Romney never said he wouldn't follow church orders, he said the church wouldn't give him orders. Thoughts?

Question

That's a big difference. He's saying that he would follow if they told him to, but he's assuming/guessing that they won't. He's not in control of that though.

This is what he said:
"Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin."

So what would happen if the prophet DID give him orders?

The church policy is not to intervene, but the church policy has changed wildly over the years, even where previous prophets have said it could not be. I have ZERO confidence that they wouldn't try to influence him.

Absent Farmer: Great, but what if he did? Would Romney have to obey?

Absent Farmer: I accept that he won't do that. If he did, would Romney have to obey?

Answer 1

He will do an say anything to get a vote. He believes by leaving something out makes it right.

Answer 2

The LDS prophet and counsel keep their authority where it lies - in the church. They have not, and will not make effort to influence their members on politics or individual decisions. They will only offer councel if requested.

Some might fear that the president of the Church - regarded by members as a prophet - might have too much political influence (as with earlier concerns about the pope and the Catholic Church. Kennedy also had to defend his faith.).

Simply put - review the church’s record. There are many prominent Mormon office holders with different political views (Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Senator Orrin Hatch). You will notice that there is no evidence that church authorities have tried to influence any of these public servants.

Answer 3

The Prophet will not order any one to do anything. Romney will have to make his own decisions and his own mistakes. Even God does not order us around, making us do things.. We get to use the brains God gave us. Romney's religious belief should not have anything to do with whether you vote for him or not. Learn about his platform and whether you like it, and vote Romney or don't, or you can vote Perot(or whoever)

Seriously, the Prophet WON'T give him orders. I can't be clear enough on that point!!!

Edit--REALLLLLY!!! The Prophet WILL NOT give him orders, it is not even a possibility, seriously. This is a non- question.

Edit--I just looked at who's question I am answering, hello, meatbot, I am a fan but have, so far, avoided answering your questions. I do, however, read them for their entertainment value. I am thrilled that you noticed lil old me at all. I wish I could speak for Mr. Romney, I can only speak for myself. If I took the oath of the Presidency, I would keep it separate from church and Pres. Hinckley and God would understand.
Edit: Nope, he wouldn't. But this is a "it will never happen question" LDS people are not forced to do anything, just take the church attendance for example-we are all supposed to attend but attendance is about 60% or so in my ward. Most of us know our own mind and some of us are really just slackers :-)

Answer 4

The prophet WON'T give him orders. It is the policy of the church to stay out of political matters. Church members have served in all levels of Government, excepting the presidency, Church leadership has NEVER given any of them "orders". Why would they start now?

This is the classic example of taking things way out of context

Edit**
I just read his speech.

He stated that he would not be a puppet to ANY religion- he stated that several times. He said that his oath to office, would be his highest, most important Oath to God.

It really was a great, patriotic speech.

Answer 5

Hes not assuming or guessing that they wont give him orders. He knows they wont give him orders, it would be against the basic doctrine of the church. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. 12 article of faith. This is a world wide church and that article of faith works for every country in the world. This country has a law separating church and state and it would be against the law and doctrine of the church its self to interfere with government policy. However the church teaches correct principles and we hope he would follow the correct principles in making his decisions.

Answer 6

The prophet won't tell him what to do. The Prophet may give advice if asked...but it is against the way the Church works to do such a thing.

Answer 7

That is par for a politician, whose policies are usually based upon the priorities of political pragmatism, rather than the precepts of the perfect word of God (the Bible, not the Book of Mormon).

Mitt both promised to be faithful to the Constitution as well as his faith, which will surely conflict. Meanwhile his stands on major things have not always been consistent with Mormon morality, and some have changed (seemingly) to fit political objectives.

The delusion that such seek to pass off on the public, is that one can believe one thing but not have it affect their actions. Yet what you do manifests what you really believe. Thus political pragmatism is their religion, which leads to the State religion of secularism supplanting the general Christian faith as the overriding authority (there can be no separation the way groups like the ACLU seek top implement it against the Bible).

In Mitt's case, if he really believes J. Smith was a prophet of God and the Book of Mormon is true, then it must affect his decisions and judgments.

And as Mormonism was founded upon the premise of it's singular correctness, and considers itself superior to all, but is clearly critically different than Biblical Christian faith*, and as they thus need not be pacifists in defending their faith, even as they took up arms (Smith died shooting at attackers) and murdered immigrants** and thousands prepared to fight against the US army***, one might wonder how Mitt can so easily assure us his faith will stay that of a peaceful pluralist?

While atheism lacks an objective, transcendent authority for it's morality, but can only assure if it will do what is "reasonable" (which atheists like Stalin demon-strated can be very murderously pragmatic), Mormonism offers one - themselves - in which the Bible is subject to them (and thus they are not truily bound to go by it), and not the opposite, as a true Christian must be to the Bible, by the Spirit of Christ. And by which the Biblical church killed no one, but loved others and truth in living for Him who died for them and rose again. Bless the Lord.

Answer 8

Romney also said "A President must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States." That does it for me. See the speech for what it is: direct, remarkable, memorable.

Answer 9

I just like how thoroughly he threw atheists under the bus in that speech.

Frankly, getting marching orders from Gordon B is better than from Ted Haggard.

Answer 10

my thought is that you think too much...LOL! just playin'. However, you have a very very good point!!! something for all to consider! can a country be run on mormon doctrine???
another thought is that i need to study up on my political science...seperation of church and state and the like.

Answer 11

I couldn't care less. Our political system is so corrupt that it doesn't matter if he takes his orders straight from the dog in his neighbor's backyard.