Despite misgivings about the political stances of one's Church family, in the end the faithful liberal Mormon is still doomed to defend one's religion and church. For a member to state that his or her Church would not influence their political decision-making either displays a lack of candor or a lack of faith. But, it is also a mistake to assume that every Mormon is a Republican or necessarily supports politically social conservative stances.
Despite the occassional assertion that every question has a black and white answer, there are huge gray areas where political discourse and disagreement can take place among Mormons. A clear example are the issues raised by abortion. While Mormons disapprove of abortion as an individual's choice with the exceptions normally favored by social moderates, that does not mean there is unanimity as to who should be calling the shots in the decision-making process. There are many Mormons who feel that the decision should be that of the woman in consultation with her physician and religious advisor.
But when it comes down to faith, for example an attack on the divinity of Christ, or the validity of the Book of Mormon, or the Bible, a faithful Mormon is going to defend their religion and their Church. There are certain lines which a Mormon should not cross regardless of the social or political consequences.
That does not translate, however, in to a mandate to impose Mormon morality upon others. It is upon this rock that many Mormons who are politically active have foundered. It is here where incredible discretion must be exercised by a member to make sure that he or she has not crossed the line, and the line is sometimes unduly faint.
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Comments: 12
As long as there are religions "competing" against each other there will be "defenders" on every "side" conflicting with each other ... it is my impression that THAT is NOT what Jesus was all about ...
Better yet IF the leaders are also better "teachers" upgrading all followers into higher qualifications.
Best yet IMnsHO, the eternity I would rather be in, where every person was wise to the equality possible by taking complete self responsibility KNOWING that the Golden Rule IS the GOLD STANDARD and that it works. That cooperation between diversity creates win/win synergy and every person is both a leader and a teacher in their own right. Each then fully Spiritual with THAT relationship as were Adam and Eve BEFORE the "fall".
So if it is true, and I believe it is, that we create our own realities, I would prefer to set my own sights somewhere higher in the direction of more freedoms, rather than having a religious "prophet" in charge of me.
As for the near future case of having Mormon Leaders in charge here on earth, they may claim for now, so as to not arouse suspicion, that they are not going to let their religion dictate their actions in office ... but we all know that there would be nothing greater desired than the concept of all peoples being converted to LDS membership as far as the Prophet is concerned and the others in positions of church leadership ... it would not be the relatively few "Liberal" Mormons I would be concerned about as much as most of the ones I know who are rabid right-wingers, when it comes to political and social thinking out here in this neck of the woods. They come across much better than do the right-wing Evangelical Christians ... but when the chips are down I would not expect to see all that much difference from them, judging by some I have known rather well.
President Hinckley, who just died tonight would have represented the church, and Mitt if he does indeed win will represent the United States. two very different Jobs...