This is the first segment in an ongoing series about Mitt Romney's religious beliefs.
As noted in my profile, I was a Mormon for over 30 years. During that time, I served in a number of capacities that gave me a unique knowledge about the church, including Elder's Quorum President, Ward Executive Secretary, Adult Gospel Doctrine Instructor (for over 8 years), Elder's Quorum Instructor, Assistant to the President (on my 2-year mission), Seminary President, etc. I would say that my knowledge of the LDS church is better than the average Mormon. When I attended church, I was often the person that others would turn to with difficult theological questions or to explain away problems with LDS truth claims (i.e., I was an LDS "apologist"). I read the Bible and the Book of Mormon dozens of times. I had hundreds of scriptural passages memorized. I was unquestionably a believing Mormon with a deep knowledge of the church's teachings and practices.
With the upcoming election, Romney's religious beliefs are in the spotlight. My perspective on the Mormon church might be interesting and possibly useful, especially to those who know nothing about Mormonism. This blog is not designed to be an exposé on Mormonism. There are plenty of blogs and discussion boards that do an excellent job on that front. My goal is to highlight certain unique doctrines of the LDS church that Romney likely believes and consider the implications of those beliefs.
Why is Romney's religion at all relevant to the election? I'll answer that question with an example. Suppose that Romney believed that a witch gave him a magic rock. The rock is inhabited by a spirit that can foretell the future, give advice, grant wishes, and provide magical protection. Suppose that Romney had already used the rock as Governor of Massachusetts to make certain decisions, such as the decision to oppose gay marriage, and that there is every reason to believe that he would use the rock as President of the United States to make important decisions about U.S. policy. Suppose that, in exchange for the rock, Romney swore an oath to the witch that he would implicitly obey her orders, and even sacrifice his life to her if necessary, in furthering her objectives.
Would anyone feel uncomfortable voting for Romney under these conditions? The facts, however, are not too far removed from this story. The only thing helping Romney is that rationally discussing religious beliefs is taboo in this country. People can believe in Xenu, radioactive volcanoes, Thetans, e-Meters, and all manner of "woo woo" (to quote The Amazing Randi), but demand "respect" in the form of not being questioned about embarrassing details of their religion.
I’m sure you simply haven’t been told but the demand for respect concerning people’s religious beliefs is largely based off of the idea that religious beliefs are held due to faith and personal inspiration, largely. Subjective as it comes off to others, it is very real to individuals. Others can question it all they want but no one will ever know the truth. It’s a dead end. Thus, its best to be wise and leave believers believing as they see fit. It would be silly to categorize Romney as one who was given a magic rock by a witch. He surely doesn’t see it that way, no matter how you wish it were so.
Some people might argue that Romney doesn't actually believe some of the more "out there" aspects of Mormonism. However, I have it on good authority from people who personally know Romney that he is a "true believer." What does this mean?
Initially, we know that Romney is a "temple-worthy" Mormon. In other words, he holds a temple recommend and can visit LDS temples. In order to obtain a temple recommend, Romney must answer fourteen questions, which include questions about his belief in God, the unique authority of the church, his non-affiliation with groups critical of the church, etc.
I would also include the following general traits of a true believing Mormon (TBM) to this list:
1. The Book of Mormon. In particular, the Book of Mormon is a literal history of ancient America.
Whateves. You well know a TBM can just as easily see the Book of Mormon as a literal history of some limited part of the Americas—and often they don’t even think of USA areas when they think about it. On that point, you are being deceptive.
2. The First Vision. Joseph Smith literally saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, who told him to not join other churches because they were "abominations."
Another deception. Read the words Joseph has attributed to God—“that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight”.
3. Restoration of Authority. The LDS Chuch is the only church that currently has the Priesthood, or the authority of God to officiate in certain "saving" ordinances, including baptism, which authority was "restored" under the hands of Jesus' ancient disciples, Peter, James, and John.
You got one right without need to deceive.
4. Continuing Revelation. The prophet of the LDS Church, Thomas S. Monson, is God's current oracle for revealing truth to the whole church (and the world).
Not bad. I have no quibbles here.
Not many LDS people would disagree with the foregoing list. It is very basic and goes to the core of what it means to be a Mormon. I realize that there are a few "liberal" Mormons who reject the historicity of the Book of Mormon, but such attitudes are not tolerated in most LDS congregations and would likely require lying to answer one or more of the temple recommend questions.
Future posts will explore various aspects of Romney's beliefs. I will stay away from some of the more controversial beliefs, because the truth is strange enough for outsiders.
I don’t know if you’ve intrigued me enough to stick with it. I guess we’ll see. Have fun.
