First Presidency Political Neutrality letter spewed forth

[_Jason Bourne]

Faust may have fit the mold of old style democrats who were at one time what we today call conservative. But it is possible that Faust was an apostate like any LDS Democrat today.

Now this is funny. The King of one liner apologatics just considered a member of the FP a possible apostate. Wonder what that does to the doctrine Pres Faust said that was published by the Church.

Which is why it's impossible for a good Mormon to be a good Democrat (or even a bad one). But which of their current "politics" is compatible with the gospel?

This is simply stupidity and an asinine position. Of course the very good LDS democrates I know believe that in most areas the Democrats are more representative of the gospel then other parties.

[_Joey]

First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation

SALT LAKE CITY 22 September 2008 The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States:

Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church

As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future.

Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.

Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.

The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.

So then, we support prop 8 and want you to support it both with a vote and financially, but we as a body are politically neutral!

Hmmmmmmmm.

What happened with this member then?

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch= ... =&id=80701

Individual thinking not allowed!

[_The Nehor]

Hmmmmmmmm.

What happened with this member then?

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch= ... =&id=80701

Individual thinking not allowed!

I read the article. The stated aims of the man was not just to oppose Prop 8. His stated his aim was to change Church policy. Now I know why his Bishop wanted to have a chat with him. The Church is a top-down organization. Trying to change policy is fighting against those who have the keys to declare that policy.

[_SatanWasSetUp]

This must be why a guy from the ward called my TBM wife and left a message on our voicemail. He said he needed to talk to both her and me about voting. She hasn't talked to him yet, but I'm sure he just wants to make sure we excercise our constitutional right to vote, and it has nothing to do with the gay marriage amendment that is on our state ballot this year.

[_krose]

It's just that many of their current politics are contra what the prophets are telling us.

Many? Other than the goal of most (not all) Democrats to keep abortion legal, what Democratic politics run counter to prophets' teachings? I can't think of any.

[_Yoda]

This is taken from the Preamble of the Democrat platform:

And we will honor the values of a strong American community: widening the circle of equality,
protecting the sanctity of freedom, and deepening our commitment to this country.
In offering this vision, we affirm our faith in the greatness of America. We recommit to the ideal of a
people united in helping one another, an ideal as old as the faiths we follow and as great as the country
we love. To those who are threatened, we pledge protection; to those who are victims, we promise
justice; to those who are hopeless, we offer hope. And to all Americans who seek a better future for
themselves, for their loved ones, and for our country, we say: your cause is our own.
That is the America we believe in. That is the America we are fighting for. That is the America we
will build together – one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[blatant sarcasm]This sounds really evil to me. ;) [/blatant sarcasm off]

[_bcspace]

Faust may have fit the mold of old style democrats who were at one time what we today call conservative. But it is possible that Faust was an apostate like any LDS Democrat today.

Now this is funny. The King of one liner apologatics

After cutting through all the crap, all it usually takes is one line to refute.

just considered a member of the FP a possible apostate.

Yep. Old news for those who've been paying attnetion.

Wonder what that does to the doctrine Pres Faust said that was published by the Church.

Nothing at all if it was published by the Church.

Which is why it's impossible for a good Mormon to be a good Democrat (or even a bad one). But which of their current "politics" is compatible with the gospel?

This is simply stupidity and an asinine position.

Since my statement is true without exception, how so?

Of course the very good LDS democrates I know believe that in most areas the Democrats are more representative of the gospel then other parties.

Belief doesn't equate to truth.

[blatant sarcasm]This sounds really evil to me. ;) [/blatant sarcasm off]

Of course it doesn't. They are good at making misery look and feel good. The statement describes neither the methodology or the cost.

Notice how no one has yet to come up with a single example of Democratic party politics that doesn't run counter to LDS teachings. Very telling.....

[_Yoda]

Notice how no one has yet to come up with a single example of Democratic party politics that doesn't run counter to LDS teachings. Very telling.....

Taking care of the poor, wanting everyone to have adequate medical care, taking care of children's educational needs....These are all ideals supported by the Democrat Party. They are also ideals supported by the Republican Party.

The PROCESS in how to accomplish these things is where the parties differ.

The INTENTION of both parties, at the core, does not go against gospel principles.

Were you aware that during the early days of the Church, Church leaders were asked to represent both parties equally so that Church representation would happen on both sides of the aisle? That's why you have some LDS which are long-term Democrats such as Faust.

[_krose]

Notice how no one has yet to come up with a single example of Democratic party politics that doesn't run counter to LDS teachings. Very telling.....

You reversed it. The request was for you to outline what DOES run counter to LDS teachings. If you want me to say what does NOT, that's easy. Pretty much everything.

Of course there is the abortion issue. But I'm not even sure about that one. Most Democrats support keeping it legal, but want to decrease the number of abortions from unwanted pregnancies by encouraging birth control education, use and availability. Does the LDS church officially say that abortion should be made illegal in the US, or do they just counsel members not to do it (with certain allowable exceptions)?

[_asbestosman]

Does the LDS church officially say that abortion should be made illegal in the US, or do they just counsel members not to do it (with certain allowable exceptions)?

Well, they consider it to be a grave sin like unto murder except perhaps in exceptional circumstances. Sorry, but like unto murder isn't exactly the sort of thing you can turn a blind eye to.

Gay marriage is another issue. Personally I wonder why the church is fighting gay marriage instead of going for the root of all homosexual activity since it preaches that homosexuality is very sinful. Why then doesn't it do more to uphold anti-sodomy and similar such laws? No, I'm not saying that I want the church to do that. I just find it odd.