Prediction of Romney Mormon Speech Thursday 12/6/2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007 Labels: religion 4 commentsMitt Romney is scheduled to make a speech concerning his Mormon faith Thursday December 6, 2007 (article). Many are questioning the idea if it will benefit his chances at winning the republican nomination. Mike Huckabee’s strong surge is mainly credited to evangelical Christians.
"This speech is an opportunity for Governor Romney to share his views on religious liberty, the grand tradition religious tolerance has played in the progress of our nation and how the governor's own faith would inform his presidency if he were elected," Kevin Madden, a campaign spokesman, said in a statement. "Governor Romney understands that faith is an important issue to many Americans, and he personally feels this moment is the right moment for him to share his views with the nation."
I think this is a mistake that will backfire. As I understand it, Romney will not talk about any Mormon theology, but rather religious freedoms and possibly some similarities between Mormonism and Christianity. The majority of Christians do not believe Mormonism to be a part of Christianity for many reasons, one in particular is the fact it added to the Bible. Romney will not answer questions to the likes of where he believes the Garden of Eden was, thus resulting in people being disappointed in the speech and possibly being turned off by him if he equates Mormonism with Christianity.
Others try and compare this situation to the one experienced by John F. Kennedy and his Catholic faith. I do not view this similar at all. First, the main skepticism regarding Kennedy was the fear that he would take orders from the Pope. However, more importantly even though Protestants and Catholics have some doctrinal disputes, they would both view each other as Christians.
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UPDATE
Doctrine doesn't matter to Romney:
“There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church’s beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance.”
Romney's attempt for plurality is theologically retarded at best. I hope people do not fall for smooth talking and well written speech, but look at the motive.
He's desperate.
He might as well call it quits. First the media comparing him to Kennedy is a battle he wont win. Too much hype.
Second, you are absolutely right (finally someone). This is NOT like Kennedy. Kennedy didnt have to prove his religion wasnt a cult. Kennedy had to prove independence. Romney is in a lose-lose situation. The evangelicals will jump ship to Huck quicker now.
Thanks for posting on my blog. After reading the transcript today, it seems like it wasn't what a lot of people were expecting, including myself. This doesn't put him in the clear though. Expect over the next couple of weeks reports of, "Well, he didn't go into his beliefs, but let's take a close look at his religion to see what he does believe". This is what's going to hurt him.
We added you to our page btw, thanks for adding us! THe best part of Romneys speech is that it made his religion fair game. If he is having these issues in the Republican primary race, just wait (if he wins) to see what the Liberals will do to him! ...I am alctually pulling for Romney simply for the great dirty politics we will have all next year. That is where my values lie.