Christian Angst Over a Romney Presidency

No political benefit the Church could gain is worth the loss of tax exemption (which is like the death sentence to any Church).

Other doctrinal distinctions may exist also, but please look also to the fruits of the Mormon Church. Hundreds of millions of humanitarian aid have been given worldwide, to members and non-members. Mormons were some of the first in New Orleans and in the many other disasters that have happened around the world. Mormons don’t drink, don’t smoke, and probably the only thing more central doctrinally to Jesus Christ is the family.

It’s really sad that there are so many people committed to talk poorly about the Mormon Church; many of the blogs seems like personal vents where the Mormon Church takes a beating for no reason other than to allow one to vent personal frustrations on unrelated issues. The doctrine is beautiful, uplifting, and encouraging to keep the commandments do good and love all men.

(sorry it's so long - guess you struck a nerve :-) )

But more specifically, I wonder what it is that concerns you, and possibly others about the Mormon religion. Why would a belief that a person can become like God affect negatively a presidency? Also, your concern about hearing from Salt Lake after the presidential race is probably inaccurate. The Mormon Church is run very intelligently, and the biggest fear of it, or of any tax-exempt organization is losing the tax exemption. The only way that happens for Churches usually is by engaging in electioneering or legislative activity. The Church is invariant and insistent on it’s non-involvement in political affairs and before every election a notice is read in Church meeting reminding members that the Church has no political position and that the meeting halls are not to be used for political activities. I actually one was asked not to ask people to sign a notice after Church but in the building about abortion, same-gender marriage and gambling. (continued)

Again, your concerns about wanting to understand the value system of your president I belive are valid, and I imagine the Mormon Church is closed-mouth as much as it is because there are so many unscrupulous people looking for a sensational story or trying to justify an already-held position about the Church, as is often the case when either the media or a political race are involved. But the best outline of the faith are in the Articles of Faith, which it seems you’ve already read. The Book of Mormon is also a terrific resource, and because it is such a Christ-centered and uplifting book, it should go far to ease any general fears about the faith and the values of an Mormon running for office. (continued)

Terrifically-written blog. I am in total agreement that a candidate’s religion should be “in-bounds,” as we are not electing a spreadsheet of positions on issues, rather a man or woman with a value system that will drive the countless decisions he or she will have to make during his or her tenure as president.

Mormonism is Christian in that it believes in Jesus Christ as Savior of mankind and the Son of God. Mormons believe that all are children of God (“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Rom. 8:16). Also, Mormons do believe they can progress and become like God. It’s a simple belief that one can become like his or her parent. It seems to be the doctrine for which the Church takes the most flack. As one who believes that, it has only had the influence of motivating me more to do good while in this life, and it has helped me understand the love God has for me, as it is simply the love a parent has for his child. (continued)