Why Romney's Religion Matters

(BANGOR) - When a Fox News reporter challenged his "evolution" on issues, Mitt Romney responded by trumpeting his religious and personal life: "I've been married to the same woman for 42 years. I've been in the same church my entire life."

Romney doesn't usually offer which church. Indeed Romney's essential religious values go beyond one church. Romney seeks an alliance with fundamentalist protestants and Catholic conservatives. This new alliance may seem counter-intuitive for Romney of Massachusetts but, understood in context, Romney embodies deep and shared values.

True, Mitt Romney was pro-choice when running for Massachusetts governor, but later, in 2005, he experienced a "conversion". Romney sought out Dr. William Hurlbut, who calls abortion a "silent holocaust". Hurlbut said that, for Romney, 2005 was "a crucial moment" regarding "nascent human life" -- rather than a "crucial moment" in Romney's quest for religious right support in the 2008 primaries.

The science hadn't changed, but Romney, we're told, was suddenly inspired to rely on someone with an express religious viewpoint that justified Romney's newfound definition of human life.

Conservative columnist Michael Gerson asserts that the Religious Right should be happy with Romney: "Is it really reasonable to assume that a former Mormon bishop, deep down, is a cultural liberal?"

-- A pregnant Mormon woman was diagnosed with a dangerous blood clot. Doctors recommended abortion to protect her life. Hearing this, Bishop Romney showed up unannounced to the hospital to "sternly" warn the woman not go forward -- despite the danger. The woman said Romney "was blind to me as a human being".

-- A woman founded a Mormon feminist magazine. Romney encouraged male friends to instruct their wives not to participate in the magazine. Romney made it clear that he didn't want the women behind the publication holding meetings on church property.

Romney's campaign touts their kindly man of faith. Yet, in most campaign examples, the recipients of his attention are business partners or people from powerful families. If you happen to be a pregnant woman without connections, a different Romney arrives at your hospital room. And Romney as counselor? Romney's about as folksy as Nixon was sexy.

Romney says that when the church changed its prohibition on black clergy in 1978, he cried. Yet, Romney, then a prominent Harvard-educated businessman, never took a forceful public stand against Mormon racism - unlike, for example, Mormon Congressman Mo Udall, a 1976 presidential candidate, who publicly opposed Mormon racism and left the church in protest.

Romney's religious actions would be ominous enough if they were limited to sexism and timid acceptance of racism -- but there's more.

In a 2008 interview Romney noted his affection for Cleon Skousen, saying that his book, The Making of America, is "worth reading." In the sixties, Skousen implied that communists were stirring up those opposed to Mormon racism. Skousen got fired as Salt Lake Police Chief by the conservative Mayor for "Gestapo"-like tactics.

Skousen's book refers to black children as "pickaninnies", describing slave-owners as the worst victims of slavery. I assume Romney's not racist, yet where's his public condemnation of the racism in a book Romney recommends by a man for whom Romney expresses affection?

Mormon Glenn Beck effusively praises Skousen. In 1980 the racist Skousen joined Ronald Reagan's Council for National Policy, which brought together leading religious conservatives. Here, Skousen advocated for the privatization of social security, allying himself with evangelical church leaders.

Privatizing social security? Aligning Mormonism with fundamentalist Protestants? Glenn Beck rightly touts Skousen's historic importance.

Romney's children proudly call their father "cheap", tying frugality to faith and virtue. Romney once had his sons help build a fence in the front yard (to block traffic noise) rather than hire the task out. Sure, Romney's cheap -- if you consider quadrupling the size of a 12 million dollar La Jolla, California home "cheap." That's in addition to Romney's beautiful New Hampshire home and his well-appointed Massachusetts condominium. Let's not begrudge a rich man a mansion, but Romney's selective "cheapness" masks the ominous Skousen religio-economic ideology: build a fence so that others won't bother you, spend freely on your own islands of comfort.

The traditional religious right and Mormonism share a religio-economic ideology. Welcoming Skousen to the Reagan fold to tout social security privatization was a harbinger of modern Republicanism.

As we saw in California's marriage vote, Fundamentalists Protestants and Mormons work well with the Catholic hierarchy. The increasingly conservative Catholic Church now embraces the fundamentalist ploy of "religious liberty" victimhood when seeking tax money for institutions that refuse basic health services. This isn't Bobby Kennedy's Catholic Church. It's Scalia's Catholic Church.

