Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Mormons and the Constitution

There seems to be a lot of ridiculously placed concern about whether or not a Mormon can be the president. Mitt Romney said in his speech on religion that "when I place my hand on the bible and swear an oath, that oath becomes my highest promise to God".
There should be no religious test for office. The only test that should be given to a candidate should be, will they uphold the Constitution of the United States. So what do Mormons believe about the constitution?
Joseph Smith, a prophet of the Church of Christ, said the following about the constitution: "We say, that the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun. We are deprived of the protection of its glorious principles, by the cruelty of the cruel."
"I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights."
"The different states, and even Congress itself, have passed many laws diametrically contrary to the Constitution of the United States."
"It provides that no one shall be hindered from worshiping God according to his own conscience. . . No legislature can enact a law to prohibit it."
Mormons respect and revere the Constitution.
As far as the irrational fear that some seem to have about a Mormon President pushing a Mormon agenda, I refer to the 11th article of Faith. (One of the 13 main beliefs of the Church): "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

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