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Mormon Church Uses Facebook, Apps to Increase Political Outreach [Lds mix politics-faith after all]
Mashable.com ^ | July 4, 2012 | Neha Prakash

Posted on 07/04/2012 6:59:06 AM PDT by Colofornian

Members of Jesus Christ’s Church of Latter Day Saints have begun leveraging their evangelizing networks through smartphone apps to help draw support for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. By employing specialized apps like LDS Tools to gather phone numbers and addresses of Mormon church members, political supporters can cross-check the contact info with voter registration data to contact other Romney backers.

However, Mormon church rules forbid the use of LDS resources for political purposes. Dave Isbell, a Nevada Mormon, tells CNN, the apps are being used despite official church policy.

“The church makes it really easy for you to get a hold of anyone in your ward,” Isbell says. “If you are a Romney supporter in the church, you have an opportunity to talk to everyone in your ward that already has a relationship of trust with you.”

LDS Tools, available for free in the App Store, offers full directories of church members including that of stake and district presidencies. The app even offers event calendar listings and a “birthday list.”

Isbell adds, “I’m sure the campaigns and the church are saying ‘you can’t do that,’ but people will fall on their sword for Mitt Romney and some people will justify the means.”

(Excerpt) Read more at mashable.com ...


TOPICS: Current Events; Other non-Christian; Religion & Culture; Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: lds; mittromney; mormon; political
From the article: Members of Jesus Christ’s Church of Latter Day Saints have begun leveraging their evangelizing networks through smartphone apps to help draw support for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. By employing specialized apps like LDS Tools to gather phone numbers and addresses of Mormon church members, political supporters can cross-check the contact info with voter registration data to contact other Romney backers. However, Mormon church rules forbid the use of LDS resources for political purposes. Dave Isbell, a Nevada Mormon, tells CNN, the apps are being used despite official church policy....Isbell adds, “I’m sure the campaigns and the church are saying ‘you can’t do that,’ but people will fall on their sword for Mitt Romney and some people will justify the means.”

Yup. The Mormon church tells the world it doesn't mix religion and politics. But the world sees otherwise when Nevada Mormons like Dave Isbell come clean.

We know from Mormon-laden states that Lds already vote 94-95% for Romney...including 90% of Nevada Mormons, which is about 8% Lds.

According to exit polls conducted for the Associated Press, nine of 10 Mormon voters in Nevada supported Romney.
Source: Paul seeks to attract Mormon voters in Nevada GOP contest

In 2008, 94% of Mormons in Nevada voted for Romney: Per the Mormon Church, Mormons make up about 7.5% of Nevada's population. But according to the entrance polls so far, a whopping 25% of those who participated in the state's GOP caucuses are Mormons. And 94% of those people went with Romney.
Source: Nevada Mormons turn out for Romney (Mark Murray, MSNBC, Jan. 19, 2008)

The Mormons are simply trying to (a) capture the other 5-10% of Mormons who didn't vote for Romney in the primaries; plus (b) target those who didn't vote at all.

***********************************

Were these 90-95 percentile figures consistent among Mormon voters in other states in 2008?

* 2008 (Utah) "While the former Massachusetts governor’s faith has been a flashpoint in his campaign, it was perhaps one of his strongest assets in Utah, where more than 60% of the state’s residents share his faith. Exit poll data shows Romney swept voters across the board, handily winning every social, economic, and generational demographic in the state, as well as 94% of all Mormon voters." (Susan Davis, Wall Street Journal, Feb. 5, 2008, Romney Wins Utah With Help From Friends [Note: The Wall Street Journal was citing MSNBC.msn.com...]

