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Mitt Romney addressed the issue of his Mormon religion when running for president in 2007. While explaining that his religion did not define his candidacy, he also expressly declared, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the Savior of mankind.”
Many would consider this belief to be a fundamental characteristic of those who call themselves Christian. And yet in a recent broadcast of Fox News, Ainsley Earhardt of "Fox & Friends” stated that Romney was not a Christian.
Why?
The answer likely lies in the fact that Mormons believe “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are separate persons, three divine beings.” This doctrine differs from the more common belief that the godhead of Christianity is “one God,” rather than three distinct personages.
The difference is significant. However, claims that Romney is not Christian because his belief in the godhead differs from many in Christianity stray from the central thesis that he accepts the Savior as his personal redeemer.
Romney acknowledged in his 2007 speech that differences in doctrinal tenets were more a test of American tolerance than they were a basis for unfounded criticism. This Christianity is a heritage of which Romney is proud, and one which leads him to declare that “while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions.”
For some, sharing a common belief in Jesus Christ as well as a “common creed of moral convictions” is not enough to ascribe the label of “Christian.” Yet it is these two values that perhaps characterize a Christian more than any other.
Is Romney the best candidate for president in the 2012 elections? That is a question that has yet to be answered.
Is Romney a Christian? That is a question which receives a resounding, “Yes.”
Romney is a Christian who believes in Jesus Christ. He was a Christian when he rescued the Olympic Games from disaster in 2002; he was a Christian when he ran for president in 2008, and he is still a Christian today.
The question to ask it not whether Romney is a Christian, but rather does Romney have the abilities necessary to preserve America’s greatness in the midst of unprecedented challenges?
Kurt Manwaring is pursuing a graduate degree in public administration at the University of Utah. He is the owner of Manwaring Research & Consulting and maintains a personal blog at www.kurtsperspective.blogspot.com.
