Mitt Romney and the Platform his Presidential Nomination Gives Mormonism to Expand

[Zaac]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will rapidly increase the number of missionaries it sends throughout the world, church leaders have announced.

Speaking Saturday at the church's semi-annual General Conference in Salt Lake City, President Thomas Monson, the church's top leader, said the church is lowering its age requirements for both male and female missionaries. Men will now be able to embark on missions one year earlier at age 18, while women can now go on missions two years earlier at age 19.

According to a statement on the church's website, the new rules "will significantly increase the number of missionaries" for the church, which has 14.4 million global members and places an emphasis on encouraging its members to do missions, a majority of which are focused on proselytizing.

The move indicates the church is investing more in growing its membership while also aiming to get its younger members -- many of whom drift away from the faith in college -- deeply involved in promoting the faith right after they graduate from high school.

"The Lord is hastening His work," said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the church's high-level Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who explained that the church needs extra missionaries to spread the faith around the globe. There are currently about 58,000 Mormon missionaries throughout the world spread among 347 mission areas, down from a high of 61,000 in 2002. The church has seven million members in the U.S. and has experienced quick growth in Africa, which is home to half of the 20 countries with the fastest-growing Mormon populations, as well as in the Caribbean.

...
Saturday's surprise announcement was met with emotional reaction among many Mormons, for whom the changes will profoundly affect social and spiritual dynamics. Mormon men typically either attend one year of college after graduation before taking a temporary leave of absence for mission trips or have a gap year between high school graduation and becoming missionaries. Now, many men are likely to become missionaries directly after high school graduation.

...
Perhaps the most famous former Mormon missionary is Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who served in France from July 1966 to February 1969. Of the mission, Romney later recalled, "your faith in Jesus Christ either evaporates or it becomes much deeper. ... For me, it became much deeper."

The announcement was made in the LDS General Conference Center, which holds 21,000 people. The General Conference happens twice a year and last took place in April.

On Saturday, Monson also announced that the church will build two new temples in Tucson, Ariz. and Arequipa, Peru. In Arizona, home to 400,000 Mormons, there are two operating temples and three already under construction. In Peru, the temple will be the third to be completed. The nation has 500,000 Mormons.

There are currently 139 Mormon temples and 37 under construction in the world. Only Mormons can enter temples, which are reserved for special, sacred ceremonies. The churches where Mormons meet for services on Sundays, meanwhile, are open to the public.

In a separate session, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, another Mormon leader, spoke out against what the church sees as some of society's top social ills: divorce, abortion, cohabitation and parenting by same-sex couples. Oaks, who is a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, told parents to reply with "loving understanding, not bullying or ostracism" to children who are attracted to same-sex partners.

The General Conference continues on Sunday.

Expanding Mormonism

Ahh, the Romney effect.

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

NO...That would be.....

Ahh, the Romney effect.

Nope....That would be.....the SATAN effect. He is the FATHER of lies. For the record...I don't personally believe that Romney is a bad guy from a human standpoint....but he is spiritually blind and deceived by this false and satanically-inspired religion. Therefore,the wisdom and validity of his decision-making processes will potentially be more flawed than someone who approaches his world-view from a correct Biblical standpoint.

Bro.Greg

 

[Arbo]

Zaac- If your concern that the spiritual welfare of the nation was tied to the person occupying the Oval Office was genuine, you would spend more of your efforts going after Obama with these type of threads.

Admit what most who read your anti-Romney threads already know: that your in the tank for Obama.

 

[Revmitchell]

Admit what most who read your anti-Romney threads already know: that your in the tank for Obama.

Yea that is what I see as well.

 

[saturneptune]

Zaac- If your concern that the spiritual welfare of the nation was tied to the person occupying the Oval Office was genuine, you would spend more of your efforts going after Obama with these type of threads.

Admit what most who read your anti-Romney threads already know: that your in the tank for Obama.

We are very close in our poltical beliefs from your posts. They are well thought out. In a perfect world of theory, I can see what Zaac is saying. I personally do not believe he is an Obama supporter, but Romney is just as disquisting to him. All during the primaries, I had as many anti-Obama threads as he has produced. We only differed when the nominee became apparant. I have given you the history as to why I gave up on the Constitutional Party being a delegate to their national nominating convention. I looked into Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party candidate, and found they pretty much they think drugs and prostitution should be legal. They do not push the issue, they just want no government involvement in the issues.