* 2008 (Arizona and Nevada): In the Nevada Republican caucuses last cycle, entrance polls found that a quarter — 26 percent — of participants were Mormons and 95 percent supported Romney. He won the state handily. The numbers were also impressive in Arizona, where exit polls showed 11 percent of voters were Mormon and 88 percent of them voted for Romney...
Source: Mitt Romney’s Mormon firewall

Even last August, the Mormon apologetics group, FAIR had a conference earlier that revealed a Gallup poll of GOP voters in Utah. It said that 85% of Utah GOP voters planned to vote for Romney; another 11% for Huntsman. Both are Mormons. That meant at that time that only 4% of Utah Mormons had a non-Mormon in mind.
Source: Perception of Mitt Romney election to presidency would be similar to that of John F. Kennedy...

*************************************

Had 94-95% of Evangelicals in say, Mississippi, voted for former pastor Mike Huckabee, there'd have been a hue and cry from the MSM in 2008.

But former Bishop Romney getting 94-95% of the vote from Lds voters? (Complete media silence)

Had 94-95% of Evangelicals thruout the South in '08 voted for former pastor Huckabee, the media, Mormons, and some FREEPERs would have said that Evangelical voters were engaging in reverse "bigotry" -- voting ONLY or BECAUSE of a candidate's religion. But when Mormon voters do that, total silence from Media, Lds, and the self-appointed FREEPER bigot patrol.

How do we know the reason Lds voters say they picked Romney (in '08)?

Exit poll data from Tuesday's primary elections showed Utah Republican voters cared more about presidential candidates' PERSONAL QUALITIES THAN THEIR POSITIONS ON THE ISSUES, the OPPOSITE OF THE NATIONAL TREND of the national trend in Super Tuesday voting.
Source: Romney's exit disappoints strong Utah following (Feb. 7, 2008 AP/Salt Lake Tribune)

1 posted on 07/04/2012 6:59:17 AM PDT by Colofornian
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To: All
From the article: ...Mormon church rules forbid the use of LDS resources for political purposes.

The Mormon church, based upon past statements from its top leaders, is all about posturing itself for political purposes...and then engaging in overreach.

Ya gotta remember that the original Lds "prophet" was a POTUS candidate; its second "prophet," Brigham Young, was territorial government simultaneous with his "prophet" role...and was in that position when the Mountain Meadows Massacre occurred in 1857.

Proof of Mormon leader inclination and desire to use Romney as a puppet -- even if Romney himself has no machinations in mind:

