The next president of the United States could be a Mormon whose faith requires
him to believe that Jesus visited America after the Resurrection and will
return one day to rule the world from Jackson County, Missouri.
However, Mitt Romney insists that, in the meantime, that would not affect how
he leads the free world.
He has an abundance of charm and personal wealth, improbable good looks for a
man of 60 and a spotless private life – one wife, five well-adjusted boys –
for which some other contenders for the 2008 Republican nomination might
mortgage their souls.
In an interview with The Times he appears ill at ease only when talking
about the religion that he says did so much to make him such a cut-glass
candidate.
“I don’t think my foreign policy has anything to do with my faith,” he
replies, when asked if the peculiarly American-centric nature and origins of
his Mormon doctrines would reinforce global resentment towards the United
States. “I believe that America is a stronger nation when we stand with our
friends. We must make more of an effort in reaching out to other nations.”
He promises to work together on “common objectives America can share with the
rest of the world” such as defeating “radical jihad”, global warming,
poverty and Aids. “We should listen as well as tell,” he says.
Just to be clear about this, do you believe that Jesus Christ came to America
and will come back to Missouri? “I’m not going to separate myself from my
faith,” Mr Romney says quietly. “I accept the doctrines of my Church and do
my best to live by them.”
Adherents of the Church believe the Book of Mormon was engraved in the 4th
century AD by a prophet of the same name. It is considered a successor to
the New Testament and details the preaching of Christ in the Americas.
Followers of the Church have long been victimised. Joseph Smith, its
founder, was killed by a mob in 1844 after he announced his own bid for the
presidency and Mormons eventually fled to Utah to escape persecution.
The debate about Mr Romney’s Mormonism continues to bubble through a
presidential campaign where many evangelical Christians, who carry such
weight in the Republican primaries, have profound doubts about putting a
member of “a cult” in the White House.
Mr Romney has variously tried to deflect or play down the differences with
more mainstream faiths, pointing out that Mormonism shares with them
ostensibly improbable beliefs such as Noah’s Ark.
In one interview he claimed that Jesus would return to the Mount of Olives in
Jerusalem, “the same as the other Christian tradition”. This got him into
trouble with some of his brethren in the Church of the LatterDay Saints,
whose official position is that the Saviour will rule from twin capitals of
the new Jerusalem in Missouri and the old one in the Middle East.
On other occasions Mr Romney has made clear his abhorrence of past Mormon
practices such as polygamy and racial discrimination – the Church allowed
the ordination of African Americans only in 1978. According to some polls,
more people say that they would not vote for him because he is a Mormon than
those who would refuse to support Barack Obama because he his black.
Does he ever feel like a victim of prejudice himself? “No, I’m the beneficiary
of a great number of advantages in my life. I recognise that the American
people will look at whatever they like but I don’t think they’ll decide the
presidency on what church I go to.”
Mr Romney cites another recent survey that found that his “faith was far less
weighty than either divorce or age”. He then referred to Republican rivals,
the thrice-married Rudy Giuliani and the 71-year-old John McCain, saying
that “neither of these things are going to hold [them] back”.
He is nonetheless considering making a big speech, addressing the issue
head-on, as John F. Kennedy did in 1960 when there were similar doubts about
electing a Catholic president. “I don’t know if it’s necessary,” Mr Romney
says. “I may do it, but just to talk about the topic.”
Can he make the same pledge as JFK to maintain a strict separation of Church
and State when so many conservative Republicans want a bigger role for
religion in public life? “I’m not sure I would be wise to repeat his line. I
would have to update the principles,” Mr Romney says. He suggests that the
speech would build on Kennedy’s view that “you don’t impose the doctrines of
your religion on anyone but perhaps yourself”.
Although he refuses to resile from his faith when it might be politically
expedient to do so, Mr Romney’s acute sensitivity on the subject chimes with
the other persistent charge against him, namely that he has “flip-flopped”
on a range of social issues to attract support for the Republican
nomination.
“The one place of significance where I changed my view was in respect to
abortion,” he says. When he ran for office in liberal Massachusetts, he
promised to maintain pro-choice laws and reinforced this impression by
telling the story of a close family relative who died in a botched abortion.
After being elected Governor of the state, he was confronted by an effort to
clone human embryos and realised, Mr Romney says, “I just could not go along
with that. It became very clear that I was not only personally pro-life but
politically pro-life.”
