Two types of politics

“When you look at the arc of American history, there’s always been a push and pull between those who want to go forward and those who want to look back, between those who want to divide and those who are seeking to bring people together — between those who promote a politics of hope and those who exploit a politics of fear.” — Barack Obama

There are two types of politics in America. One is forward looking, unifying, and optimistic. The other is backward looking, divisive, and fearful. Historically, at various times, these two types of politics have been found in both major political parties. Currently, one of our major parties has given themselves over completely to the divisive, pessimistic type of politics. The divide between these different approaches to public policy has never been more clear than it is now. It is instructive to examine what the scriptures say about this:

1. Go Forward or Look Back?

When life gets hard, it is easy to imagine a time in the past when things were “better.” We long for the fictitious “good old days.” It is likely true that most of us lived a more carefree life when we were children or teenagers, but that does not mean that life was better for the ADULTS when we were children. In the United States, life was certainly not better for minorities and women in earlier decades.

Latter-day Saints need to remember that the millennium is ahead of us, not behind us. We must move forward, not backward, to create a better world.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31:20)

Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22)

2. Come Together or Promote Division?

Jesus invited everyone to come unto Him. He did not care about one’s race, or nationality, or political party, or religious faction. He didn’t even mind if a person was a sinner. He simply blessed, and healed, and comforted, and fed anyone who needed His help. He taught that a despised Samaritan, or a poor widow, could be more righteous than the most pious Jew.

Latter-day Saints should reject the politics of name-calling, race baiting, and “us vs. them”.

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. (Moses 7:18)

He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. (2 Nephi 26:33)

I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine. (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27)

3. Hope or Fear?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the “Good News.” It offers the solution to all of humanity’s suffering and troubles. Any platform that promotes fearful pessimism rather than hopeful optimism is not compatible with the Gospel.

Latter-day Saints should not support any politician who stirs up fear to promote hatred and division.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)

I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear. (Moroni 8:16)

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34)

The scriptures tell us to press forward in unity — with hope for a brighter future. This is not the platform, nor the behavior, of the current Republican party. They have been stoking fear and promoting division in order sway voters emotionally. If we let this approach win, they will take us back to a darker time. We must not fall for these tactics. The Latter-day Saints must awake and stand against this evil. We must stand up and speak out for the “good news” of the Gospel over the calculated, divisive, “bad news” of the Trumplicans.

Source: “Obama campaigns in California, says 2018 brings a chance to restore ‘sanity’ in politics.” Dennis Romero and Phil Helsel, NBC News, Sept. 8, 2018.