Posted by
Conservative Wordsmith on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 11:19:44 PM
Conservative Wordsmith Susan Baldwin writes: This revised post was originally published on June 22, 2007. Since Mitt Romney has as good a chance as anyone to become the next United States President, I thought it might be a good idea to investigate just what it is that Mormons (Latter Day Saints) believe about war and pacifism.
Mormons believe in the teachings of Jesus about turning the other cheek, and forgiving and loving one’s enemies. However, they also believe, according to the Book of Mormon, that sometimes war is necessary. “Then there is acknowledgment that it is appropriate and sometimes required to take up arms in defense of one’s family, religion and freedom” (Alma 43:45-47; 46:12). They believe that “all political leaders are accountable to God for their governmental administrations” (D&C 134:1).
http://www.lightplanet.com/
mormons/basic/doctrines/
military/
war_peace_eom.htm
In light of the above quotations, I would like to mention that Governor Romney spoke to a conservative group yesterday, saying “there is a real war being waged by violent jihadists,” and wants to have different strategies for different countries that are prone to terrorism. He also said “We need more than a change in direction. We need a new course altogether.”
http://www.mittromney.com/
News/In-The-News/
Romney_Calls_For_New_Strategy_On_Terror
It would seem that Mitt Romney is taking the Mormon teaching about political leaders, mentioned above, quite seriously. Need I say more? It should be obvious even to the most devout Evangelical Christians that Mitt Romney is not on the “other” side of their political agendas. The Mormon teachings that I cited above, plus the words of Mitt Romney himself, suggest that he is definitely on the same side of the political fence as Evangelical Christians.
I know there are some evangelicals who have already decided they will never vote for Mitt Romney simply because he is a Mormon. I would suggest that they consider the historical ramifications of irrevocable intolerance, of the fact that millions of human beings have been tortured and killed for this reason. That includes William Tyndale, his good friend, John Frith,
http://www.williamtyndale.com/
0johnfrith1.htm and many of the Protestant Reformers to which these same evangelicals owe their own freedom of religion.
I ask my readers to click here
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/ to learn more about Mormon beliefs and teachings. Perhaps more people would be converted to Christianity if Evangelicals were to show the world that they are not intolerant and will vote for the best man, whoever he may turn out to be. Also, please click here to log on to Governor Mitt Romney’s official site, and learn more about his opinions before jumping to unfounded conclusions.
http://www.mittromney.com/?cid=townhallMy Related Posts
Why Persecute Mitt?
Did Mitt Win In Iowa?
Mitt and Ann's Amazing Mormon Grace
Vote "No" on Anti-Mormon Rhetoric
Good Mormon: Ancient Samaritan Parable?
Part 1 Of Why America Is Unique
Why America Is Unique - Part 2
Why America Is Unique - Part 3Why America Is Unique - Part 4
Is Pacifism Always Good?
*The original date of this revised post was
June 22, 2007.
Conservative Wordsmith Susan Baldwin, author of the Conservative Wordsmith Weblog, appreciates your thoughts and comments.