You're right on when you ask: "could it be that Romney's appearance at Regent is the result of two converging political dynamics?" Last week, I heard Romney on a well known conservative radio talk show and when asked about his "Mormonism" he did just what you said and downplayed the Mormon distinctives and aligned himself with traditional Christianity. Considering how uninformed, ignorant, naive, and gullible American evangelicals are,
he just might sway them to support his nomination.
CCG
 

Certainly Romney is in agreement with evangelicals on many issues, but for him to present his religious differences as insignificant (which they are not; if a faithful Mormon he believes there is no salvation apart from obedience to the bizarre and unbiblical teachings of Joseph Smith), even though they may have little if any negative impact on his public service, calls into question his honesty, which could have a bearing on gaining our trust.
As for Regent University having him as a speaker: considering that biblical faith recognizes his beliefs to be heretical he seems to be an inappropriate choice for a commencement speaker at an evangelical school. JDG
 

Pat Robertson needs to retire while he still has a bit of dignity left.

Nevertheless, the likelihood that Romney will make it past the primaries is slim to none, so this is almost pointless.

If were simply a matter of looking to back a "conservative" candidate, there are better alternatives than Romney.
 

Is this the same Pat Robertson who called for the MURDER of President Hugo Chevez; Is this the same Pat Robertson who's prophecies are yet to come to pass. Well nothing that he does surprises me anymore. Many of these right-wing evangelical holier than thou, and self-righteous conservatives would lie in any political bed, just to be able to have a direct line to the White House. They make me sick.
You need to do an expose on these so-called christian politians who are christians in public, but are quite the opposite in public. remember Mr. Foley.
 

The problem here is educating the evangelical community. Romney looks like the "Pro-Life" candidate we conservatives want. But what's the lesser of two evils? Putting a pro-choice (pro-death) president in the white house or a "I'm going to be a God someday" candidate in the white house? Mormonism's mission statement is "As man is, God once was. As God is, man can become". Where's the humble leader in that?
 

Shall we just pull the cloak of self-righteousness tighter around ourselves (the so-called "far-right religious wing"), or can we be the "salt of the earth", as Jesus called us to be, and not fear being "tainted" by someone who is not like us in their beliefs?Surely the faith of those at Regent University is mature enough to listen respectfully to such a man without being "swayed" as someone mentioned. What would Jesus do ?
 

My first thought is-"Pathetic." And as I ponder it longer, I think: "Really pathetic."

Who cares what Pat Robertson was thinking or what political strategy Mitt Romney is concocting. This is a major snub towards God and totally offensive to the honor of Jesus Christ.

Come on let's get "Christian"--you know...led by the Holy Spirit. We all could come up with dozens of scriptures, if not more, which would show how sickening this is to God.

O.K. am I getting to religious. Well, talk to God about it...the God of the Bible.

Rick
 

This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
 

Yes, I believe Regent is compromising and losing in this choice - you said it well - "From my observation, college commencement speakers are usually chosen because they represent models of success that graduating students may someday attain." A life based in Monmonism is not a model tht should be platformed and cheered from the heart of a Christian University. Christian life and character should always trump political issues.
 

I must caution all Christians not to attack Romney. Recently a Chjristian author (I forget who) said that if we get into this Mormon vs. Christianity rhetoric we will hurt Christianity and set the stage for religious persecution like never seen before.

You see to the world, Mormons and us are the same. I realize Mormonism is a false cult. But if you want a candidate who will preserve the marriage covenant, protect the unborn, and fight the war on terror, while not bowing to the left. Romney might be your man.

Christians you can be right about Romney, but you can be "dead right." If we divide over this and start attacking his religion, we will set the stage for the left exploit this and we will have a liberal President for up to 8 years. The left would love us to attack Romney of doctrinal principal.

If a conservative who was "not saved" ran we would back him on the issues, not his beliefs. Obviously this guy is not saved by any stretch of the imagination either. But if he is not against us, lets not throw out the baby (the crib, the playpen and all the baby clothes with it) with the bathwater.
 

Seems to me this is a compromise but it also shows just how asleep the American Christians really are. The complacency is appalling and shocking.It's a good example of the "oh well" attitude. Come on Pat, stand up for what you believe and in Whom you believe!!
 

Several decades ago, one of Mormonism's top apologists (Bruce McConkie) declared that Mormonism is not a Christian denomination and that present Christianity is apostate. This refusal to be seen as a part of Christianity is historicaly consistent throughout most of the history of Mormonism.

