A Short Reflection On Romney’s Speech

A caring parent knocks him or herself out trying to instill moral values in their children, to create a decent and successful life. An honest parent knows that 90% will have little effect, but doesn’t know which 10% does. But, if it is all consistent, it doesn’t matter which 10% takes hold.

I’m reminded of that when reading Mitt Romney’s speech about the place of religion in American life. He speaks of the essential requirement that we all share a common moral agenda, underlying which is our common Judeo-Christian heritage. Today, that heritage is broadened by new immigrants of other faiths, but almost without individual exception underlying them as well is belief in the requirement of decency -- and courage to act decently -- in our interpersonal and state affairs.

Without that consistency among Americans, America loses its exceptional role in the fate of the world, in the fate of the oppressed, in the integrity of its governance, in the sharing of pride and caring among ourselves.

Look around at who denigrates Romney’s speech and you’ll find the same people who denigrate America. They are loud, and have seeped into many positions of power. But, whenever they expose their amorality, indeed immorality, they are swept from power.

I haven’t chosen a preferred candidate for president, but among the contenders on the Republican side there is a commonality, of deep faith in America and our goodness and value. Can anyone say that about the Democrat contenders? They aren’t evil, just lost, rootless, acast from elemental truths.

It was, indeed, a speech about “A common creed of moral convictions.”

You can read the Romney speech here.

It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter – on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course.