Five Major Mistakes That Latter-day Saints Make With Politics.
I generally avoid politics on my blog. Talk with me in person, however, and it is a totally different story. I have opinions for days. But I feel the need to address a massive 5-part issue within our culture, and that is how we as Latter-day Saints approach politics. This post will probably upset people. So, take a deep breath, center yourself, and read this for what it is: a non-partisan critique of our cultural tendencies and the danger of how we approach politics as Latter-day Saints.
1st. We reverse the place of politics with God.
The first mistake we make is actually breaking the first commandment where God declared that we should have no other gods before Him. Far too often as members of The Church, we become so engrossed in our political parties that we fail to be Christians first but rather become Libertarian/Liberal/Progressive/Conservative Latter-day Saints. Here is a little secret we often forget: God is not a Progressive, Liberal, Conservative, or Libertarian, He is not a Republican nor a Democrat. Our lives should be lived in such a manner that the first thing that people know about us is that we are Latter-day Saints, our political affiliation coming after. For more on this topic see an entire in-depth breakdown in the article, Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat, so stop trying to make Him one!
2nd. We try to make God fit into our politics.
When the Church asks us to do something that goes against our political ideology rather than making sure our politics are aligned with God; far too often, we try to align our God with our politics. For example, last year the Church came out in support of medical marijuana, but at the same time, they asked members in Utah to vote against question two, which was a medical marijuana bill that they felt, went too far. Many Latter-day Saints took issue with the Church's statement; they complained that the Church had "no right to legislate morality" or like the secular, they complained about "Separation of Church and State!" They had convinced themselves that their political ideology was infallible. When Christ, the Lawgiver and King of this Land, told His followers (through His Prophet and official organization of the Church) to do something against their ideology, they were faced with the reality that either God was wrong/the Church was going rogue, or their political ideology was wrong. Sadly, most chose the first and voted with their ideology rather than their God, and question two passed.
People who try to fit God into their political ideology often forget that God is the sovereign of the Universe. He has 'legislated morality' for millennia and will continue in His unchanging nature. Our political philosophy becomes a false god to us when we follow it rather than the Lord and His prophets.
3rd. We forget that The Church has a history of asking members to vote a certain way
Historically, The Church has told members how to vote on a variety of topics. For example, during the repeal of prohibition the Prophet at the time, Heber J Grant, told the Saints to vote against it. Not only did they disregard President Grant, but Utah also cast the deciding vote that ended prohibition. President Grant lamented that some members sang “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” seemed to add the words, “provided he keeps his mouth shut politically.”
Sadly, history has shown that when it comes to politics, members of the church have a lackluster track record. Even looking around today, many members still struggle with God directing us through His prophet on how we should act. Think of how many people have issues with The Church's stances on accepting refugees, decrying communism, standing against elective abortion, voting against same-sex marriage, being in favor of prohibition, being against recreational marijuana, and in favor of right to work; just to name a few.
We would be wise to follow the example of my neighbors. They have been a huge medical marijuana advocate for years, as their daughter suffers from severe seizures. When the church came out against the proposition to legalize medical marijuana, they were heartbroken. But they told their family and friends that they were voting against it now, they said they had faith that the Lord would provide for them. The faith of this family is humbling. They had every earthly reason to justify not following the prophet, but instead, they followed. Truly they understood the council of Harold B. Lee, "You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory”
4th. We misunderstand agency.
Because Satan could not destroy agency the next best thing for him to do would be to distort it. He has done that rather effectively when it comes to politics. The most repeated line I hear from members complaining about The Church's stances (either the policy or their expectation of members conformity) is "what about agency!"
This murmur about taking away agency is based off a misunderstanding that if we criminalize sin, then we are taking away agency, or in other words; in order for agency to exist sin must be legalized. This notion is a flat out lie from Satan! God, the lawgiver at a universal level, has criminalized sin. Criminalizing sin at a local level is no more taking away agency than God did by declaring the issue a sin at the universal level.
