an old, single, LDS democrat woman and I've got to tell you making friends is hard. But I can always count on the Friend who matters.
Marty | 1:54 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I am a Mormon, and also a Democrat. I have never heard any of our church
leaders tell me I have to be a Republican, and I know of many leaders in the LDS
church who are also Democrats.
Since it is a worldwide church, I'm sure there are members who are active in politics in other countries that have nothing to do with our American political system. It seems small-minded and naive to think that Utah politics has much of an influence on members of the Church in other areas.
Since it is a worldwide church, I'm sure there are members who are active in politics in other countries that have nothing to do with our American political system. It seems small-minded and naive to think that Utah politics has much of an influence on members of the Church in other areas.
Anonymous | 2:05 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
It's funny to read a lot of the comments on this board. They kind of remind
me of the same diatribe that was spouted about Kennedy being a Catholic.
Jeff | 2:13 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
It's true that, in the United States, Mormon Republicans outnumber Mormon
Democrats by about 6 to 4; in Canada, however, the more conservative Canadian
Mormons are roughly the equivalent of US Democrats; in the Netherlands, there
are Mormon Socialists; in Latin America, US politics means little to the members
of the Church.
The point is that Mormons are far more diverse in their politics than the two-party US system would suggest, and they usually manage to function well under whatever political system they live.
So:
Should Mormons give up the doctrines we believe in simply for mainstream acceptance in the US? No.
Should we work within a pluralistic system to make sure that we, as well as other religions (there is no denominational majority in the US) have equal treatment under the law? Yes.
Can we do as much good in non-religious areas as other believers or even non-believers? Yes.
Mormons are not controlled by the prophet in their political beliefs--in this country or any other, though their politics may properly and normally be inflected by their religion.
There is, therefore, no reasonable excuse to vote against someone simply because he/she is a Mormon.
The point is that Mormons are far more diverse in their politics than the two-party US system would suggest, and they usually manage to function well under whatever political system they live.
So:
Should Mormons give up the doctrines we believe in simply for mainstream acceptance in the US? No.
Should we work within a pluralistic system to make sure that we, as well as other religions (there is no denominational majority in the US) have equal treatment under the law? Yes.
Can we do as much good in non-religious areas as other believers or even non-believers? Yes.
Mormons are not controlled by the prophet in their political beliefs--in this country or any other, though their politics may properly and normally be inflected by their religion.
There is, therefore, no reasonable excuse to vote against someone simply because he/she is a Mormon.
non-Trinitarians | 2:22 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Eleven of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were non-Trinitarian
Christians according to Richard Price. Would Evangleicals be willing to elect
George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson today? Or would they allow
their bigoted views to not allow these men who didn't believe in the
Trinity to become President?
Is Obama God's retribution on those Evangelicals for their bigotry?
Is Obama God's retribution on those Evangelicals for their bigotry?
Theosis | 2:35 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
St. Athanasius of Alexandria (Eastern Orthodox) wrote, regarding theosis,
"The Son of God became man, that we might become God." Irenaeus
wrote in the late 2nd Century: “we have not been made gods from the
beginning, but at first merely men, then at length gods” Justin Martyr
in mid 2nd Century said: “all men are deemed worthy of becoming
‘gods,’ and of having power to become sons of the Highest”
Jerome wrote that God "made man for that purpose, that from men they may
become gods."
Sam, Evangelicals wouldn't have allowed these early Christians to be President because they believed in theosis.
Sam, Evangelicals wouldn't have allowed these early Christians to be President because they believed in theosis.
Hank | 4:03 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
In this present day I fail to see how you can be an active Mormon and a Democrat
at the same time. Pro Life vs. Pro Choice, Socialism vs Democratic Republic,
etc. There appears to be so many issues that are in direct conflict.
Hank | 4:10 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I would like to add that the United Order could be considered by some as
Socialism but it failed because of man's shortcomings.
