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University of Richmond
Professor of Literature and Religion at the University of Richmond and a Mormon scholar; author of numerous books, including The Viper on the Hearth: Mormons, Myths and the Construction of Heresy
PROFILE
Terryl Givens
Guest
FROM Terryl Givens
Which Way, L.A.?
Mitt Romney and the Mormon Church Mitt Romney speaks often about his faith in God and his loyalty to "the same church." But in 2007, when he made a carefully written speech about his religion, he mentioned the word "Mormon" only once. He seems "unable to talk about the very subject he seems to care about most, a lifelong source of spiritual, familial and intellectual sustenance." Despite his big money, years of organizing and a chattering-class consensus that he's the "inevitable" nominee, Romney has failed to connect with two-thirds of Republican voters. Should he be more open about his Mormon faith? How it would shape his conduct in office? We talk with fellow Mormons and others.
To the Point
Is Mitt Romney Too Reticent about His Mormon Faith? Mitt Romney 's been called the "presumed front-runner," since the Republican campaign began, but most party members are looking for somebody else. Has Romney failed to tell them who he really is? He calls Mormonism key to his character and often mentions his faith in God and loyalty to "the same church," but he's refused to explain how his religion affects his public life. In his one speech on the subject, he used the word "Mormon" exactly once. He seems, "unable to talk about the very subject he seems to care about most, a lifelong source of spiritual, familial and intellectual sustenance." If he were more open, could he shake the impression that he's hiding something? Even some fellow Mormons say raising the question is not religious bigotry. We look for answers.
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