Mormon in the Lion’s Den
EmailAt Pat Robertson’s Regent University, the man who hopes to be the first Mormon ever elected US President, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, delivered the commencement address Saturday.
According to his prepared remarks (CLICK HERE), Romney portrayed himself as a man OF faith, but said nothing about his particular faith other than a nod to his host’s 1988 presidential race. "When he was running for president, he offered to leave this beautiful place, his home, to lead a people of many faiths," Romney said. "Today he has invited one of those to come visit him in his home."
This despite the fact that Romney’s Mormonism is a matter of intense debate among many conservative evangelical Christians, whom Romney is trying to target.
It’s not just that they regard Mormonism as different from their own religion, as they regard Judaism, for instance. Many see Mormonism as something more nefarious.
According to Robertson’s own Christian Broadcasting Network website, Mormonism is described on a "frequently asked question" page that answers "How Do I Recognize a Cult?" (CLICK HERE).
"Mormonism differs from biblical Christianity in several areas," the answer explains. "Mormons do not believe, for example, that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Mormons must work their way to heaven… Mormonism teaches that God is not the only deity and that we all have the potential of becoming gods. …God, according to Mormons, is not just Spirit but has ‘a body of flesh and bones as tangible as a man’s…There has been constant revision of Mormon doctrine over the years, as church leaders have changed their minds on a number of subjects including polygamy, which was once sanctioned by the church. In summary, the Mormon church is a prosperous, growing organization that has produced many people of exemplary character. But when it comes to spiritual matters, the Mormons are far from the truth."
On another page, a CBN "teaching page"(CLICK HERE), Mormonism is described as a "Christian-oriented cult."
And CBN Capitol Hill correspondent David Brody writes a commentary about it all HERE, candidly observing that "Isn’t it interesting that people who don’t believe in God think Evangelicals are a little weird. In turn, Evangelicals think Mormons are a little weird. It’s like a cycle."
On the site of "One News Now "’ — belonging to the American Family News Network, a national Christian news service. (CLICK HERE) a "former Mormon woman whose father was a bishop in that religion" says Robertson should not have invited Romney to the school.
"Tricia Erickson, who spent her childhood growing up in a Mormon home but has since given her life to Christ, thinks Romney is not the best choice for a commencement speaker at Regent. She questions why Pat Robertson would permit Romney, a former Mormon bishop (lay leader), to speak to a largely evangelical audience.
"’It concerns me greatly that he is enabling Christians to be deceived,’ says Erickson. ‘[H]e’s giving Mitt Romney credibility by making that address — and it’s opening up the door for deception to come into the people that follow him [Robertson].’ She adds that it causes her to think that the televangelist ‘really does not understand Mormonism.’ Robertson, she states, ‘is supposed to know the Bible’ — and that is at the root of what concerns the former Mormon. ‘[I]f he really understood what Mormonism was based on, he would never have Mitt Romney there unless it was to bring Mitt Romney in to be able to tell him the truth and challenge him on the falseness of Mormonism,’ she says."
In the past, Romney has tried to fuzz the difference between Mormonism and evangelical Christianity, saying that he too believes in Jesus, but in his Saturday speech Romney steered clear from any of this controversy.
Referring to a family cottage on the shores of one of the Great Lakes, Romney said, that in "the first 40 feet or so, the lake is shallow, warm, and protected from the big waves by a sandbar. That’s where I spent most of the hot summer days as a boy. I liked it there." But then he learned how to water ski and "ever after, the deep water is where I wanted to be – body surfing in the breakers, water skiing, diving. Oh yes, the water wasn’t as warm and calm, but it was clean and powerful and invigorating. I got out of the shallow water for good.
"Over the years, I have watched a number of people live out their lives in shallow water. In the shallows, life is all about yourself – your job, your money, your rights, your needs, your ideas, your comforts.
"In the deeper waters, life is about others – spouse, family, friends, faith, community, country. In the deep waters, there are challenging ideas, opposing opinions, protracted battles of consequence. You cross into the deep waters by marrying and raising good children. There is no work more important to America’s future that the work that is done within the four walls of the American home. You cross into the deep waters by driving yourself in your education and in your avocation beyond the safe and comfortable, to reach new insights, to make contributions, to serve. You cross into the deep waters by serving in your church, in your community, in the military, in government or in volunteer service."
– jpt
CPAC: Romney Struggles to Convince Voters 
Obama Backs Off Birth Control Battle?
Lucky for Romney, fundamentalists don’t have anyone else to rally around. Guiliani – too liberal (and catholic?) McCain – too much bad blood in the past; don’t trust him. Everyone else: not viable. Too bad, so sad.
As an aside, make no mistake: this is not Mitt’s style. This was carefully drafted by a speechwriter. Mitt wouldn’t know the “deep” waters if he fell into them face first. He’s a classic MBA type – his M.O. is checklists and five point plans. Witness the skill and efficiency at which he’s raised money. But he’s not eloquent, nor is he imaginative.
