Comments on: Romney: ‘If You Want to Learn More About My Church, Talk to My Church’

By: Diana

Diana — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:51:12 +0000

To MyTakeOnThis61 |
I think one of the biggest issues of confusion in the whole gay “rights” debate is what constitutes a “right.” Do you define marriage as a right or as a societal construct, an institution bound by rules of law, whether they be religious or secular? Every society that has ever existed on this earth has defined marriage by its own tenets, determining who can be “married,” who can do the marrying, and what privileges come from said unions. Some societies allow polygamy, some allow temporary marriages or marriages specified by length of time, some allow polyandry, and some trial marriages. Some states allow civil or non religious marriages, others have said they must be performed only by some religious cleric. In some societies marriages have been allowed by mutual consent and public statement of the parties involved without a formal “official” or ceremony to sanction the union. It seems that just about every type of arrangement has been or is used in some way somewhere on the globe. Therefore, it does not seem wrong to me to allow our citizens to decide what we define to be a “marriage.” I don’t think it is a “right,” and I suspect that this is very much the way Romney, and many other people of faith, many different faiths, view it. Our society is never going to agree on this however, it never agrees 100% on ANYTHING, but that’s why we put the matter to a vote. As for what defines a “right,” once more, a rather large debate, but we have to be careful. And I think this is a big part of the issue. Take away any religious overtones or concerns, and you run into some very basic legal concerns. Definitions of rights and defining them in law must not be allowed to impinge on the other basic civil liberties that have always defined our nation. I think many people, despite their personal feelings of what may constitute marriage would care less if a gay couple decide to hold a ceremony to recognize their relationship. I learned a long time ago that I can love and appreciate people without involving myself in every aspect of their lives, and I can have friends of many different persuasions than my own without feeling threatened in my own beliefs. However, in places where legalization of marriage has become the law of the land, other issues have arisen. Schools can be required to teach that gay marriage is a normal and expected relationship and structural element of society. I know that as a teacher I can not, and will not participate in such instruction, and as a parent, I do not want my children being exposed to these concepts either. I believe that instruction in such things should be the responsibility of the parents. If you don’t think this can happen, think again. It is happening in places where the legal definition of marriage has been changed to reflect same gender marriage, and due to the way our laws are interpreted,this means that the schools are being required to reflect that in their instruction. The book “King & King” is used by some school districts with children as young as kindergarten to introduce them to the concept of gay marriage. Another victim of the legal ramifications are private institutions who do not recognize or support the concept. Yes, legalization law, and its attendant influence on other laws and policies of our society causes a breakdown of the choices of private versus public rights in terms of what an organization is, who they service, and what they do. For example, Catholic adoption and welfare services, who have a long history of service to the community have had to close their services and move out of states where this has become the law, because they will not adopt to same sex couples. In Great Britain, an old and well respected such organization just lost their last appeal to the courts, and will have to stop offering services in the United Kingdom. Additionally, there are concerns that some religious communities, who do not agree with same sex marriage, may eventually fall under prosecution for failure to perform such unions, and religious marriage for these communities may only be allowed to take place as a private ceremony AFTER a civil/ “legal” marriage is performed in order to protect the religious institutions involved. Obviously, there is much more to the issue than appears at first glance, and great care must be taken in how we decide to deal with it. We and our posterity will be dealing with our choices for a very, very long time to come.

By: erica

erica — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 21:15:52 +0000

not a Morman, BUT, like their beliefs !

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:14:47 +0000

David, the “Mormon” church is not racist. Many websites that can be found through a simple Google search make up facts, or distort them. There are millions of latter-day saints (Mormons) all over the WORLD. And I’m becoming overwhelming tired of repeating this due to all the scandal on TV sitcoms and whatnot… We do NOT practice polygamy. Interracial marriage is OK. We are a Christian faith. Therefore we believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and our Heavenly Father. The Bible is a part of our doctrine. Please visit to get appropriate information on the “Mormon” faith.
Don, never say never. For your information, there are already “Mormons” in the US Government. There are wonderful people from all religions in the world, and their faith should not be a deciding factor on whether you vote for someone or not.

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:14:09 +0000

As for the issue of race and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons, there seems to be this common misunderstanding. The dark skin that has been placed up on some races is NOT a curse. The curse was that a certain people, because of attitude and actions, were cut off at certain periods of time from God’s influence. The dark skin was a MARK that was placed to identify the two different groups. It doesn’t mean that people with that mark are always cut off from the presence of God. Just like someone who comes from an abusive home may be more likely, statistically speaking, to continue the the abusive cycle in their own home it doesn’t mean they will. We can all change our believes and actions at anytime. If you believe and study the Bible then Cain was one that a mark was placed on. But that was long before Noah and so one or more of Noah’s sons must have had an interracial marriage and I am sure she was a wonderful woman to have been one of those preserved during the flood. Race is beautiful! And if you believe doctrine is taught in the hymns of our church, according to W.W. Phelps, “there is no end to race…” LDS hymnbook hymn #284 Seriously do you really think everyone in heaven will be white? I am sure they won’t and I am glad!
That said, I hope we will all vote based on a persons knowledge, abilities and moral character…not their religion, race or color. I had friends that voted for Obama just because he WAS black…that is as racist as not voting for someone because of their race or religion.

