DISQUS

Rachel-
I was just stating what the word religion actually means (A system of beliefs). Now whether or not Romney meant it to be defined that way is left up to each person. On Romney's webstie today at 2:30pm he is taking questions about the faith speech and I plan on asking him about the statement we are discussing. The reason that I'm optimistic about the true definition of religion is because since I joined the LDS church "religion" has always been defined this way by members who would be considered educated. Romney fits this description and his record doesn't indicate otherwise. I acutally didn't even consider this statement as meaning anything else until I saw criticism of the speech on CNN. Anyways, you could be right or maybe he used the word the way he knew how. Maybe he did it on purpose to appeal to evangelicals and to be able to technically say that he wasn't excluding anyone. It will be interesting in seeing how he answers this question today. Sweet story by the way. I hope there wasn't some underlying insult by comparing me to a 5th grader:)

I'm just going to ignore the first comment since it's obvious that he or she is an ignorant fool with little or no knowledge of LDS doctrine. Rachel - I think people are jumping to the wrong conclusions with Romney's faith speech. "Freedom requires religion"? Yes! Why? Well first, one must understand what religion is. It is a belief in something or something someone is devoted to. This includes Jews, Mormons, Baptists, Catholics, and yes Atheists also. Romney said he wants all religions (beliefs) welcome in the public square, and frankly that's what freedom is all about.

Will:

I am glad that you don't care what Romney believes. From the article, however, it look like you did, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. In the end, I agree with what Mike wrote. I leave it at that, unless you have anything to add.

Once again you've provided no support for your point on Romney. I never mentioned Bush (who I did not vote for by the way). If your tryihg to say that all republicans that end up in the white house is going to be like bush, than your argument is quite shallow. Haven't you noticed that the republican canidates have been separating themselves from Bush and trying to tie themselves to Reagan? Now even Romney feels it important to argue over the finer points of Christian doctrine in order to persuade voters that his brand of Christian theology is right for the White House? Another huge assumption which has absolutely no grounds. This doesn't sound like fear to me, it sounds more like paranoia. If you would recall, It was Romney who has tried to avoid this speech since the beginning of his campaign. He hasn't even spoken yet and you have already reached a conclusion. You say that I'm numb? Why, because I base my conclusion on Romney's record. Remember, I'm not talking about Bush here. By the way, you still haven't explained your insult on Mormonism. Let me guess, you assume that Mormons are crazy also with out knowing the facts of the religion. I sense a trend. Good luck to you and Good morning!!!...It's time for you to wake up!

So your point basically is that your afraid of your own assumption that Romney or these other canidates will insert their religion into the Government. In what specific issues are you afraid that Romney will do this? Does he have a record of doing this? And how does this validate your insult on Mormonism. I agree that they each have different interpretations of their scriptures, but since when has Romney tried to leverge "those books" in his political campaign? Provide support, don't just assume.

Rachel,
Your right on the "In God we trust" thing. Sorry for the misinformation. The point I'm trying to make, however, was that no one can say for sure that the founding fathers believed that religion should not have a role in Government. I do believe in the separation church and state, but I'm afraid that people try to overstep boundaries on both sides of the argument. I think that it is embarrasing that Romney has to explain his religious doctrines to become President. I understand that people want to make sure that his church will not influence his Presidency, but he's already said that it wont. Can he do anymore than that? It's obvious that Christian Conservatives (mostly extremists) just want to put him on the "hot seat" to pick at doctrinal issues which would be impossible to explain in that amount of time and through that type of forum. Sorry, I'm kind of ranting now. Back to the article. Why did he bash Romney and Mormonism to make his point about religion in government. Romney seems to be a victim of his point (which is valid by the way), and Mormonism has always stated that members should always obey, honor, and sustain the law. (LDS 12th article of faith) This would apply to any mormon as President and the Constitution would fall under the law part. I'm not the brightest person in the world, so if I'm just missing the connection, please clarify.

I understand the point of the article, but it was done poorly. "Can a Mormon who believes in magic glasses and golden tablets win the white house?" Are you kidding me. If your going to make a point about the separation of church and state try not to insult a religion with false comments which, obviously, you know nothing about. The founding fathers believed that religion had no role? Oh yeah, like when they talk about being endowed by a creator, divine providence, in God we trust, or the countless number of times the founding fathers have stated, in their own histories, how thier faith has helped them during difficult times in office. Once again, it is obvious that your talking about something you know nothing about. I get your main point, and yes their is reason for concern. That concern, should not come from Romney since the point he has been trying to make is that he believes in the separation of church and state. Romney will explain how his Mormon faith is a very good thing for America? Who said this? I'm not criticizing, I checked the link and I couldn't find it. If that statement was from the Romney camp please give me the source. If he didn't, then what's up with that?