Other apparent shifts are a matter of emphasis, or “learning from experience”.
Whereas he once took on the powerful gun lobby, he more recently joined the
National Rifle Association as a life member. Elected in Massachusetts as a
strong supporter of gay rights, he now proclaims himself as a fierce
opponent of same-sex marriage.
Asked if he adjusts the tone of a message to suit his audience, Mr Romney
pleads guilty: “If you’re talking to an African-American audience you may
put more emphasis on civil rights than if you’re talking to a Republican
audience in Iowa. My guess is that is probably true of any leader – you
speak about the subjects they find interesting.”
This was clearly evident on Tuesday in Florida, where, within minutes of
telling this British newspaper about the need for American foreign policy to
reach out and listen to friends in Europe, he is up on his feet in front of
an audience of Republican voters.
“This is a unique nation,” he says. “It’s essential for the planet that this
nation remains strong.” Hillary Clinton, he gives warning, is inspired by
failed European polices of “big tax, Big Brother”.
Mr Romney has deep pockets and a stronger nuts-and-bolts campaign organisation
than his rivals. Although lagging in national polls behind Mr Giuliani, Fred
Thompson and Mr McCain, he leads in four of the first five states to hold
primaries – including Iowa and New Hampshire, where he has done no less than
462 campaign events this year.
He says that he still lacks the household-name status of “an actor” like Mr
Thompson, or the “aura that surrounds” Mr Giuliani, the former New York
Mayor. “So we have been focusing on doing well and picking up steam in the
early states, and that’s working better than I would have expected.”
The trend of the polls is upwards for Mr Romney, and aides say that he is “on
track” for the White House. He has raised more money than his Republican
rivals so far and made additional multimillion-dollar contributions from his
personal fortune, amassed during a 25-year business career that included
saving the Winter Olympics in the Mormon home state of Utah from bankruptcy.
At the same time he has hit rivals such as Mr McCain hard with an
uncompromising message against illegal immigration and is subtly chipping
away at the character issues surrounding Mr Giuliani.
“A lot has gone wrong with the Republican Party,” he says, during the time that
it had control of Congress and the White House between 2000 and 2006. It
failed to restrain spending, deal competently with crises such as Katrina
and Iraq – “where we did not do a superb job” – or practise the personal
values that it preached.
For someone promising to restore the “highest ethical and moral standards”
expected of Republicans, however, there is a lingering suspicion that he
carries the burden of his political and religious beliefs rather lightly.
Roots of a religion
— The Church of the LatterDay Saints, which has 12 million members, was
founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, a New Yorker
— God, he said, told him to restore the true Christian Church. An angel told
him of a buried holy book in an ancient Native American tongue
— Many believe that Mormon scripture identifies Missouri as the site of the
Garden of Eden
— Followers of the Church fled to Utah to escape persecution
Source: Times archive
I have yet to hear of the fact that when Ezra Taft Benson was head of the Morman Church the IRS was about to take away the non-tax status of the church because it practiced segregation and discrimination. That night old Ezra had a revelation direct from God. God told him to acceopt Blacks so the IRS backed off. give me a break! Paul Hogan, Malvern, PA
paul Hogan, Malvern, PA
I think is hard for a religious person to keep their faith personal when religion teaches that other people are different because they do not have the same belief. You are right. All religions are cults. If the book of mormon was real, there would have been horses and cattle here, which supposedly were brought here back then, when this continent was discovered. Josheph Smith stold the story from a book written by an man in Europe who wrote it as a fictional book to explain how the dark haired people got here from the bible time.
Bryan Vestal, Waterloo, Iowa
Look at the intellectuals attempt to discredit the Mormon faith. What a waste of time. Who God is is a definition in the mind of the individual. What I despise about most organized religion is that while the religious individual expects religious freedom to be gien to them, many are not willing to grant it to others...and that comes on the heels of the Christian edict "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". As for Romney, he is a man of sound judgment. He's diplomatic - he was able to bring rivaling parties together as Govenor to bring positive change in his state. He knows how to clean up a financial mess - look at the Olympics and the many companies he's saved. He's a strategic planner who executes his plans with bi-partisan support; he holds himself and others accountable. He's raw and honest and has strong moral values! He's a true leader and we need him at this time as our president. Even if he's a Mormon.
