USA TODAY International Edition
Why evangelicals should get over Romney hang- ups
Think values, not stereotypes. Besides, we’re picking a president, not a pastor.
The first time I heard the word “Mormon” was at the Church of Christ in Paris, Tenn. Our youth minister was warning us about cults, which was definitely more interesting than learning about, say, the evils of dancing. Cults were dangerous. They brainwashed people and controlled their lives. Examples included Charles Manson’s murderous “family,” Jim Jones and his suicidal acolytes — and Mormons.
Of course, I never ran into any “cult members” until one of my high school friends revealed she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. I was thrilled. Finally, I had someone to take a moral stance against! Or, to be honest, I had someone else to fight. After all, my church also believed that Baptists, Presbyterians and — of course! — Catholics were hell- bound.
Years later, I moved from pupil to Sunday School teacher, and one of my students told me she had met a Mormon. “Stay away from her,” I warned. “Why?” my friend innocently asked. “She seems really nice.” “It’s all part of the act,” I told her. In 2005, when I first heard of Mitt Romney, I immediately said, “I’ll never vote for him.” Though I’ve always considered identity politics wrong, I had been taught ( brainwashed?) to disbelieve anything a Mormon said. Instinctively, I wanted to vote for “my own kind.” Apparently, others see it the same way. When South Carolina evangelical voters went to the polls, most wanted to show support for a candidate who shared their religious beliefs. Romney didn’t fare well. Then, Rick Santorum won in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado, before losing momentum to Romney in Maine.
Carter, Clinton and you
So, what is the right approach for undecided evangelicals? In 2012, Republicans have four options: Ron Paul, whois Baptist; Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, whoare Catholics; and Romney, who, of course, is Mormon. Does this mean that Paul is the last viable alternative for evangelical voters?
Of course not. My consternation over a Mormon president created some interesting conversations between my husband and me. And after many weeks of discussing ( and praying about) the issue, I changed my mind. Simply put, his arguments won me over.
I realized evangelicals haven’t voted for their “own kind” in many recent presidential elections. For example, when Jimmy Carter ( a Southern Baptist Sunday School teacher) ran against Ronald Reagan, most evangelicals voted for the divorced Hollywood actor. Bill Clinton — another Southern Baptist — lost the evangelical vote each time he ran. Evangelicals have again and again chosen the candidate who best represents their values, not their theology.
But will things be different with Romney? Will evangelicals reject him even if he shares their values? Will they stay home or — even worse— vote for Obama? Evangelicals should consider Romney a viable option. In Nevada, they did just that; and, in Florida, many did as well. But for the turnout to move from “acceptable” to “enthusiastic,” evangelicals have to understand a few things.
First, we’ve got to stop using the word “cult.” It’s a loaded term that evokes the imagery of mind control and fails to take LDS members seriously. It’s the theological equivalent of saying “stay away” instead of “let’s talk about our differences.”
Second, evangelicals aren’t endorsing Mormonism if they vote for Romney. Most Christians wouldn’t hesitate to vote for a Catholic ( who might believe Mary was co- redemptrix with Christ) or a Jew ( who might deny the very divinity of Christ). Why? Because people from vastly different spiritual backgrounds can share the same political values. We’re electing a president, not a pastor.
This moves well beyond the Mormon/ Evangelical divide. For example, President Obama hasn’t done much for Jeremiah Wright’s now- famous “black liberation theology,” and George W. Bush’s evangelical beliefs likely repelled as many people as they attracted. God is the Prime Mover in our salvation, not man, and certainly not presidents.
Values that translate
Finally, evangelical voters should appreciate the LDS church’s support for the values we hold dear. LDS members volunteered many hours and donated much money to fight for California’s Proposition 8, a ballot measure that defined marriage as between a man and a woman. ( This has since been ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals panel and might make its way to the U. S. Supreme Court.) In a nation where marriage rates are declining, illegitimacy is skyrocketing, and courts challenge the very notion of matrimony, strong Mormon families present a vital counterpoint in a “me- first” culture.
Evangelicals who don’t support Romney because of his faith have been called ignorant and even “bigots.” However, as a former member of that club, I know many are simply concerned about theology and are trying to figure out how faith should ideally inform their vote. What have I learned? That God is in control, our shared values matter, and we can vote for someone who doesn’t share our faith without compromising our religious identities.