Romney "has held the offices of Mormon Missionary, Missionary Zone Leader, assistant to the Mission President... Bishop and Stake President over approximately 12 churches"

Maybe Romney’s Mormonism isn’t as casual as some of us thought. ”An indoctrinated Mormon should never be elected as President

Discussion

As I move (some would say slither) between my comfortable conservative Christian world and my contacts outside “The Village”, I heard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5lCYqn2jcs] “I Believe” from The Book of Mormon. I would have some serious doubts about voting for someone who holds to Mormon doctrine.

"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan

that he has some governing skills and the demonstrated ability to advance in a large organization.

That is why they are selected … not theological skills but “governing skills” and the “demonstrated ability” to “advance in a large organization.” Business. Business. And more successful business adaptation.

Non-LDS really can’t compare LDS bishops with pastors who are given to the Word and prayer. And neither should LDS compare these types of pastors with their LDS bishops. Not advantageous at all. The offices are worlds apart in how they work.

And it would be profitable for the non-LDS who are engaged in outreach to acquaint themselves with the writings of Bushman.

It seems to me that there are only two legitimate concerns about Romney’s candidacy:

1. If he really believes all the bizarre elements of Mormon doctrine, including the things that are demonstrably counter-historical (which I find impossible to fathom), aren’t his intelligence and discernment in question?

2. If he doesn’t really believe the bizarre stuff, isn’t his integrity in question (because he professes to be a faithful Mormon)?

The concern about superior loyalty to the Mormon church is reminiscent of the concern about Kennedy’s loyalty to the Pope. I just don’t see any likelihood in the real world that there would ever be a situation where there would be a conflict, let alone that he would be able to resolve the conflict in favor of Mormonism over the country.

The concern about raising the profile of Mormonism seems overstated and/or way too late. We’ve had too many Mormons in government (U.S. Solicitor General and many other positions in the Justice Department, governors, Congressmen, etc.), entertainment, and other high profile places for a Mormon presidential candidate (or winner) to be any seismic event.