Mormonism’s sensible, all-American view of government

Randy C. writes:

I have enjoyed your site ever since discovering it several years ago. I read it daily and have learned much from you and many of your correspondents.

In his discussion of Mormonism’s beliefs (see this and this), Mr. Mason neglected, sadly, to tell you anything about Mormons’ beliefs concerning government. For starters, you might read the official LDS Church Declaration of Belief Regarding Governments and Laws. It was written Aug 17, 1835, so that “our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood.” It is fundamental, unchanged doctrine. You will find it enlightening, I know, and relevant to current events.

Please read it. It takes only a few moments to read. You will then know more about Mitt Romney and Mormons—relative to the current political debate—than any other commentator.

LA replies:

Ok, I’ve read it. It’s an American-type treatment of the duties of government and citizens, and the distinction between religious societies and government. It seems reasonable and solid on a quick reading.

What is the importance of this—to show that Mormons are rational and responsible, not followers of a weird cult? But how does their philosophy of government affect their theology that we were discussing?

Randy replies:

“What is the importance of this—to show that Mormons are rational and responsible, not followers of a weird cult?”

Let the tag remain, but “reasonable and solid” does seem apropos for their theory of government.

“But how does their philosophy of government affect their theology that we were discussing?”

I was looking at it the other way around. The issue posed by Mr. Mason was, “I don’t want to see anyone who believes in such dangerous, blasphemous lunacy to be anywhere near the Oval Office, period.” But what you read for yourself, Mr. Auster, is presumably what Mr. Romney actually believes, is apparently what the Mormon church believes, and it seems reasonable and solid. Perhaps that is why, as you noted, Romney kept his religion private as governor of Massachusetts. What is there exactly to fear from the weird cult?

Posted by Lawrence Auster at December 13, 2007 01:02 AM | Send