The Democratic party have been very careful to not make this year's presidential election about the personal religious beliefs of a candidate, and we all can pretty much figure out why. However, that has not stopped the liberal media, in particular, from continually pressing Romney to be more open about his Mormon faith -- and suggesting that his lack, or refusal to do so, is evidence that his Mormon beliefs should be considered something odd, and mysterious, about him.
Liberals are banking on the idea that the more controversial, or weird, that Romney's Mormon faith can be presented to the public, the less likely they are going to be to vote for a Mormon. And as we all know, the liberal media have been diligently working to get every negative aspect about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints out there, to accomplish just that. We see this in a willingness, of the media, to pick up every perceived, negative story affiliated with the Church, originating both inside and outside of the Church -- creating a great opportunity for anyone with an ax to grind, or an agenda to promote, in opposition to the Church -- to have their story noised abroad.
Over the last few months we've seen numerous, negative stories about baptism for the dead, temple worship, the temple garment, homosexuality polygamy, Church finances, etc. -- All in hopes of casting a negative light on the Mormon faith, thus Mitt Romney. Through all of it, Romney has basically remained silent. Personally, I think that's been a good thing. I don't feel that any good would come if Romney spent his time out campaigning for POTUS discussing, or defending, Mormon beliefs, practices and policies, in the least.
What I do see as a positive, for Mitt Romney as a presidential candidate, is to focus his remarks around his personal experiences, as a Mormon -- and how this has formed him as a man people might want to get behind. I think that's more of what serious people are interested in, and not, per se, our doctrines, etc.
Those who are interested in the basic beliefs of Mormonism, are able to easily find credible information in numerous places online. Both Mormon.org and the LDS Newsroom are, in my opinion, excellent resources for investigation. And of course, the public is always welcome to visit our Sunday Services to meet our people, and ask their questions to those wonderful missionaries just waiting to do just that!
In fact, just recently Mitt Romney invited the press, who follow him on the campaign trail, to join him for his Sunday worship, pretty much doing exactly what I think he can, and should do, most effectively -- allow observation.
As members, we also have many opportunities to help those within our sphere of influence, who might have questions about what Mormons believe, to open our mouths and invite our friends to ask us -- a Mormon. I saw a member on Facebook post the invitation, to all of her friends, to ask her anything about the Mormon faith, and she would do her best to answer the questions.
Another member friend posted about an inquiry that his friend has, wanting to know what Mormons think about Mitt Romney? In both cases positive conversations are currently underway. Meanwhile other members of the Church are using Google + Hangouts to invite discussion on various gospel topics. What I gather from each of these examples is how we as members should use a proactive approach to sharing our faith. I appreciate that members are seizing this "Mormon Moment" to find out what people want to know about the Church, instead of waiting to be asked.
In an odd way, perhaps we should thank the media for opening some of these doors that cause people to wonder about what Mormons believe, as it has opened the way for many of us to discuss our faith.
Unfortunately, Mormons have always had to deal with the underlying suspicions that continue to be perpetuated by tho who oppose, and make difficult, the work of the Church. I don't think any of us, here, believe that this will change -- ever. That just means we take the negatives and create positives for sharing what we really do believe and think.
I'm an advocate of not mixing politics with religion, unless absolutely necessary. Some social issues may fall into this category, because they cross over into what people consider moral behavior. Regardless of our own political leanings I hope we can objectively share our Mormon faith with others who, during this political atmosphere, are interested to know more, without feeling any obligation toward either.
What parts of Mitt's Mormonism do you think he should share and/or avoid?
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
WBMW: Mormon in America: Did They Get Us Right?
Overall, most felt that a fair job was done, considering this was an outsiders' look at the Mormons -- but perhaps not balanced. Okay, I can live with that. And of course the fact that it was only an hour long program, with commercials -- giving little time to cover everything we would have liked to see.
LDS Newsroom:Political Neutrality
"The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established."
What I do see as a positive, for Mitt Romney as a presidential candidate, is to focus his remarks around his personal experiences, as a Mormon -- and how this has formed him as a man people might want to get behind. I think that's more of what serious people are interested in, and not, per se, our doctrines, etc.
Those who are interested in the basic beliefs of Mormonism, are able to easily find credible information in numerous places online. Both Mormon.org and the LDS Newsroom are, in my opinion, excellent resources for investigation. And of course, the public is always welcome to visit our Sunday Services to meet our people, and ask their questions to those wonderful missionaries just waiting to do just that!
In fact, just recently Mitt Romney invited the press, who follow him on the campaign trail, to join him for his Sunday worship, pretty much doing exactly what I think he can, and should do, most effectively -- allow observation.
As members, we also have many opportunities to help those within our sphere of influence, who might have questions about what Mormons believe, to open our mouths and invite our friends to ask us -- a Mormon. I saw a member on Facebook post the invitation, to all of her friends, to ask her anything about the Mormon faith, and she would do her best to answer the questions.
Another member friend posted about an inquiry that his friend has, wanting to know what Mormons think about Mitt Romney? In both cases positive conversations are currently underway. Meanwhile other members of the Church are using Google + Hangouts to invite discussion on various gospel topics. What I gather from each of these examples is how we as members should use a proactive approach to sharing our faith. I appreciate that members are seizing this "Mormon Moment" to find out what people want to know about the Church, instead of waiting to be asked.
In an odd way, perhaps we should thank the media for opening some of these doors that cause people to wonder about what Mormons believe, as it has opened the way for many of us to discuss our faith.
Unfortunately, Mormons have always had to deal with the underlying suspicions that continue to be perpetuated by tho who oppose, and make difficult, the work of the Church. I don't think any of us, here, believe that this will change -- ever. That just means we take the negatives and create positives for sharing what we really do believe and think.
I'm an advocate of not mixing politics with religion, unless absolutely necessary. Some social issues may fall into this category, because they cross over into what people consider moral behavior. Regardless of our own political leanings I hope we can objectively share our Mormon faith with others who, during this political atmosphere, are interested to know more, without feeling any obligation toward either.
What parts of Mitt's Mormonism do you think he should share and/or avoid?
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
WBMW: Mormon in America: Did They Get Us Right?
Overall, most felt that a fair job was done, considering this was an outsiders' look at the Mormons -- but perhaps not balanced. Okay, I can live with that. And of course the fact that it was only an hour long program, with commercials -- giving little time to cover everything we would have liked to see.
LDS Newsroom:Political Neutrality
"The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established."
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore
A very well written post. I feel that both his wife and him will address some things about their faith. This is a great post to be shared.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
Mitt Romney was forged (as many who read this blog were) by his experiences (and challenges) living the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Anybody who thinks that being LDS is easy when you're living a public life needs to have their bolt re-threaded. I think that he should discuss how faith is an essential part of his life and let it go at that. The Mainstream Media's bias will spray paint it anyway they want to anyway.
ReplyDeleteLet America then choose between the metrosexual, utopian socialist with an islamic and anti-American bent (and his senile, drunk vice president) and Romney/Ryan and live with their choice.