General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why I think Mitt Romney is running for President. [View all]Nayajja
(1 post)Interesting post, simply because of the familial reminiscences.
However, it strikes me as idle speculation and worse, as totally missing the mark. Having been immersed my whole life in Mormonism, I have never once heard anyone speak of your "bridges." It is true that the first three could be chapter titles for three historical eras in the Mormon Church's history, but there are many other eras one could also talk about. The idea that Mormons seek "complete and total acceptance of the American Christian community" is naive at best. Our very existence is based on a belief that we *are* different from traditional Christianity in fundamental ways. What befuddles us is how other Christians can claim we are not followers of Christ.
If Romney's goal were what you claim, he would be running his campaign much more like Santorum is, emphasizing his religious beliefs and using them for political gain, and yes, even compromising or shading them to make himself more appealing to the evangelicals who are prone to demonize him.