Jamie Trotter, Denver, Colorado
We are electing a President, not a prophet. The characteristics that make a great leader are honesty, integrity and a passionate love of country. Mr. Romney has those traits. I don't care whether he is Mormon or Methodist. I am voting for him to lead my country, not to lead me to eternal salvation.
James Hazel, Richland, WA
Why is the Mormon church any less valid than other Christian entities? Both are based on widely discredited, antiquated belief systems with glaring inaccuracies and falsehoods.
Seems to me those 'Christians' who criticise the Mormon faith should have a good hard look at themselves. People in glass houses and all that...
Barry, Newbury, Berks
Mormonism is NOT a Christian Faith
LDS teaches that Elohim (God the Father in Mormonism) was once a mortal man and that he was not always God (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 345).
LDS teaches that God has a body of flesh and bones (see Alma 18:2-5, 24-28; Alma 22:9-11).
LDS teaches the blood of Christ does not cleanse certain sins (Mormon Doctrine, pg. 92).
LDS teaches that a person can lose his salvation if he is not baptized on behalf of dead relatives (Doctrines of Salvation 2:145,149).
LDS teaches there is more than one God (see Alma 11:26-29).
LDS teaches that if a man wishes to be saved he must have a woman by his side(as quoted on page 245 of The Miracle of Forgiveness).
LDS teaches that the Black race (seed of Cain) survived the flood because the devil needed a representation on earth (Journal of Discourses 22:304).
LDS teaches that God is the offspring of another God who, in turn, is the offspring of still another God, etc. (Teachings of the Prophet J
No more hypocrisy , Tampa BAy,
Great article, Tom. Glad to see Mitt in the Times.
A, Chester, SC, USA
Romney will never be able to pull a Kennedy. Most Americans view Mormonism as a cult. Your short list did not add the belief that a human being can become a God and start their own universe.
K Tyson, Mobile, Alabama USA
What's with "Mr Giuliani, Fred Thompson and Mr McCain"?
Why not "Mr Thompson"?
Julia, Belleville, Illinois USA
What about Barack Obama's Muslim upbringing? Why isn't the media making an issue about that?
C. Puffer, Hamilton, Bermuda
Being from the "Bible Belt" in the southern United States, I have only one thing to say about Romney and his Mormon faith: At least he has faith, which is something other candidates can only talk about. I believe that Mitt Romney is our best candidate for president.
Michael Gray, Pontotoc, Mississippi/USA
This guy is just another typical American hypocrite politician, just changing his view to suit the audience, he is also a pro war fanatic but ask him how many of his 5 sons he has encouraged to join up and fight in the armed forces, no prizes for getting the answer right....
Ian Hendry, Boston, USA
The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is often misunderstood by Evangelical preachers and some newspapers . . Some accuse the Church of not believing in Christ and, therefore, not being a Christian religion . . http://mormonsarechristian.blogspot.com/ helps to clarify such misconceptions by examining early (First Century) Christianity's theology relating to baptism, the Godhead, the deity of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) adheres to Early Christian theology more closely than other Christian denominations. Perhaps the reason the Evangelical preachers promote this mis-representation is to protect their flock (and their livlihood).
Bot, Springfield, USA
I am Mormon- raised in the faith, went on the mission for two years, married in the temple, etc.
Many Mormons view all this emphasis on the Mitt´s religion as bigotry, but my view is different. I think that Mitt´s religion is a legitimate concern. Mitt has taken an oath many, many times in Mormon templesto devote his all to promoting the Mormon faith. It would not be wrong to call this a blood oath, as he has covenanted to his God to fulfill this oath at the expense of his life. It is not consistent with this oath that Mitt cliams “you don’t impose the doctrines of your religion on anyone but perhaps yourselfâ€.
Do we believe what Mitt vows in private by blood oaths to his God, or what he says in public on the stump speech?
As well, it is disingenuous for Mitt to claim that polygamy is not a doctrine of the Mormon faith, as it is very much fundamental to their present beliefs, as is clearly shown in their scriptures (Section 132 of the D & C - revelations to Joseph Smith
John Fowles, london, england
I would be interested to know if this gentleman was born into the Mormon religion or choose it himself. Norah
Norah De Vigier, London, England
The thing that many East Coast people don't realise is the Morman vote will make a big impact in nearly all the western states, from Colorado to Hawaii the Mormans are very strong and you can bet they will vote together for Romney. California actually has more Mormans then Utah, just less per capita.
