The purpose of today’s blog is to specifically elicit comments from my Mormon friends (others are welcome, of course, I always love outside perspectives). Recently, the state of Utah has been considering a flat rate income tax and the church was solicited for a response and gave one. It raised the following question: “To what level do members of the church give credence to statements issued by the church on social policies?”
The LDS Church spokesman Dale Bills replied to that by saying: "Church statements on public policy issues reflect the united voice of church leaders. While such statements often reflect church teachings and practices, positions on matters of public policy do not rise to the level of doctrinal declarations." (http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,605154969,00.html?pg=2)
And what of those “doctrinal declarations”? Look no further than the Doctrine and Covenants to find our revealed and inspired position: “We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied.” (D+C 134:9).
How do you feel in regards to these statements?
In regards to other public policy issues?
4 comments:
we've been having these discussions alot lately...and you know that we are in agreement... i just want to quote the eleventh article of faith:
"we claim the privilege of worshiping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
also 12: "we believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."
that's all from me for now...
oh, one more thing. one of the times when the pharisee's were attempting to entangle Jesus with his words...
Matt 22:21 - "Then he saith unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things which are God's."
um ... yeah ... DITTO.
So, how would these statements apply to, um, I don't know, religious interpretation of marriage?? Oh, sorry, I couldn't help it.- Heidi
Post a Comment