Fast forward
to current times. Most commentators correctly point out that Mormons have only
been Republican since about the 1970s.
It has always
been clear to me that the Great Society programs under Kennedy, but especially LBJ,
are really what turned Mormons into Republicans.
These
anti-poverty programs with multiple safety nets allow people who don’t work to
receive government assistance.
It is highly
offensive to Mormons to give someone a handout if they are idle. Our strong work ethic and scriptural teachings revolt
at the idea that someone isn’t working for what they get.
Consider the
following:
D&C 75:29 Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways.
D&C 56:17 Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!
Mormons
believe in helping the poor. We have a large and astonishingly successful
welfare program.
We believe individuals should help the poor. We believe non-profits should help the poor. We believe for-profits should help the poor. We believe churches should help the poor. We believe all organizations should help the poor. We just don’t believe it is appropriate for government to help the poor in the way they have traditionally done it – government handouts.
We believe individuals should help the poor. We believe non-profits should help the poor. We believe for-profits should help the poor. We believe churches should help the poor. We believe all organizations should help the poor. We just don’t believe it is appropriate for government to help the poor in the way they have traditionally done it – government handouts.
Self-reliance,
thrift, work and serving others are hallmarks of our religion, not dependence, sloth,
and idleness; which these government give-a-way programs are noted for.
In 1936, when
our welfare program was first set up the purpose was crystal clear. It still
is. Mormons have Heber J. Grant’s remarks ringing in their ears constantly.
Here it is:
“Our primary purpose was to set up, in so far as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves.” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, p. 3.)
Democrats,
especially liberal ones, are too closely associated with government programs
that offend our Mormon principles.
See this recent counsel from a current leader:
When people voluntarily assist the poor, the poor can receive assistance, knowing it is sincere and kindly meant. This ennobles everyone.
Another social issue is environmentalism. Mormons don't believe that the earth's resources are scarce. We believe "there is enough and to spare."
See this recent counsel from a current leader:
There are many good people and organizations in the world that are trying to meet the pressing needs of the poor and needy everywhere. We are grateful for this, but the Lord’s way of caring for the needy is different from the world’s way. The Lord has said, “It must needs be done in mine own way.”9 He is not only interested in our immediate needs; He is also concerned about our eternal progression. For this reason, the Lord’s way has always included self-reliance and service to our neighbor in addition to caring for the poor.When people are compelled by government to give up the money they worked for and this money, in turn, is given to the poor through government programs, everyone is degraded.
When people voluntarily assist the poor, the poor can receive assistance, knowing it is sincere and kindly meant. This ennobles everyone.
Another social issue is environmentalism. Mormons don't believe that the earth's resources are scarce. We believe "there is enough and to spare."
D&C 104:17 For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.Mormons believe that we are stewards of the earth's resources and they should be taken care of and managed wisely. We just don't think they are scarce. This results in the rather curious position of being anti-waste, but not necessarily pro-recycling. This is more in line with Republican thinking.
Abortion on
demand is abhorrent to Mormons. Democrats tend to favor abortion on demand or
Pro-Choice as they euphemistically call it. Republicans tend to oppose it.
Same-Sex
marriage and approval of homosexual behavior is abhorrent to Mormons. Democrats tend
to favor it. Republicans tend to oppose it.
Republicans
are more apt to be religious. Democrats are more apt to be non-religious.
These strong
social issues result in Mormons being overwhelmingly conservative Republicans.
Continue reading at the original source →