Mitt challenged Kennedy for the senate seat back in 1994, and Kennedy made him look like a complete idiot during the debates. Now Kennedy, of course, is a great orator. But still. Mitt’s way with words is…limited. Better than our current prez, but that’s not saying much.
And back to the five point plan mentality: Mitt’s newfound valuation of faith? He’s carrying out a marketing initiative. Rebranding himself.
Posted by: cordelia525 | May 7, 2007, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
When asked his opinion, Mark Twain once shared his thoughts about the Book of Mormon: “Chloroform in print.” Despite that assessment, it’ll be even more difficult for Christian fundamentalists/conservatives to support Gov. Romney once they examine some basic tenets of Mormonism which are utterly contrary to and diametrically opposed to fundamentalist/conservative Christian dogma: the use of bread and water (not wine, or even grape juice for teetotaling congregations) in Communion; the recognition of contemporary prophets after those of the New Testament era, such as Joseph Smith; doctrines and dogma concerning Christ’s return to earth which differ from those of premillenial Christians and postmillenial Christians; and my personal favorite, baptism of the dead into Mormonism, explaining why Mormons are very interested in genealogy.
However, as Cordelia said far better than I could, it’s clear that Gov. Romney is “carrying out a marketing initiative. Rebranding himself.”
As are Sen. McCain, Mayor Giuliani, etc., etc., etc. It seems every Repub is attempting to refashion himself into something he’s not to appeal to more conservatives and to distance himself as far as possible from the current President. I’m reminded of the old saying about a silk purse and sow’s ear.
Posted by: chuck | May 7, 2007, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Mitt Romney is an opportunistic interloper. He greatest achievement, the 2002 Winter Olympics, showed a man ready to take credit for all the work done by others and the complete lack dignity in sharing the success with the people that made it all happen. Mitt is the perfect Republican candidate.
Posted by: Ken | May 7, 2007, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
“In summary, the Mormon church is a prosperous, growing organization that has produced many people of exemplary character. But when it comes to spiritual matters, the Mormons are far from the truth.”
Geez, can you even imagine them saying such a nice thing about gay people???
Posted by: BobN | May 7, 2007, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
A short story relevant to the comment about the comment by David Brody:
When I was in high school, I roomed with a fundmentalist evangelical Christian while on a school trip. Since I was Jewish, we tended not to discuss religion. In our hotel room was a copy of the Bible as well as a Book of Mormon. My evangelical roomate was curious about the Book of Mormon and why it was there. I explained that it is considered by Mormans to be a 3rd testament of the Bible. He said, “That’s strange! Why would you add to the Bible.” I responded, “Funny! That’s what we [Jews] said about you [Christians]!”
Posted by: D.H. Pratt | May 7, 2007, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm
For Mormons, money is THEE method to determine if one is or is not approved of (“saved”) by God. Having a global business network and vast sums invested in stock markets, that Church, worth over a billion dollars, is an empire for and of wealth and materialism. God says in my Bible that to love money is to automaticallty and axiomatically hate God.
A good and former Mormon friend of mine who shrugged off that religion says that during the Vietnam War their teens went on missions over the nation to get non-Mormons to join while non Mormon teens went to combat in Vietnam. They would tell their young women NOT to marry any young man that had not gone on a mission. (Mission — a year spent riding around the nation on bikes trying to sell people on becoming Mormon.) This was/is a Church ploy to get them to go on missions, sign up new members, get new contributors of tithes (read “investment capital”) for the Church. He also says that while they claim to be the fastest growing Church, more than half of their members are on their “inactive roll.”
Posted by: hypostasis_of_the_archons | May 7, 2007, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
I was told through much of my educated life that the problem with religious people is that they are not pluralistic at all but simply want to impose their views on everyone else. Romney maintains that us religious folk are much more embracing and respectful of the broad fabric of faith present in our wonderful country. In this election, I hope we find out Romney is right and the secularists are wrong.
Posted by: Timotheus | May 7, 2007, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm
Anyone who watched the recent “American Experience” documentary, should know that Mormons have a vibrant faith – as vibrant and as valid as the Islamic faith. Both Islamic and Mormon prophets had post New Testament visions and revelations. Both faiths have generated millions of ardent adherents to their understanding of God. Both believe in the prophecy of Jesus of Nazareth. The difference between those faiths, and “orthodox” Christianity is the belief in the doctorine of the Trinity. From the Creed crafted in Nicea, Jesus is of one in substance with the Father and the Holy Spirit (much as heat, light, and radiation are of the same substance as the sun). Mormonism (and Islam) do not believe in this explanation of Jesus, as they do not believe in the Trinity of God. This is why modern day Christians do NOT believe that Mormons are “real” Christians. Romney’s faith should not be any more of an issue, then someone’s Islamic faith – they are of the same character. Can we elect a Muslim to be President? I would hope that we could…
Posted by: pep201 | May 7, 2007, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm
Yeah, what about the fact that Mormons believe that Christ and Lucifer (Satan) are brothers?
What about the fact that they once believed that black people were evil angels thrown out of heaven with Lucifer?