We have a new Holy Trinity: Fundamentalist Protestants, Mormons, and far-right Catholics. Scalia religious conservatives consistently they support corporate power. On this, Mitt Romney has never flip-flopped. Romney bends and twists like Gumby, but his wiry center remains unbroken.

Minor doctrinal differences may be relevant to some caucus attendees in Dubuque, but Romney's declaration that "corporations are people, my friend" is more important and more telling than Mormon magic underpants. Nothing in Romney's career has contradicted his sincerity -- and passion -- for this guiding belief.

This viewpoint is intertwined with the ideology of the Mormon ideologue Skousen, the Evangelical Right, and Scalia Catholicism.

I praise religious people -- King, Kennedy, Udall -- who did great things -- but this new iron triangle of Mormonism, Protestant Fundamentalism, and Right-Wing Catholicism is the strongest religious force in politics today.

As I document in my book, since Reagan, this combination has transformed state and federal law dramatically. Corporate hegemony for the few and fundamentalist theocracy for the many is a very different tune than "We Shall Overcome."

There are many good religious Americans who must face a new reality. This isn't 1963. Dr. King isn't marching on Washington. The type of compassion his leadership embodied is flatly rejected by America's most powerful religious forces today.

Romney is, however, but one prominent example, one bishop of an religious ideology that threatens the very nature of our Republic. Laws have already been successfully changed in state legislatures and in Congress. Secular Americans and moderate religious Americans must find common cause, not timidly ignore this challenge. The religio-industrial complex is hungry and must be served.

Sean Faircloth is author of "Attack of the Theocrats: How the Religious Right Harms Us All and What We Can Do About It" (Pitchstone Publishing, February 2012).

Sean Faircloth is a Maine attorney and politician. He served five terms in the Maine Legislature including appointments on the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. In his final term, Faircloth was elected Majority Whip. In 2009 Faircloth became executive director of the Secular Coalition for America, advocating for separation of church and state, and for greater acceptance of nontheistic viewpoints in American life.

In September 2011 he became the Director of Strategy and Policy for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science and was the opening speaker for Dawkins book tour.

Faircloth's first book published by Pitchstone Press, Attack of the Theocrats! How the Religious Right Harms Us All - and What We Can Do About It was released in February 2012.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Anonymous March 7, 2012 2:48 pm (Pacific time)

"Editor: Joe, we're for and against everybody, hardly anti-Mormon but since it is associated with a presidential election, everything is game." How about an in depth objective story on Black Theology and how it interconnects with Black Muslims and Jerimiah Wright. Afterall it's a presidential election and Obama had 20 years with Wright, an individual long-steeped in Black Theology. Exploring the major tenets of this ideology would be a valuable public service, and not cartoonish and demeaning like making fun of Romney's faith, or anyone's for that matter. Regardless if you ignore this important story, at six this evening the Obama Tapes will begin, but in September and October is when the real earth shattering Obamaprises come out. My guess is that Clinton or someone else will be the candidate then. Hopefully, for Obama is truely unfit to continue. He conned millions of you, and still many have been so brainwashed they think he's better than what? An individual who actually can get us back on track, and one who actually not only loves America, but also respects the citizens. Obama does neither.

qui vivi March 6, 2012 9:07 pm (Pacific time)

The article was revealing an d came at a needed time. The fact is religion is very important right now, ad needs to be taken seriosly, for those who promote it, the Holy See of the GOP whjo uses the Party to fufrther their own cause the objexct of which ia to make Amwerica a TheologicaL naion it its image; i.e., and Evanglisrts rule supreme. Good work Sean

Jeff March 6, 2012 3:34 pm (Pacific time)

Sean Faircloth you should be ashamed of your self. Not only is you article full of misleading statements. Your response to Dr. Smith is just an ugly cheap shot. In a country in part founded on the idea of religious freedom, where the Constitution does not allow religion to be part of the test of who should be president, you insists on violating the principles and ideals of the founding of this country. And for what reason? To claim to be protecting the Constitution. Learn why our country was founded and follow the principles of our founding fathers and stop being a religious bigot.

Joe March 6, 2012 12:56 pm (Pacific time)

Didn't expect an anti-Mormon article here... : (

Editor: Joe, we're for and against everybody, hardly anti-Mormon but since it is associated with a presidential election, everything is game.

