Did any of you hear Mitt Romney's speech on his religion? What did you think?

Question

daisykristina: I liked the Sam Adams quote too. Although, I think he over emphasized the role of religion in the founding of the United States; but I did not expect him to say different.

imasis2: I did not like the child of God sound bite either, but for the opposite reason. Many believe that none of us are children of any god.

3: I did not like and disagree with "freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom". I think religious pluralism requires freedom, and I do not think that religion will disappear in several generations, but I think that the secular hope is that we can all agree on freedom without needing it founded on religion. Dewey?: Take care of freedom and truth will take care of itself.

Anyone who has not heard or read it yet: I will keep this question up without declaring a Best Answer til Saturday morning.

3: I disagree with Romney on a lot of things, but I do not think he is either a bigot or an idiot. I would like to see us secularists get beyond this sort of name calling.

"The magnificent cathedrals of Europe may be empty, as Mr. Romney said, but the democracies of Europe are thriving." Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120602115.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

I disagree with those who thought it bad that Romney had to give this speech. Like JFK, Romney espoused a religion that has a documented history of undemocratic practices and beliefs. Voters have a right to know that these practices and beliefs will not war against the principles of the U. S. Constitution.

I felt it disheartening that Romney could not recognize that secularist non-believers also have a place in the political system of the United States. I think that we can participate in the shared moral conversation that he made reference to. We might interpret the implications for practice differently for say, the importance of protecting innocent life.

Secularists, even atheists, share more of the moral assumptions of the rest of Americans than Romney and many of his supporters and sympathetic hearers might want to acknowledge.

Romney's speech I think does give all of us the beginnings of shared topics of conversation.

Thanks to all who responded substantively!!

Answer 1

I liked it. He did a good job (which he shouldn't have had to do) I thought it was very patriotic and unifying.
Some of the Most important parts:

1. When he take the oath of office...his service to America is his number one promise to God.

2.He will not let his religion or any other religion dictate his decisions.

3. Founding fathers intended for religious freedom. Taking all religion out of public eye is not the intent of the framers.

4. No cadidate should be a spokesperson for his or her religion, because they will need the prayers of All the people.

Hmmm...so many others. I really liked that his religion wasn't the focus of the speech, but that the focus was on freedom and patriotism. That all faiths are equal and all people are equal.
He seemed a little choked up at times, so I am glad to see that the words that he spoke were near and dear to him, heartfelt, and meaningful.

Answer 2

We live in America were freedom or religion is one of the standards of the constitution. Those rights are supposedly protected. Yet, many have said they would not vote for someone based on religion alone.

Does America really believe in freedom of religion? Why does a candidate have to explain his stance? Because many are not respecting freedom of religion.

Answer 3

I liked that Sam Adams quote about being willing to hear a prayer from anyone so long as they're a patriot.

Answer 4

I thought it was awesome. I am very proud to have my religion associated with this great man.

Sad though, that he had to do it. Being a Christian shouldn't matter.

Answer 5

At least the guy above me has the courage to admit Mormons are Christian.

Answer 6

For the most part it was a great speech. The only part I disagreed with was when he called everyone a child of God. You are only a child of God if you have trusted in Jesus (John 1:12)

Answer 7

It makes me sad that someone has to explain their religion to run for office. That is bigoted and wrong.
I'm still not going to vote for him, but only because he is a hard core repub and conservative.

Answer 8

I heard bits and pieces, I'd like to hear it all.

gw

Answer 9

I think he's a total idiot. He said, I quote "freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom".

That's a really cute motto, but as an atheist it pisses me off. I know a lot of people think that way, and that's a problem too. Let's not make it worse by putting a bigot into office.

Answer 10

No, I didn't. Is it online yet?