This is the toughest election since I started voting in 1970 to swallow the choices. If one wants to vote, they are almost forced into a corner to vote for Romney. To even make it slightly acceptable, one must think as you suggest, that this is not a spiritual leader for the nation, based on the Mormon faith. One must also accept Romney's word that his stance has changed on abortion, gay rights, and government run health care. Shakey as these are, it still presents a better opportunity for this nation to get back to some similance of normality than the present occupant.

No one wishes more than me there were better choices. The catch 22 is that when someone is so angry at Romney, it is kind of like enabling a self fulfilling prophecy that none of us want, the reelection of Obama. Then again, as a Christian, one cannot help but have doubts at someone who believes Jesus Christ is not God, and is a created Being. Take that with all of their science ficton theology, like God the Father regenerating Himself every so often and living on other planets, it is a hard pill to swallow. No doubt the Book of Mormon has helped the tourist trade in South America, but there is not one word of truth in the book. I guess besides that, the thing that bothered me most during the primaries was watching clips of Romney debating Ted Kennedy for the Senate.

It is my prayer that Romney does win, and the Lord uses him to turn this nation back to him, however long that may take. Sometimes we are surprised how leaders turn out, as maybe the leaders themselves are. One of the biggest surprises I have seen in politics was some of the Supreme Court appointments of Bush the First, in particular David Suiter. He turned out to be quite liberal.

With Republicans taking the House back, and the Senate either being evenly split or slightly Democrat, with either Obama or Romney, it would not be surprising to see the political games continue. We focus a lot on the Presidency as we should, but the leadership in both houses has been horrible. Reid and McConnell in the Senate speak for itself. The House is very bitterly divided. Looking at them in a non biased way, they have had more days off than in session in the last year, and when they are in session, they basically do nothing but play political games and adjourn. That is a chunk of change in tax dollars.

IMO, the best we can hope for is that the Republicans will wake up (as they should have done in 2008), and we start now or right after the election to get a decent nominee. Spring of 2016 with a bunch of arm chair posters is too late. The Democrats would do themselves a favor also by going back to at least a moderate nominee.

Your posts on politics are some of the best, and I know we differ slightly on the outcome prediction, but I still believe Obama will win a slight electoral victory. One of the positive things about this year is that maybe it will encourage Paul Ryan to run next time or a Rand Paul type. I still have faith in the election process. I actually believe both parties will move to the right in the next four years.

One thing I learned recently is the myth of predicting elections based on previous ones. For example, we have heard time after time, no President has won reelection in the past 35 or so years with the unemployment rate above 8%. Notice the time limit. They also used to say no one ever won the Presidency unless they won the NH primary. These types of comparisons can become meaningless at anytime for two reasons. One, there is always a first time for anything, and two, the time limits people use to make the statistic fit their purposes. For example, Clinton lost the NH primary in 1992 and won two terms. Also, when FDR ran four times, the unemployement rate was 23% in 1932, 17% in 1936, 14% in 1940, and 1% in 1944 (because 0f WW2). The point is Obama can be reelected with unemployment over 8% if his opponent is bad enough. Also, everyone hanging their hat on one bad debate performance is a sure trap.

Sorry for the rambling, but feel you are the person who understands all of this. This is not the year for simplistic statements of support.

 

[InTheLight]

Ahh, the Romney effect.

And the beat goes on....

 

[Arbo]

SN- Believe me when I say I understand where you're comming from. I cannot say that that there's anything expressed in your above post that I disagree with, save that I'm not as convinced as you are that Obama has a lock on the election. I am reminded of the 1980 election cycle- similar economic malaise and public morale, and Reagan behind in the polls. We know how that turned out. I think of the recent Walker recall in Wisconsin- polls and pundits steadfastly predicted a close race, which Walker won by a wide margin. I think of the difference between the left and the right when it comes to being vocal- the left likes to make itself heard, while the right is quieter but votes. I think of a Marquette (?) poll a couple weeks ago that claimed Obama had a double-digit lead in Wisconsin, which I think is dubious given that the day after the debate he visits Madison (if so close, why not spend the capital on somewhere with a closer race?) To sum it up, I've no one or two big indicators that lead me to think it's over. There are many small things that make me think that Romney will pull it off. That, and a gut feeling I suppose.