MIchiganOpinion | 4:21 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Hank, I wonder how people can read the Old Testament (or the Doctrine and
Covenants) and be Republicans. Aren't we directed to care for others
(health care, food stamps) as if for the Lord Himself?
Moreover, the Clinton administration kept our missionaries in Russia. They had close ties to the church. The Bush administration was no friend to the church. Evangelicals, especially Baptists, don't like us. They are not your friends.
Moreover, the Clinton administration kept our missionaries in Russia. They had close ties to the church. The Bush administration was no friend to the church. Evangelicals, especially Baptists, don't like us. They are not your friends.
RarelyBlog | 4:45 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Church leaders have spoken in the past to the discussion of socialism being akin
to the 'united order' - it is not and never could be; the united order
is voluntary, and may not work because one's freedom to participate, or
not, is active. Once socialism is established as a form of gov't - the
individual loses his choice to participate in 'sharing his wealth'.
We must be as free as possible to truly choose to do good and thus become good.
RarelyBlog | 4:57 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Counsel in the scriptures to care for others has always been directed at people
as individuals to act on their own - we have to freely do that or it's no
different than going to your neighbor and forcibly taking his food because you
or someone else is hungry. If you want to routinely help care for others, there
are many, many ways and organizations to do that. As a member, try increasing
your fast offerings. I am confident that the scriptures would have been
specific if rulers, magistrates, etc. were to provide all those things - they
were, however, highly criticized and condemned for overtaxing their people.
Fredd | 5:42 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I appreciate the response, but you didn't really answer the question.
Could an active mormon ignore advice/guidance from the prophet if the prophet
said it was revelation? its basically the question Kennedy had to answer. I
was raised catholic btw so I'm sensitive to this question.
MIchiganOpinion | 5:44 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
When we elect leaders in a democracy, our society reflects the values of the
voters. I voted for Barack Obama because I thought he was serious about health
care coverage for all. Lots of other people--the majority--voted for him, too.
If you feel that taxing you to help others is something that is wrong, vote for
people who represent your views. Fortunately, right now we have a party in
power that cares about the least of our Fathers' children, not just
protecting their own bank accounts.
Pacific NW | 6:06 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I've lived in 5 states, including Utah, and I think the Democratic party in
Utah reflects the large LDS population there. Their (Utah Democrats) platform
is much more conservative than in other more liberal states.
I would be careful not to get too hung up on labels. My brother in Utah is a staunch Democrat, but when I ran by him the platform of the Dems here in Washington, he said he could not support it.
Neither party exactly embraces the Mormon ideal. I suppose that's the case for most other religions, too. I think trying to pigeon hole all Mormons into one mold is unfair and frankly useless.
I would be careful not to get too hung up on labels. My brother in Utah is a staunch Democrat, but when I ran by him the platform of the Dems here in Washington, he said he could not support it.
Neither party exactly embraces the Mormon ideal. I suppose that's the case for most other religions, too. I think trying to pigeon hole all Mormons into one mold is unfair and frankly useless.
Dennis | 6:14 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I just gotta say that this article was not very substantive. And it sounds like
the participants of this panel weren't chosen in a manner that gives
adequate representation to all relevant perspectives.
sfs | 6:24 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
once again help me understand how you can be a news paper when you censor
comments critical of the church. I of course will never buy or read your paper
again and tell all my friends and family of my experience with your comments
section. But do you know what a joke this is. I had heard this kind of thing
from people concerning the Utah Mormon run paper. But I have to tell you
I'm agast .Seekers of truth. How funny.
To Fredd | 6:25 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
I submit that Harry Reid is living proof that the Prophet does not interfere
with or dictate political policy to Mormons in political office.
Sen. Reid is a Democrat. And a hyper-partisan jerk whose rhetoric has coarsened and poisoned the debate in Washington. But he's also the highest-ranking Mormon in national politics.
If they won't Dictate Their Will to Reid - who has publicly and repeatedly opposed the stated Church position on same-sex marriage legislation - you don't have to worry about a Mormon POTUS taking cues from Temple Square.
