Question
Gramps,
The Church takes neutral ground regarding political parties, but tells us we should vote. What do we do when all candidate choices are corrupt. King Mosiah warned us that “if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; years, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction…” Mosiah 29:27
Marilyn
Answer
Marilyn,
Politics nowadays is indeed a maze of confusion, and there are a lot of ways to look at it. There’s no question corruption exists among politicians. I’m happy to say the Lord has given us direction on what kind of individuals we should support for public office.
In Doctrine and Covenants 98:9-10 we are told that because wicked leaders bring misery, we are to seek honest, wise , and good men (and women) to support for public office:
9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
I want to note that earlier in the section, verses 5 & 6, the Lord instructs us that the law under our Constitution is meant to maintain our rights and freedoms, and is not only for us but also for all mankind, and that we should “befriend” our Constitution.
My take from these verses is that we should seek (diligently) our candidates who are honest, wise, and good and who support the Constitution. Easier said than done, right? All by ourselves we’d be lost, but we have the advantage of the guidance of the Spirit, and we should seek the gift of discernment to further guide us.
Other things we, as Latter-day Saints, should consider are the principles of the gospel. For example, in The Family, a Proclamation to the World, we learn many meaningful, and crucial, principles, such as “the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan,” and that “responsible citizens and officers of government” should “promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society,” and more. If we follow only these two admonitions, we would seek candidates who honor the sanctity of life and want to support and promote the family as described in the Proclamation. We would also do well to seek out remaining principles in the Proclamation and in the teachings of the gospel and the Church.
I think some of the best things we can do would be to work to know the issues, learn the positions of the candidates and their parties’ platforms and how they mesh with our core beliefs as Latter-day Saints. Then study it all out in our minds, pray for guidance and trust God. I believe when it comes down to it, we are accountable not for who is elected, but for our votes.
Gramps