Leonard, Las Vegas, Nevada
what next? a scientologist as the secretary of state and the tooth fairy as head of defence?
only in america do these cults survive as the population are so xenophobic towards anything which is close to reality
luke, perth, australia
Last I heard Momons aren't going around killing people or starting holy wars, so I would not consider them like the Jihad. And if you do some research, the mormon church has over 12 million members who do not practice polygamy. The number of those who left the church and are practicing polygamy is small by comparison (less than one million, a lot less). I think electing someone who is honest and you can trust, might be what this nation needs after the questions surrounding the secrecy of this presidency and the morality of the last president filled the news.
E Farr, Queen Creek, Arizona
Er, sorry, we Catholics like to stick to the one spouse as a rule.
Oh, yes, they don't do that anymore; yet so many of them do. JFK did not take his inspiration from the Vatican, no comparison to Romney.
Catherine, Chicago,
Whilst I agree that the belief that Jesus went to America and will return to rule the world from Missouri is ludicrous, I can't say it is any more ludicrous than the belief that he was born of a virgin impregnated by a ghost, and that he came back to life 3 days after he died.
If Romney is deemed unsuitable to be president because of his superstition, then so are practically all the other candidates.
Mark Allen, Nottingham,
Arent Mormons radical jihadis. Knocking everyday at people´s doors for conversion to their faith. They are brain washed people. This guys is one of them.
pro, spain,
Hello, This was a fairly good article. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would NOT consider the
Book of Mormon the "successor" to the New Testament. The word "successor" can be taken in error. If it means to "replace"
the New Testament then that is in SERIOUS ERROR!! The
Book of Mormon is considered a "continuation" of Scripture or
MORE Scripture. True the record ends later chronologically than the New Testament, but it also STARTS BEFORE chronologically for the main part in 600 B.C. One section (the Book of Ether) is even believed to have taken place in 2200 B.C. The Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon
to be MORE Scripture equal to the Bible, but not a replacement.
There are many mis-understandings about the LDS Church. With Mitt Romney making the headlines and his denomination being part of the headlines HOPEFULLY some of the misunderstandings will be cleared up. The LDS focus on Jesus, like many other Christians & Church groups.
David Paul, Sacramento, California
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL!!! Choose he who is beautiful in everyway to lead you. When evil men leads, people will suffer, but when good, honest men leads, people will prosper. Such a man is Mitt Romney. His Mormon faith has made him a man of INTEGRITY, which is what our nation needs in a man who will serve this great nation. Just be grateful that he believes in God and not in a lifeless, carved out image. I don't know him personally, but from what I've read and heard of him it is enough for me to trust him. He has earned my TRUST. For those of you who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints commonly known as Mormons, visit their church every Sundays to find out for yourselves the truth about the Mormons and their doctrines. I'm sure they will welcome you in if you are really interested to find out Mitt Romney's beliefs.
Olepa Robertson, Kearns, Utah
I think Mitt Romney is an excellent Leader. He has a record of being highly successful in his business career and highly successful in his personel like. He will make an excellent President.
israel rodriguez, corpus christi texas,
The Mormon Church became a great commercial success by adopting Jesus Christ. But adherents to the Mormon Faith are following a WESTERN religion, not an EASTERN faith like Catholicism. As Gertrude Stein might have said about Mormonism: There Is No There There!
W G Hutchinson, Schenectady, New York
Americans will look past the revelations of Joseph Smith and the past practice of polygamy. They have not yet focused on the Mormon culture of obedience. When they do Romney will be a tough sell .
No other large scale religion has so much power focused from the top down, nor such tight control over its rank and file. JFK would have had no problem defying the Pope. Has anyone in Romney's inner circle ever said, "no" to their living prophet?
We know Mitt, Boston,
Are these candidates really the best the GOPs can come up with? After Bush II?
The US continues to amaze!
Gerald B., Aarhus, Denmark
I'm not Mormon, and will vote for him. I believe he would be a great president. I prefer to have a Mormon as a president than to have any of the other candidates as president. Go Mormons!!!
Mark Gonzalez, Paterson, New Jersey
Why don't we examine Hillary Clinton's or Rudy Gulianni's faith a little. Let's ask them what their religious beliefs are for a change. I would really like to know what John McCain believes is the nature of God. Better yet, let's ask the ministers (Brownback & Huckabee) a few questions. Ask them if they really believe God created the earth in just seven days. Ask them what God looks like. Genesis says God created man in his own image. Wouldn't that mean God looks a lot like us? Ask them why they believe God and Jesus Christ are the same person when so much in the New Testament describes them as separate beings. Explain to me who Christ was praying to in the Garden of Gethseman. Himself?? Ask them if they really believe that all those in the world who have never heard of Christ go straight to hell when they die. I think that might affect their foreign policy. If the media is going to ask about one candidate's religion, be fair and ask all of the candidates.
