Harry Reid is a mormon. His politics goes counter to mormon teachings. Is Reid still in good standing with the Mormon church? If so, why would that not be considered as hypocritical to someone watching from the outside of mormon circles?
3 Responses to “Harry Reid is a mormon. His politics goes counter to…”
Leonardo Leal
2014-05-04 16:23:14
Hi George. Thanks for your post. I won't comment on Harry Reid specifically, but I will say that one can obviously be a Democrat and still be a faithful Mormon. There is no "one-mold-fits-all" kind of Mormon. We're a diverse group, and we welcome all sorts of people who might want to worship with us.
The truth is no political philosophy is perfect. Regardless of political bent, we all have to adapt the existing parties to our own values and ideals. There are many different ways of doing that successfully.
I hope this answer helps.
Pamela Bonta
2014-05-04 06:25:50
Political neutrality
A member's standing within the church is a matter between the member, his/her Bishop and a member of his/her Stake Presidency. Individual members do not represent the church's official policies. You can learn more about this here and here.
Grandpa Chet
2014-05-05 07:19:17
There are many members whose actions and words make me wonder if they really know what they're doing to themselves and their families. But unless I'm directly involved and/or have authority or stewardship over them, it's not my business.
Harry Reid, for example? I can campaign against or for him and have nothing to do or say about his testimony. That's his problem and the Lord's, and I figure the Lord can handle His business better than I. He probably knows Brother Harry's heart better than I, and knows if Harry is truly honest with himself and with God.
My authority and stewardship begins and ends with me being an American citizen. If I'm ever called to share a gospel message with him in his home, I'd probably be as annoying as I am with the families I teach now, my household, and myself. And I'd be called to love him even more than I'm called to love him now. His strengths, works, agency, goodness, sins, and salvation are somethings I can't change. If he breaks the law, I can call on the enforcement agency of the law just as I could if Butch Cassidy robbed my home.
I have quite enough struggle with my own sins and temptations. I pray he and my fellow children of God make it through this school of life with full honors.
The truth is no political philosophy is perfect. Regardless of political bent, we all have to adapt the existing parties to our own values and ideals. There are many different ways of doing that successfully.
I hope this answer helps.
Harry Reid, for example? I can campaign against or for him and have nothing to do or say about his testimony. That's his problem and the Lord's, and I figure the Lord can handle His business better than I. He probably knows Brother Harry's heart better than I, and knows if Harry is truly honest with himself and with God.
My authority and stewardship begins and ends with me being an American citizen. If I'm ever called to share a gospel message with him in his home, I'd probably be as annoying as I am with the families I teach now, my household, and myself. And I'd be called to love him even more than I'm called to love him now. His strengths, works, agency, goodness, sins, and salvation are somethings I can't change. If he breaks the law, I can call on the enforcement agency of the law just as I could if Butch Cassidy robbed my home.
I have quite enough struggle with my own sins and temptations. I pray he and my fellow children of God make it through this school of life with full honors.