I think it's too early to be discouraged.

 

[LadyEagle]

Has Mormonism been given a national voice by Senator Harry Reid or Senator Orin Hatch? Both are Mormons. Did JFK sweep all of us into Catholicism? Your post is ridiculous. And as others have stated, your posts do indicate you are in the tank for Obama, who sat under Black Liberation Theology of Jeremiah Wright for 20 years. At least if Mitt Romney wins the presidency, it might stop some of the government creep into our lives which is encroaching on our God-Given freedom, of which this nation was founded upon.

Will Mitt Romney turn all of us into Mormons? I hardly think so.

Will obama's policies continue to "fundamentally transform America," as he has indicated in 2008 and demonstrated the past 3-3/4 years? I shudder to think what another 4 years of Obama's Constitution trampling and corruption will bring us. Then you might be wishing for the good old days of 2012 when you could bash Romney.

 

[Ryan.Samples]

Has Mormonism been given a national voice by Senator Harry Reid or Senator Orin Hatch? Both are Mormons. Did JFK sweep all of us into Catholicism? Your post is ridiculous. And as others have stated, your posts do indicate you are in the tank for Obama, who sat under Black Liberation Theology of Jeremiah Wright for 20 years. At least if Mitt Romney wins the presidency, it might stop some of the government creep into our lives which is encroaching on our God-Given freedom, of which this nation was founded upon.

Will Mitt Romney turn all of us into Mormons? I hardly think so.

Will obama's policies continue to "fundamentally transform America," as he has indicated in 2008 and demonstrated the past 3-3/4 years? I shudder to think what another 4 years of Obama's Constitution trampling and corruption will bring us. Then you might be wishing for the good old days of 2012 when you could bash Romney.

You and I are on the same page here.

 

[Zaac]

Zaac- If your concern that the spiritual welfare of the nation was tied to the person occupying the Oval Office was genuine, you would spend more of your efforts going after Obama with these type of threads.

Why must you always come to the rescue of the false god worshiper? Ask yourself why you're so in the tank for the worshiper of a false god? Was he your candidate of choice 6 months ago?

And as the majority on this board are in the tank for Romney, why would I go after Obama? Give me a board full of Obama supporters and i'll go after Obama. The spiritual blindness on THIS board is mostly from Romney supporters.

Admit what most who read your anti-Romney threads already know: that your in the tank for Obama.

What I'll admit is you can't stay on topic and must resort to your ad nauseum attacks of who you think I support in order to take the focus off the false god worshiper you support.

Oddly enough you're like Obama in your thinking that if you repeat the same lie again and again that it will somehow be made true.

I think I'll just start referring to you as Obama Too.

 

[Zaac]

Yea that is what I see as well.

It's funny to read yall's little comments about what "you see" and what you think "you know" because it highlights why I know where your wisdom for this election and everything else is coming from.

14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. James 3:14-15

So while you wear the name reverend, your continued lack of discernment highlights who you're getting your wisdom from and makes clear why you and arbo are so in the tank for that which is against God.

 

[Zaac]

We are very close in our poltical beliefs from your posts. They are well thought out. In a perfect world of theory, I can see what Zaac is saying. I personally do not believe he is an Obama supporter, but Romney is just as disquisting to him.

Thank you saturneptune. And I have said as much. You've just got a collection of folks on here with bad discernment and closed ears who believe if you're not supporting their candidate of choice that you've got to be supporting the candidate they don't like.

 

[LadyEagle]

What candidate would you suggest we support, Zaac?

There is no perfect candidate and there never will be until Jesus Christ rules and reigns.

Meanwhile, we are left with 2 imperfect choices. It's always been that way and always will be. Even Ronald Reagan had his faults and Nancy held seances in the White House.

In fact, the White House really needs a good exorcism, considering all of the murder, corruption, calling up of the dead, adultery, drugs, booze, homosexuality, bowing to false gods, etc. that have been committed there throughout American history.

 

[Revmitchell]

What candidate would you suggest we support, Zaac?

There is no perfect candidate and there never will be until Jesus Christ rules and reigns.

Meanwhile, we are left with 2 imperfect choices. It's always been that way and always will be. Even Ronald Reagan had his faults and Nancy held seances in the White House.

