Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney and Religion

It seems that Mitt Romney will soon have a news conference to explain his Mormon faith to the nation. I will be interested in what he has to say because of the interest I have in The Church of Latter Day Saints and their incongruities with Christianity. Mormons active in their faith seem to live exemplatory lives that reflect good Christian morals and are to be applauded, but most Mormons don’t fully understand their faith and its belief incongruities with Christian doctrine. On the exterior it seems just fine but the deeper you go into their faith it becomes more evident that some central tenants of Mormonism are in direct opposition to Christian belief regarding Jesus Christ and the early Church. The typical Mormon is likely not fully aware of these conflicts and I wonder to what extent is Romney's understanding. None-the-less, I will absolutly not be basing my vote next November on the religion or Christian denomination which he or any particular candidate say they practice.

Religion is too easily manipulated to depend on what a person says they believe or on what they say motivates them. Pundits are quick to blame many of history's conflicts and problems on religion but an intellectual and serious study usually reveals many other causes with those in power using religion to their own means or as justification for what are otherwise dispictable actions. As a concerned electorate, we need to base our decisions not on what a person says they believe and not on the name of their denomination or religion. Instead we need to base our decisions on our own faith and beliefs, and then compare these to the actions and policies of those who hope to gain our votes. These speak far stronger than words.

I will not vote for anyone because they are Christian or Catholic, nor will I vote against someone because they are not. Instead I will look at their track record, their stated promises, and the likelihood that these promises will be kept. Then I will base my vote on how these fit into my own beliefs and political viewpoints. I cannot divorce myself from my religion because it is the center of who I am, but I will not vote based on someone saying their belief system is similar to mine. What do their actions and policies reveal? In a very close call I may choose someone who states beliefs similar to mine over someone who does not, but it will certainly not be a primary or even major factor. Now I will admit that I may have a real hard time not supporting the one candidate with an Italian heritage, but, paisono or not, in the end even this would be a minor consideration.

Many are comparing Mitt Romney’s upcoming news conference to John F. Kennedy’s speech about his being Catholic. That too was a red herring issue for those who had a hard time looking beyond their own prejudice. As his wife Jacquelyn said, 'I don’t know why everyone is so worried about Jack being Catholic … he’s such a poor one.' She had it right and the decision to vote or not vote for him should have been based on his actions and policies, not on a religion he professed but seldom practiced. Basing our vote on hard evidence and supportable policies will keep us from voting for someone who works against our own beliefs. Let’s keep open minds and look at the issues involved. There is far too much at stake to base our future on someone’s professed membership. What do we find revealed in their past actions and current supportable stands? Now these are important factors!

Father Steven Foppiano