A Mormon president?

[FmrMarine]

It appears Mitt Romney, who is Mormon, is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. How do you feel about this? Is America ready for a Mormon president? Would some of their bizarre beliefs like an ancient Jewish nation in North America, becoming god over your own planet, etc. affect your pereception of Romney's intellectual abilities? Would the spotlight of a presidential campaign hurt Mormonism or help it as people would no doubt become more aware of their beliefs?

[C_Fresh]

I don't really care if he's a Mormon. His political beliefs are much more important than his religious ones (though there will probably be some overlap).

[mrmody]

Julia Sweenie talks about the Mormons (at 7 minute, 30 seconds into this video)
http://www.ted.com/talks/julia_sweeney_o...f_god.html

[amyrose5]

Constitution of the United States, Article VI, Paragraph 3:

"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

[FmrMarine]

(10-12-2011 02:58 PM)amyrose5 Wrote:  Constitution of the United States, Article VI, Paragraph 3:

"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

I understand that it is not a consideration legally. I am asking if the American public, in general, would be open to electing someone with beliefs that are somewhat 'out there.' I can't help but think his religious views would be a huge factor in his decision-making with regard to policy and agenda. I would also question the intellect and ability to think rationally of someone who believes a man in 1800's New York received golden plates from an angel that described the activities of an ancient Jewish people who lived in North America and also believes he will get his own planet in the after-life.

[amyrose5]

And I don't think we should have to ask the question about Romney or any other candidate in a country where there is separation of church and state. If Romney intends to govern based completely on his religious beliefs, then it is an issue. If he believes that the office would give him the right to force his belief system on the nation in any way, then it is an issue. But otherwise, in this country, he has the right to practice any religion he chooses. As does any candidate whether they are Republicans, Democrats or in my imaginary Hundred Acre Wood Party.

[Jane]

(10-12-2011 11:58 AM)FmrMarine Wrote:  It appears Mitt Romney, who is Mormon, is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. How do you feel about this? Is America ready for a Mormon president? Would some of their bizarre beliefs like an ancient Jewish nation in North America, becoming god over your own planet, etc. affect your pereception of Romney's intellectual abilities? Would the spotlight of a presidential campaign hurt Mormonism or help it as people would no doubt become more aware of their beliefs?

I'm a little leery at the prospect of a Mormon President. Not because I think his religious beliefs will affect the way governs (I don't think they will), but because having a Mormon President would give Mormonism plenty of free publicity that could help their cause. People would view Mormonism as more mainstream and would be more likely to see it as just another version of Christianity, which it is not.

That said, if he gets the Republican nomination, I will probably vote for him, if only because he is a better choice than our current President.

[greg]

Just talking with family over the w/end about this. I don't really think I can vote for him. Mormonism is an absolute cult. If he could believe the foolishness of this "quasi" religion, I just don't think I could trust him with anything. I have my issues with Catholicism, but there is no comparison whatsoever with Mormonism.

[Trapped Pentecostal]

Well, unless Obama converts to Mormonism, I don't think we'll have to worry about having a Mormon in the White House this election cycle. As low as Obama's ratings are, he's not going anywhere unless some candidate who isn't insane and/or completely unlikable enters the race. I also believe Romney has enough going against him to keep his Mormonism toward the bottom of the list of things to be concerned about.

[bean]

We're electing a national president, not a church council president. I don't give a rat's rear if he attends Fred's house of worship that features an altar of a flat screen tv and NFL sunday ticket.
No religious test required.