In fact, the White House really needs a good exorcism, considering all of the murder, corruption, calling up of the dead, adultery, drugs, booze, homosexuality, bowing to false gods, etc. that have been committed there throughout American history.

Unless my memory fails me he has not leveled one single complaint about Obama. Hmmmm

 

[Zaac]

Has Mormonism been given a national voice by Senator Harry Reid or Senator Orin Hatch? Both are Mormons.

Yet neither received a national stage during their election cycles to run in front of the entire country and the world as Mormon Presidential nominee.

Did JFK sweep all of us into Catholicism? Your post is ridiculous. And as others have stated, your posts do indicate you are in the tank for Obama, who sat under Black Liberation Theology of Jeremiah Wright for 20 years.

And I'll place you right in that category with all the other folks who have set this man's election up as an idol , and who will choose to bear false witness based upon your politics instead of what I have expressed plenty of times in the past about both candidates.

Y'all continue to show the wickedness of your own hearts about AN ELECTION that blinds you to the truth about Romney. And that is reinforced by the fact that the lot of you keep pushing the lie that I'm in the tank for someone who I have repeatedly said in the past I wouldn't vote for if he were running against himself.

But it's thus type of bearing of false witness that assures me of the wickedness behind the support of this man who worships a false god so much so that folks who say God is directing them to vote for that which is against Him will continue to flat out or imply a lie.

At least if Mitt Romney wins the presidency, it might stop some of the government creep into our lives which is encroaching on our God-Given freedom, of which this nation was founded upon.

This thread had nothing to do with that.

Will Mitt Romney turn all of us into Mormons? I hardly think so.

You're a Christian. He shouldn't be turning you into anything. But then again, he has captured your mind enough that you will bear false witness about something that I have repeatedly made my position clear on.

Will obama's policies continue to "fundamentally transform America," as he has indicated in 2008 and demonstrated the past 3-3/4 years? I shudder to think what another 4 years of Obama's Constitution trampling and corruption will bring us. Then you might be wishing for the good old days of 2012 when you could bash Romney.

What is fundamentally transforming America is a bunch of Christians who compromise when they feel they don't have a choice.

 

[Zaac]

Unless my memory fails me he has not leveled one single complaint about Obama. Hmmmm

Your memory CERTAINLY is failing you then.

 

[Revmitchell]

Your memory CERTAINLY is failing you then.

Kewl! Which threads were those?

 

[Zaac]

What candidate would you suggest we support, Zaac?

I'd suggest you support that which supports CHRIST and not support that which is against Him.

There is no perfect candidate and there never will be until Jesus Christ rules and reigns.

That's just the latest excuse folks are using to justify supporting that which is against Christ. We've screwed up. Part of the judgment against us is that we are left with two Primary Party candidates who are against Christ.

Perhaps it is time for the CHURCH to remember that our focus is to be on Christ and His eternal Kingdom and not the kingdom of the United States, and that we FINALLY stand up and recognize that we don't have to vote for EITHER of them as they are both CLEARLY against what should be our first love.

But the excuses and justifying will come from this board and lots of pulpits around the country.

Meanwhile, we are left with 2 imperfect choices. It's always been that way and always will be. Even Ronald Reagan had his faults and Nancy held seances in the White House.

Nope. We've never been left with two primary candidates who are clearly against God. This is new territory.

In fact, the White House really needs a good exorcism, considering all of the murder, corruption, calling up of the dead, adultery, drugs, booze, homosexuality, bowing to false gods, etc. that have been committed there throughout American history.

That has nothing to do with the two current candidates and the ungodliness of both, and Christians feeling like they have to choose from that which is against God.

It's as though the Body is preaching one thing about having faith and trusting Christ, but when it's time to put that faith on display, we side with our own desires and feelings for what we think will make things better.

Nobody will be President without God's okay. we need to stop worrying so much about the direction of this country and its economics and what will be left for our kids and grandkids and our retirement and REMEMBER that GOD is to be first. And if someone is inevitably going to continue to take the country and the world where SCRIPTURE shows it MUST go, then be about GOD's business and don't go supporting that which is against Him under any circumstance.

 

[Zaac]

Kewl! Which threads were those?

You've got ten kewl fingers. Use them and go back and look.:thumbsup:

 

[Revmitchell]

You've got ten kewl fingers. Use them and go back and look.:thumbsup:

I see........