Submitted by Dave Dixon, Sep 9, 2007 04:44

Yes, that's exactly what he believes, in reference to the last comment, on 'question' concerning Jesus Christ. That's where Mormon's have gotten a bad rap for a long time, but it's exactly what they preach. People get confused because they also teach that Jesus Christ has asked us to follow Him, and that includes how we live our lives. But they do believe that Jesus Christ is the Way and the ONLY way to return back to the Father, in Heaven. Ask any Mormon around. It's the truth.

And on the rest of the question, I believe that's a very legitimate concern, can any Leader lead in a 'separated church/state' government who has strong ties to a Church? A good question, and important. A Faith is a belief system, separation of Church and State is a liberty. Those who do 'practice religion' have their own belief system, something that frames and governs how they approach decisions in all different situations. Within religious communities or without, even among athiests, there is a system of beliefs or framework which governs their actions. All have it. It is not a good government, especially not one based on the principles of 'of the people by the people' which requires the men and women who lead it to abandon all or any of those moral, or otherwise, frameworks. In fact, if you take a moment to think about it, the thought or idea of a person who is not guided by any greater framework than self-preservation and promotion is a terrible thought. We need those who serve, the Mormons, the Baptists, the Hindus, the Muslims, even the moral Atheists, those who believe they are serving something greater than themselves. And within that, who prize above all the liberty and freedom for each to choose for himself the path and allegiances he will have for life, across all religions and paths of life.

What we need are those who believe, in something, at the very least, and believe firmly; and in who's system of belief exists a very firm respect for securing the individual free exercise of conscience. This is not shadowed by any individuals' personal beliefs and moral frameworks, but rather is made stronger by it. How can any have a respect for the right to personal decision, belief, or bias if one has decisions, beliefs, or biases they themselves are grateful to have protected? All are 'biased', whether to 'believe' or to 'not believe.' And it is the right to that bias, or in other words those individual guiding lights, which we protect. In finish, to ask if one who believes so strongly themselves in something can be trusted to respect the beliefs and liberties of others is a very understandable question, but it is the alternative where we find our answers. To find those who are unbridled by any moral code or systems of beliefs, or to desire to strip those who lead of those biases, is to strip our leaders of the codes and compasses which lead them to protect, serve, and seek after the rights and liberties of all. What we need is not one who does not firmly believe in something themselves, what we need is someone who does believe, firmly, in something bigger than themselves and seeks to serve. We need those who believe to recognize there is something to protect. Liberty is the basis of all great religions; man's choice and opportunity to believe and follow. Because one does believe does not mean they will seek to keep other but will rather give them a reason to serve and something to protect.

Mitt Romney is a member of the LDS Faith, and it seems from all appearances a faithful and firm one. This causes me to trust him more. I can trust a man who gives his life to something bigger than himself and seeks to serve not God and men. Any great religion asks that of people, and those who truly respond are those who can be trusted with leadership positions.

Good question.

Great country.

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