Furthermore, the notion that we must enable others to sin or we take away their agency is a farce. Who would support giving guns to gang members with the argument that otherwise we would be taking away their ability to murder? The idea just sounds ridiculous. Agency is the ability to either attempt to sin or to choose the right. You don't need cigarettes in your house to use your agency to not smoke! For an entire breakdown of this topic see, Abortion, Agency, and two lies Latter-day Saints are believing.
5th. We forget that it is a test of loyalty to God over party.
President Hinckley related the following when it comes to loyalty to God over party:
This is His work. He established it. He has revealed its doctrine. He has outlined its practices. He created its government. It is His work and His kingdom, and He has said, “They who are not for me are against me” (2 Ne. 10:16).
In 1933 there was a movement in the United States to overturn the law which prohibited commerce in alcoholic beverages. When it came to a vote, Utah was the deciding state.
I was on a mission, working in London, England, when I read the newspaper headlines that screamed, “Utah Kills Prohibition.”
President Heber J. Grant, then President of this Church, had pleaded with our people against voting to nullify Prohibition. It broke his heart when so many members of the Church in this state disregarded his counsel.
On this occasion, I am not going to talk about the good or bad of Prohibition but rather of uncompromising loyalty to the Church.
How grateful, my brethren, I feel, how profoundly grateful for the tremendous faith of so many Latter-day Saints who, when facing a major decision on which the Church has taken a stand, align themselves with that position. And I am especially grateful to be able to say that among those who are loyal are men and women of achievement, of accomplishment, of education, of influence, of strength—highly intelligent and capable individuals.
Each of us has to face the matter—either the Church is true, or it is a fraud. There is no middle ground. It is the Church and kingdom of God, or it is nothing.
Thank you, my dear brethren, you men of great strength and great fidelity and great faith and great loyalty.
Gordon B. Hinckley, "Loyalty", April 2003.
Some when they read this story will balk at the notion of conformity to following the prophet, but it is important that our loyalty is first to God and that we follow when the prophet speaks. In April 2003, Elder Holland taught about this (read his whole talk if you can), "In such basic matters of faith, prophets do not apologize for requesting unity, indeed conformity, in the eloquent sense that the Prophet Joseph Smith used that latter word. In any case, as Elder Neal Maxwell once said to me in a hallway conversation, 'There didn’t seem to be any problem with conformity the day the Red Sea opened.'"
Conclusion.
Ultimately what it comes down to is that our philosophies need an adjustment. We, with our limited understanding, cannot be so arrogant as to assume that we know better than God. If we follow and are loyal, we lay up treasures in heaven. We need to recognize that God is the sovereign lawgiver and that when He speaks--the debate is over. If we do not follow, we put not only ourselves but also future generations in peril. Let us approach our covenants with God with more zeal than we approach our politics.
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Favorite line "God is the sovereign of the Universe. He has ‘legislated morality’ for millennia and will continue in His unchanging nature".
I was discussing a matter with someone the other day about whether we had the right to legislate morality or not. I was looking for the right words
to express that we not only did, but had a spiritual obligation to do so. These words sum it up exceptionally well.
Well said. I was just pondering how many would turn away from the church if the prophet asked us to do something hard.
Whether it be about politics, wealth or whatever.
Separating the wheat from the tares.
Really well reasoned and written. My defining moment came during the Equal Rights Amendment, something I had been campaigning for, and hard. The Lord through His prophet asked His people to oppose this amendment. It brought me up cold. My decision was "do I believe God speaks through His prophet? If I do, then am I obligated to follow His counsel regardless of what I may want or believe personally?" Then answer then and now for me, is yes.
It was not easy to drop everything I was involved in then, and proceed in faith that we did indeed, have a SEER on the earth who could SEE more clearly than I could. I didn't regret it then, I didn't regret it when the Lord asked us to get involved in passing Proposition 8 in California.
I think at the end of the day, perhaps the "thing" doesn't matter overmuch, but our attitude about whether we will be willing to be "proven herewith, to see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" matters a great deal. And we often forget the sequel to that verse, "...they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever." (Abraham 3:25-26)
You absolutely, 100%, nailed it. This is the kind of faith and outlook the faithful Latter-day Saints need to have if we are going to become Zion.
