It reminds me of this article, to which my friend Russ just alerted me in my hometown Tennessee paper. In 1903, writes Mark Shields, Republican Reed Smoot of Utah became the first Mormon ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
The public hostility to Smoot’s religious faith and its earlier practice of polygamy (which the church had formally outlawed in 1890) was so intense that for four years, the Senate refused to seat him.
Smoot was finally able to assume his office after the personal intervention on his behalf by President Teddy Roosevelt and after one of his Senate colleagues, citing Smoot’s one marriage to one woman, observed memorably, “I’d rather serve with a polygamist who doesn’t polyg than a monogamist who doesn’t monog.”
2 comments:
First of all, as a traditional Baptist, I was stunned after viewing a movie called "States of Grace." A friend of mine from Utah sent it to me for Christmas. In spite of everything I have come to learn about Mormonism, here is a movie – a Mormon movie nonetheless – that demonstrates a deep understanding of -- and longing for -- unconditional grace and forgiveness through a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In my opinion, it movingly depicts the power of God's healing love and redemptive grace that comes after a fall and repentance. It not only shows the heart of Christianity, but it convincingly challenges the stereotypes that many of us traditional Christians have of Mormons and their belief in only conditional grace.
Second of all, I love my country and the constitution it was founded upon. The only person I believe will stand up for those beliefs is Mitt Romney – a.k.a. The “Mormon Candidate.” I will say that it would have been hard to pull the lever for a Mormon until I had a few questions cleared up for me. I believe this movie can be a landmark film in presenting a view of the Mormon church and Mormon life that has never before made it to the big screen – answering simple questions such as polygamy (by far the funniest scene in the movie), interfaith relationships and Mormon beliefs concerning grace.
Many, and I do mean many, of the Mormon beliefs and doctrines I disagree with, but I don’t want a country ran by Pres. Clinton II, Obama, McCain or even Giuliani. I believe Gov. Romney is a Christian who shares my most important values. Now more than ever, we Christians need to pull together and I believe States of Grace can be that elusive element that brings us together. The movie is extremely thought-provoking and very educational for many in America who don’t know much beyond popular rumor about the faith of the man who just might be the next president. In short, this little film has the potential to actually shift and mold public opinion in a presidential campaign without being a political hatchet job like Fahrenheit 911. It should be required viewing for the entire Christian community.
My question is this – With all the stereotypes and misinformation out there about his beliefs, why hasn't anyone put this movie out there to help him? I would have to say I have never felt closer to Mormonism, and Christ's message of love, redemption, and hope, than after viewing States of Grace. You have a tool to answer the questions that would help me pull the lever for Gov. Romney, and you’re not using it.
I emailed “Evangelicals for Mitt” and they’ve never heard of the movie. I emailed a website called MittRunMitt.org and they dismissed me. I found more information on this movie at www.StatesofGrace.net
I hope you care enough to do something about this – or I’ll find a way to do it myself. I can't believe that a Baptist has to push a Mormon movie, but if thats what it takes, then that is what it takes. I just need help.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mark L.
p.s. I Googled “Mitt Romney supporters” and found your website. I hope you have some sway with the powers-that-be in Salt Lake City because I couldn’t even find “States of Grace” at Wal-Mart – and they carry everything.
Mark, one reason is that the director and producer of "States of Grace" is controversial - not necessarily in his presentation of doctrine and beliefs in the movie, but in his willingness to push the envelop in ways that are uncomfortable for Mormons, who want their own movies to be family-friendly. Additionally, or consequently, the producer and director, Richard Dutcher, has left the Mormon church.
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