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Interesting point kiwi. I look at it as being in bondage, if taxes were spent properly it would benefit the poor but the system is failed. More out of my paycheck isn't going to help.
Comment by D-Rock — 4-2-2008, 03:54:29 PM
As a long-time LDS, I had never been asked by church leaders to affiliate myself with either national party, nor to vote in any particular way. My bishop growing up was Democrat and my father Independent (to the tune of Ross Perot).
I must disagree, however, with the sentence, "Prohibits the use of church buildings and telephone directories for political purposes." Just last Sunday our bishop spent the entire duration of the Priesthood/Relief Society portion of church (roughly 1 hour) not only telling us to vote for California proposition 8 (to ban gay marriage), but he also enlisted us to participate in going door to door within our zip code to proselyte for the cause as well as give our money to a political organization working to promote prop 8. And how did the bishop know our zip code? He specifically mentioned that he went through our ward directory to find out which zip code we live in.
I signed up to help. After all, it is the First Presidency asking us to help. It made me feel a little uncomfortable initially, but I soon came to see what a critical issue it really is - enough for the prophet himself to ask us to get involved.
So, yes, the LDS church does not ask its members to be Republican, but it does use its chapels, dirctories, and church meetings to promote certain political agendas.
Webmaster: I appreciate your comment, Sam. I must say that I very much disagree with it, however. Opposition to gay marriage does not constitute a "political agenda." This was a moral question long before it was a political one. The Church has always reserved the right to speak out on moral issues. That having been said, I'm surprised your bishop spent an entire hour discussing this topic. I'm also from California, and it only got a brief mention in my ward. My bishop did not use our ward directory to contact people; I don't think Mormon leaders were instructed to do so by the First Presidency.
Comment by Sam — 7-31-2008, 01:00:53 AM
I enjoyed reading the opinions on this page, even though I agree with some, but not with others. I think where Andrew is in error, is his opinion that one cannot be a good Mormon and be a democrat because of the issues on abortion. I too agree that abortion is wrong and I am pro-life, not pro-choice, but that in itself does not define the democratic party. Pro-choice is liberal, not democrat, they are two different things. True, almost all republicans are conservative, and almost all democrats are liberal, but there are conservative democrats and liberal republicans. I live in California, overall, our governor, Schwarzenegger is a fairly liberal republican. Senator Joseph Biden, who was my choice as president in 2008 is a fairly conservative democrat. The only true difference between republican and democrat, is republicans want less government control, minimal government programs and welfare programs which in turn creates lower taxes, while democrats favor more government programs, more government regulation, more programs to help the poor and needy, but with higher taxes, especially on the ultra-rich.
I am an independant, but I tend to lean more on the democratic side because it seems more in line with Christian values than the replublican. There is less poverty and more equality under a democratic government, and education takes a higher level of importance. Under a republican government, it's easier for corporations to take advantage of people and get away with it, because of less government regulation. Just look at the Exxon, the democrats want the oil companies to be regulated by the government, while the republicans are against it even thought they are the number 1 cause of our suffering economy.
Comment by Josh — 5-11-2008, 07:52:46 PM
Not being an American, yet being LDS I am disturbed to learn some of the alleged beliefs of the "right" in the church. To say that they disagree with helping the needy with government money. Saying that its using force to take money out of the tax dollar is to me laughable. We are our brothers keeper, end of story, I cant understand any LDS person who wants to place a stumbling block in the way of any Samaritan helping the poor. Including the government using the the tax dollar for that purpose.
Comment by Kiwiboy — 2-18-2008, 03:13:28 AM
I don't consider myself Democrat or Republican, however in general, I would never be able to consider myself or vote for a Democrat for the main reason of ABORTION. Some Moderate republicans are pro-choice I oppose them as well. Mormons are told to study the issues and vote there conscience based off of morals and values. How do I vote for something as contradictory to basic church stances as ABORTION? Furthermore the perception that republicans only care about helping the rich is wrong for most. (Please note: I don't support presidant Bush either.) And that democrats do more for the poor and needy is true. They keep them poor and needy. The Church has an excellent welfare program, but its not intended to be permanent and the church works with individuals to try to see a way out of there situation through proper budgeting-money management, and finding them employment to better suit there needs if possible. I mention this because the Church welfare is supported solely by donations through fast offering. People willingly give to help the needy. Not FORCED like those of certain parties like to do through our government. That is socialism to FORCE. Christ did not force his people to give (they did so willingly). The whole point of that ramble was that Democrats believe in redistribution of wealth through forced and required programs. I am baffled by the notion that you can be a good democrat with there views on several moral issues (see Harry Reids voting record) both liberally and socially and be in good standing and answer honestly to the temple recommend interview questions.
Webmaster: I publish this comment only to demonstrate the great political diversity within the Church. Despite the fact that I disagree with this statement, and despite the fact that the Mormon Church regularly asserts that one can be a democrat and a good Mormon, I want readers to understand that Mormons have varying political views.
Comment by Andrew — 1-29-2008, 01:48:49 AM
I appreciate the great information given on this site. I know many Mormons who are Democrats! My husband and I feel strongly that the Democratic Party cares more for the poor and the underprivileged, whereas the Republican Party is mainly interested in helping the wealthy. This is clear from their policies. It's easy to see how the middle class has decreased and the top 10% have increased so drastically under Bush. It amazes me that Republicans will still defend him and the war in Iraq after all his lies and the corruption in his administration. I pray that the next president will be able to undo some of the damage Bush has wrought on our country. Yet this man is a Republican!
Webmaster: AllAboutMormons.com is not affiliated with any political party and does not endorse or reject this particular comment. I wanted to include it, though, as evidence of the fact that Mormons certainly can be Democrats, as well as Republicans!
Comment by Fern — 1-19-2008, 10:47:13 AM
