I still contend that I’m not really a political person, even though I’ve had many in-depth conversations about politics this year, particularly after my post about respecting President Obama. Those conversations have got me thinking. Not concluding; just thinking.
One of the things I’ve been thinking about is, Why don’t conservative Christian Republicans seem to care that Mitt Romney is a Mormon? Back when I was growing up Protestant, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was considered a cult. Now it seems they are “not so bad.” In fact, when I ask about it, Christian voters tell me Romney is a valid choice because he is the most qualified; they are voting for a particular skill set, not a value system.
Really? I can remember other times when we were glad to have a Christian in office—precisely because of his values.
Am I wrong to believe that values are at least as important as skills? It seems to me that what you believe has a direct impact on what you do and how you do it.
What if Mitt Romney were a Muslim? Would those values affect your vote? Should they? What if he had the same business experience, the same political experience, the same white-bread good looks, the same running mate, the same trickle-down theory of tax cuts for the wealthy—but he worshipped at a mosque instead of a meeting house? Would you still base your vote only on his skill set?
How can values not be a factor?
Or are Republicans saying that the difference between Christian values and Mormon values is smaller than the difference between Christian values and Democratic values?
The more I think about this, the more confused I get. But somehow, Christian silence about this Mormon candidate speaks volumes. And I’m afraid of what it says.
Or am I misinterpreting something?
I’m not much of a political person myself. And I don’t know much about the Mormon faith. I don’t know how a Mormon president would be, but I do know what has happened the last four years under Obama and that scares me to have that for four more years.
Sorry to hear that you’ve had such a rough four years, Sarah. Personally, I haven’t noticed much difference under Obama, or Bush, or Clinton, though I know that’s not true for everyone.
Interesting question, Melanie. I’m looking forward to following any discussion it might generate.
Your last post hit a nerve with me. The hatred and lack of respect for our president has been overwhelming. And especially sad coming from Christians. I’m in the middle – neither blue or red – purple perhaps? And while there is much I disagree with that President Obama has done, I’ve never heard a more clear testimony of faith in Jesus from another president in my lifetime. That seems to either not be heard or not believed.
Keep asking good questions, Mel.
Yes, I find it strange that the Christian community seems so uninterested in President Obama’s apparent Christian faith. Certainly, it might be true that he is simply talking the talk, but why doesn’t even the talk win any points with us?
I am not sure you should lump “Christian conservative Republicans” all togehter. I do not believe all Christians should be Republicans. As a Christian, I feel my duty is to try to discern the best person for the position. Since we live in a democracy and not a theocracy, religion should not determine the best person. We should be able to discern a persons values and qualifications, although it is not easy in our political environment. Even with our shortcomings, we do live in the best country in the world and should take voting as a responsibility.
I’m currently reading Tony Evans’ “How Should Christians Vote?,” which you might enjoy. I’m not sure I agree with every conclusion he comes to, but he has some interesting thoughts. For example, he suggests that the Church may be to blame for how big our government has gotten—when we neglect our calling to care for the poor, then the poor are forced to depend on government programs.
“For example, he suggests that the Church may be to blame for how big our government has gotten—when we neglect our calling to care for the poor, then the poor are forced to depend on government programs.”
I agree with this. As a friend of mine likes saying, “Too much plus too little equals just enough.” God has provided for the poor, the question if we have the will to live a little less well so others can live a little better.
“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God” (2. Cor. 9:11-12).
Well stated, Mel.
Thank you, Ves.
There is a difference between faith and values. People can be of different religious persuasions and have similar values. I believe that as American citizens we should respect the office of the President of the United States. What happens when the holder of that office does not respect the office, the country, its constitution and system of government? We have never had a President who made such a mockery out of our country and its citizens as we do at this time. A man or woman who does not value and respect their country can not effectively lead their country.
Susan, your first two sentences got my attention, and I wish you had developed them further. It sounds like you agree that “the difference between Christian values and Mormon values is smaller than the difference between Christian values and Democratic values”—is that correct?
As for your claims about President Obama disrespecting the office, the country, the constitution, and the system of government, it would be helpful if you could be more specific. I have heard others make similar sweeping accusations, but when I ask for examples that might help me understand the allegations, no one replies! Frankly, when I hear “disrespecting the office,” I think of Clinton during the Lewinski hearings, not a President who has ended a war, regulated Wall Street, made healthcare affordable, and increased support for veterans.
“America, America , God shed His Grace on thee!,and crown thy good with brotherhood , from sea to shining sea!” ……….”God bless America,land that I love . Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above”.
Godly principles,and values;( many of the founding fathers were deists, not belonging to any denomination, but standing on biblical , God honoring and humanity valuing ideals) in a candidate, character and integrity and a sense of calling are important to me as I choose a man to vote for .Abraham Lincoln was not a church goer, certainly a God honoring Mormon could fit under this definition.when the foundations are shaken , what do the righteous do? Run and hide and giveipbthe vote ? We hang on to the God who birthed this country in Freedom . We Look to His Word and choose the best candidate according to truth virtue and character.
A friend of mine sent this link to help clarify what Mormons believe:
http://carm.org/comparison-between-christian-doctrine-and-mormon-doctrine
Ahhh, what a breath of fresh and honest air, especially the last few sentences pertaining to the silence of Christians on Romney’s Mormon faith. I have been talking about these same things with people ever since it looked like Romney would get the Republican nomination. Truthfully some Christians I know care while others do not because “Obama is the anti-christ!”
I have said this many times since Romney’s nomination and I believe this whole heartedly, the Republican party must turn in its “God” card.
In warfare there is tactic where you create a problem and then give a solution to that very problem. What this tactic accomplishes is two-fold; first it can give reason and means by which to execute the next step of the strategy and two, it can actually sway or even subdue the enemy. This may seem farfetched to some but if all that the Enemy of Men’s Souls has to do is create the problem of a “bad godless leader” —how many on the right perceive Obama—only to present the “solution” of Mitt Romney and us willfully ignore the truth about him, then the scripture about how even the elect will be deceived in the end days becomes painfully easier to understand how just a thing might happen.
Thanks Michael! I’ve been listening to conversations by rabid Republicans as well as rabid Democrats, and it’s really amazing how similar they sound! Not being politically savvy myself, I take comfort in knowing that I can do my best to be a good citizen here in the US, but my real citizenship is in heaven.