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SALT LAKE CITY -- Republican presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman Jr. have had to answer several questions about their Mormon faith since declaring their candidacy for a bid at the White House.
Starting with the 2008 presidential cycle, the spotlight has been placed upon the issue of whether a Mormon candidate could occupy the White House. As a preemptive strike against the mob of questions surrounding his religious beliefs, Romney delivered the so-called "JFK speech" in 2007, where he said, "I believe in my Mormon faith and endeavor to live by it."
Since then, Romney has defended his religion, citing his strong beliefs and active membership. However, Huntsman has taken a less-than-obvious route to describing his faith, saying in an interview that it was "tough to define." Seeing that both presidential candidates share the same religious foundation, but differ in their spoken commitment, the Boston Globe compared the two candidates, citing their "strikingly different religious self-portraits."
The article focuses on Huntsman and his seeming divergence from the church, contrasting him with the Republican front-runner who is "highly active and orthodox."
The article discusses the "seeming ambivalence" of Huntsman, saying he has "surprised and disappointed many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some of whom have questioned whether Huntsman is trying to distance himself from his church for political gain."
"But others welcome his ambiguity: For them, it highlights a growing debate about whether this relatively new religion can accommodate a more elastic definition of what it means to be Mormon," the article continues.
Prior to announcing his candidacy, few questioned Huntsman's religion, but those close to him described him as more "spiritual" than religious, citing his attempt to familiarize himself with several types of religions, doctrines and philosophies. Even as governor of Utah, Huntsman regularly attended denominations of other faiths.
But John Dehlin, creator of "Mormon Stories" podcast and a Mormon from Logan, said Huntsman's unconventional take on Mormonism is seen as a positive aspect for "Liberals and progressive" Mormons, who "were elated at Huntsman's characterizing himself that way, at least the ones I know, because it helps contribute to opening up the discourse about unorthodox Mormonism," Dehlin told the Boston Globe.
Many in Utah know there is a certain degree to a Mormon's faith, including an active member, a so-called jack-Mormon and a lukewarm member. But outside Utah, many see only one type of Mormon: the Romney-orthodox Mormon, which is bound to strict rules of obedience. However, with contrasting views between two candidates of the same faith, many are able to see the broad spectrum of Mormonism in a new light.
Nevertheless, the Boston Globe poses the questions: "In a strict church that asks much of its members, is it possible to be selectively observant, yet still a part of the community? Is there such thing as a "cafeteria Mormon" -- as some engaged in the debate have described a person who embraces some church teachings, but rejects others?"
If the answer is yes to either question, the view of Mormonism becomes a little more regular to the outside viewer, especially in the realm of politics, where there is a high possibility of a Mormon occupying the White House.
When asked about the disparity between Mormons, Elder L. Whitney Clayton, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, told the Boston Globe that every member of the church is different in their convictions. "It's not like we have belief police running around," he said.
"The only place where we'd really draw a line is when members have feelings and beliefs that are at odds with what we officially teach and begin to talk about those feelings and beliefs in a way that is a hindrance to the operation of the church," he added.
To the outside world, which knows nothing about Mormonism, how are you going to delineate ‘I'm a sort-of-active Mormon?' We can't even delineate that internally. It's going to be, ‘Are you, or are you not?'
–J. David Woodard
But with some evangelical Christians still uncertain about Romney's Mormonism, Huntsman may have a slight advantage as a more unconventional Mormon -- a spiritual candidate. In fact, the Boston Globe says that some political observers may prefer Huntsman's more moderate approach to religion in the general election.
Nevertheless, it is likely Huntsman will never see the general election with his polling numbers trending so low, which in some cases are at non- existent levels.
Nonetheless, other political observers believe the Mormon factor will be a non issue for Romney because he embraces his faith, but will be an additional problem for Huntsman. "(The voters) respect you if you're Catholic, if you're Jewish, if you're Mormon," said J. David Woodard, a political scientist at Clemson University, to the Boston Globe. "But if you're kind of postmodern-spiritualist, then you're really in trouble."
"To the outside world, which knows nothing about Mormonism, how are you going to delineate ‘I'm a sort-of-active Mormon?' " he said. "We can't even delineate that internally. It's going to be, ‘Are you, or are you not?' "
Both Huntsman and Romney declined an interview when asked by the Boston Globe.
Email: jfurlong@ksl.com
