Romney Speaks Out on Faith in Politics

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate who happens to be a Mormon, gave a significant speech on faith in politics. What did Romney have to say?

Romney’s basic thrust on faith in politics is this (see CT article): “”It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it’s usually a sound rule to focus on the latter—on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people.”

David Neff summarizes several things “that should be welcomed by evangelicals:”

• Romney criticized politicians who distance themselves from their faith for political purposes.
• Romney emphasized that different faiths can have common political values.
• Romney supported the place of religion in America, including public life.
• Romney stressed freedom of religion and America’s heritage of promoting this freedom.
• Romney criticized radical Islam and “conversion by conquest.”

Will these comments be enough to persuade the 36% of evangelicals who claim they are hesitant to vote for a Mormon? Neff believes that evangelicals will continue to express concerns over “the mainstreaming of a marginal faith” that denies much of Christian orthodoxy and has a history peppered with secrets and racism.

One evangelical that is not concerned is theologian Wayne Grudem, who is even more supportive of Romney after this speech: “But he also said that he thought questions about different doctrines of his or anybody else’s faith were out of bounds, they are inappropriate for someone to ask someone as a candidate for president because that’s not relevant for his suitability for office. I thought that was a good distinction” (see Sarah Pulliam’s interview).

This past weekend on the McLaughlin Group (no relationship with yours truly), Pat Buchanan predicted that if Romney wins Iowa, he is the Republican presidential candidate. Can Romney win Iowa? Can he beat evangelical Mike Huckabee? We’ll see in less than a month!