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TechnographMitt's Mormonism question is unfair
By Scott Green
Posted: 8/22/07 Section: Opinion Columns
Do you believe, as most Mormons do, that Joseph Smith found gold plates that only he could read, that American Indians are descended from two of the lost tribes of Israel, or that God has a real body of flesh and bones? I don't. I also don't believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, you get 72 virgins when you die, or that a spaceship following Comet Hale-Bopp will beam you up if you design Web sites and wear Nikes. If the stories of current major world religions were told to an independent, objective person previously unaware of the existence of religion, he would find them all to be of approximately equal plausibility, probably on par with the realism of "Star Trek."
Judging a person for their religious label is a fool's errand. Religious people tend to have their beliefs pounded into their heads from birth, and a 3-year-old in church is in no position to intellectually challenge what she's being told by Mommy and Daddy or the man on the pulpit. Are all Mormons the same? Not any more than all Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Shintos or Zoroastrians. Not any more than all marathon runners, bakers, grandparents or college students.
If I consider a religion's tenets particularly weird, I'd be far more wary of someone who converted as an adult - say, a fighter pilot/sports agent who believes an alien named Lord Xenu dropped the frozen souls of other aliens into Earth's volcanoes and that somehow this is the reason humans are unhappy. (Note to Scientologists: L. Ron Hubbard was a brilliant visionary. Please don't sue me.)
What matter are Romney's moral compass, integrity and political stances. The name of his religion ranks on the relevance scale right between shoe size and haircut. If I don't cast a vote for Romney next year, it won't be because of his religion. It will be for his policies.
Judging a person for their religious label is a fool's errand. Religious people tend to have their beliefs pounded into their heads from birth, and a 3-year-old in church is in no position to intellectually challenge what she's being told by Mommy and Daddy or the man on the pulpit. Are all Mormons the same? Not any more than all Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Shintos or Zoroastrians. Not any more than all marathon runners, bakers, grandparents or college students.
If I consider a religion's tenets particularly weird, I'd be far more wary of someone who converted as an adult - say, a fighter pilot/sports agent who believes an alien named Lord Xenu dropped the frozen souls of other aliens into Earth's volcanoes and that somehow this is the reason humans are unhappy. (Note to Scientologists: L. Ron Hubbard was a brilliant visionary. Please don't sue me.)
What matter are Romney's moral compass, integrity and political stances. The name of his religion ranks on the relevance scale right between shoe size and haircut. If I don't cast a vote for Romney next year, it won't be because of his religion. It will be for his policies.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
Zachariah Parry
posted 8/23/07 @ 8:48 AM CST
You may not believe in God, but at least you believe in honest reporting.
George
posted 8/23/07 @ 9:55 AM CST
Consider adding one more item to your list of things "that matter" about Romney or any other candidate for President. HIS/HER ABILITY TO BE THE CEO OF OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!
Keep in mind that Romney is running for President, the head of the EXECUTIVE branch. (Continued…)
mish
posted 8/23/07 @ 10:50 AM CST
Sure a candidate's religion is fair game because that affects (or should affect) his convictions. Would you want Mittmoud Romnidinejad, a Wahhabi Muslim, for President? Of course not. (Continued…)
Scott
posted 8/23/07 @ 11:08 AM CST
This storyline is getting stale. (yawn) I like what Mr. Romney has to say, he has been a great business man and he is doing well as a politician. Mormons are good neighbors and citizens. (Continued…)
Erlenmeyer
posted 8/23/07 @ 12:14 PM CST
"Judging a person for their religious label is a fool's errand. Religious people tend to have their beliefs pounded into their heads from birth, and a 3-year-old in church is in no position to intellectually challenge what she's being told by Mommy and Daddy or the man on the pulpit. (Continued…)
Erlenmeyer
posted 8/23/07 @ 12:18 PM CST
Why are there so many Pro-Romney articles in the DI? Where is the coverage of other candidates....why do they not receive similar attention?
Jason
posted 8/23/07 @ 1:09 PM CST
"What matter are Romney's moral compass, integrity and political stances. The name of his religion ranks on the relevance scale right between shoe size and haircut. (Continued…)
columnistalum
posted 8/23/07 @ 2:43 PM CST
Erlenmeyer, Einstein and Darwin held such "ridiculous beliefs" themselves..ah, what did they know anyway?
Brian
posted 8/23/07 @ 2:58 PM CST
I believe the true religions of the world, snake-handling and sun-worshipping are getting a bad rap because of people like Romney who use their religious beliefs to justify stupidity and ineptitude. (Continued…)
sloagm
posted 8/24/07 @ 2:08 PM CST
First of all Mish has the absolute funniest transformation of Romney's name...I loved it. But I do support Romney.
Erlenmeyer's dismissal of Romney outright due to his beliefs is, itself, irrational. (Continued…)
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