Sunday, October 16, 2011

Mitt Romney's Mormonism is the Best Thing About Him

The New York Times has a substantial article about Mitt Romney's days as head of the Latter Day Saints in Boston. He comes across as solid in his faith, walking the talk, helping those in need, and serving as a low-key liaison between the Mormon church and a sometimes suspicious surrounding community.  He seems especially strong as a traditional Mormon husband and father - and the LDS is a church that makes something of a specialty of family life.

He also comes across as stiff and reserved, which matches his political persona.  That seems to be the way he is, which is no real criticism.

This article has been helpful to me, because Romney has changed his political positions so often that I was wondering if he really believed in anything.  I am glad to see that on the core issues of faith and family, he is consistent and reliable.  His faith is not mine, but I honor his fidelity to it.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mitt Romney was in his 30's and a card carrying member when Mormons still forbid black people from any real level of even minor church leadership.

Anonymous said...

co[Should add that it wasn't until the late 70's (1978) that mormons changed the bylaws, we're talkin' way behind the times as they say.

Gruntled said...

Yes, his faith is not mine. But changing church policy is not something that local leaders can do - the LDS church is not at all a democracy.

Francis said...

Most religions are evolving, hopefully Islam will but we all have skeletons in our closets. Mr. Obama attended a church led by a racist for twenty years and was elected president. Let's criticize policies not religious beliefs.

Francis said...

I don't think Mormons carry cards.

Jamie P. said...

It's also good for Mr. Obama because the left wing will continue to harp on his religion. In fact the whisper has already started here as we post.

Gruntled said...

Actually, I haven't heard anything from the left. I have heard some conservative ministers say Mormonism is a cult.

Jamie P. said...

You haven't been listening to MSNBC then.

Gruntled said...

What have you heard on MSNBC? I have heard some liberals say that they think evangelicals will object to his Mormonism, but I have heard many liberals object to his Mormonism in the name of liberalism.

Anonymous said...

Beliefs, including religious ones, determine policies. One's beliefs are important indicators about how you make choices and live your life. If we invest political power in particular individuals why would we not take those beliefs into account with elections and criticize silly or bigoted beliefs (as you did for Obama in your post Francis).