The Romney camp says a Focus on the Family video in which a top organizational official says Mitt Romney "has acknowledged that Mormonism is not a Christian faith, and I appreciate his acknowledging that" has its facts wrong, according to TIME's Swampland. The video, released as part of a presidential voter guide by the political arm of James Dobson's sprawling Colorado Springs group, attracted attention last week because of its generally glowing take on Romney, compared to more critical videos about Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Rudy Giuliani.
Here's what the Romney camp told TIME:
On Saturday, I read this quote to Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney's traveling press secretary. He did not hesitate or mince his words. "The governor has not made that acknowledgment," Fehrnstrom told me. "He has said that his belief is not the same as others. But there is no doubt that Jesus Christ is at the center of the LDS church's worship."In fact, the Church of Latter Day Saints, also know as the Mormon church, holds as a central belief that it is a Christian faith. This belief is a concern for some evangelical Christians, who see Mormonism as a competing religion. On the campaign trail, Romney has avoided discussing his faith in depth, and he has acknowledged that there are differences between his faith and others. But he has not been quoted saying Mormonism is not a Christian faith.
"Now some people define 'Christianity' differently," Fehrnstrom continued. "Some people believe that 'Christianity' is a group of evangelical churches. Others believe that 'Christianity' is any church that follows the teaching of Jesus Christ, and that is what the LDS church believes." I asked Fehrnstrom if that was also what Romney believed. He said yes.
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So Time can't even get the name of the church right?
"In fact, the Church of Latter Day Saints, also know as the Mormon church..."
The church is The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. Who purposely omitted the most important part of the name, particularly given the topic of this discussion. I hightly doubt it was the Romney camp, so it was either Time magazine or Beliefnet. Regardless, it is the type of thing that distorts the beliefs of Mormons, and it should stop.
I think it is somewhat refreshing to see a candidate who is not a puppet of political/interest groups. I have no issue with someone being wealthy. In fact, I would love to have someone leading the country with such well-rounded business and political experience. And hmm, is it better that he fund his campaign with his own money, or have the cigarette companies, or the lawyers, or ... pony up the cash for him? Maybe we don't trust people who are not in debt to others -- is that it? =o) If Mr. Romney is on a vanity quest, can't that be said of the rest of the candidates as well? From what I have seen, he has more to give up than any of the others, yet is interested enough in helping make American great and strong again that he is willing to do it. As opposed to other candidate(s) who have seemed to spend a lifetime milking their governmental status and power. So I look at character too, and if that were the only criteria for voting, my vote would go to Romney hands down.
New Hampshire ... newspapers ... anti-endorsements. I, for one, have learned to do my own research rather than listen to the newspapers. They hardly ever get a movie review right, let alone be unbiased in their political "news." The fact that he won an election in New Hampshire, and all the good he did for that state (can you imagine the entire country with a balanced budget?!!!), well, chalk up another one for ol' Mitt.
Really, what is there about him that doesn't scream "best qualified!"? Not only does he have the experience in business, government, etc., but he has been successful at it all. It's amazing how highly everyone thought of him until he started campaigning for President. If he is as successful with running the country as he was in business, in the Olympics, and as a Governor, just imagine that. Are we afraid to be successful as a country again? I, for one, do not want to step aside and invite some other nation to take our place.
So character is important, and results are important. Look at what they have done in the past, with both their private and public lives. Take their past results and overlay that on the position they are being considered for, then pray your heart out to make the best choice, and have faith that you will recognize and accept the answer. That's what I do, because as smart as I think I am, it's nice to have confirmation ;)
Chris B.'s comment above where he calls Mitt Romney a "phony" and doubts his character is really troubling. Whether you like the man's politics or not, there is a lot to be said about this man and the life he's led. He is a husband who has only had one wife and if he's an active LDS guy, has lived a life of fidelity and loyalty to only her. They have raised five good boys. He has served in his church in many capacities and is now trying to serve his country. This is what a lot of people do when they get older, have the resources and want to give back somehow. Some volunteer in other ways. Why does it have to be assumed that it is all ego? I came from a different upbringing than Romney but devoutly Christian. Christianity is not just a profession of belief in Jesus Christ, but it is also about believing what he said. The truly humble people of this earth live close to the Lord and speak their Christianity by their actions and kindness and goodness. I want to be on their team!
BeliefNet is partnered with Time Magazine and ABC News - - somehow the printing of hateful articles about Romney is not entirely surprising. I liekd BeliefNet much better when it was an independent entity and truly focused on the fairness regarding all religions.
I find it strange that the fist commenter would Judge Romney for spending his own money on the campaign. He acts as if he knows everything else Romney has spent his money on. I'm sure part of it went to selfish living expenses while he was Governor of Mass. since he took no salary from the state, or it could have started sooner when he accepted $1 for his work at the Olympics. Sure signs of a selfish man.
I am certain that Romney has donated millions to charity, but that is one area it appears in not one where he tots his own horn. He i running for Preisdent of the USA! You should also realize that his use of his 50 million or whatever amounts of dollars in the campaign will help thousands of people in their jobs, and provide many jobs for americans. I saw a man on 60 minutes this year who had spent 100 million on the building of a sailboat. They wanted him to look bad for it, and selfish. I thought how many people were able to feed their families because this ship was built. They also showed some of his contributions to charity, but in my opinion it is better to keep people off charity by providing jobs, and still give some to the charity of their choice.
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