What about some of the kooky “visions” of Joseph Smith?
Not even Christians are going to fall for the Mormon fairy tales.
South Park did a very funny, but surprisingly accurate episode where they lampooned the nutso story of Joseph Smith.
Posted by: Zeke | May 7, 2007, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
All of the below anti-Mormon comments and ridecule are a bit scarry. There’s apparantly a lot of wild religious hate and bigotry in America. Mitt Romney is a talented, proven leader. Why all the uncivil and vicious attacts on his religion? Mormons have been Cabinet members (under Eisenhower, Reagan, Bush 1, and George W. Bush). Our National Security Advisor to Bush 1 was Mormon as well as the past head of NASA and the Space Shuttle Program. Numerous Mormons have served in the Senate and House, and as governors, top military Generals and holders of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Many more examples could be used to prove that Mormons are dedicated, talented public servants and leaders.
Where is the evidence that their religion has been bad for America? Was Romney as Mass. governor ever told to do anything (good or bad) by the Mormon prophet? The fear is entirely unfounded and unreasonable.
If the Mormon Church was so bad, how can it produce such good and successful people? Rather than a being held against him, Romney’s religion should be recognized as a plus factor.
Question: Why no complaints about Harry Reid’s Mormon membership? I smell politics involved here because near perfect Romney would be hard to beat. So, attack his hair, his religion, his “anything” to bring him down. America is blessed to have such men willing to serve at such an important time in history. Don’t be petty and un-civil about the man.
Posted by: David | May 11, 2007, 2:26 am 2:26 am
Most of you people know nothing about the Mormon Church. You assume that the things you read on the anti Mormon websites are true.
-Mormons dont believe blacks were “evil angels thrown out of heaven with Lucifer”. Where did you hear that garbage?
-Mormons dont believe you have to work your way into heaven. Thats ridiculous. They believe in following Christ’s commandments. Ever heard of that?
If youre going to bash a major world religion, get your facts straight about what they really believe. Or maybe you would rather bask in your ignorance.
Posted by: RyanJ | May 11, 2007, 11:25 am 11:25 am
I’ll be honest here. Religiously I’m a Mormon as well and am glad to see the outreach to Romney.
What makes me happy to see it is that I grew up in an area almost exclusively LDS. I remember that when I found out that Regan was not Mormon I had thoughts along the lines of “how can a good person not be LDS?” I was only 7 at the time, and I’ve learned a lot from that instance. We all start out thinking “If I have the truth, and that makes me a good person, then anyone who doesn’t have the truth (as I hold it) is a bad person.”
Everyone has preconceived notions of others based on belief systems. I was wrong when I was a young boy prior to having association of non-mormon friends, who now constitute my best friends. The crime is to reach adulthood and still have such immature and bigoted notions.
My past three jobs have had me in a position where I was the only Mormon in companies described as “Christian.” The first of such positions was interesting, on my birthday they had white cake and vanilla ice cream because they didn’t want to offended me with chocolate. Not knowing the reason for the white cake everyone laughed when I asked if I could have some of the death by chocolate cake in the freezer instead. That broke the ice and there was not a single instance of exclusion on either side.
What a great thing it is when people accept the good in others. Whether it’s Romney at a school where he’s the minority, or one of the many traditional Christian leaders, and the Dali Lam ma who spoke at BYU when I went there, there is a brightness of hope when we accept others.
Bigotry is dismissal or prejudice against someone based on their beliefs. Mormonism vs. Islam . . . educate yourself about the massive amount of aid that both of those religions give and you might find something positive instead of focusing on negative stereotypes. Satan is Jesus’s brother . . . if we’re children of God, and Jesus was the Son of God, and there is only one God, and we all have our free will, then the word brother might not be so confining as it is today in our 1.3 kids per household society.
There is good from many, and bad from many. Every religion will have representation in both heaven and hell, so let’s look at people based on their leadership capacities and rally behind them as I’ve rallied behind our current president who is a great man of faith despite his many imperfections.
How can anyone claim that they are a Christian and launch into such bigotry! I’m glad that there are others in here who seem to share my point of view.
Posted by: josh | May 11, 2007, 11:28 am 11:28 am
This article’s author, Jack Tapper, does a good job at reporting what has been said in quotes.
He puts lots of anti-Mormon links and quotes in his report, but ends with statements by Romney himself.
Romney said he believes in Jesus Christ.
Romney also made a beautiful statement about his personal integrity that Mr. Jack Tapper reports at the end of the article. Well quoted- thank you.
Posted by: melissa | December 20, 2007, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm
The Mormon credo, “You will be gods” repeats the serpent’s whisper in Gen. 3, “Ye shall be as gods.” This is the difference between the Joe Smith sect and the teaching of the Master Christ Jesus that man is already and always the image and likeness of GOD.Add to this what the Mormons say about being the true church. In fact, they are practitioners of hypnosis and human will which is the diametric opposite of the Christ spirit.
Posted by: stubbycat | May 13, 2010, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm