Romney Dodges Doctrine
But questions about candidate's Mormon beliefs may continue.
[ posted 12/7/2007 9:23AM ]
- The Wall Street Journal finds a backlash against tithing. But Andreas Köstenberger, professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary professor, objects to being quoted saying pastors preach tithing out of "pragmatism, tradition and ignorance, quite frankly."
- Trevin Wax interviewed N.T. Wright for the Said at Southern podcast. The bishop "takes a Pauline angle" and defines the gospel as "the good news that the crucified and risen Jesus is the Messiah of Israel and therefore the Lord of the world." There is much to chew on in this substantive interview. Many will take note of Wright's response to his critics.
Verse for the Fortnight
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
1 Timothy 2:1
Collin Hansen is a CT editor-at-large.
Copyright © 2007 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Related Elsewhere:
Previous Theology in the News columns include:
Good News from a Bad World | Hopeful signs in American culture could precede theological shifts. (November 21, 2007
State of the Society | Acting president of Evangelical Theological Society talks about 'momentary crisis,' previews annual meeting. (November 9, 2007)
The Crisis of Modern Fundamentalism | Defections threaten a proud movement. (October 26, 2007)
Itchy Ears and Tongues of Fire | Gay-rights group employs Scripture. Also: Pentecostal success invites new challenges. (October 12, 2007)
Immersed in a Baptism Brouhaha | Changes of heart renew centuries-old divisions. (September 28, 2007)
What's Not Coming to a Bookstore Near You | How competition to publish celebrity Christians crowds out theology. (September 14, 2007)
From the Seminaries to the Pews | The 'new perspective on Paul' gets the popular treatment. (August 31, 2007)
Star Trek Into Darkness
Lots of explosions but not much heart makes this a film that will please most but might leave fans disappointed.
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Andy Burns
This article does not attempt to cast aspersions on Mitt Romney's character or leadership qualities. It does, however, demonstrate that Romney holds some interesting views regarding his personal faith. For instance, he states that Mormons believe that "Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind." Hard to find fault with that statement. He also says in the interview that "every faith he has encountered brings its adherents closer to God." These statements seem to be mutually exclusive. If he holds to the first claim, that Christ is divine and his death is the sole propitiation for our sin, it seems odd to comment that other paths or faiths offer the opportunity to draw "closer to God". These statements that tend to put all religions (and Gods) on equal ground, will probably not sit well with most evangelical Christians who see the Bible as God's word and God's son as "the way, the truth, and the life."
Raymond Takashi Swenson
Mitt Romney celebrates Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, just as all Mormons do. US Mormons gather with their families to eat turkey, they give gifts on December 25, and on Easter Sunday they will note the resurrection of Christ with songs and sermons. No, they don't have the elaborate ceremonies around and about Easter and Christmas that Catholics and some Protestants do, but it is largely for the same reason they do not put crosses on their churches: the founders of their church were New Englanders whose ancestors, the first English settlers of Massachusetts, had simplified their church practices and met in churches without crosses. Mormons commemorate the atoning death and suffering of Christ every Sunday, when every Latter-day Saint takes the emblems of Christ's body and blood during a few minutes of quiet meditation by the entire congregation. It is amazing how journalists think they can comment intelligently on Mormons out of total ignorance.
jon
With all the talk and comments and discussions regarding a person's religion, faith or theology; can anyone recall if, where, or when Ronald Reagan went to church? Should a candidate express their faith unless needed? Without a doubt! Show me by your actions how you will run our entire country; of all faiths, colors, experiences and backgrounds. I am not a Romney or a Huckabee supporter. An American researching the best person who will give our country the leadership, direction and vision we need as a nation.