Yes, yes, we're aware of the more, shall we say, controversial aspects of the Mormon faith. But this is absolute nonsense and bigotry. Mitt Romney has not been hampered in any way by his faith. He's got a beautiful family, gives a good deal of charity, and seems to be an all-around good chap, at the very least in private life. How exactly should his Mormonism be relevant to his ability to preside?
Concerning this issue, the fact that you were a Mormon means nothing.
( typing on iPad so please excuse typos)
Just because he doesn't talk about his faith during his campaign doesn't mean he isn't influenced by it. He knows better than to bring too much attention to it.
The apparent positives of Mormonism to non-Mormons are heavily outweighed by the negatives. And my having been a devout member is relevant because I'm aware of what membership really means, and I'm willing to talk about the secret stuff and the negative stuff. A devout believer won't be caught dead criticizing the church.
Mitt Romney, as I understand it, was an ******* bishop (leader of a congregation). But that may have as much to do with his personal power tripping as anything.
When he did the temple ceremonies he swore to "God, angels, and witness" to pledge his time, talents, and anything with which the Lord has or will bless him to the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. This is a cult. This is not like the average Christian who spends an hour or two at church each Sunday. He also swore to never reveal any temple secrets upon penalty of slitting his own throat and belly and letting his innards spill upon the ground.
He was a faithful member during the period in which the church had institulanized racism (which the prophet conveniently had a revelation that god wanted that to suddenly end).
A Mormon woman vows in the temple to obey her husband.
So yeah, the idea of somebody who believes those things having influence over the laws of the land is very troubling to me, just like the idea of Santorum (a very devout and conservative Catholic) would have been equally troubling. There are very few Mormons who aren't true blue believers. Those who aren't tend to get the hell out, and with good reasons.
Why I don't think any supernatural beliefs are very rational, *****ism is one step above Scientology in its teachings. And they organization and culture of the church is such that it actually diminishes the ability to think logically. Pick up a copy of Standing for Something More by Lyndon Lamborn some time.
Mormons make great neighbors. They tend to be a very outwardly friendly and nice people.
But that is deliberate (and often related to efforts to convert as many people as possible). But until you've been an insider it's easy not to see the dark aspects. You only need to spend a little time with exMormon recovery groups to get an idea how damaging the religion is. Mormonism teaches people to not think because the thinking has already been done (actual words from a church leader). it teaches the members that a woman's worth lies in her ability to be a good wife and raise a brood of good Mormons (and that leadership is for men). It teaches that lying for the lord is ok. I don't want someone with that worldview as a world leader.
And while I'm not what you'd call a fan of the catholic church, I'll be the first to admit they are more credible, and do more good in this world. They're much more open with their financial information, and as far as I know, they're not building a 3-5 billion dollar mall in SLC while bleeding their members dry for tithing and unpaid work.
Not all criticism of religious belief is bigotry.