Oaks and the Desperate News have been obsessed with "religious freedom" lately. They've never defined what that is but they started ramping up the rhetoric right when gay marriage became legal.
This article says a US Secretary of State called for banning Mormon immigrants. I hadn't heard that.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act ... 1bead18748
Why is the church silent on trump?
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
The LDS church insists on political neutrality unless there is some distinct moral issue like same sex marriage. By that reasoning, the current White House occupant does not rise to a level of moral distress that warrants action. Plus, a lot of Mormons did vote for Trump.
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
Great article. The comments section is pretty good too.
I think the COB is trying to have their cake and eat it too. I don't think they realized how popular trump was until he won the election. Their converts and membership are dwindling and I think they see the trump crowd as maybe potential converts. So they are leaning towards trump. They sent the choir to sing for him.
Here is the weak a$$ statement they made about his refugee ban:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/t ... ersecution
It they issued a statement out right opposing the ban on refugees, they might loose potential supporters. They would have kept their integrity (assuming they ever had any) but they might have lost some future tithe payers in the process. And we all know what is most important to the COB.
I think the COB is trying to have their cake and eat it too. I don't think they realized how popular trump was until he won the election. Their converts and membership are dwindling and I think they see the trump crowd as maybe potential converts. So they are leaning towards trump. They sent the choir to sing for him.
Here is the weak a$$ statement they made about his refugee ban:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/t ... ersecution
They did not condemn what trump has done. And a trump supporter could read that and think "cooperate fully in seeking the best solutions " means if it's not the best solution to let refugees into the US then the ban on them is okay.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is concerned about the temporal and spiritual welfare of all of God's children across the earth, with special concern for those who are fleeing physical violence, war and religious persecution. The Church urges all people and governments to cooperate fully in seeking the best solutions to meet human needs and relieve suffering.
It they issued a statement out right opposing the ban on refugees, they might loose potential supporters. They would have kept their integrity (assuming they ever had any) but they might have lost some future tithe payers in the process. And we all know what is most important to the COB.
...walked eye-deep in hell
believing in old men’s lies...--Ezra Pound
believing in old men’s lies...--Ezra Pound
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
You would expect that talks about food storage and other preparations would in increase due to concern about the coming Trumpocalypse. Pass the gas and store the ammunition type of stuff.
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha
-- Moksha
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
Personally, I think LDS people in general stood up more against Trump than any other Christian group this election season.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mor ... 5f6d15724c
And when a liberal organization like Huffpo makes those claims, then this view is certainly legitimized.
As Corsair pointed out, the church actually does try to maintain political neutrality, unless there is an issue that impacts what they view to be some moral issue.
The 12th article of faith states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." How could we expect them to do anything BUT send the MOTAB to sing at the inauguration?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mor ... 5f6d15724c
And when a liberal organization like Huffpo makes those claims, then this view is certainly legitimized.
As Corsair pointed out, the church actually does try to maintain political neutrality, unless there is an issue that impacts what they view to be some moral issue.
The 12th article of faith states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." How could we expect them to do anything BUT send the MOTAB to sing at the inauguration?
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
There seem to be a considerable number of Christian Evangelicals (and even Mormons) who have let their brand of political conservatism overshadow their faith to such a degree, that the political aspects win out in decision making.
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha
-- Moksha
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
The Church did give a reply to Trump's refugee ban, but did not oppose it. Later Trump fired the Attorney General of the United States for refusing to enforce the ban, who said she was not convinced it was lawful or consistent with the Justice Department's obligation "to stand for what is right." The question of whether it was wrong is not at issue for the Church since it had nothing to do with bare shoulders or the priesthood ordination of women.
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha
-- Moksha
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
I don't think the LDS church wants to draw Trump's attention.
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes of all time. It even comes from a musical "Fiddler on the Roof"
A village man asks "Rabbi, is there a blessing for the Czar?"
The Rabbi responds "May the Lord bless and keep the Czar... far away from here."
I'd be willing to bet Elder Romney has advised the church to some degree that includes the idea of not poking the bear.
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes of all time. It even comes from a musical "Fiddler on the Roof"
A village man asks "Rabbi, is there a blessing for the Czar?"
The Rabbi responds "May the Lord bless and keep the Czar... far away from here."
I'd be willing to bet Elder Romney has advised the church to some degree that includes the idea of not poking the bear.
Reading can severely damage your ignorance.
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Enoch Witty
- Posts: 297
- Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2016 11:14 am
Re: Why is the church silent on trump?
The church did speak out against Trump during the Republican primaries, inasmuch as the church does so. There was a Deseret News article calling out anti-refugee sentiment, though it did not mention Trump by name.
In the end, Mormons closed ranks and voted 61% nationwide for Trump, the largest percentage of any religious group aside from Evangelicals. The church can't speak out now. It had the responsibility to speak out earlier, and it did so (albeit in a half-assed way), but now that its membership has shown it overwhelmingly supports Trump, the church will revert back to its typical "respect the presidency/government; do what they say and don't question" stance that is only enacted during Republican administrations.
In the end, Mormons closed ranks and voted 61% nationwide for Trump, the largest percentage of any religious group aside from Evangelicals. The church can't speak out now. It had the responsibility to speak out earlier, and it did so (albeit in a half-assed way), but now that its membership has shown it overwhelmingly supports Trump, the church will revert back to its typical "respect the presidency/government; do what they say and don't question" stance that is only enacted during Republican administrations.