Phillip C. Smith March 6, 2012 10:44 am (Pacific time)

As a believing, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon), I do sorrow at those columnists and opinion expressers who reflect misunderstanding, malice and/or animosity toward us. We are taught, though, to "turn the other cheek" and "return good for evil" and this present scrutiny of the Church gives us the opportunity to do so as we attempt to set the record straight.

There are some, though, who seem always to be on the attack. The Lord Jesus Christ, who we honor as our God and Savior, said about such attacks during his earthly ministry “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake…Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5: 11-12).

For those who wonder why anyone would attack the followers of Jesus’ day, the Savior added the following interesting insights. After telling his apostles that they would be persecuted and otherwise mistreated he said “the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” (John 16:2). Then he goes on by saying “and these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (John 16: 3). Critics of others’ religions and beliefs probably believe that they also are doing what God wants them to. What does Christ say of this?

Such critics should also, however, give heed to the council the Jewish leader Gamaliel gave to other Jewish leaders who were misrepresenting and often persecuting the early Christians. He said “refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work (of these early Christians) be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God (Acts 5: 38-39)

I hope that those who hear of us will seek to understand our true positions. Draw your lessons from the good, faithful members of the Church. Go to official Church websites for your information about us.

Phillip C. Smith, Ph.D.

Editor: Dr. Smith, did you just pull that out of a hat?

Anonymous March 6, 2012 5:33 am (Pacific time)

Why is religion important when it comes to Romney? It was not important as Obama was running for office. No one even touched the subject. I'd rather have a Mormon than a Muslim, and yes he is a Muslim. I don't care if he runs around with a bible under his arm, he is still a Muslim. Remember, the sweetest sound I ever heard is the call of prayers. Remember his history? Father - Muslim, step father - Muslim. He went to school in a Islamic school. Tell me again that he is not a Muslim. He protects terrorists, funds terrorism and bows down to Muslims. He supports CAIR who is known for ties to terrorism. Tell me again that he is not a Muslim. I would sleep better knowing that Romney is in the White House. That's a fact.

COLLI March 5, 2012 6:51 pm (Pacific time)

I have noticed that Salem-News has in fact posted your comments Steven. Tim and Bonnie are treading water as fast as they can and always try their best to present all non-absurd commentary but they are carrying on horrendous load and doing a good job of it. Cut them some slack if they have overlooked one or more comments as they are good people.
I, like you, whole-heartedly believe that Ron Paul is the only candidate who would truly represent the people rather than the Banks. We lose regardless of which party wins other than if Ron Paul were to win. Actually, even if Ron Paul were by some miracle, to get elected, the banks would have him killed ASAP after the election.
You are 100% correct in saying that Presidents are all puppets. Neither party would back Ron Paul because he would let his conscience be his guide rather than the party.
As for religion - it really does not matter to me and I do not believe how an individual chooses to worship or whether they choose to worship should be an issue. Only their track record should be an issue if, unlike Obama, they have a track record. Leopards are not likely to change their spots are they? Ron Paul is not perfect but he is a damned sight more perfect than any of the rest of them regardless of party.

stephen March 5, 2012 5:48 pm (Pacific time)

what does religion have to do with our civil liberties, our sacred rights under the bill of rights? Why is it, that it is just one man speaking up? ANd why is it that this one man is being castized (sp) by the GOP, and the mainstream media? Why is it that the only person who has actually stood up for us as a people being criticized? Presidents come and go, and they all lie to get elected..Ron Paul is the ONLY one that tells the truth, and works for the people, instead of the bankers. The only one. The rest? they all lie. This is our last chance of a free society, freedom, glory and wonder, instead of being enslaved as sheep by the bankers..wake up and be alive, or continue the havoc...Its a decision we all have to make now. I do not support Ron Paul for president, because the presidency is a complete joke and a hoax, I support Ron Paul for his ideals, his ideas, his honesty, and his dedication to help the American people which he swore to uphold when being in the military...What other candidate served in the military? none..oops, mccain who sold out, and now wants to bomb every country into oblivion..Well, obama is bombing every country into oblivion also, so, yet again, I am correct, that presidents are all puppets, and following an agenda that started long ago. Please support Ron Paul..Turn off your tv and do some research..Find out who owns the t.v. stations you watch and how they manipulate you into being their slaves... p.s. I have noticed that salem-news does not post my comments anymore..Its ok, I just have to share anyway, even if it is just to get it out. What salem-news does with it, is their own business.

[Return to Top]

Why Romney's Religion Matters

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News