Yesterday I posted on the controversy surrounding First Baptist Church Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress calling Mormonism a cult at a Value Voter event where Republican Presidential candidates spoke. Most comments were civil, with a few personal attacks as is the unfortunate norm in the blogging world. But then it was reported that a presidential candidate, Jon Hunstman, made a provocative reaction to the same issue–not using the term Mormon, but “moron.”

The actual quote from “The Wolf Blitzer Show” stated, “The fact that, you know, some moron can stand up and make a comment like that, you know, first of all, it’s outrageous.” While everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, I’m not sure if calling megachurch pastors “moron” is a good way to win votes for the upcoming Republican primaries.

The reality is that by resorting to name calling, Huntsman stoops to the same low he “claims” has been committed by the pastor in question. American have grown accustomed to political candidates taking jabs at one another. But at least for myself, I’m a bit disturbed when a presidential hopeful resorts to calling a pastor “moron” when he takes a strong position on a theological issue.

I may not endorse a particular candidate for the Republican primaries, but I know one guy I won’t be recommending this year. America needs leadership that respects its citizens. To expect anything less is what I would find outrageous.

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DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell), and Thirst No More (November). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.