Politics

Rep. Jason Chaffetz Joins ‘Real News’ to Discuss Mitt Romney and Mormon Faith

After treading lightly around the subject for most of his campaign, aides have released information that Mitt Romney’s speech when accepting the Republican presidential nomination Thursday night will reference his Mormon faith. POLITICO reports that top Romney advisor Eric Fehrnstrom told press at a breakfast hosted by Bloomberg News Tuesday that the candidate “welcomes” discussion on his church, and activity in it.

“The governor … welcomes those questions,” said Fehrnstrom, adding Romney talks about when he was a bishop in the Mormon church and the different types of people he helped, saying it gives the candidate an understanding of the “hardships” that “ordinary Americans” go through.

“So it’s something that the governor himself insisted on talking about,” he said. “He will make reference to it in his speech and he will hear from other speakers at the conventions about the counseling and pastoral work that Mitt Romney did.”

But another prominent Republican Mormon does not think discussion on the faith will do much good for Romney. After hearing the news of what Romney is planing to discuss in his important speech Thursday night, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch told POLITICO; “I don’t think there’s a downside [of talking about his religion], but I don’t think that’s what the American people want.

“I think people want to hear – what’s he going to do? Is he going to turn this mess around? Is he going to work at solving these economic problems that we know are in the doldrums right now and aren’t likely to be solved by President Obama, nice guy though he may be. The American people want to know: What are you go to do for us?”

During his 2008 campaign, Romney gave a pivotal speech addressing his faith head on, at a time when conservatives and liberals alike brought up Mormonism in not always positive light on the trail.

“I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from ‘the God who gave us liberty,’” said Romney.

“Nor would I separate us from our religious heritage. Perhaps the most important question to ask a person of faith who seeks a political office, is this: does he share these American values: the equality of human kind, the obligation to serve one another, and a steadfast commitment to liberty?”

Utah Congressman and fellow member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jason Chaffetz, joined Will and S.E. from Tampa Tuesday to discuss how Romney has addressed his faith, and what factor it play in the 2012 presidential campaign:

Watch more clips from “Real News From The Blaze”

Comments (26)

  • Barbie
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:44pm

    I would vote for a good honest Mormon over the bad Catholics like Joe,Nancy and the others working for Obama. all starts in the heart both sin and grace and what you do with your free will God gave you. We are all God’s children.
    I’m Catholic by the way

    Report Post »  
  • ImMormon
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:12pm

    Romney left of my views, but he’s not as “left” as many claim. On a scale of 1 to 10. (1 = Obama…Anti Colonialist and 10=Hard Core Libertarian) I would say I am a 9, and I would call Mitt Romney a 7.

    But even though he doesn‘t fit my mold exactly I’m not going to flip out! I don’t expect someone to believe EXACTLY as I do. I want someone who LOVES THE USA, is FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE, loves the CONSTITUTION, has UNPARALELLED INTEGRITY, is a GOOD FATHER & HUSBAND, and supports 75% of of the policy that I do.

    I believe Mitt Romney fits that mold. I will gladly support him and give him a chance!

    Report Post » ImMormon  
    • LuvsYeshua
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:37pm

      Sorry Mormon, but there‘s no way he’s a 7. He’s a 5 maayyyybe a 6 on your scale. While I hope he wins, I think he’s going to do nothing more than trim the government a little, but otherwise take all the government Obama has added, and run with it himself. Just look at the story already about who might fill his cabinet (and all the useless departments). Rick Perry, Ron Paul, Cain, and most of the others said they would end the Dept. of [many departments], but Romney just wants to be in charge of them….not dismantle them like he should do.

      Report Post »  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:02pm

      Luv,

      I disagree. That story on possible cabinet members is someone’s opinion. However, that same article it said he would possibly get rid of a few of the departments. Mitt has repeatedly said that he will cut the fat, reduce the size of government. He said he will independently research each department and cut it accordingly. He did that with the Massachusett’s state government. He let 12,000 state employees go and reduced government by 30%.. taking them out of huge deficit and giving them a surplus.

      I suggest you research the facts instead of rehearsing what other‘s say or pundint’s opinions. You may be pleasantly surprised!

      Report Post » ImMormon  
  • Patriot_4_God
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:18am

    The Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are some of the most conservative Americans around. The principles and values of the church help shape their ideologies. This shows how the principles of the church influence political ideologies: http://www.mormonvoting.com/

    Report Post »  
    • LuvsYeshua
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:52pm

      Don’t be fooled. It doesn’t matter how conservative they are or the good deeds they do, they are following a COMPLETELY false doctrine. It’s not like the difference between two Christian denominations; rather, it’s a fundamental difference of our Lord and Savior and how one obtains salvation (Jesus is NOT satan’s brother, just one example). There aren‘t enough good deeds in the world that will get you into heaven and into God’s favor (Ephesians 2:8-9). You can’t work your way into Heaven.

      Mormonism is just as much of a false doctrine as Obama’s Catholic/Muslim/Black Lib Theology hybrid….maybe more.

      I‘m voting for Romney simply because he’s against killing babies and because he’s not a complete communist.