Lds Leader Chronological 'Prophet' or Fundamental # (or Other Title) Overlap Areas: Could the President of the U.S. become a 'puppet' to an Lds 'Prophet?' (The Lds Prophets -- in their own words)
John Taylor Lds 'Prophet' #3 “The Almighty has established this kingdom with order and laws and every thing pertaining thereto…[so] that when the nations shall be convulsed, we may stand forth as saviours…and finally redeem a ruined world, not only in a religious but in a political point of view.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 9, p. 342, April 13, 1862)
John Taylor Lds 'Prophet' #3 The LDS Church -- in 2001 -- thought it well to pull this quote from John Taylor to emphasize it: "The Lord...is desirous to show us how to save ourselves, how to bless ourselves temporally and spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, POLITICALLY..." (Lds Church owned Deseret News, Nov. 19, 1865, p. 2, as quoted in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001, p. 178). Also from p. 178: "The idea of strictly religious feelings with us, and nothing else, is out of the question...Our religion is more comprehensive than that of the world...it embraces all the interests of humanity in every conceivable phrase..." (Original source: The Gospel Kingdom, 1943, p. 168)
Orson Hyde President of the Lds Quorum of the 12 Apostles for 28 years (1847-1875) “What the world calls ‘Mormonism’ will rule every nation...God has decreed it, and his own right arm will accomplish it. This will make the heathen rage.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 53)
Heber J. Grant Lds 'Prophet' #7 "Elder Marion G. Romney recalled the counsel of President Heber J. Grant: 'My boy, you always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever tells you to do anything, and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it.' Then with a twinkle in his eye, he said, 'But you don't need to worry. The Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray'" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1960, p. 78)." Cited in Official Lds publication Search the Commandments: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide, p. 209 (1984)
Harold B. Lee Lds 'Prophet' #11 ...President Harold B. Lee said: 'We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, '...as if from mine own mouth...(D&C 21:4-5)...You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself..." Cited in official Lds publication Remember Me: Relief Society Personal Study Guide I, p. 27 (1989)
Spencer Kimball Lds 'Prophet' #12 "President Spencer W. Kimball said: '...We deal with many things which are thought to be not so spiritual; but all things are spiritual with the Lord, and he expects us to listen, and to obey..." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1977, p. 8; or Ensign, May 1977, p. 7) Cited in official Lds publication Come, Follow Me: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 1983, p.12 (1983)
What about Marion G. Romney, cousin to Mitt's father? Who was he in Lds hierarchy? (Title: 'President' - Top 3 of church as 2nd counselor to both #11 & #12 Lds 'prophets') "Elder Neal A. Maxwell has said: 'Following the living prophets is something that must be done in all seasons and circumstances. We must be like President Marion G. Romney, who humbly said, '..I have never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, and political life' (Conference Report, April 1941, p. 123). There are, or will be moments when prophetic declarations collide with our pride or our seeming personal interests...Do I believe in the living prophet even when he speaks on matters affecting me and my specialty directly? Or do I stop sustaining the prophet when his words fall in my territory? if the latter, the prophet is without honor in our country! (Things As They Really Are, p. 73). Cited in official Lds publication, Search the Commandments: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide, pp. 275-276 (1984)
Ezra Taft Benson Lds 'Prophet' #13 Benson speech given 2/26/80 @BYU. Summary: “…remember, if there is ever a conflict between earthly knowledge and the words of the prophet, you stand with the prophet…” (See excerpts re: 3 of 14 'fundamentals' below) Source: Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet
Benson (cont'd) Fundamental #5 5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time. (My Q: Ya hear that Mitt Romney?)
Benson (cont'd) Fundamental #9 9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual. (My Q: Still listening, Mitt?)
Benson (cont'd) Fundamental #10 10. The prophet may advise on civic matters. (My Q: What say ye Mitt?)
B.H. Roberts LDS Historian and Seventy. Note: Roberts was an elected Democratic Congressman from Utah in 1898 -- but was NEVER seated by Congress because of grass roots uproar vs. Roberts, who took a THIRD simultaneous wife in the early 1890s. Grass roots America collected 7 MILLION signatures on 28 banners and presented them to Congress...in pre-mass media 1800s! “[T]he kingdom of God... is to be a POLITICAL INSTITUTION THAT SHALL HOLD SWAY OVER ALL THE EARTH; TO WHICH ALL OTHER GOVERNMENTS WILL BE SUBORDINATE AND BY WHICH THEY WILL BE DOMINATED.” The Rise and Fall of Nauvoo, 1900, p. 180
Mitt Romney as POTUS??? Aside from above prophetic impositions, why would Mitt not only honor what these 'prophets' have spoken, but what a future Lds 'prophet' may tell him to do? The Law of Consecration Oath Mitt Romney has sworn in the Mormon temple (done before marriage/sealing in temple): "You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do accept the law of consecration as contained in this, the book of Doctrine and Covenants [he displays the book], in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and EVERYTHING with which the Lord has blessed you, or WITH which he MAY bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion." Source: What is an LDS Church/Mormon temple marriage/sealing? [Q: Please define 'Zion': The LDS PR Web site (lds.org) defines its primary meaning: "membership in the [LDS] church."]

2 posted on 07/04/2012 7:03:45 AM PDT by Colofornian (Saying Mitt would keep past political promises is like prophesying that Gumby won't bend anymore)
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To: Colofornian

To the headline: you betcha!


3 posted on 07/04/2012 7:07:05 AM PDT by svcw (If one living cell on another planet is life, why isn't it life in the womb?)
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To: Colofornian

Unfortunately, LDS politics includes total, unrestricted amnesty for illegal aliens and a new, unlimited “guest worker” program with Latin American states. They are evil to the core, and must be stopped by an organized, mass boycott until they drop this position.


