Rick Santorum Called Mormonism 'Dangerous Cult' In Minds Of 'Some Christians' In 2007

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/santorum-mormonism-cult-christians-2007_n_1183814.html

First Posted: 1/4/12 Updated: 1/4/12

WASHINGTON -- Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator who has suddenly become Mitt Romney's top challenger for the Republican presidential nomination, raised a provocative question about Romney's Mormon faith in a 2007 newspaper column:

Would the potential attraction to Mormonism by simply having a Mormon in the White House threaten traditional Christianity by leading more Americans to a church that some Christians believe misleadingly calls itself Christian, is an active missionary church, and a dangerous cult?

His next paragraph began: "Assume for the sake of argument that there are valid considerations."

The column was Santorum's response to Romney's famous "Faith in America" address, in which the former Massachusetts governor tried to reassure evangelical Christians and other religious voters that he shared their values. Santorum's ultimate verdict on Romney was more or less positive: "He should be a viable choice for voters whose faith matters to them," Santorum wrote.

[livetohike]

1. Since the GOP is making such a big issue out of faith, perhaps

they should debate this question at the next debate. Bet they don't have the guts to do so.

[Lint Head]

2. Of course Sanitorium is a Christian without a mind.

[treestar]

3. How many masses of people have changed their religion

to that of the U.S. President? Some people are so hung up on the Presidency. Like I'm going to change to whatever religion Obama is, even as one of his biggest cheerleaders.

[customerserviceguy]

4. It's a factor in overseas proselytizing

It wouldn't surprise me if at least a few LDS missionaries hinted that it would help if someone wanted to emigrate to the US. It isn't lying if it's for Gawd.

[Mormons Are Christia]

5. What is a Cult?

Here are the characteristics of a cult:
• Small? The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) has 14 million members in 132 countries. In America, there are more Mormons than there are Presbyterians or Jews.
• Excessive devotion? Mormons are devoted to the Savior, but in appropriate measure He would approve of.
• Unethical techniques? Ask the pie-throwers to name one.
• Control by isolation? Even if Mormons wanted to, this would be impossible with 14 million members in 28,000 congregations throughout the world.
• Control by threats? Again, evidence? Mormon missionaries may be exuberant, but do not threaten.
• Dependency on the group? The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is just the opposite. Mormons want members to be self-reliant and independent so they in turn can help others.
• Powerful group pressure? Only if that’s the way the critics prefer to define love.
• Strange? Guilty as charged. Mormons plead guilty to all the strange things that were done by Christians in New Testament times that were lost during the great falling away in the aptly named Dark Ages, among them temple worship, baptism by immersion by the father of the family (see 2nd century font in photo above), vicarious baptism for the dead, definition of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as separate but united in purpose, salvation requiring both grace and obedience to commandments, prophets and apostles, unpaid clergy, and continual revelation to guide His Church.