      Report Post »  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:10pm

      Luv,

      You again are repeating what you’ve heard others say. Please research for yourself and develop your own opinion.

      I‘m confident in saying you haven’t researched this yourself, but are using other opinions which you’ve decided to believe. The reason I’m confident in that assumption is because of the rhetoric you use. If you researched for yourself, I know your tone would change, even if you still disagreed with the doctrine.

      It doesn‘t bother me when people disagree with the doctrine if they’ve throroughly researched it themselves, but 99.8% of people decided to absorb someone else’s opinions and use their same talking points. Anyone who develops their own opinion from their own research isn’t scared to have a level headed discussion about it.

      Report Post » ImMormon  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:18pm

      It’s kind of crazy that such a looney, crazy, and nutty religion is the fast growing the world, huh? I wonder why that is?

      Report Post » ImMormon  
    • PGMike
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:22pm

      Luv,
      Let me try to explain the Mormon view of Salvation.
      1. Eligibility
      2. Qualification
      3. Power
      We believe all God’s children are eligible at birth to be saved. Nothing is required, nothing is earned, we are eligible because we are children of a loving Father. This is why we do not baptize little children before they are accountable.
      We also believe, as do most Evangelicals, that one must qualify oneself to be saved. For the Evangelical the qualification is simple, just accept Christ as your Savior and you are qualified. Mormons believe that one must be baptized by proper authority and one must endure to the end to qualify for Salvation. (James 2:14-20, “Faith without works is dead,” and Matt 7:21 “Not everyone that sayeth unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father.” Qualification is a lifelong pursuit of righteousness.
      Now for the important part, Power. The power of Salvation comes only in and through the blood of Christ. Only Christ has the power to save. Being eligible is not enough, being qualified is not enough. Without the atoning blood and power of the Savior Jesus Christ all are fallen and lost. Thus the scriptures that talk about salvation coming from “Grace…. not of works, lest any man boast.”
      Mormons do not believe that we are saved by our works. We do believe that our good works can qualify us and our evil works can disqualify us for Salvation. A very scripturally based be

      Report Post »  
    • LuvsYeshua
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:07pm

      False doctrine. Here’s an example from whatmormonsbelieve(dot)org regarding special underwear Mormons are to wear:

      “A Mormon will begin to wear this underwear as part of the initiatory ordinances of the Mormon temple ceremony.It is here that they will first put on this underwear and promise to always wear it the rest of their life.”

      What?! Please quote the scripture from a word-for-word translation (like the NASB, ESV, or KJV) where you see anything about that.

      And here’s the number one problem everyone should have with Mormonism. When they make statements like this one defending the use of the special underwear:

      “Because of the sacred nature which is not discussed outside the temple, naturally, the curiosity of others is piqued.”

      Temple secrets? That’s as cult-like as anything I’ve heard.

      Joseph Smith quotes:
      • “We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345)

      • “I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam…Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I.” (History of the Church, vol. 6, p.408-409)
      …..doesn‘t sound like your ’prophet’ actually believes Jesus is Lord.

      I don’t know you personally, but the Mormon church as a whole follows man’s

      Report Post »  
    • LuvsYeshua
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:24pm

      • “God made Aaron to be the mouthpiece for the children of Israel, and He will make me be god to you in His stead…and if you don’t like it, you must lump it!” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.363)

      • “The idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man’s heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false.” (Doctrine & Covenants 130:3)

      Paul warned us about you:
      “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:13)

      “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9)

      Here’s the REAL deal:
      “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

      That’s definite. There are no “but[s]” or asterisks. If you believe the Bible, then you believe that verse to be true. Why then would you even waste a minute following some other doctrine? It’s no different than muslims and muhammad, only you people are much more friendly.

      Report Post »  
    • PGMike
      Posted on August 30, 2012 at 12:30am

      Luv, you said:
      “A Mormon will begin to wear this underwear as part of the initiatory ordinances of the Mormon temple ceremony.It is here that they will first put on this underwear and promise to always wear it the rest of their life.”
      What?! Please quote the scripture from a word-for-word translation (like the NASB, ESV, or KJV) where you see anything about that.”
      Here is your scripture and verse. KJV Exodus 29:4-9
      And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,(temple) and shalt wash them with water. And thou shalt take the garments and put upon Aaron the coat and the robe of Ephod and the ephod and the breastplate and gird him with the curious girdle of the Ephod……and the priests office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
      I’ll bet you never read that one before have you? You asked for a scriptural base and I have provided it. I wonder if you will apologize for your rant?
      Here’s the REAL deal:
      “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
      I, and all Mormons I know agree with that scripture. There is not one verse of the Holy Bible that I do not believe. You see, we do teach the Doctrine of Christ so we have nothing to fear from scriptures that warn of those who do not.

      Report Post »  
    • P8riot
      Posted on August 30, 2012 at 7:43pm

      immormon and pg – you guys hit the nail on the head! Great job!

      Report Post » P8riot  
  • ConservativeCanucklehead
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:14am

    Romney’s religion is a cult to Evangelicals and an embarrassment to intellectuals. It’s the biggest reasons he should NOT have been made the nominee.

