Republicans and Religion

Summing It All Up

Justice Dakota

03/27/2012

Every Conservative Republican Primary voter (2012) knows that Governor Mitt Romney's religion has been a factor -- especially in the South! (In case you did not know, Romney is Mormon.)

I don't know why the so-called "Real Conservatives" (RCs) in the South tend toward religious bigotry more than other regions of the country -- I just know it is a reality.

I find it interesting that Evangelical Conservative Christians in the West, North-West, and South-West areas of the United States don't struggle with Romney's religion as much as the "Bible-Belt" South. And, I also know why -- people don't like what they don't know.

Out West, we know Mormons/Latter-Day Saints to be some of the best, most patriotic, most moral and ethical citizens among us. We also know them to be Christians with a few faith-related traditions that make some Christians uncomfortable.

Anecdotal: Mormons tend to be law-abiding, patriotic, educated, 10-percent-tithing, church-going, followers of Christ.

So, out West, we are not freaked-out by our Christian neighbors -- because we grew up with them and know their traditions, moral, ethical, and spiritual attributes.

Without doing any research, I assume Orthodox Jews have different traditions, customs, and religious paradigms than non-Orthodox Jews. Who cares?

I assume Israeli Jews have different traditions than American or Middle-Eastern Jews. Again, who cares?

A Sunni Muslim owned and ran my children's pre-school. He was one of the best, most professional, decent business-owners I have ever known.

Across the street from our house is a Mormon family.

Because of where I live (geographically), most people I encounter who claim to be religious are either Protestant (of many variations -- all with separate traditions, customs, and Biblical interpretations/emphasis) and Catholics -- who have their own particular customs, traditions, and  Scriptural emphasis. Not a problem!

The most generous, kind, good-natured person I ever met was a Hindu who introduced himself to me subsequent to the 2001 Terrorist Attacks on America this way: "I assume you hate me, but ..."

One of my best friends, who was Jewish, had a son who became a Buddhist. As my friend was dying from kidney failure, he debated with himself (out loud, in front of me): "If I give my son money, he will give it to his religion." He paused, internally struggled over his decision-making analysis, and then said: "Who am I to tell him how to find peace. I will give him exactly what I give my daughters."

Just read one, valid book on the evolution of religion and you will realize all religions are constantly changing, fighting amongst themselves, separating into different sects, etc ... and then each particular sect proclaims they have it all figured out -- history be damned!

Any one who says they have it all figured out is lying -- or, they are so uncomfortable with the "grey" area of life (the "unknown" area), they radicalize themselves -- like religious or political zealots (and in the worst case scenario -- like religious or political terrorists).

We all share similar fears, have similar struggles, similar goals, and similar hopes and dreams; and (possibly unfortunately) we tend to always want affirmation that our way is the right way.

So we are all in this gig together! That should not be an epiphany for anyone. That is not profound. That is so obvious ...

Maybe we should all read more? Not about our traditions -- but about the traditions of "other" people?    
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© 2011 Evangelicals for Mitt. All Rights Reserved

"Mitt Romney has been a standout conservative governor of a very liberal state. He believes in the traditional family, and he has fought for it — just ask Massachusetts’ pro-family leaders. He’s admitted he was wrong on abortion, and is now solidly pro-life — as his record in Massachusetts testifies. He also opposes embryonic stem cell research’s speculative and open-ended carelessness with human life. He’s shown courage under fire in several challenging situations, and has lived out his values (both publicly and privately) during a time when other Republicans, sadly, have not.

In addition, we challenge our readers — friendly or hostile — to name one national political leader on either side of the aisle with a better record of business and economic leadership than Mitt Romney. We do not know what the economy will be like in 2012, but if it’s anything like it is today, who would you want at the helm? The former community organizer we have today? Or the founder of Bain Capital, the man who rescued the Salt Lake City Olympics, and the Governor who brought a state back from the brink of bankruptcy?

In other words, he’s not just a man evangelicals can support — he’s the best choice for people of faith. It’s not even close."