Sen. Reid is a Democrat. And a hyper-partisan jerk whose rhetoric has coarsened and poisoned the debate in Washington. But he's also the highest-ranking Mormon in national politics.
If they won't Dictate Their Will to Reid - who has publicly and repeatedly opposed the stated Church position on same-sex marriage legislation - you don't have to worry about a Mormon POTUS taking cues from Temple Square.
For the Record | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Democrat here (as of 2006), Independent before that.
#1 Democrats are not "pro-abortion."
Many support the Church's stance on abortion but believe the way to reduce abortion is through education and birth control.
#2 According to stated Church policy it does not take a stance on Roe v. Wade
I have a very hard time believing the ratio of Republicans to Dems in our Church is 6:4. Living on both coasts it seems at least 20:1.
Mitt Romney probably would've had a better chance if he were a Dem. The Democratic Party appears to be more open to people of varying descriptions/backgrounds.
#1 Democrats are not "pro-abortion."
Many support the Church's stance on abortion but believe the way to reduce abortion is through education and birth control.
#2 According to stated Church policy it does not take a stance on Roe v. Wade
I have a very hard time believing the ratio of Republicans to Dems in our Church is 6:4. Living on both coasts it seems at least 20:1.
Mitt Romney probably would've had a better chance if he were a Dem. The Democratic Party appears to be more open to people of varying descriptions/backgrounds.
Anonymous | 6:52 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
To answer the question below. I personally would say no, but until it happens
could not say for sure. As long as what they directed us to do way good and
right I would always do what was being asked. But I would hope I would do that
no matter what. So just being mormon would not be the only reason I would do
what is right or not. Hope not being morman would not be the only reason would
would do what is right or not.
I would not vote against a christian just because they might do what the pope to them to. I would vote for one because I feel they would do the right thing.
99% of what each believes would not effect what the governments job is, so neither should be a problem.
"I appreciate the response, but you didn't really answer the question. Could an active mormon ignore advice/guidance from the prophet if the prophet said it was revelation? its basically the question Kennedy had to answer. I was raised catholic btw so I'm sensitive to this question."
I would not vote against a christian just because they might do what the pope to them to. I would vote for one because I feel they would do the right thing.
99% of what each believes would not effect what the governments job is, so neither should be a problem.
"I appreciate the response, but you didn't really answer the question. Could an active mormon ignore advice/guidance from the prophet if the prophet said it was revelation? its basically the question Kennedy had to answer. I was raised catholic btw so I'm sensitive to this question."
Fredd | 7:44 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Anon 6:52-Honest answer thanks. Harry Reid does not effect my premise.
I'm saying a President, finger on button, would he/she subordinate their
own opinion to that of the Prophet if the Prophet said they were speaking for
god. If so voting for a mormon is voting for the Prophet.
RE: Fredd | 8:04 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
It's the exact same thing as with Kennedy. People were afraid that he would
be nothing more than a puppet for the Pope and would force all Americans to live
the Catholic way of life. Did that happen? No. Will it happen if a Mormon is
elected as president? No. Your fears are as unfounded as those of the 1950s
Protestants.
Rich Stone re: Dan Morgenstern | 9:21 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Dan I must say I agree with your statement about hatred, bigotry and
closed-mindedness in Utah.
I moved here recently from another state totally expecting everyone to be on the same page. I then realized there was a very vocal minority who HATE the LDS church and take every opportunity to let LDS people know their feelings.
I am shocked that the kind members of my new local ward (those that helped me move in, unpack, feed, and babysit) could possibly be viewed as hate mongers, bigots, and closed minded. They are quite the opposite from what I've experienced first hand.
What I have learned in the short span of four months is that there are those who hate being here solely because they are not LDS, are former LDS or just hate the mormon culture.
My advice is learn to embrace the culture and focus on the positives. I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience.
I moved here recently from another state totally expecting everyone to be on the same page. I then realized there was a very vocal minority who HATE the LDS church and take every opportunity to let LDS people know their feelings.
