It was with no small degree of sadness that I read Frank Pastore's column on why he wouldn't vote for Mitt Romney.  Like so many believers, with good intentions he takes a position that is morally and logically weak and passes it off as the Christian one.

His logic, that a Christian cannot in good conscience vote for a candidate who is a member of a false religion, although seemingly reasonable, fails to withstand any scrutiny.  His statement elevates one particular sin/doctrinal error above others and does not acknowledge the simple fact that there will likely be no candidate on the national stage who is consistently doctrinally sound.  As I wrote in a previous post, there are far more dangerous examples of wrong thinking by politicians than Romney's Mormon beliefs.

Among then-
  "Methodist" John Edwards devalues human life by favoring abortion on Demand, states there is no war on terror, and wants to sanction homosexual unions. 

"Roman Catholic" Nancy Pelosi, supports gay marriage, dons a burqa to in visiting a Muslim country and takes a host of other positons contrary to scripture.

"Roman Catholic" Rudy Giuliani supports abortion rights for women.

"Methodist" Bill Clinton brought infidelity to the White House.

The list of "Christian" politicians who take stands contrary to scripture is unending.  Clearly, religious orthodoxy does not equate with godly outcomes.  So how then do we decide?  Pastore seems to ignore that someone who is led to follow the moral ambiguities in the faith of a "Methodist" such as Edwards or Clinton is every bit as lost as someone following the heresies of Mormonism.  Why does one form of error disqualify a man from being president and another not?

Pastore needs to be reminded that this is a job interview process, not a Patoral search committee.  We as Americans are hiring someone to be our Chief Executive, not someone to be our Pastor, Elder or Deacon.  As with any other job for which I would consider hiring someone, what I want is competence and qualifications.  Faith is not a prerequisite.

As a physician I have encountered some very poor Christian doctors.  Some of the best medicine I have seen practiced is by men whose paganism makes Romney's Mormon beliefs seem conventional.  Although Physicians can have great influence on the thinking of their patients, I would far rather send my sick child to a gifted pagan than an unqualified saint.

Pastore and other Christians need to let go of the thought that countless people will be decieved as a result of Romney's Mormonism.  Almighty God, whose Son declared that the gates of hell could not stand up to a true profession of faith, is certainly capable of furthering His purposes with a Mormon in the White House.  In fact, there is a high probability that the religious questions resultant to Romney's election will open more doors for Evangelism, not less.  I welcome the opportunity to explain to other's what true Christianity is.  That truth will overcome any weight the presidency would provide.