I appreciate your bravery in speaking boldly but respectfully about this.
Well written and I think there is a problem here between some members of the church and their passionate political stance. I also believe the statement “When God speaks the debate is over”. I don’t necessarily believe the same when a prophet speaks the debate is over. Our history shows that can’t be the case. Not always do prophets speak on behalf of God, both ancient and modern, and we would do well to understand that. Of course remain faithful but still question when you feel it is right to do so in the right place.
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." ~Jesus Christ (D&C 1:39).
You have the focus which the Lord desires for all to have. Stay alert. The Lord needs more lerts.
We receive revelation for ourselves, and would do well to pray about such matters.
Yes, you have a right to a confirmation. We don't believe in blind obedience. But that is what you are seeking, a confirmation that the prophet is right as the Holy Ghost won't be going counter to Christ or the prophet. (And if you have prayed and a spirit has told you that they are wrong, sorry bub, but that is false revelation).
I stand humbled. Thank you for this reminder.
To be honest I did not read the full article. However I believe Politics is about good and bad and what we as individuals perceive to be such. For that reason, I believe that Church members should have an active opinion, which is hopefully pressing for the good. Are we to be lead blindly by politicians because of what they have derived as the best forward. On the contrary, from my experience l have witnessed that sadly not all politicians are honest or their policies and dealings. Therefore for that reason, I tend to be outspoken but try not to be too disparaging. I trust the Lord will put the world right in every way, yet I also suppose that He expects us to play our part too?
I see a download pdf option on the "anti-Mormon Tactics...", is there a way to download this as a pdf?
I can add one
You’ve given me much to ponder.
I’d add another thought to your list: We make the mistake of believing the United States is the one, true nation and all other nations are false. We belong to a worldwide church with members in many nations. We would be wise not to confuse patriotism and testimony.
This nation was divinely inspired to bring the Gospel and for that reason America is a special place. The Second Coming will be here. I know this to be true.
I agree that when I seek council from the Lord about how to use my vote - or on other matters - I am seeking direction only for me, not the Church. However, since we have been counseled to pray about all decisions made by our Prophets, I cannot think a footnote exists somewhere indicating ‘all except in voting.’ Voting has always been a very big deal in our family, with each accepting the responsibility to search out an answer through prayer. We continued this tradition with our children and now g’children.
We enjoyed reading your blog over b’fast. It’s the first time we’ve seen it. Thanks for taking the time.
Regarding what you wrote about church leaders giving counsel to not support elective abortions: on a larger scale, do you think that means that no member of the church should register as a democrat, or vote for a democrat running for any office?
Personally, I could not support someone that supports abortion. But I that is my opinion.
Absolutely not. There are plenty of examples of faithful members who were Democrats. Two of my favorites include James E. Faust and my grandfather who was a stake patriarch for more than 20 years. The church routinely reminds us that principles of the gospel are found in both political parties and it is up to us to study it out in our minds and pray and make informed choices. Some people may study it out and decide that they cannot support Democrats because of abortions, whereas others (including myself) may study it out and decide that they cannot support Republicans because of their stance on immigration and family separation among other issues. But again it is a personal decision.
Also as a side note I personally vote more Democrat than Republican on abortion. This is because I have studied it out and found that the data shows that outright bans on abortion (especially those without provisions for rape, incest, and health of the mother or infant) actually tend to increase the number of (black market) abortions that take place, whereas the Democrats position on abortion tends to decrease the abortion rate (because of greater access to birth control etc). However, please don't take my word for it, study it out and do research.
Yes, you can be a good Latter-day Saint and be a Democrat, but you can't be advocating abortion and claim to follow the prophet. The notion that black market abortions would happen does not justify legalizing it, that would be like legalizing child sex slavery so we could at least regulate and tax it.
Wow, talk about a deductive fallacy: the Democrat platform of greater (or unfettered) access to abortion yields a lower abortion rate.