I am shocked that the kind members of my new local ward (those that helped me move in, unpack, feed, and babysit) could possibly be viewed as hate mongers, bigots, and closed minded. They are quite the opposite from what I've experienced first hand.
What I have learned in the short span of four months is that there are those who hate being here solely because they are not LDS, are former LDS or just hate the mormon culture.
My advice is learn to embrace the culture and focus on the positives. I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience.
Anonymous | 9:55 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Frred,
The leadership of the Church has said that any Mormon President would not be taking orders from SL. If you have ever listened to a General Conference, the counsel we are given has much more to do with how we live our personal lives and much less with public policy.
The leadership of the Church has said that any Mormon President would not be taking orders from SL. If you have ever listened to a General Conference, the counsel we are given has much more to do with how we live our personal lives and much less with public policy.
re: Rich Stone 9:21 | 10:07 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Thanks for your response--but I came here with an open mind and looked forward
to a wholesome, peaceful existence. Instead I was confronted by neighbors and
store clerks who all ask the same uni-question: Are you from Utah--Are you
married--Do you have a family--Why did you move here? That is the #1 concern
for a moromon: whether you're one of them.
Also, I'm not sure what culture there is to embrace. I have to put up with neighbors literally shoving a book of mormon in my face, and another one telling me about all the dead people he baptized, and how some of them were Catholic (he knows I'm Catholic and that baptism of the dead is an abomination to my religion). Sorry, but the social customs, tax system, school system, and everything else here is meant to benefit the LDS majority, with no thought to the civil rights and Constitutional protections meant to be afforded to all Americans.
Also, I'm not sure what culture there is to embrace. I have to put up with neighbors literally shoving a book of mormon in my face, and another one telling me about all the dead people he baptized, and how some of them were Catholic (he knows I'm Catholic and that baptism of the dead is an abomination to my religion). Sorry, but the social customs, tax system, school system, and everything else here is meant to benefit the LDS majority, with no thought to the civil rights and Constitutional protections meant to be afforded to all Americans.
Re: re: Rich Stone 9:21 | 11:16 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
It's easy to see that you personify the saying that "If you wrestle
with a pig in the mud you both get dirty but the pig likes it." Rather than
realize that the same thing happens in different parts of the country just with
a different twist. Example: If you move to the bible belt then it's the
Bible shoved in your face, people ask you where your from, they want to know
have you been saved, why did you move there, etc. A lot of those questions are
just normal questions you ask a normal person. Here's a shocker, I got the
same questions when I moved to Arizona for training with the government and
guess what, no one was a Mormon. All your doing is giving yourself an ulcer,
calm down, it'll do you good in the long run.
Lee | 11:44 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Why do we have to sterotype everyone? Why can't we be an American - not
Democrat or Republican. Why cannot we all consider ourself Christain, not
Evangelical or Catholic, Not liberal or conservative. If we consider ourself as
Christain and American I could see where that would lead to more harmony in this
great nation. Sadly this will not happen. There is too much greed, and power
hungry people wanting to get ahead that makes this country more divided than I
have ever seen it in my lifetime. I do believe Romney is our best hope to bring
our country together. He also is qualified, and has the inner strength to call
on God for help.
re: sfs | 1:22 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
You don't get around much on the internet, do you. The Deseret News allows
more anti-mormon comments than almost any newspaper out there. They just have to
be relevant to the discussion.
And to those who think you can't be a good Mormon and a Democrat, quite a number of Democrat General Authories, past and present, including apostles, would be surprised to hear that you just kicked them out of the Church. I don't think you can be a good member of the church if you buy 100% into either party's platform. Fortunately, it is possible to affiliate yourself with a political party without agreeing totally with their platform. There are a lot of pro-life Democrats, not just in the Church. For that matter, there are a lot of pro-choice Republicans.
