26 October 2011
In Light of the Recent Hubbub about Romney and Mormonism
I recently published a post that dealt with one of Rick Perry's supporters (an evangelical pastor) who discounted Mitt Romney's presidential bid based upon his adherence to the Mormon faith. While not holding Mormons as orthodox in their beliefs, I questioned the wisdom of giving a religious test to a candidate for elective office, basing my argument on the US Constitution. I found this article by Thomas Kidd of Baylor University of interest in relation to the issue of Mormons in office, religious tests, etc. I also found the dichotomy of evangelical attitudes toward Romney and Glenn Beck, another Mormon, quite interesting. I must admit I've questioned why this is the case myself, and at least one commenter on my Facebook link to my previous post on the topic has also questioned this issue.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Kidd's article is great. Romney's faith does not cause me to vote for him or against him to be honest. I'll vote for an agnostic who belives (among a few other things) in religious freedom. I like his phrase 'alliances for the public good.' Thanks for sharing that Chris. I'm afraid we are confusing the 2 kingdoms and becoming more excited/trusting in the kingdom of man. I sensed it in 1980 when evangelicals rushed to Reagan with a lot of hope that 'revival' would come via the White House. Hope you and the family are doing well. Keep posting WHEN you have time. Pete
ReplyDeletePete,
ReplyDeleteThe family is doing well. I, too, enjoyed the article. I don't think a religious test is appropriate for those running for political office. The ironic thing about 1980 was the fact that Carter actually went to church and taught Sunday School (whether you agree with all of his opinions), while Reagan was not a member of any religious body.
I'm not sure that theological conservatism necessarily corresponds to the current political conservatism. Much of the libertarian move today seems to have more in common with Social Darwinian survival of the fittest than it does with Christianity. The hatred of all things government that these guys preach reminds me of the end of Judges. There was "freedom" with everyone doing what was right in their own eyes, but it wasn't exactly a good thing.
I used to teach that the most extreme socialists had too high a view of human nature. I still hold that view, but I now also believe that extreme capitalists either have too high a view of human nature or that they understand basic human nature and think that it's a positive good. The Puritans for all their problems with freedom of thought actually enforced a special tax for the good of the poor/commonwealth.
To fully spell out all of my musings would probably take a book--that I may write at some point.
Grace and peace