I would argue that the silence creates further contention through the illusion of the “supermajority”. Instead of discussing issues and adhering to their beliefs and values, many continue to join a party they do not agree with in the hope of “changing it from within”. Though change can be brought about from within when people agree on basic principles and values, when worldview does not align, contention is what is brought about. This is why republican conventions in the state are always deemed controversial or contentious. We’ve not only lost the art of staying friends with a neighbor after we agree to disagree on politics, we’ve become keyboard warriors, and given into public silent acquiesces.
I understand the feelings of not wanting to show weakness to the outside. However, maybe we should think about it more like the family that we are; we can have internal disagreements, but no one else makes fun of our siblings. That is when we rally the troops and tighten the wagons. Show that we are the best of humanity in standing for what we believe in whatever sphere that may be. Disagreement can be done without grudges or low blows. But the disagree better campaign has got to go.
Interesting view, Maude! If the core principal is that it is a scriptural belief that contention is of the devil - then how do you propose getting around that? Certainly being able to talk openly and politely about politics and agreeing to disagree is important - but if it's not coming from someone in the General Authority, most members will follow the commands as written. It's a difficult issue to solve.
This is particularly insightful: "For the Latter-day Saint community, unity is not just a civic preference; it is a spiritual imperative. There is a deeply ingrained scriptural belief that “contention is of the devil,” rendering public conflict not just impolite, but potentially spiritually damaging." And points out something that a lot of politicos miss about Utah - you simply cannot go negative on a campaign without turning off LDS voters. And this is especially poignant with the forthcoming fight over Congressional District 1. If you are doing negative campaigning - you are likely to lose LDS voters.
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Thanks for doing the extra work!
I would argue that the silence creates further contention through the illusion of the “supermajority”. Instead of discussing issues and adhering to their beliefs and values, many continue to join a party they do not agree with in the hope of “changing it from within”. Though change can be brought about from within when people agree on basic principles and values, when worldview does not align, contention is what is brought about. This is why republican conventions in the state are always deemed controversial or contentious. We’ve not only lost the art of staying friends with a neighbor after we agree to disagree on politics, we’ve become keyboard warriors, and given into public silent acquiesces.
I understand the feelings of not wanting to show weakness to the outside. However, maybe we should think about it more like the family that we are; we can have internal disagreements, but no one else makes fun of our siblings. That is when we rally the troops and tighten the wagons. Show that we are the best of humanity in standing for what we believe in whatever sphere that may be. Disagreement can be done without grudges or low blows. But the disagree better campaign has got to go.
Interesting view, Maude! If the core principal is that it is a scriptural belief that contention is of the devil - then how do you propose getting around that? Certainly being able to talk openly and politely about politics and agreeing to disagree is important - but if it's not coming from someone in the General Authority, most members will follow the commands as written. It's a difficult issue to solve.
This is particularly insightful: "For the Latter-day Saint community, unity is not just a civic preference; it is a spiritual imperative. There is a deeply ingrained scriptural belief that “contention is of the devil,” rendering public conflict not just impolite, but potentially spiritually damaging." And points out something that a lot of politicos miss about Utah - you simply cannot go negative on a campaign without turning off LDS voters. And this is especially poignant with the forthcoming fight over Congressional District 1. If you are doing negative campaigning - you are likely to lose LDS voters.