Lisa, Scottsdale, AZ
I am a devoted member of the LDS Church and think this is a pretty good article. We can never expect someone from outside the Church to speak of it as a member would.
As for people like Mike from Salt Lake City, who commented above, what is more absurd than Mormon religious beliefs is the claim that faith in them disqualifies someone for public office. It amazes me that so many people, including journalists who should know better, act as if this were the first time a Mormon ever ran for high office.
Romney was governor of Massachusetts, and has a long professional career outside of politics. There are many Mormons serving in the US congress and in cabinet positions, not to mention many serving in high political offices outside the US. Mormons have been serving in these kinds of positions for many decades. Their supposedly wacky religious beliefs have not made them any more prone to screwing up than any other group of politicians; in fact, the opposite is true. It's a non-issue.
David, Gilbert, Arizona
I think Romney is a decent, upstanding citizen. He's brilliant, well-educated, thoughtful, and successful in a number of areas.
He didn't tailor his views to his audience. He had personal beliefs that he held--abortion is wrong--but told his liberal constituents in Massachusetts that he would uphold the law. I don't believe in gay marriage, but I believe they should be treated with respect and not discriminated against--the same as Romney. No conflict for me there.
The more I learn about Romney, the more I like him. I don't know if evangelicals and others will be so bothered by his membership in the LDS Church that they would chance a Clinton as president or not, but I surely hope not.
The Bible says "by their fruit, ye shall know them". From what I can see--a single, happy marriage, good kids, a stellar character--Romney is a true Christian. Also, the Bible says that man looks on the outside, God sees the heart. Let God judge Romney. Our job is to choose a good president.
Karen Disbrow, Spokane,
Defensive and truculent is the Mormon hallmark when revealing their doctrine to the world that speaks of "golden tablets, seer stones, celestial polygamy and here on earth, Nephites, Laminites, Meso-America, lost Hebrew tribe, and the list goes on and on.
The Mormon Church is a real nice financial and social organization. The thought of electing an individual who can swallow this tripe is truly amazing.
Mike, SLC, Utah
Tom, I also thought your article was a fair and balance report on Mr. Romney. I think in America someone who believes in God is what is important.
Although I do question the judgement of someone who believes that Jesus Christ will appear in Jackson County, Missouri. I don't think God has ever been that specific.
JP, Raleigh, N. Carolina
I totally agree with the statements of those who believe Mitt Romney should discuss his religious values. Curiosity about the Church has risen to a new level because of Mitt Romney's candidacy. The appearance of two books ["The Mormon Way of Doing Business" by Jeff Benedict and "A Mormon in the White House" by Hewitt] have fueled this curiosity. As several of the men featured by Benedict lived in New Canaan CT, presentations were made by them in five communities in CT on how their LDS faith guides their business conduct and decisions. They were well attended and received.
Mitt Romney needs to use a Fireside forum to tell a captive audience about his belief God the Father, acceptance in Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer, the power and influence of prayer, how the Holy Spirit has helped inspired him in time of need. He should mention how Christian service to others has blessed his life, his family and the Church members and friends whom he served, without salary, for ten years.
Sheldon R. Murphy, New Canaan, CT
The Book of Mormon is an historical, anthropological and scientific fake. It is easy to make this assertion because its history is so recent. The "reformed egyptian" it was supposedly written in is such an amateurish fraud that I can't believe any thinking person can take the works and life of Joseph Smith seriously. It is truly amazing the latitude one is granted for displaying ridiculous beliefs or bizarre behavior as long one calls it "religion".
Chris, Boston , Mass
The first line of this article is sensationalistic. The idea that Christ will return to Missouri is an extremely minor "doctrine" in Mormonism. I cannot remember the last time I heard anyone at Church even mention this concept. The only people who ever speak of it are those of the news media in attempts to sensationalize their stories. Truth be told, I don't think one even need believe in "the Missouri doctrine" to be a faithful Mormon, and yet the author makes it out to be the central doctrine of our faith.
