Been a Slacker and Mormon = Republican?

I've been such a slacker recently when it comes to my blogs. There has been so much going on in my life and in my mind that I haven't even had a second to think about posting things. I'm sorry to those who actually read my blog and haven't had anything to read!

On another note I just wanted to address a strange line of thinking that was actually part of my beliefs while growing up and crept into my adulthood. The thinking is that if you're Mormon you must be a Republican. Well, if you're a GOOD Mormon and you choose the right and you're temple worthy and all that good stuff, then you must be a Republican. I wonder where the notion came from, that you must be affiliated with a particular political party to be considered a Mormon in good standing.

I always thought I'd betray my beliefs if I voted for anyone other than a Republican. However, something inside me must have told me this wasn't true. I could NEVER bring myself to actually register as a Republican. I have decided that labeling yourself and joining a particular political bandwagon is not necessary to being a good Mormon.

I consider myself in very good standing as a member of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. I have made some choices that weren't always in line with my beliefs (who hasn't, raise of hands?!?!?!?!), but for the most part I have lived my life in a way that I am proud of. I don't hate anyone. I don't persecute or reject anyone for what they believe, how they look, their differing views on religion, politics and life in general. I don't always extend the Christ-like love I know I should, but I really feel like I'm aspiring to be a better person and be more like my Savior. I try really hard not to gossip and spread lies. When I hear something about someone, I first try to find out if it is true by going to the person and asking. If this is not possible, I just don't repeat what I heard.

With a very important Presidential Election coming up I have been thoughtfully considering my political practices. In the past I would default to Republican. Abortion was my deciding factor. The Republican party always adds in "No Abortion" to their campaign, so I thought they were a safe bet to vote for. As a moral issue I believe that abortion is not always the best choice. But should the government decide what is morally right and wrong? Here is a great post about this. Sometimes I'm not even sure if some republicans really care about the real issue of abortion. To some it seems to just be a way of getting a lot of right-wing votes.

In the past year or so I realized what a lazy way of dealing with things this is. It has been a way to pass the buck. I don't have to take responsibility for the choice I made during an election because I didn't thoughtfully consider the candidates.

This year has been different. I have looked at so many issues and so many candidates. I have read blog after blog after blog looking for opinions and discussions to help me figure out which candidates would be best for which positions. I really value other's opinions and that those who share the same beliefs as I do are also able to explore other political parties other than Republican.

After this research, prayer and thoughtful pondering I have come to the conclusion that I don't have to associate with any particular political party to be a good member of the church. I have come to realize that there are more issues than just abortion. I must consider the state of the nation and it's people before making hasty decisions. Looking at all the issues and the solutions the candidates have for the issues has been really eye opening to me. I have learned a lot about people and their character. I have learned a lot about me and my beliefs.

Politics wasn't ever really discussed in my family growing up. I think that is mostly because my dad liked to argue and he wouldn't ever back down on an issue. It may also be due to the fact that no one ever felt like they could disagree with him. He's so stubborn sometimes! This must be where I got the feeling that if I didn't vote Republican that I was a bad. We still don't really discuss it. I mostly listen to what they have to say and then drop it. I'm not in it for a debate. Their opinions matter to me and I listen to what they have to say and consider their views. Sometimes it changes my views and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it makes me reconsider an issue that I wasn't previously willing to budge on.

One thing I do know is that my parents love and accept me for who I am and not my political views. I am very grateful that they allow me to make my own choices by respecting my agency. My parents instilled strong values in me, as did my membership in the church. I believe that I can honor the things that the church and my parents have taught me without prescribing to a particular political party. I hope that as my children grow up they will know that their opinions matter to me and that they don't have to think and believe the same things I do. I hope they seek out opportunities and knowledge that will form their opinions. If they are able to form their opinions on their own through experiences, they will be stronger and more able to defend those opinions. Not only that, but I believe they will be more accepting and open-minded when it comes to other's beliefs and opinions. I want my kids to know that they are loved and accepted because they are children of God. My love and acceptance for them does not depend on what they believe or the political party they belong to.

I don't believe that one political party has it all figured out. There are many good truths and good things in each political party, that's why from now on I will look at the issues that are most important for the situation the country is in.

I am so thankful for the political process and the choices we have as members of a free country. Politics can and have divided people so much. Politics seem to have become corrupt in so many ways. I hope that no matter what happens during this election season that we can unite as a country for the good of the country. Unity is what will really save this nation. Unity doesn't mean that we all have to think, believe or agree on the same things. It means that we work together in mutual respect and acceptance of those things to bring peace and compromise. Even members of the general authorities are able to get along when they aren't the same political party. James E. Faust, former 1st counselor in the First Presidency was a Democrat.