02 January 2008

Priority: LDS Beliefs or Oath to Constitution?

Statement: " I cannot morally vote for a Mormon. The LDS church is just as controlling and anti-freedom as any ultra liberal democrat."

Response: Some people were disappointed when Romney didn't talk about the specifics of his religion in his "Faith in America" speech but if you know anything about the LDS faith you understand that Romney did share some very important parts of his faith:

First off, in the LDS' Articles of Faith (basic points of the church revered as scripture) it says:

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1)

Second, another Article of Faith states:

"We claim the privelege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privelege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1)

Anyone can worship/not worship as they will.

Third, LDS scripture also specifically speaks of the U.S. Consitution and the member's role in supporting it:

“And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them. And the law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land; I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free." (D&C 98:4-6,8)

Fourth, but certainly not the last of possible points, a statement quoted in the LDS church's official Ensign magazine by then President and prophet of the LDS church, Spencer W. Kimball:

“The Mormon people who are citizens of [the United States of America] today are intensely loyal to its Constitution and desire in every way to promote the God-given freedoms it was designed to protect. They have had experience with the tragedy that results when those freedoms are not protected, but this only feeds their determination to do all within their power to protect these freedoms, both for themselves and others, everywhere.” (Link)

You state that you can't vote for a Mormon because they are controlling and anti-freedom. I think you have your facts wrong. The LDS church has done nothing to show that they are against the founding documents of this land. In fact, they strongly support it. Freedom of choice is fundamental to LDS doctrine. It's based around it -- freedom to choose!

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