tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post8372069397246108889..comments2024-03-28T03:25:49.943-04:00Comments on Common Denominator: Romney, Cults, and PresidentsKen Schenckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09745548537303356655noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-27505835377460223232011-10-10T10:23:19.311-04:002011-10-10T10:23:19.311-04:00Actually in some ways I think his Mormonism may ac...Actually in some ways I think his Mormonism may actually help his cause. If you think about it, Mormonisim, as the only histocentric religion born on American soil, depends entirely on the American ideals and nation for its founding. This is precisely why they talk about the constitution as an inspired document (something no Trinitarian can consistently profess). I think that long-term there will be three players in American politics: Catholics, Mormons and Atheists. While other groups of Christians will always be present, they will be either too small or too fragmented to have any influence on the national debates aside from participating in the agendas of the major groups. Of the big three, only Mormons and Atheists can provide the fealty required for national exceptionalism. American Catholicism also has the problem that, in spite of its sheer numbers, religious nominalism will prevent it from being a major force.Nathanielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04008539197675560813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-69715828104302833872011-10-10T09:39:12.182-04:002011-10-10T09:39:12.182-04:00Bethany, perhaps you might be interested in this a...Bethany, perhaps you might be interested in this article.<br /><br />Hypocrisy and self deception | The Rational Optimist… <br />www.rationaloptimist.comAngie Van De Merwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12617299120618867829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-84946954447827504752011-10-10T02:25:38.492-04:002011-10-10T02:25:38.492-04:00"Our real identities are revealed by our patt..."Our real identities are revealed by our patterns of behavior and often have little to do with our professed identities (or the identities given us by the labels of others)." This statement resonates with me. Particularly as I find myself thinking about politics and wondering how to sift truth from PR.Bethany F. Brenganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08174727157257689080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-21826629376941162002011-10-10T01:38:38.690-04:002011-10-10T01:38:38.690-04:00Certainly want to avoid electing a pragmatist with...Certainly want to avoid electing a pragmatist with BAD overall goal... Wait! Doh! ;) <br /><br />But you're right about Romney's Mormonism being unlikley to influence decisions. I'd be bothered by it if I thought it would, but it won't, so I'm not. Much. We'll find out. Because for better or worse Romney, the pragmatic establishmentarian, is going to be our next president. Remember, you heard it here first ;)JohnMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-67743741508517579752011-10-09T18:41:10.019-04:002011-10-09T18:41:10.019-04:00But, the same goes for Luther's all out ex-com...But, the same goes for Luther's all out ex-communiation, and Erasmus' loyalty within the Church.Angie Van De Merwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12617299120618867829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-44130683728979087812011-10-09T18:39:50.943-04:002011-10-09T18:39:50.943-04:00Some of our Founders were "Free Thinkers"...Some of our Founders were "Free Thinkers", where others were "loyalist" to the Mother Country! There is always going to be a tension between liberal values that press the limits and conservative values that argue "the cause"!!!<br /><br />Luther challenged the Catholic Church, while Wesley challenged the Anglican Church. The first Reformation was about political power, while Wesley's was about social power!<br /><br />Since evolution's acceptance in the scientific community, and the worries of environmentalists, Wesleyanism/Methodism might argue that a Wesleyan Reformation might be forthcoming. That is, that the survival of the weak and dis-empowered should be the thrust of the Church! <br /><br />Empowerment will be in various areas of serving social problems; parenting, education, humanitarian needs, which incorporates local, national and international spectrums.Angie Van De Merwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12617299120618867829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8355052.post-8510868088433004192011-10-09T14:44:53.011-04:002011-10-09T14:44:53.011-04:00:-)!
Nice points, Ken!
People are persuaded that ...:-)!<br />Nice points, Ken!<br /><br />People are persuaded that if someone isn't a believer, then, they cannot be trusted! Why? because of abortion, gay marriage, and other "social issues" that they think that conservatism has a "handle on" and if the ship goes more liberal socially, then we are doomed, if not spiritually, then doomed as a society! "Family values" is the iconic value, but close behind is "the Great Commission" and discipleship! Such thinking doesn't allow for anyone other than "a believer" to take charge!<br /><br />Social norms are values that help us know "right from wrong" and our society has changed persuasions over the years! Civil liberties are a threat to the "moral fabric" of traditional values. And it seems that those that are "waiting for the end of time" OR "acting as "watchmen" over the Kingdom" want to make the "new social question" be THE culmination of "God's judgment"! Therefore, Romney represents a challenge to the basic ideals of their faith, and they fear that those who are not in their "in-group" just might threatened society with THE social change that would anger "God" and create moral havoc!<br /><br />Science has made many recent discoveries concerning genetic heritage, that we should understand that cultural heritage should consider seriously what science proves is innate! In fact cultural heritage might just oppress those that genetically predisposed to another kind or type of thinking!<br /><br /> America allows for diversity, where these ways of thinking are not "off limits"!Angie Van De Merwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12617299120618867829noreply@blogger.com