Not all that rare. I’ve encountered it numerous times in every ward I ever lived in–in the sourthern Utah ward where I grew up, a number of wards in northern Utah while I was in school, and now in the East. And whether people confront you about it or not, and whether they are tactful about politcal subjects or not, I think it’s safe to say that in every ward I’ve ever lived in, one’s political orientation is assumed to be Republican until occasion prompts one to indicate otherwise. I’ve heard members bash democrats, individually and collectively, over the pulpit and in lessons, I’ve heard political liberalism in general used as a synonym for pre-apocalyptical, I’ve heard no lesser an authority than Rush Limbaugh invoked during a debate in PEC meeting. I don’t say this to feed a victimhood complex or anything, but rather to contest Michelle’s suggestion that all members keep themselves keenly aware of the line between their political opinions and their religious convictions. This has not been my experience, nor that of any of the dems in my family or immediate acquaintance.

Dude, I AM talking about people other than myself…

On the other hand, a little scrapping along partisan political lines can make for some great comments, as Michelle showed us earlier. Divisiveness may eventually chase away the spirit, but in small amounts it’s kind of fun!

Aaron B

Steve is just happy to see that Aaron’s paying attention.

Of course he doesn’t actually say that in Moroni Chapter 7 where he’s concerned about last words before his whole culture is destroyed. But still that must be what he meant, I guess. He couldn’t possiblying be using this opportunity to make a general point about bad intent profiting NOTHING, could he? And even if he was, you are right it’s pretty risky likening the scriptures to actual modern situations. I mean, come on. Every historian knows the risks of that.

Edited By Siteowner

Aaron B

I think Jeremy’s right to point out the contractual mentality that pervades much of our doctrine. The tit-for-tat idea is clearly in the scriptures: all blessings are predicated on obedience, etc. It overwhelms sometimes. So then is there a tension in the Gospel, between the ideas of ‘blessings for obedience’ and ‘give without quid pro quo’? Is this the same tension as between New and Old Testaments?