The Gum Tree for 2007 December

Tue Dec 04 13:33:15 Comment on the Anvil of Mormonism in the Forging of American Faith:

Soft-bigotry against Mormons facilitates broader theological cooperation.

I've been struggling with the implications of this for some time. It does seem that the theological ground is shifting in a subtle way. As you have suggested in your article, the conversion of Francis Beckwith revealed the hardening (re: reinventing) of doctrinal (re: tribal) lines in American Protestantism, specifically the Evangelical wing; but, there were many who also saw the conversion as a reconciliation between the two grand traditions in western Christianity—the Protestant and the Catholic; which may also signal an increasing theological amalgamation between the two. Personally, I was hopeful that the latter was more accurate.

Perhaps, as you’ve suggested, the bar of religious (re: tribal) orthodoxy (and hence exclusion) for the American Evangelical has been set at Mormonism. In many ways, the Secularist have also set the bar of ‘Reason’ at Mormonism; although they seem to be less tribal; forgiving the sins of one’s minority group as long as they kowtow to the correct alters of secularism. I don’t see our position as the ‘lone’ Anvil changing anytime soon, and the only thing this sectarian challenge will do to our country is force good men, like Romney, out of Politics by requiring compromise of private convictions based on tribal warfare.

It would be terrible for America if Mormon lawmakers/executives are forced into a position of retreating into our own semi-majority representative districts, especially by a party that Mormon’s typically support more often than otherwise.

All the buzz is on what Romney will say this Thursday. He is at a turning point in this campaign. I think he will be bold and unapologetic, but not 'offensive' towards Evangelicals who oppose him based on his Religion.

Cross Posted at Times and Seasons.

Mon Dec 10 13:49:02 Otherwise respectable website turns to hate:

Here are what some prominent Huckabee supporters are saying about Romney and his Mormonism.

It's not news that people think that Mormons are satanic cultist, but when prominent bloggers spread lies and hate for political gain, the game gets more dangerous for the Mormons.

(1) Tue Dec 11 20:43:36 More Religious Bigotry :

Things are really heating up. For Pat Buchannan to be defending Mormon theology is a new in political history, but the religious wingnuts are comming out in force.

Also, when you have Huckabee surreptitiously attacking Mormonsim, at the same time as a concerted Southern Baptist Convention Media Blitz against all things Latter-day Saint; you know that there will be rough times ahead.

The one-sided war of the religions has begun. We even see Nice Hugabee meeting with numerous pastors in large conferences provided by annonymous, rich donors in order to plan a campaign strategy on how to win the ground game in the primary states.

Imagine what would happen if Mitt Romney met in secret meetings with over 350 Stake Presidents from all over the country to discuss how they could best help Mitt get elected. Wouldn't the press be all over that? Of course, and they'd drudge out the old "here's the ultra secret Mormons planning a world domination" meme, and Romney would be finished!

There would be outcry everywhere. And when Huckabee, who runs an overtly 'Christian' campaign (with that oh so comforting voice saying "you know me, you don't need to ask me what I believe" with the words flashing on the screen "Christian Leader;" is asked if that add was meant to be a subtle knock against Romney he responds "why is everybody asking me about religion. I'm the only guy on the Campaign trail that you ask about religion! Yeah, right Huckawannabe president.

It is getting scary for us Latter-day Saints though. All I have to say is this may be one man (Huckabee) that would make me want to vote for Hillary Clinton out of spite (especially since, at least Hillary's not basing her experience on the fact the she had stayed in a Holiday Inn last night). And I hope he isn't planning on winning the Intermountain west, because he's already lost those states.

Wed Dec 12 19:58:56 Huckabee Apologizes:

I'm stunned. I have gained a little more respect for the man now.

After today's trouncing of Huckabee in the Iowa debates (you could tell Huckabee was withering in the gleam of Romney's character--who was standing right beside him) in which you could see his humility from having allowed a tacit anti-mormon campaign to go on.

At one point he was asked what he would ask of his candidates as a New Year's Resolution, to which he replied: "I'll be more careful in speaking;" to which the moderator replied, "yeah, but your opponents? What about them." Huckabee simply responded, "well, perhaps for them too, but me first."

At one point in the debate Huckabee (who you could tell was having a rough time) said that he thought he had the best record on education. To which Romney pointed out politely that Massachusetts actually had a much better record than did Arkansas; with much laughter from the crowd.

It's a good day to be a Romney supporter, and I am much relieved that there is a little more civility in politics.

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