I just realized that a lot of Americans seem to believe that Mormonism is, like Pentecostalism and Roman Catholicism, a variation of Christianity, and, therefore, we don't need to worry about Mitt Romney's ultimate loyalties, the way we needed to worry about an Islamic Barack Obama. Or Tom Cruise or John Travolta.
Never assume anything. Here's the hilarious part-- liberals, who never felt it was right to raise questions about Obama's religion anyway-- don't want to raise the issue of Mormonism against Romney.
Why not? Mormonism is not a religion: it is a demented cult. I define a cult as a set of beliefs that deliberately tries to exclude rational examination of it's preconceptions and assumptions. Like Scientology. And the Tea Party. And I define "demented cult" as the same thing as "cult" but with silly narratives.
I have no problem with a Roman Catholic president: Catholicism is a deeply sophisticated, well-developed, and fearless set of beliefs which I disagree with, respectfully. Well, all right, the Catholics have moments of silliness too-- check out Lourdes, or the pope-mobile. But I have a problem with someone who believes in the words of a man (Joseph Smith) described accurately, in my opinion, as "a fraud and conjurer" by Slate.
This is a man capable of rational analysis? Of weighing the facts and the issues and coming to wise decision? More importantly, can this man choose smart, rational people to head departments and offer sound advice?
I don't think so.
Slate's article on Mormonism.
