Perhaps the incident that finally pushed us into posting comments came from a statement made by an individual on Facebook and the replies to it. An individual had read an article on a news site alleging certain positions and actions by a political party. Said individual gobbled up the partisan rhetoric and the line of conversation immediately proceeded to, "Yeah! Our guy is so good and those guys are so bad! This article proves my position!"; the gist of it being that their guy was trying to solve all the problems and the other guys, by opposing him, were not solving problems.
One of the basic fallacies encountered here, other than that of partisan politics, which I am adamantiumly opposed to, is that opposition to problem solving means that you are in favor of the problems. If an entire group of individuals opposes a proposed solution, a very diligent look needs to be taken at why they are hindering its implementation. Even if based on partisan bickering, if a solid majority are not willing to back an action, an alternative needs to be found.
Much more distressing in this situation was that the proposed "solutions" to the "problems" are diametrically opposed to the theological beliefs those clamoring for them proclaim to support. Only the very ignorant or the hypocritical can spout hosannas of praise for their church while at the same time slavering for implementation of political processes attempting to destroy some of the precepts that it holds most dear.
I think what you're seeing is evidence of compartmentalizing of religious beliefs vs. "everyday" life. We're surrounded by it, and a certain percentage of the membership of the LDS church has bought into the idea.
ReplyDeleteWhaddaya think?
"We do not need a prophet - we have one - what we desperately need is a listening ear. Should it be of concern to us when the mouthpiece of the Lord keeps constantly and consistently raising his voice of warning about the loss of our freedom as he has over the years? There are two unrighteous ways to deal with his prophetic words of warning: you can fight them or you can ignore them. Either course will bring you disaster in the long run." -Ezra Taft Benson "Not Commanded in All Things"
ReplyDelete"There seems to be developing a new civil religion. The civil religion I refer to is a secular religion. It has no moral absolutes. It is nondenominational. It is nontheistic. It is politically focused. It is antagonistic to religion. It rejects the historic religious traditions of America. It feels strange. If this trend continues, nonbelief will be more honored than belief.
ReplyDelete....The new civil religion isn’t really a religion as you and I would use that term to describe a faith or a church or a synagogue of people that worship Almighty God and espouse a code of moral conduct. This new civil religion teaches a sectarian philosophy that is hostile to traditional religion. It has its own orthodoxy." James E. Faust "A New Civil Religion"
We have turned into a country with a revolving moral compass. With the need for a strong policial leader becoming ever more impossible. A majority may shout that they desire good home values and strong sense of self, but another group, with megaphones requires compromise. Thus the discord with pleasing the public. Political officials make one compromise, then another until they have become as the Nephites without the ability to complete the pride circle.
ReplyDelete