In Hugh Hewitt’s book, A Mormon in the White House?, he mentions a concern evangelical Christians will likely have with a “President Romney.” He thinks that once evangelical Christians seriously consider this “objection”, they will realize it is a non-issue. This concern manifested itself this week (9/26/07) in the ChritianityToday magazine and interview they conducted with Governor Romney. This was posted by Mike Laub in this blog. I thought Governor Romney’s answer to this question was not only masterful, it was substantive:
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Al Mohler has said that he worries a Romney presidency would bring greater credibility to Mormonism and harm evangelical missions. How would you encourage him to vote for you?
“I hope everyone votes for the person they think can be the best leader for America. Each person is entitled to make his or her assessment. But I would note that my church is very demanding in terms of the requirements it places on people who join. It requires tithing 10 percent of gross income; abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea; and [chastity] before and [fidelity] after marriage. I doubt very seriously anyone in the world is going to join my church simply because they see a leader who is a member of it.
Even though I was governor of Massachusetts for four years, our chapel did not swell with supporters who wanted to join my church. Joining a faith is a far more serious matter than choosing something fashionable.”
I agree with Hugh Hewitt, that this objection of evangelical Christians is a non-issue really. Governor Romney concisely put to rest that issue with his answer above.
~ Vic
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