This writing is to expand a public understanding of persons in general, but more particularly of persons and views they represent, who are involved in the political process. It is a season of politics — debate, presentation, sharing viewpoints, some historical stuff (real and imagined?), and a variety of evaluations. Of course, interpretations enter into our responses to different discussions related to a political season.

Especially in this time of an election process, attention, some of it negative or conflicted, has swirled around the head of the former governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney. Mormonism is one of the issues of debate. More precisely: Is a person who practices the Mormon expression of religion to be considered, or viewed as a Christian?

The following will set this question in the context of a larger discussion of a person’s spiritual life. In an evaluation of a person’s affiliation with the Mormon church based in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is important, I believe, to briefly view religious commitments in a wider field.

Like it or not, all of us as citizens are in the circle of developing events in our nation. Reputable persons are currently offering their talents to be nominated, as members of the Republican Party, to be voted into the office of President of the United States. The election process that has had continual coverage by the Austin Daily Herald has placed a candidate’s religion into the mix of pro’s and con’s about Republican candidates who are the front-runners seeking elected office.

The religious affiliations and transitions that people of our nation make in their memberships is a normal process. President Obama changed church affiliation upon his move from Chicago to Washington, D.C. Rick Santorum has often declared his commitment to a traditional expression of Catholicism. Herman Cain, who was for a time a candidate, is of Baptist persuasion. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, now out of the race, is what some term a Pentecostal-type Baptist.

One might recall the name of Mike Huckabee, who was again urged to be available for our nation’s leadership office. He is an ordained minister in the denomination of Billy Graham, the Southern Baptist Convention. Newt Gingrich, upon his marriage to Callista, changed his affiliation (however within the Christian tradition), to the Roman Catholic Church to bring a more united religious practice to their marriage. Ron Paul has, for years, declared his embrace of values he believes are Christian. The now concluded candidacy of Jon Huntsman, the former ambassador to China, also a Mormon, has added to the discussions of this faith journey.

At the time John F. Kennedy was a candidate for president, deep divisions were present due to his being a member of the Catholic Church. Times have changed. We have matured as a nation. Our levels of acceptance are commendable.

Yet, there is a seeming deep divide in our nation related to the fact that Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Hopefully, the following paragraphs can give some clarity to his candidacy. As a Christian myself, I affirm and invite you to consider Mr. Romney as a Christian. He has stated many times that he regards himself as a Christian.

An important aspect of what we, in the United States, call “the freedom of religion,” is born out by the distinctive expression of conscience and practice.

Sara Steinhoff, on the staff of the Austin Public Library, called to my attention, that in sending out invitations to churches in Mower County for the St. John’s Bible reception in October, there was a surprising discovery. Sixty-two registered churches were given information on what many of us regard as a splendid, permanent display, now owned by the library, due to the generosity of Don and Dottie Hodapp. It is now being viewed by a wide cross-section of area residents, as well as persons from some distance. We do find a basis for unity in the world of spiritual and artistic delight and shared learning!

First of a two-part commentary on presidential politics and religion. Watch for Part 2 on Wednesday.

By Marvin Repinski,
minister in the United Methodist Church, now retired.