Yes, I'm voting for a Mormon.

(If you're pressed for time or attention span, feel free to skip to point #3. I won't be offended...much)

It's no secret that I've supported Mitt Romney before he was the inevitable choice for the Republican party. I love my Governor, however I do think Romney was the best choice in the GOP field. The truth is that he does have a track record of fighting for conservative causes. If you're looking for some context and details on his record I suggest two resources:

1. Letter from Multiple Conservative Leaders in Massachusetts who worked with Mitt and saw him work for Pro-Family and Pro-Life causes first hand: Read the Letter.
2. The book Why Evangelicals Should Support Mitt Romney (And Feel Good about It!) which outlines his conservative credentials and personal moral convictions. (I'll loan it to you via Amazon if you ask).

However, my main point here is to address the issue of Romney being a Mormon. This issue has been discussed a lot by some very well-respected individuals, however I am worried that there is still too much discomfort with the subject in conservative circles. At the end of the day, I doubt this question will really keep many in my circles from voting for Mitt, however it will lower their enthusiasm for the Romney-Ryan ticket and I think a Romney victory is only possible if we are enthusiastic enough to talk to our friends, family, co-workers (especially those in other states) about the election and Mitt.

I will address the subject in three points: 1) Romney is a devout Mormon, 2) Mormonism is not Orthodox Christianity, and 3) This is not a political problem.

1. Romney is a devout Mormon.

• His family has been very active in the leadership of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) for many generations.
• At the age of 19 he went on a 2 1/2 year long mission trip to France. "On a mission, your faith in Jesus Christ either evaporates or it becomes much deeper. ...For me, it became much deeper," he told reporters in 2007.
• He graduated from the LDS Church-run college, Brigham Young University in 1971. 
• "Romney was known for his powerful testimonies during church services. "I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the church is true," Romney would often begin his testimonies, with tears welling in his eyes, according to several people who worshipped with him." Full Huff Post Story.
• Romney himself held multiple local administrative, pastoral, and teaching positions in congregations in Utah, Michigan, and Massachusetts, including his most prominent role as Bishop of the ward in Belmont.

2. Mormonism is not orthodox Christianity.

• This is not a derogatory point, as some have suggested. Romney himself acknowledged his faith was different than historical Christianity when he delivered a very important speech at Liberty University's 2012 Commencement, saying, 

"People of different faiths, like yours and mine, sometimes wonder where we can meet in common purpose, when there are so many differences in creed and theology. Surely the answer is that we can meet in service, in shared moral convictions about our nation stemming from a common worldview."  

• In fact, the justification of Mormonism's existence itself rests upon a rejection of orthodox Christianity, which was why they believe a restoration was necessary in the 1820s through the Prophet Joseph Smith. According to Mormon teaching, Christianity was corrupted and became the “Church of the Devil."
• This undermines the orthodox Biblical doctrine of a closed cannon and Mormon teaching insists that Christianity adopted wrong theological views because of the corruption (as early as the 4th Century) or mistranslation of the New Testament. 

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." -Mormon Article of Faith

• In addition to Mormonism's dangerous attack on the foundational doctrine of revelation, at its core LDS theology rejects the central doctrine of the Trinity and the fully divine nature of Jesus Christ. 
• This is usually articulated in a criticism on the Nicene Creed, which clearly articulates, 

"And [we believe] in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made..."

• There are other significant differences between Mormonism and orthodox Christianity, including the denial of God's transcendence and his self-existence, a denial of original sin, a works-based salvation, the denial of hell, however its enough to say, Mormonism is not orthodox biblical Christianity.

3. This is not a political problem.

• The fact that Mitt Romney and others believe the false gospel of Mormonism, is a very real and pressing theological and evangelical problem, however it is not a political problem that should keep us from supporting his presidential campaign.
• Despite the significant theological differences, I agree with Mitt's point above, we do share a worldview that grounds our moral convictions and our political concerns for the nation. 
• Wayne Grudem explains: 

"I want to be very clear that I do not mean that Christians should only vote for other Christian candidates for office, or even that Christians should generally prefer an evangelical candidate over others who are running. The relevant principle is this: Christians should support candidates who best represent moral and political values consistent with biblical teaching, no matter their religious background or convictions."

• Most Mormon ethical teachings are similar to those in the Bible, and it is clear that those teachings have supported Romney's conservative political values when he was governor and they will continue to do so if he is elected President. 
• If you think you would be more comfortable voting for someone in your religion or exact denomination, look at a few of our past presidents: 
• Jimmy Carter was a Southern Baptist Sunday School Teacher (and recently published a Study Bible with his own devotions and commentary).
• Ronald Reagan attended the Disciples of Christ church and later became a member of the Presbyterian Church.
• George H.W. Bush was a life-long Episcopalian. 
• Bill Clinton was a life-long Southern Baptist.
• George W. Bush was an Episcopalian and then United Methodist.
• President Barack Obama is a professing Christian who was baptized in the United Church of Christ. 
• Looking at this list, I have significant theological disagreements with the Presidents who I think have lead the country best according to Biblical principles and fulfilled the task of government that the Apostles summarize as "punishing evil and praising good" (Reagan and George W. Bush).
• Furthermore, the Presidents whom I share a denomination with (Carter and Clinton) have made detrimental policy decisions that I believe violate basic biblical principles and values (i.e. Clinton's pro-abortion views and activism). 
• Also, having a devout member of a religious minority in the White House (Mormons represent 1.7% of religious adults in the US) will help ensure policies/laws that protect the constitutional right of freedom of religion, which I see as being endangered by multiple government policies in recent years.
• And finally, Christians are not called to Theonomy. 
• It is a historical and hermeneutical fallacy to assume that all commands given by God through Redemptive history are appropriate for current civil law and enforcement (a view called 'Theonomy' or 'Reconstructionism'). Throughout the Old Testament there are specific God-given laws that have served their civil purpose in the nation of Israel and now serve a theological purpose in raising mankind's awareness of our fallen nature and personal sin.
• God established human government in the Noahic Covenant and gave humans the authority to govern and punish wrong-doing in order to protect human life and civilization (Gen 9:5-6). This gives us confidence in the ability for a human-governed nation to thrive, ensure justice and protect its citizens.
• Paul and Peter affirm this view in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 when they instruct believers to be subject to governmental authorities even though in their context these rulers were secular pagans. Yet, both apostles still affirm that governing leaders are instruments "to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good." (more on the purpose of government in another post)

So, since our goal is not theological when it comes to government, there is no problem voting for someone who hold different doctrinal views or none at all, as long as they will hold moral and political views that will support and further the biblical role of government.


I have only heard or read one substantive argument for why Christians should not vote for a Mormon, which claimed that Mormon evangelism will be strengthened by Romney's presence in the White House. To me this is more of an argument for: a) clarity that we approve of Romney but not the false gospel he believes, and b) better evangelism to those in the Mormon faith.


If you have another biblical or substantial argument for why Christians should not vote for an active member of the LDS Church, I would love to hear your argument/position here.


Resources:

• Best Video Ad for Romney: Home Video Clips. (You gotta at least watch 4:55 - 5:35)
• Romney's RNC Nomination Acceptance Speech Link
• Romney's Liberty University 2012 Commencement Speech Video Link
• Romney's Liberty University 2012 Commencement Speech Transcript Link
• Great article outlining the unbiblical theology of Mormonism.