By: Val

Val — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:21:00 +0000

I was raised by a Catholic father and a mother who belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormon). The churches are very similar on many many teachings. I would like to state the answer to the question about gays. You can be gay, active and in good standing with the church. I have many friends who are that hold temple recommends (which means you hold to the highest of standards) they are simply celibate. Like many (most) religions LDS people believe you should never be engaged in sex unless lawfully married. Hence whether you are heterosexual or homosexual you should not follow your carnal urges.
There are many, many black Mormons around the world and many famous ones including the legendary Gladys Knight. Like so many other issues surrounding the church, the truth has been twisted and changed. Romney was right, if you want to know about his religion go directly to them. If I wanted to know how to prepare Chinese food I certainly would not make a trip to Rome and asked someone famous for pasta dishes. The mark of Cain was a dark mark, that of which many carry today. A mark against the soul. The Creator cares not what color your skin is, but cold blooded murder put a dark mark upon the soul. With modern day help we can rise above what our parents have done, but in the past clans have been noted for being either passive or violent.
I would never let an individuals religion influence who to vote for. It is their stand on the issues and integrity as a person that I look for. With this being said, I hope my answers will help clear up some issues. If you are wondering, I still highly respect the teachings of both the churchs I was raised in, along with the many others I have studied.

By: linda

linda — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:28:05 +0000

People, why don’t you really listen to what Romney has really said! Instead of putting your own opinions into his words. I have friends that have gay family members. I do not agree but that is their right and who am I to judge them? We are to love everyone.
When are people going to stop listening to others and get off the lazy chair and learn about issues from the real source. What is it with being a Mormon? If you knew what it really is all about you would not be making such stupid, unfounded remarks. One thing I will say about Romney is, he would be one of the most honest and concerned Presidents this nation has ever had.

By: Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis

Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:34:45 +0000

May all true Americans leave false religions behind and once again recognize Our Nation and Creed’s “E Pluribus Unum,”"Novus Ordo Seclorum,” and above all “Annuit Coeptis” are given to us in covenant by the Creator, direct. Seek Truth, pursue Justice, establish Righteousness, and abolish Evil – thereby serve G-d.
Truth and Justice is of G-d alone: Any who does not seek to hang Bush and Cheney for their manifest treason of 9/11 is not of G-d, or worthy of the name “American.”

By: Old American

Old American — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:10:43 +0000

If the LDS church didn’t wish to JUST TAKE OVER then why would they spend millions in CA against Prop.8 and billions for missionaries around the world to convert just because they are sooo rich and strong. Jefferson said it all when he said that religion built this nation but could ultimately take all the best AWAY. The freedoms of the mind and heart are already destroyed by most religions and LDS is very near the top of the list!

By: Bill Kilpatrick

Bill Kilpatrick — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:52:54 +0000

The question, “Is America ready for a Mormon president?” is getting tiresome but all politicians – Mormon or otherwise – should be prepared to answer basic questions about the connection between religious and political views.
Mormons don’t hold it a sin to be gay but they do consider homosexual sex to be a grave sin. This is a bit of a sandbag for Romney, who must straddle two worlds. For medical science and a growing number of people, homosexuality is a naturally-occurring phenomenon, one that forces us to stop treating gay people as perverts.
At my house, it’s reality. One of my sons is gay, and he’s a top student, a popular personality and the kind of kid his mother and I can only look upon with unqualified love and pride.
Oh, and we’re Mormons.
Romney is going to get these questions. He thinks his best strategy is to dodge them. I think it’s better to face them head-on. Regardless of what people think about Mormons, and regardless of what they dig up about the LDS Church, Romney can always speak from the heart and say what he, himself, thinks on a subject.
If he keeps dodging questions, he’s going to end up looking like he’s hiding something. Voters don’t like politicians who dodge questions.

By: OG

OG — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Can we say that some people are so desperate to get rid of a person of color running the country. They try to blame him for everything and say he has done nothing.
Can anyone imagine where we would be if they had elected McCain (left my wife for an heiress to buy political office and own several $$$$ homes) and Palin (I can see Alaska from my front yard)?
Your racism blind you to the truth.
Stop spinning and grabbing at straws and admit you can stand having a president that is not white.