Years later, the Mormon Church changed its public strategy to make itself appear as just another Christian denomination. This is one of dozens of theological turnarounds in Mormonism (-e.g., polygamy, the supposed curse of dark skin, etc.) that have been calculated to deceive the public into believing that Mormonism is a legitimate expression of the Christian faith and thereby win political power and converts to their faith.

By inviting Romney as a speaker, Regent University is unwittingly particpating in that deception.

It is one thing to have a nonchristian as a guest speaker who is very open and honest about his rejection of Christ, but another thing altogether to give tacit credence to a deception through a similar invitation.
 

There is an old saying. If you don'y stand for something you will fall for anything. I in no way consider myself an authority but I do have one question. Do Mormons believe that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son and God and the only model we should follow. Any other questions?
 

From a Regent alim: How disgusting that a man embued with unsound doctrine would speak at Regent. In a time when winds of unsound doctrine blow immature Christians about, shouldn't Christian leaders be the beacon to point the way to truth? Evangelicals, what are we doing? Won't God hold us responsible for this generation???
Lynne Gilham
M.A. Journalism
Regent University 1992
 

Someone had the nerve to write "What would Jesus do" in an effort to justify Regent University allowing Romney to speak at the commencement. I'll tell you that whenever Jesus did interact with heathens/sinners it was for the purpose of pointing them to the One True God. He did not let them speak into the lives of his disciples Jesus spoke into the lives of the sinner to give them light.
Regent University is definately being decieved. The Bible warns us about being unequally yoked with non-believers... "For what fellowship has light with darkness?"
Regent University it's not too late to cancel him and schedule someone else. You are allowing a known non-believer to speak into the lives of your disciples as they get ready to go into the world. I thought the purpose was so they could win souls for Jesus Christ not Joe Smith.
 

why didn't Regent simply invite Brownbak instead? He's mainline and prolife and is credible in terms of success. OK, he may not win the nomination but he's a lot better candidate for an announcement at an evenagelcial university than Romney.
 

I know that as a member of Regent's class of 2007 I feel like commencement has been hijacked from the graduating class and turned into a political sideshow. We have been encouraged all through school to rely on the Lord to bring us through the difficult times associated with graduate school. How disappointing that the speaker has no spiritual connection with us and won't be there to rejoice with us and exhort us to go on to greater things in the Lord. What was a much anticipated culmination to a long and difficult degree program has been reduced to a platform for political ambitions.
 

This is indicative of the spiritual wandering of many in the evangelical community. Somehow political position became more important than doctrinal positions. The right wing is getting what it deserves.
 

They're not compromising anymore than they did by having Ehud Barak come and speak (he's not a Christian either).
Your issue doesn't seem to be with the fact that the person is a non-Christian, but with the fact that he's a mormon.
 

I can't believe how childish you people are. Romney isn't allowed to give a speech in front of Christians because he's Mormon? Are you serious? It all reaffirms to me how dishonest you Christians are. You're not really worried Romney is the devil. Deep inside, you're worried he will actually be good president and hurt your monopoly on values and discredit your position on Mormonism. It's funny that you all think it' so hard for others to see through that. You're the only ones who don't see it. There are Christians on this board who will burn in hell before the Mormons do. Wake up.
 

Seriously many of you are overreacting. God is going to be offended because a Mormon is going to speak at your University? Holy crap you are all insane. Mitt Romney is more Christian than most of you here.
 

How can so many be so bigoted?
Saying Mormons are not christian?
You are wrong.
Mormons love God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost.
Mormons are not bigots. Mormons love all religions except those who worship satan.
If you are christians you would not be afraid of a mans words or beliefs.
Mormons carry the old and new testament and love both of them.
BYU would have Pat Robertson talk and not complain like I see on this board.
 

I agree that hopefully, the fine students at Regent have enough grounding in our faith that the idea of having an executive that is not an evangelical won't shake their foundation. In fact, I would hope that the faculty, staff, and students would show him the kindness, courtesy and the fruits of the spirit such that he might feel like he is in the presence of true Christians.

Winning the Negotiations competition of an organization like the ABA, not so impressive. Being able to display true Christianity, eternally priceless.
 

As one who has studied and taught world religions for many years, it is surpising to see many unlearned concerning the faith of Governor Romney. His religion, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by its very name and teachings is, undoubtedly, one of the most purely "Christian" religions in the world. When one judges by their "fruits" rather than by hearsay or hurried journalism, one at once sees the accomplishments of Governor Romney and those of his his faith as genuinely praiseworthy--they are quintessentially American. Regent University, its administrators, faculty and students demonstrate widsom and sound judgment in inviting Governor Romney to speak. They likely will discovery him to be the most "Christian" and apt to pray for Providential guidance than any President since Abraham Lincoln. Whether that is what this nation will choose is for its citizens to yet determine.

