Faith and Politics

In just a few days the Democratic Party will assemble here in Colorado to officially nominate their candidate for President of the United States. A few days later the Republican Party will do the same in Minnesota. Following the two conventions the political season will continue to accelerate until Election Day on November 4th. It seems that the political season has already been too long. The networks have been broadcasting debates for months. More than past campaign seasons, there has been a lot of discussion in regards to the faith and religion of several candidates, especially Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Barack Obama.

Is there a place for faith in politics? A recent editorial stated, “Too much of the conversation is guided by the incivility of politics - charges and countercharges by religious liberals and conservatives that the other side is trying to impose its will on the majority by undemocratic methods” (David Briggs, The Plain Dealer, August 9, 2008). Such discourse causes citizens to wonder if faith has a role in the political process.

The Church has stated, “The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established” (www.newsroom.lds.org).

What then is our role as members of the Church? The Lord has stated, “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil” (D&C 98:10). Thus, though the LDS Church, as an organization, maintains political neutrality, we have been given a solemn and sacred responsibility to be involved in electing candidates who have proven their honesty, virtue, and wisdom.

What about the issues? “And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land” (D&C 98:5-6). On another occasion, the Lord revealed, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80). Based on these words from the Lord, I believe we have a responsibility to understand the Constitution and the intent of the founding fathers that were “raised up unto this very purpose.” The best source for understanding the intent of the founding fathers can be found in the Federalist Papers. On online version can be found at: http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/.

As we come to understand this remarkable document, we then have a responsibility to support worthy candidates that possess a firm understanding of the Constitution and who will uphold positions that are in harmony with this inspired document. It is easy to get caught up in the hype and excitement of a campaign, but we need to back away from the rhetoric and make our decisions based on the foundational principles which the Lord has revealed through his prophets.