Quote: Gaining Eternal Life

"Some men are willing to die for their faith but will not fully live for it. Christ both lived and died for us. By walking in his steps and through his atonement we can gain the greatest gift of all -- eternal life -- which is that kind of life of the great Eternal One, our Father in heaven." -- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ -- Gifts and Expectations, BYU Devotional", 10 December 1974

Marie Osmond's Response to Al Sharpton

I heard that Marie Osmond was on both Larry King Live and The View and gave some of her responses to the negative comments by Al Sharpton about Mormons and Mitt Romney. I found and read the transcripts of each show. If you're interested, I'll include the links below.

Anyway, I hope that all of the press about the situation will help clear up the misunderstandings about the Mormon beliefs -- and that the term "Mormon" is just a nickname -- not the actual name of the Church -- which is actually The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Marie Osmond on Larry King Live
Marie Osmond on The View

Catholics and Evangelicals Leap to Defend Mitt Romney

I was very happy to hear about the support Catholics and Evangelicals have given to Mitt Romney and the Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

"Extraordinarily bigoted" was how Romney described Sharpton's comment made during a debate on religion held Monday in New York City, where Sharpton said, "as for the one Mormon running for office, those that really believe in God will defeat him anyway, so don't worry about that, that's a temporary situation."

In the Deseret News today we read:

The Catholic League called for Sharpton to "be held accountable for his bigoted outburst" and suggesting it "should finish his career," just as Don Imus' recent racist statements resulted in the cancellation of his radio show. Sharpton was among Imus' harshest critics.

Kiera McCaffrey, the New York City-based league's director of communications, said Mormons are experiencing what Catholics did when John F. Kennedy ran for president in 1960.

The Rev. Rob Schenck, an evangelical minister who heads the National Clergy Council, issued a statement calling on Sharpton to "immediately apologize to Mr. Romney and the good people of the LDS Church and repent before God for such sinful hubris."

Schenck, who has met privately with Romney to talk about Mormonism, also said that "while many other Christian groups may have differences with LDS doctrine, to question someone else's sincerity of belief in God is the height of pharisaical arrogance."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement that while Sharpton "is eager to play the political correctness card when it suits his purposes, he apparently sees nothing wrong with an offensive attack against Gov. Mitt Romney using his religion."

Mitt Romney and Rev. Sharpton

On the news tonight there were some clips of Rev. Al Sharpton seemingly mentioning Mitt Romney as a Mormon and that all of those who were "real" Christians would basically get rid of his as a candidate. Mitt Romney responded very well in my opinion. He said it was a comment that was probably not intended to be offensive, but that it could be construed to be bigoted and was unfortunate that Rev Sharpton said it.

Rev. Sharpton has not issued an apology but has instead tried to deny making the statements.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am not offended by his comments, but I am a bit confused as to why some people think we are not Christians. The name of the Church is indicative of our beliefs. I read the Bible. I worship God and know Jesus Christ atoned for me -- to make it possible for me to return back to Him. Our beliefs teach us to follow the 10 commandments, to try and be more like Christ and to treat others as we would like to be treated.

So, for anyone who is confused as to what Mormons believe, please do not believe all of the misinformation in the media or what people say. If you want to know what Mormons believe, ask a Mormon. :-)

I do think this controversy will be very helpful in correcting some of that misinformation out there -- and letting people know what we really believe, not what has been presented in the media or through remarks made by those who may not have a correct understanding of our faith.

I do support Mitt Romney and have been very impressed by him. He is very well-spoken, business smart, intelligent and I think would take the country back into a good foundation. He's a problem-solver and I feel he has integrity.

I also think it's interesting that the media has not spotlighted the faith (or lack of faith) of any of the other candidates for President. I wonder why certain things are picked out and focused on for those in the news. Who chooses what to focus on?

Anyway, I hope that the Reverend Al Sharpton will take this opportunity to learn what members of the LDS Church really believe and will try to correct the things which were misspoken rather than perpetuating the misinformation.

Hiring Marketing Students

Hi all --

I'm looking for a couple of marketing students who would like to earn money this summer (on commission). I have a CD about The Testaments (LDS Film) and need creative marketing for it. I want people who love the film, love the LDS culture, can think outside the box, and want flexibility in their schedules.

I have a list of about 50 ways we can market the CD, but don't have time myself to do the marketing.

If you're interested, let me know -- romayallen (at) hotmail.com.