Prof. WA
 

Reply from wife of a Regent Alum:

First of all, some have said that Mormons are Christians. Wrong. I can debate this issue with you (and have succesfully with mormons) but this would take too much time and this is not the forum for such a discussion.

Second, I am very disappointed with Regent's decision to have Mitt speak at graduation. I would not have an issue with him speaking during the year - say to the Law or Politics - as I am sure there is much knowledge he could impart. However, he is speaking at Graduation - the culmination of learning and the sending out of a class. Should we send this class out under the prayers and impartation of a Mormon? Just as you should be careful of who lays hands on you, you should also be careful of who sends you out.

It is just not the time to bring him in to speak. Just as it was wrong for TD Jakes to allow Al Gore speak at his church during the 2004 elections. Very disappointing!
 

I posted -

"It is just not the time to bring him in to speak. Just as it was wrong for TD Jakes to allow Al Gore speak at his church during the 2004 elections. Very disappointing!"

I meant 2000 elections, time goes by fast!!
 

It is a sad day for America when someone will not vote for someone based on their religion.

Many of you here have heard lies and half-truths about the Mormons. I invite you all to sincerely seek the truth about Mormons through the church itself, instead of hearing it through a non-LDS source that is most likely biased and perhaps outright false.
 

I completely disagree with many of you; however, that may be partially due to the fact that I am a Mormon currently enrolled as a third year law student at Regent University. Whether you characterize my, or Mr. Romney's believes as Christian, I believe in Christ just as sincerely as any of you. Furthermore, despite what you may believe about my faith, Regent's goal is "Christian Leadership to Change the World." With that premise, as an extreme successful leader, Mr. Romney offers great experience and insight to anyone, Christian or Jew, who will integrate such skills into their own belief system.
 

Strange fire in the Temple of God!!! Our God and His Word are HOLY!!!Christians be careful what you bring around God's people, what you expose God's youth to!!!
The power of God just might break forth upon you!!! Some may not survive!!!
Rev. E.L. Gilham
Minister, International Pentecostal Holiness Church
www.celebrationcolumbus.com
 

You're certainly right, my friend. Regent University's decision to invite Mitt Romney as its commencement speaker seriously compromises the University's commitment to historic Christianity. It is hard to see the decision in any other light. It is a bad move all around.
S. McKinzie
 

I'm a Regent student. My diploma is not up for bids to the most prestigious Republican who wants support from the 700 club. I think I will likely pass on graduation this year. They can just mail me my MDiv. It will be just as purty on the wall as if I sat and listened to Mitt. Or whoever.

Soon to be pastor D
 

Is this whole dialogue, for reals??? I thought Christian folks went to Regents. Completely bizarre. So Mitt Romney is evil, or unworthy to address the fine folks at Regents? So bizarre. Kinda inbred really.
 

In regard to the commencement ceremony this is not about politics (only in that Pat Robertson made it a political issue) or whether or not we vote for someone with differing religious beliefs. This is about a non-Christian speaking at the commencement ceremony at a Christian University. What will he say to these students? He can't give them a biblical Christian vision and perspective for their lives in the future. He can't say anything to this when he believes differently. He doesn't have this in Him. Christ is not in him.
This is about compromising our biblical principles.
Do you think that a Mormon University would ever allow a Born-Again Evangelical, Spirit filled Christian speak at their commencement and offer Christian, biblical views about salvation through Jesus Christ? Don't think so.
Everyone needs to realize this isn't about a Mormon speaking anywhere else, it is about a Mormon speaking at a CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY. My son who is a Regent graduate isn't attending the ceremony for this reason. How sad, that Pat couldn't make better judgment. Sure there are students at the University that aren't Christians, that is their individual choice. I emailed Student Affairs and they haven't responded. I don't expect them to. We're just going to have a party for our son to celebrate his graduation.
 

I am livid. I will no longer continue to support Pat "JUDAS" Robertson in his endeavors, nor will I ever again make any more excuses or apologies for his idiotic verbal blunders.

Mormons are a pseudo-christian CULT, and anyone who says otherwise either does not know the definition of Christianity, Mormonism, or both -- and that obviously includes Pat Robertson.

