Question & Answer: Mormon Religion & Public Life

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the “Mormon” Church), has received much media attention in recent months. Mitt Romney has been a figure whose prominence and identity has captured the thoughts of everyone on the entire political and religious spectrum. Since 57% of those polled by CBS several months ago revealed a lack of knowledge regarding Mormon beliefs, we will post here a few questions and answers about the Church to respond to that need. To know Mitt Romney is to know something more about the faith of a Latter-day Saint.

In simple language, what are the most important things non-church members should know about the church?

Russell M. Nelson

Elder Nelson: They should know that we exist to bring love and concern for the eternal welfare of all humankind, regardless of religious belief, race or nationality. We believe that we are truly brothers and sisters, so we want to project the message that we care. We love one another, and we hope to bless the lives of all mankind.

What should be the church’s role in public life?

Nelson: Our objective is to bring happiness to people, strengthen their families and make them successful in life. You can hardly isolate that from the laboratory of their existence, which is the workplace and home.

Elder Wickman: The prophet Joseph Smith was once asked how it was that he was able to “govern his people,” as the reporter put it. Joseph responded that he taught correct principles and let them govern themselves. The church really does not see that it has an institutional role in public life as such. But the principles that it teaches and the encouragement that it gives to members to participate actively as citizens in their land – wherever that may be – naturally lead to Latter-day Saints who do become involved. And of course you’re familiar with some of those who have become somewhat prominent in our own country.

Lance B. Wickman

You have to remember, too, that the church has an active presence in more than 160 nations – and members beyond that in others. So you’re talking about a worldwide organization, and these principles are taught everywhere. How those people become involved in their respective communities is going to differ widely depending on where they are and the government system under which they live.

Nelson: I believe that experience has shown that human nature cannot be changed by reforming public policy. The change comes by exposing the human mind to a higher way of thinking – to teach the teachings of the God of the world as the Lord Jesus Christ. Then if you teach his principles, the people can govern themselves more appropriately, as Elder Wickman has explained.

We feel that as we maintain the integrity of our religious institutions and preserve tolerance of each other’s sacred beliefs, we can preserve the strength of pluralistic society. We can promote tolerance and

understanding.

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Mitt Romney is committed to faith, family, and country. His faith embraces belief in a literal Father in Heaven, the atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, a little redemption and the possibility of eternal life for all who follow him. Mitt’s life, which is readily accessible in video recordings, documents he has signed and advocated, government and civic records, attests to an alignment with his professed values, and a love of home that mirrors his moral and ethical beliefs.

We invite your sincere questions about Mitt Romney’s faith.

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Q/A above from Pew Interview, Mormonism in Modern America

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the Mormon Church at the official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

Learn some basic beliefs of the Mormon Church.

The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible. Request a free copy.