LDS Conservatives Are Idolatrous?

[_Runtu]

The other day someone posted a comment on my blog suggesting that the church's position on immigration is a sign that church leaders are not immune from apostasy and following the devil. But the guy claimed to be a faithful Mormon. I thought of that guy when I read this piece in the Tribune:

Some LDS conservatives worship political dogma

[_lostindc]

I still have no idea how a Mormon can be a republican, if anything a socialist would be the closest political form to mirror Mormonism.

[_Kishkumen]

I still have no idea how a Mormon can be a republican, if anything a socialist would be the closest political form to mirror Mormonism.

It's a worthwhile topic, but to people like Droopy and bcspace this is like throwing chum in shark-infested waters. Be prepared for a lot of prolix, poorly written posts.

[_moksha]

It’s become clear that there is a small minority in Utah that has set up a political dogma that carries all the trappings of religion. Their patron saint is an icon named Ronald Reagan (which bears scant resemblance to the actual man). Their scripture is a narrow interpretation of the Constitution that has more in common with the Articles of Confederation than the Constitution itself. Their founding prophet was Cleon Skousen, and their modern prophets are folks like Glenn Beck, who like other false prophets have become fabulously wealthy from their preaching.

The disciples of this political religion have lost all ability to self-doubt. They aren’t interested in evidence, logic or discussion; they already have all the answers. They quote the personal political views of hyper-conservative Ezra Taft Benson to prove their political faith is a branch of Mormonism, while ignoring the opposing views of the liberal Hugh B. Brown.

I fear some have unwittingly reached the point where their political religion has eclipsed their religion. That fits our definition of idolatry. I know that sounds harsh, but many people I know are puzzled by how some LDS politicians can read King Benjamin’s sermon in the Book of Mormon and say the things they say.

Time for some denials.

[_The Nehor]

Yeah, for many it is idolatry.

I still have no idea how a Mormon can be a republican, if anything a socialist would be the closest political form to mirror Mormonism.

I can see how a faithful LDS member can be a Republican. I cannot see how those holding ultra-conservative views can argue that they are supported by scripture and God himself.

[_Runtu]

I can see how a faithful LDS member can be a Republican. I cannot see how those holding ultra-conservative views can argue that they are supported by scripture and God himself.

I think the problem comes when people see their own ideologies as inseparable from the gospel. A lot of times, when push comes to shove, they'll choose their politics over their religion. It affects liberals and conservatives.

[_Droopy]

The other day someone posted a comment on my blog suggesting that the church's position on immigration is a sign that church leaders are not immune from apostasy and following the devil. But the guy claimed to be a faithful Mormon. I thought of that guy when I read this piece in the Tribune:

I would place this kind of ideological idolatry within a very similar class with claims that the United Order in some sense verifies, validates, or justifies egalitarian socialist concepts.

[_Runtu]

I would place this kind of ideological idolatry within a very similar class with claims that the United Order in some sense verifies, validates, or justifies egalitarian socialist concepts.

I would say that applies only if the person who believes those claims would choose them over the gospel. That's the problem. It's not the ideology that is the problem.

[_Droopy]

I still have no idea how a Mormon can be a republican, if anything a socialist would be the closest political form to mirror Mormonism.

Socialism is the antithesis of the gospel, and represents, painting here with a broad brush, a body of schools or sects of utopian collectivism, all of which are a major branch of the Great and Abominable Church of the Devil which the scriptures warn will sit "upon many waters" in the last days, being a pervasive influence and ever present danger to righteousness.

Among its major divisions or sects are Marxian socialism, National Socialism, Fascism, Fabianism, "cultural" Marxism, and all forms of "democratic" welfare state socialism.

[_Droopy]

I would place this kind of ideological idolatry within a very similar class with claims that the United Order in some sense verifies, validates, or justifies egalitarian socialist concepts.

I would say that applies only if the person who believes those claims would choose them over the gospel. That's the problem. It's not the ideology that is the problem.

So then, ideas really don't have consequences?