I find it offensive even to have to summarily explain why it is totally unacceptable for an alleged Christian institution to invite a Mormon to act as its commencement speaker. The fact that the LDS CULT claims that they are the latter-day "church of jesus christ" is as meaningless as is the WATCHTOWER CULT's claim that it is the "christian congregation of jehovah's witnesses". Jehovah's Witnesses are neither Christians, nor did they replace the Jews as YHWH's "witnesses".

The only positive note to this mess is that Robertson finally sent me a wakeup call. I suspect that other Christians are also reassessing their support for this satanic traitor.
 

At first I thought that it was bogus to have Mit Romney as a speaker, but what about all of the good that could come out of it? As Christians, we are called to evangelize to people about the love and SALVATION of Christ. We are not to judge others, and Jesus did not come to condemn the world.

Sure the religious beliefs of this man do not match up with Christianity, but what if he became a Christian, and became our new president? More impotantly, we need to stop looking at things so negatively. Did it ever occur to people that this man just got heavily witnessed to? I did not realize that aspect, but also too what about all of the people that saw him speaking at Regent?

I am sure that at some point when Mitt Romney saw all of those Christian Leaders walking on stage that that had to have left an impression on him, not to mention the prayers and words about God that were spoken forth. He is a man of power and that one incidence may affect what happens with our generation and people of towmarrow.
Jesus Christ wants him and all other people in the world to come to know him, so why should an opportunity like that be missed. And besides, Mitt Romney is a leader and a good one at that, and he is great with finances too.

We all just ned to trust that God put him there to be spoken too, and the whole thing was His plan so who are we to say that it was not a good idea to have him there?

Thanks, and Jesus loves you all.
 

My fellow Christians,
I was reading some of your comments about Mitt Romney after I read the article that was written and I had to stop. I was actually dumbfounded at how off base you all are on the The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints (aka mormons).
I know that you've been taught to believe that mromons arent christianand they are a cult and they perform sacrifices of small children or whatever other crazy things Ive heard people say, but how many of you have actually taken the time to visit a Mormon service? For a school that prides itself on producing students with high standards, morals, values and inteligence I find it hypocritical that you would make such strong accusations without doing the proper research. Research meaning going to the source and not just believeing what you are told or what you read. If you prepare your students for the future by encouraging them to take the word of someone else rather than to go to the source for the facts, than I fear for our nations future.
You can argue all you want to and say what ever arguement you want but until you actually go to a service and see for yourself that you have misconceptions, you have no room to talk and you shouldnt talk. All youre doing is spreading a lack of truth and trying to pass it off as fact.
My "Mormon" ancesotrs were murdered, tortured and raped. They were driven from town to town, had thier homes burned to the ground and property stolen. All of this happened based off of lies and misconceptions people spread about the Mormon church. Oh yeah, and the people who did all teh raping and murdering and torturing were "born again Christians." So I guess when I think about it, if the measure of a Christian are the actions of those people and alot of the people today, than I dont want to be considered a Christian by your standards. When the day comes and we stand before the Lord to be judged, who do you think will go to heaven? The "Born again" who spreads lies and treated my ancesotrs so harshly, or the mormon victim who only wanted to live in peace and apply theri constitutional right to worship how they see fit?
 

I just went through all of the comments and I can pick apart every single comment against mormons. I mean its sad that you obviously dont know what youre talking about and try to pass it off as truth.
I've studied the history of Christianity for years and I laugh when you all say that mormons dont fall into the catagory of "christians" according to the Bible. You say they're a cult but I"ve turned on the tv to evangelical ministers and watched them perform cerimonies that look more like a cult than what Mormons do on Sunday. Who are you all to say that Mitt Romney doesnt knnow Jesus? HAve you met with him? HAve you personally sat down and talked with him and asked him his views? Youre all freaking out over somethign you know nothing about. And as for the person who quoted Bruce McConkie, you are so full of crap if your eyes arent brown, they should be. IF you claim that youve argued and proven to Mormons they they arent Christian than I invite you to try that on me. I've met with many ministers of different faiths and they tried to do the same thing but were never successful.
 

"...Regent has a reputation in the evangelical and secular world for its academic standards--particularly in the areas of law and communications."

This is a misleading statement, as Regent's law school has historically been viewed as having low standards. U.S. News & World Report ranked Regent University law school as "Tier 4", its lowest ranking.

Though the percentage of Regent law school students passing the bar exam has improved in recent years, the average bar passage rate was below average for the state of Virginia through 2006.