Trump and Harvard

[Jersey Girl]

Yep! It is true that prominent members have said these things. Prominent members have played an important role in defying, opposing, and fighting Trump. But the LDS Church does not go after the support of evil political leaders. They just don’t touch that with official Church opposition.

I think it is at least somewhat cowardly of the top ecclesiastical leaders in the church hierarchy to not officially denounce Trump by name for his immorality and criminality. That would not be a partisan thing. Much of what Trump has done or is trying to do is opposed on moral and legal grounds by people from all partisan persuasions, including an increasing number of prominent, respected Republicans.

I wouldn't expect leaders of any church to comment politically. Maybe do teachings or sermons on various related "sin" topics, but take an official position? Never.

[Gunnar]

And you know what? I'm glad the church doesn't denounce anyone. Religion needs to stay the Hell out of politics, if for no other reason than to avoid getting its/their members killed by retaliatory actions from said denounced leaders.

Thank you and Jersey Girl for setting me straight on that! I let my anger and disgust with Trump get the better of me! Upon thinking it over, I realize how dangerous it could be for the church and its members for it to officially oppose or criticize by name a ruthless and tyrannical regime by overt political action. It should, of course, urge its members to carefully consider the morality and potential criminality of the politicians and political options offered them before deciding who or what to vote for, and I have to admit that church authorities have done that.

On the other hand, I think the church once came quite close to crossing the line with their organized political actions against legalizing gay marriage. But, at least, they didn't threaten disciplinary action against members who supported legalizing it. And they have since changed their views about making it illegal, on religious freedom grounds.

[Moksha]

Even BYU might get spooked when Trump talks about revoking a group's tax-free status. I suspect they would award Trump an honorary doctorate as a preventative measure.

[Some Schmo]

At the very least, this is a pretty good signal the church isn't what it purports to be (not that another was needed). If the church were really god's chosen, you'd think he'd grant them the balls to take a stand on his behalf.

ETA: Unless, of course, the church has now taken the stand that god is a douchebag and wanted Trump.

[Kishkumen]

I wouldn't expect leaders of any church to comment politically. Maybe do teachings or sermons on various related "sin" topics, but take an official position? Never.

So, LDS doctrine holds that the US Constitution is divinely inspired and set up by God. I would hope that LDS leaders could publicly stand behind that.

[yellowstone123]

Moksha wrote:

Even BYU might get spooked when Trump talks about revoking a group's tax-free status

Harvard and BYU might take note on what happened to Bob Jones University in 1976.

[Moksha]

Moksha wrote:

Even BYU might get spooked when Trump talks about revoking a group's tax-free status

Harvard and BYU might take note on what happened to Bob Jones University in 1976.

BYU very much took notice of that. It was one of the reasons BYU abandoned its apartheid race policy. Trump, on the other hand, wants to curtail inclusiveness at Harvard.

[Jersey Girl]

I wouldn't expect leaders of any church to comment politically. Maybe do teachings or sermons on various related "sin" topics, but take an official position? Never.

So, LDS doctrine holds that the US Constitution is divinely inspired and set up by God. I would hope that LDS leaders could publicly stand behind that.

I think it would be akin to opening a can of worms, Kish. If LDS believes that the constitution is divinely inspired and set up by God, how would speaking out against Trump be taking a stand behind that belief?

It's late/long day. I might not have made myself clear.

[Chap]

If LDS believes that the constitution is divinely inspired and set up by God, how would speaking out against Trump be taking a stand behind that belief?

It works like this, doesn't it?

(1) The CoJCoLDS believes that "the [US] constitution is divinely inspired and set up by God.

(2) Someone appears to be acting in ways forbidden by the US constitution, in that they appear to be denying the right to "due process" for all people.

(3) It would therefore appear that, according to beliefs of the CoCJoLDS, the person in question is acting in ways forbidden by a set of rules divinely inspired and set up by God.

(4) By pointing that out publicly, the CoJCoLDS would be taking a stand behind one of its beliefs.

[yellowstone123]

Moksha wrote:


Harvard and BYU might take note on what happened to Bob Jones University in 1976.

BYU very much took notice of that. It was one of the reasons BYU abandoned its apartheid race policy. Trump, on the other hand, wants to curtail inclusiveness at Harvard.

Thank you for your response, Moksha.

I agree that including those who believe they don’t belong is important for both parties. My concern is students and non students interfering with those who want to go to class. Further, a group chanting harm to another group and being verbally abusive to them is wrong. This again will interfere with learning and can be traumatic to the an individual targeted . It reminds me that many white students in the south verbally abused black students being integrated into the schools and needed armed escorts to get them into class.