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Faith and Politics Intersect in Culture 

By Bob Waldrep

  

"According to a new poll, 42% of Americans say they are uncomfortable with the idea of having a Mormon president. When asked why, the people said, 'We're still getting used to having a Muslim president'."

Conan O'Brien,Talk show host/comedian

 

While O'Brien is certainly going for the laugh, his comment is revealing as to how important a role faith still plays in American politics. One Republican presidential candidate who clearly grasps its significance is Mitt Romney, a devout Mormon. Those who support his candidacy, as well as his detractors, are also aware of this "political truth" about faith and politics.

 

"Mormonism is not Christianity. It has always been considered a cult by the mainstream of Christianity."

Robert Jeffress, pastor First Baptist Church Dallas

 

Jeffress made this comment to reporters at the Values Voters Summit shortly after introducing Texas Governor, Rick Perry, the Republican candidate he was backing. Unlike O'Brien, he wasn't going for a laugh. He was expressing a sincerely held belief. He probably could not have imagined the controversy that would follow. Even more incredible, rather than bringing Romney under closer scrutiny (as one might have thought it would), Jeffress found himself and his remarks to be the center of attention.

 

Political pundits jumped upon it, candidates quickly distanced themselves from it, and the media flocked to Jeffress for an explanation; including, well-known atheist, Bill Maher who managed to book Jeffress as a guest on his show. Romney and his campaign staff discredited it as having no place in politics and then, wisely, ignored it; choosing to let others fight this battle on his behalf.

 

CNN asked GOP candidate, Jon Huntsman (also a Mormon), to comment on it and reported, "Huntsman [noted], it's a shame that with so much real news in the 2012 election cycle 'the fact that some moron can stand up and make a comment like that' and drive the news narrative for a number of days is a real shame." 


Continue reading this article at: CrossingCurrents Vol 4, Issue 7

 

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Bob Waldrep has been engaged in cultural apologetics, with an emphasis on new religious movements, since 1993. Through the years, he has observed and addressed cultural trends that have altered various elements of our society; especially, as pertains to matters of faith and spirituality. More...

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The Crosswinds Foundation for Faith and Culture exists to provide:

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regarding cultural shifts in our society.

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