FAITH VS. THE FAITHLESS

David Brooks has an interesting piece in the New York Times. It is one that I totally disagree with. Brooks says that Mitt Romney, in not addressing the issue of non-believers in his speech of yesterday, has inadvertently continued the war in America between the religious and the non-religious. Nothing could be further from the truth. Why in the world would a person who faithfully practices his faith and has a strong belief in God want to address someone who does not? I felt that Governor Romney's speech was ill-conceived because it did not address the issues that trouble so many non-Mormons, the mysteries of the Mormon religion as it is practiced. I do not believe that the majority of the American people are bigoted. I do believe that they will not vote for a candidate that they are not comfortable with. That is where Mitt Romney is at.

ANALYSIS: ROMNEY'S WEAK SPOT

As I read the analysis of Governor Romney's speech about religion, and the other problems that he faces, i found myself in agreement with the major points of the analysis. There is no one speech that can eliminate his religion problem. The other major problem that he faces is the fact that he has changed positions on some important issues. I always view that as a plus in a candidate, except when it is apparent that their change is a direct attempt to pander to voters. But more importantly, although I listened carefully to Governor Romney's speech this morning and thought it was powerful, I don't think he eased the fears about his religion. Unlike John Kennedy, who when he made his speech, was one or about 50 million Roman Catholics in the United States, Governor Romney's Mormon religion represents a very small number of Americans. The Mormon faith remains shrouded in mystery. I do not think religion should be any part of our consideration of the qualifications of a Presidential candidate, but unfortunately, it is. Governor Romney must explain his religion to those voters who are afraid of it. I don't mean that he has to justify his religion. No American should ever do that. But he should explain some of the unique features of the Mormon religion. I grew up with a cousin who converted to Mormonism as an adult. He and I discussed his religion at length, and soon discovered that his Mormon religion and my Roman Catholic religion had one strong bond in common - both believed in God and Jesus Christ. But the Mormon religion was fascinating to me, and I never tired of hearing my cousin explain it's unique rituals and beliefs. I liked the idea that one day a week was family time. No matter what they had to do, they found time for their family that one night every week. I wish Governor Romney had explained some of the more mystical rituals of the Mormon church. I think most Americans would then be as comfortable with his faith as I am.

ANALYSIS: CLINTON, ROMNEY SHIFT COURSE

I'm not sure that I view Romney's speech as shifting course. I think it was just a necessity that arose because of the media's insistence that his religion is an issue. I listened to his speech and I don't think it will satisfy his critics, but then, I don't think anything will.

ROMNEY VOWS TO SERVE "NO ONE RELIGION"

I still find it difficult to believe that this kind of speech is necessary in today's America. Shame on all of us who would base a vote on this man's religion. I do not support Mitt Romney, but the last thing on my mind is his religion. If he wins the Republican nomination, I will support him, as I would Giuliani, or McCain. My choice for the nomination is Huckabee or Thompson, but in the end I will support any of the Republican nominees.

DOWNPLAY MY FAITH? “THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN"

Byron York has a very good article in National Review Online about Mitt Romney and his Mormon faith. I have felt from the beginning that at some point Governor Romney is going to have to give a speech about his religious beliefs. I have known Mormons all of my life. In fact, one of my cousins converted to the Mormon faith. I do not consider the religion to be a mystery, and I certainly don't believe that it should disqualify a person from seeking the office of President. I am not a Romney supporter, but I feel strongly that we should not elect our next President based on his religion.

VATICAN BEATIFIES 498 MARTYRS

The Vatican on Sunday staged its largest mass beatification ceremony ever, putting 498 victims of religious persecution before and during Spain's civil war on the path to possible sainthood. The 498 people beatified on Sunday were killed in 1934, 1936 and 1937. They are comprised of two bishops, 24 priests and 462 members of religious orders, as well as a deacon, a subdeacon, a seminary student and seven lay Catholics.

EPISCOPALIANS TRY TO PREVENT SPLIT

With all the problems in our Country today, you would think that a respected organization like the Episcopalians could find a way to work this problem out.

MCCAIN: OVERALL FAITH WHAT'S IMPORTANT

And this story is important because??? What possible difference does it make whether John McCain is Episcopalian or Baptist or Mormon or Catholic or Jewish!!! He is right when he says faith is what's important.

PITTSBURGH DIOCESE TO SETTLE ABUSE CASES

Every time I read a story like this, it reminds me why I stopped donating to my church. I am a Catholic, but I refuse to donate money so that my church can settle cases like this. Let them take the money from the Catholic Church's assets. After all, they have protected these Priests for a long time. They have no right to use money that parishioners have given to settle these kinds of cases.