4 posted on 07/04/2012 7:32:16 AM PDT by montag813
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To: montag813
Unfortunately, LDS politics includes total, unrestricted amnesty for illegal aliens and a new, unlimited “guest worker” program with Latin American states. They are evil to the core, and must be stopped by an organized, mass boycott until they drop this position.

Yes. How has Romney's MormonISM effected his governing in Bay State & His campaign statements? Re: illegals, see last line of this chart below:

GOV. Romney Mormon 'scripture' & History Sources Quotes
ObamaCare based upon RomneyCare [See SoConPubbie's threads from April 16, 2012 highlighting this]. Romney's $50 taxpayer-subsidized abortions -- and some $0 abortions -- he permanently imposed a Planned Parenthood rep into supervision of RomneyCare? (Since he vetoed other portions of that legislation, the Planned Parenthood rep section was also something he could have vetoed). For all of the pro-abortion damage done by Romney in the Bay State, see: RomneyCare Now Funding FREE Abortions: A Disqualifier for Mitt Romney’s Candidacy [Enabler Mitt] Mitt's Mormonism embraced socialism/communism under the 'United Order' – sacred commands still on the Mormon “scriptures” – depicted to be “everlasting” commandments of the Mormon god The Mormon socialistic/communistic “everlasting” nature of the “United Order” depicted in Lds “scriptures” – Doctrine & Covenants 82:18-19 and 104:1, 48, 53. Even Lds author George Givens described Brigham Young’s communist-built community of Orderville, Utah as “pure communism”: "When Brigham Young established Orderville and similar United Orders, John Taylor was less than enthusiastic. He realized that enterprises such as Orderville were pure communism and not the law of consecration. He made this plain after he became President, when in 1882 he sent an epistle to all authorities of the Church in which he bluntly stated: 'We had no example of the 'United Order' in accordance with the word of God on the subject...Our relations with the world and our own imperfections prevent the establishment of this system [i.e. the system of consecration and stewardship spoken of at times as the 'United Order'] at the present time, as was stated by Joseph in an early day, it cannot yet be carried out.'" (George W. Givens, 500 More Little-Known Facts in Mormon History, 2004, p. 169)"One of the most famous utopian books ever written was Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy, published in 1889. Some scholars believe Looking Backward had considerable influence in the making of Lenin's Soviet Russia. If this is true, then [ensuing Lds "prophet"] Lorenzo Snow and the Latter-day Saints must receive some of the credit--or blame. Hearing of the success of the United Order in Brigham City, Edward Bellamy made a special trip to Utah in 1886 to study its operation. There he spent three days with Lorenzo Snow, Brigham City's founder and forty-year resident. Impressed with the thirty to forty industries run by its 2,000 inhabitants and the vitality at that time of one of the most successful United Orders, Bellamy returned home and wrote his influential book." (500 More Little-Known Facts in Mormon History, p. 185). Way to go, 19th century Mormon leader-“prophets” of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor & Lorenzo Snow!!! They all unwittingly fueled Soviet Communism!
Mitt Romney is incredibly soft on illegal aliens Recent Lds history: 2 LDS branch presidents in Utah deported to Guatemala, El Salvador 10 reasons Christians should reject Romney “In 2006 Gov. Romney supported the president’s immigration policy as well as the McCain-Kennedy bill. He expressed support for an immigration program that places large numbers of illegal residents on the path toward citizenship. …” [without requiring they return home and wait their turn, allowing them to cut in line before law-abiding immigrants] Never mind that Romney hired (then fired) illegal aliens to landscape his yard. If Romney supports unlimited amnesty without any rule of law, how will he stand on national security?

5 posted on 07/04/2012 7:54:00 AM PDT by Colofornian (Saying Mitt would keep past political promises is like prophesying that Gumby won't bend anymore)
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To: Colofornian
[Lds mix politics-faith after all]



6 posted on 07/04/2012 2:32:34 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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