ROMNEY’S
MORMONISM: OFF-LIMITS FOR DISCUSSION?
By
Avraham Azrieli *
*Avraham Azrieli is the author of seven books, most recently, The Mormon
Candidate – A Novel.
As a candidate for the presidency, Gov. Mitt
Romney has consistently declined to discuss his relationship with The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (colloquially called the Mormon Church)
except to say that faith has played a central role in his life and success. This
coyness, in the context of the Mormon Church’s traditional secrecy as to its
temple rituals and financial activities, has intensified public interest. The
conflict is certain to heat up as the elections approach, and perhaps worsen
should he become president. Is Romney correct that his Mormonism belongs in a private
sphere, or are voters entitled to details of his religious commitments and
beliefs?
No
Religious Test for Office:
American separation of church and state, and
the resulting live-and-let-live religious co-existence, are inherent to our
civility and national success. The Mormon Church, despite its early history of
violent confrontations, and besides its lingering polygamous sub-denominations,
has evolved successfully into a rich and powerful organization. Its temples
tower over major cities, its charitable operations spring into action during
natural disasters, and its members participate prominently in American business
and political life. While Romney is the first Mormon to be nominated by a major
party for President, other Mormons have served honorably in top cabinet and
legislative positions, including Harry Reid as the current Majority Leader in
the Senate.
In fact, having most recently elected an
African-American president, U.S. voters’ pluralism needs no further proof. The
constitution unequivocally states that religious affiliation shall not be a test
for government service. The White House has been occupied by Anglicans,
Unitarians, and Protestants of various denominations, as well as by a Catholic and
a Quaker. There is no legal or moral barrier to preclude the presidency from a
Mormon candidate or, for that matter, a Seventh-day Adventist, a Scientologist,
or a Jehovah’s Witness.
Eligibility, therefore, is not the issue.
This is about the voters’ right to know vs. the candidate’s right to privacy.
More specifically, are questions about Romney’s religious positions and his
ecclesiastical priesthood jobs smack of religious bias, or are they legitimate
subjects for voters’ inquiry and consideration?
Is
Romney Different?
Two substantive differences distinguish Romney
from past presidential candidates. The first has to do with the seniority of
his priesthood position within the Mormon Church hierarchy, the second with his
level of adherence to specific theological doctrines that differ from mainstream
American values.
Romney’s
Uniqueness:
Romney is the first presidential candidate in
U.S. history to have served in senior ecclesiastical positions, rising to
“Stake President” – the chief priest over all the Mormons in the Boston region
– a position equivalent to a Catholic archbishop. Unlike the rank-and-file
church members, archbishop-level prelates in all faiths reach these positions
after decades of wholehearted commitment to church theology, conformity, and
missionary success. Such deep spiritual and emotional commitments do not vanish
overnight. Ecclesiastical seniority represents a lifelong pledge of total devotion
to the church and embrace of every tenet of its theological dogma.
Mormonism itself presents several unique
elements that stand out from modern American principles. Examples include the
duty of total obedience to the president of the church (who is a “living prophet”),
the paternalist rules that relegates women to subservient household roles, the LDS
sacred scriptures about the evil symbolized by dark skin, and the attribution
of all other Christian denominations to Satan.
As a contender for the White House who seeks
the ultimate powers of Commander in Chief, doesn’t Gov. Romney owe voters a
full and honest disclosure of what’s in his heart and on his mind? He admitted
as much in his 2007 speech Faith in America:
"Given our grand tradition of religious
tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an
aspiring candidate's religion that are appropriate. I believe there are. And I
will answer them today.”
But his speech, while eloquent and inspiring,
answered none of the pertinent questions with any specificity or facts.
Legitimate
Questions:
There are, therefore, a few relevant
questions voters may ask with respect to Gov. Romney’s commitments and beliefs.
First, is Romney still holding a high priesthood
position in the Mormon Church hierarchy? What are his ongoing commitments and
the scope of his apostolic roles? Is he still bound by any vows that would hinder
his ability to honor the oath of the office of President? How would he act when
the interests of his church conflict with the interests of his country?