JD, La Jolla, California
And yet Romney is now running on a platform of banning abortion, while when he was governor of Massachusetts he was pro-choice. Sounds like his religion is politics.
Catherine, Chicago,
Most Mormons I know are politically active, honest, hard workers with impeccable morals. For the most part they are firm in their faith, and live what they preach.... and turn out to be great citizens in whatever country they live in. The church does not dictate how members should vote as evidenced in Harry Reid, Senator of Nevada who has a polar opposite view of politics than Mitt Romney.
Klint, Mesa, AZ
Tom,
Your article was fairly well balanced although you continue to play too much into the Mormon thing. People are growing rather weary of a constant bombardment on someone's religious beliefs. The US constitution guarantees a candidate freedom of worship, let's not forget that.
One more thing...racial discrimination has never been part of the Latter-Day-Saint doctrine. In fact, freed black slaves were converted in the 1840's and went west with Brigham Young. They were referred to as the "Genesis Group" and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Although males were restricted from holding the Priesthood (until 1978), they were members of the church like any other converts. You should be aware of this.
Bill Turner, Centerville, UT USA
I think it is insincere for citizens of this country to consider themselves "American" if they discriminate against any minority in this wonderful nation. Was this country not founded to provide religious freedom? I believe any good citizen of this nation should have the opportunity to run for a presidential election, regardless of race, gender, ethnic, or race. I appreciate the presses validity about the LDS religion, it sure helps a lot, especially with the polygamy thing.
Sharlee, Cedar City, Utah
In an era where moral standing has deteriorated amongst public leaders, it is refreshing to see a candidate who follows a faith of very strict high moral standards.
Rather than trying to falsly dissect a religions beliefs with false interpretations and conclusions, why not see the positive results of a man of the Mormon faith.
Lastly, Romney has already said opening, he believes in the Bible; and that Jesus Christ is his savior. He believes in family.
Why such negative, biased reporting?
Steve Knoblaugh, Seattle, WA
The concluding sentence, accusing Mr. Romney of being insincere in his religious and political convictions, is a gratuitous insult that is has no foundation except in the imagination of the reporter.
Romney served for a decade as a bishop heading a Latter-day Saint congregation and then as president over several congregations. He was donating 20 hours a week of his time in service to fellow church members, teaching them, counseling them, and providing financial and material aid to the unemployed, sick and grieving, and free professional social services to those suffering emotional trauma.
Romney has always counseled Mormons against abortion, but unlike the Catholics, the LDS Church does NOT demand that Mormons support a particular public policy governing non-Mormons.
All Romney needs to speak about is the great American tradition of religious tolerance and freedom, which the LDS Church, long persecuted, strongly supports.
Raymond Takashi Swenson, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Mormons do not view the Book of Mormon as a "successor" to the New Testament, they accept the Holy Bible as canon, along with the Book of Mormon and additional scriptures revealed in these "latter days".
The full title of The Book of Mormon includes the words:
"ANOTHER (emphasis mine) Testament of Jesus Christ."
M. Demas, St. George, Utah USA
No need to get defensive. As a Mormon, I found the article quite accurate. It is leaps and bounds above most media out there. Of course some Mormon doctrine seems strange to those not familiar with it, but so would traditional Christianity to those not familiar to it.
Mim, did you miss the quotes around the "a cult" which was referring to the evangelicals' view of Mormoms. It was clear to me that the authors were not trying to suggest that the Mormon church is a cult.
It seems to me that Americans seem to get getting over the whole "Mormon" issue. I haven't heard it in the media for quite some time. I'm sure it will come up again if he wins the nomination, as independent and Democrats will be introduced to him.
Fran, Lehi, UT
I believe the news media should quit trying to tell the world
about Mormanism. It is like me trying to tell the world about
the Catholic faith when I am not Catholic. You should get
your quote information from the head of the Mormon Church.
Not books and hearsay from other Christen authors. Most
of it is taken out of context. You write like the Book of Mormon
is fake..........The scholars for the past 170 plus years are having a hard time disproving the book. All religions are
cults. You stated the Morman Church is a cult you should
have added 'like all other churches'. Look up cult in Websters
Dictionary. There are many Mormons in very high political
callings, and in many other large successful companies.
And many in sports, entertainment, etc. Do they control these
areas with their beliefs? I don't think so. Your belief is something personal and private to each individual. If not it
should be. Don't you agree?
Mim Johnson, Tremonton, Utah