Or it COULD be that since Roe v. Wade passed, particularly after the second decade which would mean those women who did get abortions aged and emotionally grew up, a fair chunk of women realized that the emotional scars of abortion were not eradicated as easily as the unborn child, and encouraged others not to have an abortion (the Pro-Life Republican platform.)
Or it COULD be the simple fact that when you LEGALIZE something like abortion, by definition you have just eliminated "ILLEGAL" abortions (or in your words: "black market" abortions.)
And FYI, access to pre-conception birth control methods is NOT the same thing as access to POST-conception abortion and murder. That's a non sequitur.
The Republican stance on immigration is against "illegal" immigration which I would think anyone of any nation would be in favor of. Try traveling abroad without showing legal ID and stating your purpose for being there and for how long. There isnt another country in the world who doesn't want proof of who is crossing their borders.
Their stance on separating families goes back to the legal issue. And a temporary separation at the border is about trying to sort out who is really family. MANY are sex traffickers using kids that are not theirs as a ticket in. They are not all good honest people seeking a better life. Child sex trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. And some countries ship their criminals out to come here. The Democratic party leaders have grossly distorted this issue because they seek all those illegal votes to win elections. Who would do that to their own country if it wasnt to gain and keep power. We already cant seem to give decent care to our military and veterans and our own homeless.
Great Article, I just have one problem with it. You mention that the church officially decries communism. Unfortunately this is a common misconception. Elder Benson (who was not the prophet at the time of the quoted article) had a habit of decrying communism and socialism from the pulpit it is true. However "Hugh B. Brown, a member of the First Presidency, contested Benson's promotion of his political views from the pulpit and throughout the 1960s, he often followed Benson on the speaking circuit in order to deliver rebuttal messages, repeatedly assuring members that a person could be both a good member and a Democrat or a Socialist”
From “Latter-day Political Views” by Jeffrey C. Fox
The church does officially denounces communism.
David O. McKay as Prophet stated "The position of this Church on the subject of Communism has never changed. We consider it the greatest satanical threat to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God’s work among men that exists on the face of the earth."
The democrat party of today is not the same as it was during the 20th Century....Democrat or Republican, if the party's platform and agenda do not line-up with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the words of our Prophet I will, without hesitation, leave the political party and tighten my grip to the iron rod.....
There is no party that completely aligns with the church. It’s a personal choice. There will never be, until Christ, a leader we can completely stand behind.
I love this! God really is the sovereign of all things!
Good points. Concerning God not being Republican or Democrat - I've never known any members who have left the church due to right wing / conservative values, I do however have friends who have left the church due to left wing / progressive values though.
It seems when you're on that side of the aisle the pressure to choose mammon over God is pretty strong...
I have seen it both ways.
The recent policy clarification that weapons are "forbidden" inside church buildings caused a clamor. Some members of my ward suggested that this was only an administrative decision and not a commandment. One member of my EQ stated that he would not follow a policy politically motivated.
As a conservative member of the Constitution Party, the Church has never asked me to go against my beliefs. But a number of my church member friends in the Democrat party have had this struggle.
That is a great position to be in. Just remember, if it ever does come between leaving your beliefs in a party or God, always be willing to give up the party.
This was a really well written and insightful article. I find political ideologies to be a frequent stumbling block in the church. I am, however, discouraged by how many people in the comment section tried to use it bolster their political opinions Our "affiliations" should be 1) beloved spirit children of God, (this applies globally to everyone) and 2) members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.We are going to be judged on how we treated our brothers and sisters not on what political party we (or they) belonged to. As an independent there are times that both parties go against my beliefs. People are not perfect, politics are not perfect, policies are not perfect. I am, personally, confused by the idea of membership in a particular party shielding you from ever being at odds with your religion.
Another mistake to which we Saints fall prey is lining up behind a candidate who SEEMS to be a good, faithful member of the Church, then finding out he/she is oriented to the party line, rather than following the prophet.
Your links to Deseret News are broken. Do you have links to church sources on the topics of refugees and illegal immigration deportation?
Their latest statement can be found at https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-reaffirms-immigration-principles-love-law-family-unity