Second, how does Romney reconcile those
elements of Mormon theology that conflict with mainstream American values:
Total obedience, which negates the cherished personal freedom our nation was
born to protect, female subservience, which is offensive to the long-fought-for
gender equality, skin color, which no longer serves as a measure of a person’s
humanity except by bigots lurking in the darkest corners of our society, and invoking
Satan in reference to other peoples’ faiths, which is something we usually hear
from Teheran or Afghanistan.
Conclusion:
In fairness, all religions carry with them
theological elements that have become anachronistic or odd. Mormons by and
large have shown by their wholesome family lives and success in every field
that they are an integral part of American society. They are entitled to
unbiased respect and full participation in national leadership. Religious
tolerance, avoidance of bigotry, and respect for religious freedom are at the
foundation of our civilized society. But tolerance goes both ways, giving
voters the right to ask difficult questions without fear of being attacked as
prejudiced.
In every church system, including the LDS, strict
orthodoxy is perpetuated by the senior leaders, such as Gov. Romney, who spend
years studying, teaching, and enforcing old dogmas. For that reason, it would
be hard to imagine JFK winning a presidential election had he been a Roman Catholic
archbishop, rather than the casual congregant who publicly disagreed with his
church on social issues.
American voters – especially those who are inclined
to support Gov. Romney – are entitled to know his faith positions on women,
race, other religions, and total obedience to the president of the Mormon
Church. The candidate’s openness would clear away the fog of secrecy that has tainted
his otherwise earnest campaign, and voters will appreciate his honesty as they
prepare to select the nation’s next leader.
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* Avraham Azrieli, a graduate of Columbia Law
School in NYC, is the author of THE MORMON CANDIDATE – A Novel, a new political
thriller based on extensive research of the Mormon Church. For interested
readers, a bibliography of primary sources appears at the end of the novel.
The Mormon Candidate – A Novel by Avraham Azrieli – Initial Reviews:
“A fast-paced political thriller that will have you wanting to turn the page until the very end … thoroughly entertaining! Weaving well-researched details of Mormon history and rituals with political intrigue, fast action and well-rounded characters, THE MORMON CANDIDATE … will leave readers wanting more.” Goodreads.
“Many twists and turns … engaging and exciting … intertwining fact and fiction ... action-packed … the characters which simply jump off the page … great book for anyone who loves fast paced political thrillers. I highly recommend it!” Dad of Divas.
“Born in Provo, Utah, a fifth generation Mormon … I loved reading this book, found it very true to Mormon practices. I couldn't put it down.” Pinecrest.
“If you like reading David Baldacci and Dan Brown you will absolutely love this book! Exciting plot twists, interesting characters and well-researched and detailed historical facts … extremely quick read. This book has all the ingredients to make a Best Seller.” DeKing on Books.
“A motorcycle accident during a veteran's ride … takes readers past politics and into the world of the Mormon Church. It is an eye-opening discovery of just what the church is about and why they choose to stay so secretive.” Book Review Bin.
“THE MORMON CANDIDATE presents a surprisingly well-balanced view of a minority religion that has assumed far greater importance -- politically, economically, and socially -- than its limited numbers would suggest.” MalWarwickonBooks.com
“Even the most biased reader will cheer for this protagonist who seeks the truth. Through well-researched efforts and a comprehensive supporting bibliography, Azrieli presents the shadowy world of politics, religion, and suspense … draws in the reader from the beginning … recommended reading, especially for an escape (but not too far) from current events.” Gather.com.
“Wonderfully well written and worth every bit of time expended in reading it. I would recommend this book to any one who enjoys authors such as Dan Brown, David Baldacci and James Patterson; because Avraham Azrieli is in their league.” NewBookReview.com
“This book goes beyond a typical political thriller to provide the reader with a new angle on the privileged few who consider themselves the best … to serve the people in the office of the president. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves political thrillers, but also to those who just love to read a good story.” Book Review Bin.
THE MORMON CANDIDATE – A Novel by Avraham Azrieli – is available from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and everywhere books are sold. (Paperback: $14.99, E-book: $2.99)
Amazon.com link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mormon-Candidate-Novel-ebook/dp/B007NZG90A/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1345560487&sr=1-2
Barnes & Nobel link:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mormon-candidate-avraham-azrieli/1109719361?ean=9781475194517
www.AzrieliBooks.com
