Mitt Romney’s suspended campaign for the presidency has drawn much attention to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he is a member. Published polls have clearly shown that even though a public religious litmus test for elective office is prohibited by the Constitution, many people apply their personal religious litmus test when considering a candidate. The Gallup organization reported poll results showing that nearly one fourth of all registered voters stated they would never vote for a presidential candidate who was Mormon, regardless of that candidate's other characteristics.
Seeking the Roots of Bias
As religion and politics have intermingled in the public debate surrounding the presidential campaign, much of the media coverage of the Mormon Church has been fair and balanced. However, in seeking to understand the driving political forces in the campaign, some journalists have exposed and promoted one question that is a root cause for the Gallup poll results mentioned above: “Are Mormons Christian?”
Debate or Denunciation?
Many people see this as a fair question; Mormons tend to see it as either loopy or quasi-insulting. The resulting discussion has engendered a full spectrum of opinion and reaction (not all of it civil, on either side). There will always be legitimate and sincere differences of opinion on many religious issues, and everyone is, obviously, entitled to their own view.
Going to the Source
The obstacles many sincere questioners often face include second-hand information or opinion presented as fact. In an effort to clearly and concisely declare the church’s official doctrines concerning Jesus Christ, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently published a new website that specifically addresses this provocative question. This website is probably the best single source for obtaining a fundamental, authoritative statement of Mormon beliefs concerning Jesus Christ.
The new site contains both video and print content from top authorities in the church, including members of its First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. For observant Mormons, there is no more authoritative earthly source of doctrine. Topics include addresses from the church’s recent general conferences, an official proclamation concerning Jesus Christ signed by all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Another article goes back through Mormon history to gather testimonial statements concerning Jesus Christ from each of the 16 presidents of the church since its founding in 1830. Depictions of Biblical scenes from the life of Jesus Christ are also included.
Making an Informed Judgment
Regardless of one’s ultimate judgment of whether or not Mormons are Christian, basing that judgment on information that is less than authentic seems to be a pointless exercise. Sincere questioners will find the new website to be a good initial source of authentic information that may serve as the foundation for meaningful consideration, discussion and debate.
Note: The author of this article is not an official representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is a life-long, practicing member of the church.
Sources:
www.gallup.com
JesusChrist.lds.org
More articles on Mormonism by this author:
Mormon Church Calls New Apostle
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