LETTER: Christians must be liberal

Editor,

Dan Christenson asserts (in Letters, Oct. 29) that a Mormon cannot be a liberal. This conclusion is based on a misunderstanding of liberalism and a selective use of the Gospel. Liberalism has deep roots in Christianity. The Golden Rule is the foundation of liberalism. All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets (Matt. 7:1). Conservative Christians want to enforce morality while liberal Christians are concerned about the rights of others.

The problem with the “conservative” view is that it lacks respect for the rights of others. Conservatives ignore the Savior’s own words that contradict their ideology. For example, they seem to be unaware that Jesus prohibits prayer on the street corners. Conservative propaganda not withstanding, the Supreme Court has been clear that prayer as an expression of private speech has a place in public schools. But Christ’s words imply that His disciples should not display “piety.” The Saints would presumably be uncomfortable if their children were exposed to a Catholic prayer ritual in public school. The logic of the Golden Rule requires that we do not force our way of prayer on others.

Most Saints live outside the United States and a large majority of us lives beyond the Wasatch Front. That means that most Mormons are a minority. The Saints need to protect human rights, for human rights are minority rights. Thank heaven when federal courts protect Mormon children from Texas teachers attacking our religion as a cult (Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe). Beyond self-interest, defending the powerless should be a matter of principle to the Saints.

Jesus Christ teaches us that we shall love our enemies. “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matt. 5:43-47). Protecting outsiders is the essence of Christianity. In that sense, you cannot follow Christ without becoming a liberal.

Hellmut Lotz