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    • casventures
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:50am

      The only cult is islam.
      you are a reason to test peopl before they vote.

      Report Post »  
    • Smoke Ranch
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 6:23am

      Your statement just shows that you aren’t all that intellectual. To the Catholic Church, Evangelicals were at one time also considered like Protestants. To be heretics and a cult. You should go and find out what Mormonism is all about. It is very simple. Christ visited America after he was resurrected and the Book of Mormon is a Testment of the teachings of the people who knew of Him here. Simple.

      Report Post » Smoke Ranch  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:57pm

      NuckleHead,

      Thanks for your opinion. I disagree.

      The LDS Faith is the fastest growing religion in the United States and in the World. How can that be? Especially with the fact that we are “cult” and an “embarrasment” to the Christian population?

      Just something to stew on for a bit. I certainly don’t claim to know all or even more than you, but I would suggest you study it out yourself, develop your own opinion (testimony) for or against vs reciting what you’ve been told.

      Report Post » ImMormon  
    • LuvsYeshua
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:32pm

      @Mormon
      Why is your main defense for mormonism that it is the fastest growing religion in the world. So it’s really popular…so what. So is homosexuality. Popularity means nothing, and I wouldn’t brag about it. Revelation tells us that there will be a great apostasy before Jesus returns (people running from faith in Jesus Christ), yet you tout joey smith’s mormonism as rapidly growing. Watch out brother! You are following a false doctrine that is “the fastest growing religion” (your words). Repent and return to Jesus Christ and Christ alone.

      Report Post »  
    • P8riot
      Posted on August 30, 2012 at 7:40pm

      @luv

      Our rapid growth is simply a fulfillment of ancient and modern prophecy. The Lord is fulfilling His promise that His gospel shall be as the stone cut out of the mountain without hands which would roll forth and fill the whole earth, as Daniel saw in vision (see Daniel 2:31-45; D&C 65:2).

      Report Post » P8riot  
  • PutMoreOnMyPlate
    Posted on August 28, 2012 at 10:28pm

    I have to take Romney with a grain of salt. Not that it matters what religion he is to me, just that a symptom of where we are when we can’t have a Christian president. It used to mean a lot and it‘s a sign of where we’re going as a nation once blessed by God. This government was built to be slow and while that was a blessing it is now a curse because to reverse the damages by previous administrations, everything would have to come to a screeching halt and turn around and I don’t see anybody that feels “entitled” by the government having the patience for that to happen. So no, I don‘t see us having ten years to turn this boat around before we lose all sovereignty and I don’t think people realize this is not the time for petty arguments about rights and entitlements when the world is looking at us and laughing at our selfish citizens who are so worried about where their taxes go and who they want to marry than perserving life liberty and the pursuit of happiness for ALL. So I see regardless of who gets elected the Statue of Liberty being wiped clean and engraved “bring us your tired, sick and poor and we’ll sterilize, euthanize and eradicate them because we don’t give a sh**”

    Report Post » PutMoreOnMyPlate  
    • lel2007
      Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:40pm

      Romney & Ryan WILL turn the country around, obama WILL complete its destruction. It DOES matter which is elected.

      Report Post » lel2007  
    • PutMoreOnMyPlate
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:35am

      I pray you’re right hon. More than anything. This administration has me in tears with it’s policies and division that it carries over to the attitudes of my friends and I never thought to see so much hate in my lifetime.

      Report Post » PutMoreOnMyPlate  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:52am

      @LEL

      We are 16 trillion in debt and headed to collapse. Romney doesnt cut spending, he only has cuts to future increases. With Obama we go off the cliff at 90MPH, with Romney we go off the cliff at 70MPH.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • Marine 1
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:03am

      Being a GOP State Delegate at the time, I met with Mitt Romney a couple of years ago. Had a few minutes with him. I wasn’t sure at that time if I could support him or not (we had an idea that he would be running for the presidency again) and my closing remarks to him were to uphold the Constitution and do what is right for this country. He told me that he would. I told him that I’d hold him to it.

      I felt that Mitt Romney was not “right” enough for me at the time. He still isn‘t in my book but he’s all we have to work with.

      Ron Paul was just a bit too quirky for my liking. I did like his knowledge and stance on the Constitution but other aspects of his platform really bugged me.

      Quite honestly there are others that more clearly reflect my stance on things political – Chuck Baldwin being one of them. However, men like that are destined for other missions in these difficult times.

      So, I shall be voting for Mitt Romney and praying that our Constitution can be saved by honorable men and women.

      This I know for sure — Obama is undoubtedly the worst president we have ever had and has done more to destroy this nation with every EO and bill he has signed. Obama is a disaster happening!

      It is time to give Romney and Ryan a chance. To do otherwise is opening the door to an absolute disaster.

      “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.”

      Now, that’s worth fighting for.

      Semper Fidelis

      Report Post »  
    • ironwill2
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:33am

      I thought the definition of a Chirstian was someone that believed in and followed the teachings of Christ? I am pretty sure this is what Romney believes in.

      Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 28, 2012 at 9:35pm

    national socialist cult lol

    Report Post » Individualism  

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