JodyTJ Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Is it possible for someone to be a liberal or socialist and be a Mormon? Of what I've seen, most Mormons vote Republican in state and national elections in the United States. However, in Latin America, left-wing governments reign supreme. Would you say that Mormons in Latin America tend to be more left-wing and not what you would consider a "traditional" Mormon? I am a conservative, and would vote Republican if I was American. In Canada I would vote for the Conservative Party since they are closer to my own beliefs.
Jenamarie Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Yes, you can be a liberal and be a Mormon. Some members may believe they're incompatible, but their opinion doesn't really have any weight in any persons right to be a member. You have a Testimony of the restored Gospel? You're in. Myself and my parents are Democrats. My Dad has been the Gospel Doctrine teacher in his ward for many years, and is currently the financial clerk. I'm currently teaching the youth in Sunday School, but have held callings in Primary and Relief Society as well. Nobody has ever asked me how I vote when extending me those callings, or in any other Bishop interviews.
Praetorian_Brow Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Liberal and socialist means something different in the States. Using those terms seems to tie into their notions of remnants of cold war propaganda and expect a strong reaction. Yes, it is possible, despite politics being separate from religious ideas.
skippy740 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 If Harry Reid can be a practicing Mormon... so can you. :)
pam Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 If Harry Reid can be a practicing Mormon... so can you. :)*gags*
JodyTJ Posted August 13, 2013 Author Report Posted August 13, 2013 *gags*LOLWhat's wrong with Harry Reid?
pam Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 LOLWhat's wrong with Harry Reid? What's right with him? That would be a shorter answer and require less typing.
Just_A_Guy Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 What's right with him? That would be a shorter answer and require less typing.Oooh! Can I be the mod who gives Pam the seven-day ban for discussion of political candidates?I mean-ahem-just doin' my duty, and all . . .
kapikui Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 What's right with him? That would be a shorter answer and require less typing.It would be an empty post.
LittleWyvern Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Is it possible for someone to be a liberal or socialist and be a Mormon?I dunno, are there any Mormons in Europe?*looks over*Yep, it looks like they're still there.
mnn727 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) From Wikipedia:James Esdras Faust (July 31, 1920 – August 10, 2007) was an American religious leader, lawyer, and politician. Faust was Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1995 until his death, an LDS Church apostle for 29 years, and a general authority of the church for 35 years.Faust served in the House of Representatives for the 28th Utah State Legislature (1949) as a Democrat for Utah's eighth district. He also served as chairman of the Utah State Democratic PartyAlways one of my favorite Apostles, you just don't find a whole lot of better men than President Faust. Edited August 13, 2013 by mnn727
Connie Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Hi Jody. You may be interested in reading Doctrine & Covenants 134. That will help you answer the question for yourself. :)
pam Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Oooh! Can I be the mod who gives Pam the seven-day ban for discussion of political candidates?I mean-ahem-just doin' my duty, and all . . .Do it..I dare ya.
applepansy Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Hi Jody. You may be interested in reading Doctrine & Covenants 134. That will help you answer the question for yourself. :)1 We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.The bold applies to us all. I will be interested in seeing how it applies to Harry Reid in the hereafter. I've known many Mormon Democrats. Some are middle of the road democrats just like there are middle of the road Mormon Republicans.I think why most Mormons vote republican is because we understand how important our Agency is. That's just my biased opinion. :) I have a neighbor who was raised in Germany during WWII. She joined the church many years ago when her children were young. She also lived in England. She moved to the States when her children were young. One day she said "A little socialism is a good thing." She is a very good Mormon! If anyone needs anything... and I mean Anyone and I mean Anything ... she will do all in her power to make sure it happens. She works tirelessly at living the gospel in a real way. Yet, she believes its ok to legislate away a little of our agency. Who is right? In our world Satan has become very strong in these last days. People who are living the gospel and treating everyone as Christ would don't need government and laws. But not all people are good, so we need government and laws. The balance of keeping society safe and free is one that has been something we've been trying to manage since Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden. Without opposition in all things Heaven Father's plan for us to choose doesn't work.
Bini Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Great post, Jenamarie. Another registered Democrat here and I'd consider myself fairly liberal in my thinking as well. I love God and believe the Church is true.
Traveler Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 What's right with him? That would be a shorter answer and require less typing.He is LDS and works very hard in his convictions - especially in efforts to assist the poor.The Traveler
Traveler Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Just thought I would add something. In my travels I came to know an individual in China and a very high ranking Communist in that government. He became interested in the LDS church because of the manner in which we take care of the poor and in dealing with LDS members doing business in China. Over time he became converted and has been baptized. However, he remains a devout Communist and high ranking official in many ways helping the church in China. Rightfully he is concerned with the USA and our hard stance on Capitalism. The Traveler
Just_A_Guy Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 He is LDS and works very hard in his convictions - especially in efforts to assist the poor.The TravelerReid is a bold-faced liar--e.g., his hints that Romney paid no taxes.But that probably has less to do with his political views than with his status as a politician generally. Romney had his whoppers as well. If the Church stepped in every time a Mormon politician was less than honest, the State of Utah would be left without an elected government.
bytor2112 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Candidly, I find it difficult to grasp how any faithful Saints do not see the inherit problems with the modern day Democratic Party. The fanatical adherence to abortion on demand and g/l marriage makes the party more nauseating than their destructive fiscal policies...IMO. (Of course, the Republicans are not much better and tend to be more Democrat-lite than anything else.)
Backroads Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 I'm pretty libertarian, politically, but I find that Mormons will have spiritual and religious reasons for their political views no matter what they may be. Indeed, interpretation is everything.
dahlia Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 I suppose you can intellectually be all kinds of things. However, acting on it is something else. I don't know how a Mormon could vote for Obama, who is in favor of late term abortions. We can stop the analysis right there as far as I'm concerned. Maybe somewhere there is an ethical, pro-life, Democrat that is worth the vote, but I haven't seen one lately. As long as they are for taking from the producers to give to those who won't (not can't, won't) produce, who seek to demonize every aspect of religion from saying 'Merry Christmas' to wearing a cross on a necklace at work, who have turned caring for the environment into a religion, and who call black conservatives 'Oreos' and 'Uncle Toms,' I'm not voting for them. Don't even get me started. My disdain for them is so high my heart is pounding as I write this. One reason the Church appealed to me is that most people in it are Conservative and pro-America. When I meet a liberal Mormon I wonder what is wrong with their thinking and how do they can take the Sacrament when they vote for baby killers.
Praetorian_Brow Posted August 13, 2013 Report Posted August 13, 2013 Thanks dahlia, you just killed the innocent question asking vibe, attached your own country specific interpretation and made this post into a rage induced, soon to be blocked political discussion. Your interpretation of liberal is extreme and asking for a fight, given that most people do not see themselves in the way you have associated. Again, outside of the U.S. liberal means something entirely different than simply....baby killer.
dahlia Posted August 14, 2013 Report Posted August 14, 2013 I go back to the original question, "Can you be a liberal or socialist and be LDS?" Pardon me if, as an American, I respond as an American. I'll never apologize or back down for that. I know a number of Europeans and two Aussies, I'm well aware of different interpretations; I gave you my opinion on whether one can be liberal or socialist and LDS. I think not. If you disagree, that's your opinion and you're welcome to it.
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