And to those who think you can't be a good Mormon and a Democrat, quite a number of Democrat General Authories, past and present, including apostles, would be surprised to hear that you just kicked them out of the Church. I don't think you can be a good member of the church if you buy 100% into either party's platform. Fortunately, it is possible to affiliate yourself with a political party without agreeing totally with their platform. There are a lot of pro-life Democrats, not just in the Church. For that matter, there are a lot of pro-choice Republicans.
pat | 1:49 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
I believe that Mitt Romney could win if he used a more Christlike philosophy and
stopped tearing down his opponents. He made himself look bad in the last
election.
Anonymous | 3:26 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
Sadly, Romney in my opinion, has less chance of winning in 2012 than he had in
2008. The Mormon belief that they are the only true church and it is imperative
to spread their beliefs throughout the world hinders the possibility of a Mormon
president to emerge. People don't want this sort of stranglehold. In my
opinion Romney would also have a tendency to operate under the "my way or
the highway" mentality.
Anonymous | 3:41 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
I don't want anyone in office that wears their religion on their back. I
don't have any idea what some of the great presidents religious beliefs
were. Reagan, Roosevelt, Lincoln, etc. didn't bring up their religion.
They are not being chosen to be minister in chief. Huckabee, Romney and others
are not going to be president. They need to find a niche in the arena of the
spiritual not the political arena.
LDS&Politics | 6:00 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
Unfortunately at the present time it will be difficult for any LDS individual to
run for president given the attitudes of the country at large against the LDS.
Hopefully as the LDS church grows and matures outside of Utah, it will become
more representative of the entire political spectrum, instead of just the
conservative one that dominates Utah. Neither party should have a monopoly on
LDS members. I really beleive that the Democrats are more tollerant of LDS than
the Republicans at the current time, since they are less dominated by religious
fanantics and open to a broader spectrum of citizens. The Republicans just use
the LDS when it is convienient for them. Hopefully more and more LDS will feel
comfortable in the moderate wing of the Democratic Party which I belive is more
tollerant than the Republican. The Republicans no longer have a moderate wing.
VA Saint | 6:07 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
@Jean Magann ... loved your comment! I, too, am single (albeit, divorced, you
know, that 'D' word) in the church, and I switched from Democrat to
Republican (I am a moderate Republican) because of basic philosophical issues.
I have friends from all races, ethnicities, political thought and religions, but
seem to find the most difficult time finding like-minded women in the church
without being judged. But, you're right, the most important relationship
we can have is with our Savior.
Ken Kyle | 6:49 a.m. Nov. 1, 2009
It is not true that "Latter-day Saints are, as a whole, reliably
Republican".
The LDS Church exists in 176 nations and territories. In each of these nations Latter-day Saints are a minority of the overall Church membership and this includes the United States. Even if every American Latter-day Saint voted the Republican ticket, they would still be a minority of voting age Latter-day Saints.
Moreover, there is no evidence that many of the so-called conservative views of that party are in line with Latter-day Saint thinking worldwide.
The LDS Church exists in 176 nations and territories. In each of these nations Latter-day Saints are a minority of the overall Church membership and this includes the United States. Even if every American Latter-day Saint voted the Republican ticket, they would still be a minority of voting age Latter-day Saints.
Moreover, there is no evidence that many of the so-called conservative views of that party are in line with Latter-day Saint thinking worldwide.
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For example, Pastor Mike Huckabee's and some of his evangelical followers were active Mormon antagonists in both subtle and overt ways during the presidential primaries.
I spent more time than I'd like to admit following that election. I was shocked to see the degree to which Huckabee and many of his supporters actively sought to play on misinformed stereotypes and old religious debates to try and marginalize Mitt Romney and Mormons. It was ugly. Very ugly.
As a Mormon, I feel we've got plenty of work to do to be kinder and more respectful to those of other faiths. However, I also feel that evangelicals and others who say mean-spirited things about Mormons that they never consider saying about women, blacks, etc. owe the Mormon people an apology. This is especially true of those who profess to be Christian. No, Jesus does not hate Mormons.