An Odd Approach
Robert Novak discusses the new film "September Dawn" which describes a century-old massacre perpetrated by Mormons.
Novak notes that "Today's Mormons, including Romney, cannot be blamed for those events." He later concedes that "Mitt Romney surely is not responsible for Brigham Young . . ." Even so, Novak seems to criticize Governor Romney for failing to "seize[] this issue [of religious bias against him], thinking it so wrongheaded that it will go away."
It's hard to see what else Governor Romney can do. Is it really productive, or even wise, to ask him to take on the role of defender of the Mormon faith? How is it helpful for him to enter the historical controversy about Brigham Young's role (or lack thereof) in ordering a massacre?
And is it really fair to expect the Governor to convene a national seminar on his faith? Or to have to apologize for every mistake his co-religionists have made (would anyone have expected John Kennedy to take a position on the Spanish Inquistion?), especially when those mistakes aren't relevant to any issue at play in the campaign?
It strikes me as odd that Novak, a dedicated Catholic himself, would take such a dim view of Romney's efforts to keep theology out of the presidential race.
Novak notes that "Today's Mormons, including Romney, cannot be blamed for those events." He later concedes that "Mitt Romney surely is not responsible for Brigham Young . . ." Even so, Novak seems to criticize Governor Romney for failing to "seize[] this issue [of religious bias against him], thinking it so wrongheaded that it will go away."
It's hard to see what else Governor Romney can do. Is it really productive, or even wise, to ask him to take on the role of defender of the Mormon faith? How is it helpful for him to enter the historical controversy about Brigham Young's role (or lack thereof) in ordering a massacre?
And is it really fair to expect the Governor to convene a national seminar on his faith? Or to have to apologize for every mistake his co-religionists have made (would anyone have expected John Kennedy to take a position on the Spanish Inquistion?), especially when those mistakes aren't relevant to any issue at play in the campaign?
It strikes me as odd that Novak, a dedicated Catholic himself, would take such a dim view of Romney's efforts to keep theology out of the presidential race.
posted by LadybugUSA at 9:59 AM
4 Comments:
I agree. To be honest I personally don't think Mitt Romney should have to apologise for the Mormon faith. That's for Mormon leaders to do.
However, if people think that the President should reflect Christian morals in his behaviour and initiate Christian-based laws for society... then people should be worried about Mitt Romney.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is historically connected with the Christian faith, but its beliefs and theology is not Christian at all. For those who believe the Bible, Mormons are not Christians.
And if we elect a Catholic - the Pope will run the country. If we elect a Jew, Christian childrens' blood will be used to prepare the Matzos for the White House Passover Seder.
Let look at the man and his personal values.
OSO, you Really need to study the US constitution. You don't understand it.
I understand OSO's point. It is possible for a Mormon to act in a Christian manner, without being Christian. There may be those who are fearful of a Mormon in office, but I think the vast majority of Christians are more fearful of what they know about Democrats to let Romney lose should he get the party nod.
Personally, I'd prefer a good Christian for president over any other, followed by a good Jew were my first choice not available. After that, it's track record all the way. I don't apologize for this at all. But people of faith, particularly from a Judeo-Christian tradition reflect better the mindset of our founders. Atheists don't. They, too, can behave in a very Christian-like manner, but are ruled by their own concepts of right and wrong, and humans are notoriously lacking in a truly objective knowledge of such.
Marsh -
Gotta disagree on this one. I am an Adult member of Boy Scouts. The LDS Church has adopted Scouting as their male youth program.
In that role I have met many Mormons and spent quite a bit of time with them. I cannot talk to the philosphical issue, I am not a Christian. The people that I have met are superb people. We share a belief on our basic value system. We have the same love of G-d and country. Most of all we all have the same belief in the ultimatre value of a strong family. Unfortunately they make horrible coffee (or some cafeen free version of it) on camping trips.
I think we can look beyond the specifics about religion and just evaluate the the character of the person.
As a Jew I realize that I live in a predominately Christian nation. But I believe that the Individual, not the individual's affiliation is the key point.
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