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How Can You Possibly Be a Mormon and a Democrat?: Finally a Rational Answer to This All Too Often Rhetorical Question
As part of the HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY(r) book series, every page in this book is devoted to answering the question put forth on the front cover, namely, "How can you possibly be a Mormon and a Democrat?" For those who sincerely want to know the answer to that question but are afraid of hearing the same old self-righteous, emotional, ivory-tower, pinko-commie propaganda, this book goes beyond merely expressing the political views of your average Mormon Democrat. In fact, progressive views are presented in a way that is surprisingly satisfying to conservatives.Whether the topic is abortion, economics or Harry Reid, the political differences among members of the LDS Church are not going away. This book does not attempt to resolve these very real disagreements. It may help clarify each debate, while offering good news on each topic.Best of all, this book offers perspectives that truly transcend the issue
420 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2010
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 13, 2011
Before I review this book I need to explain why I read this book because it colored the way I felt about the book itself.
I am a member of the LDS (or Mormon) church. I believe strongly in the doctrines of the church and many of my core values align with the teachings of the church. My core values naturally color the way I view the world. As a part of that, my core values certainly influence my political beliefs. So, even though the Church doesn't necessarily have a stance on many political topics, I've often wondered how people who profess to have my same core values can have such different political beliefs as myself. I figured this book would help answer that question.
This book attempts to answer that question by showcasing a discussion between two characters, a republican and a democrat. The two discuss their beliefs on several different issues. At first I wasn't particularly impressed. I actually found the democrat character to be quite reasonable and rational, which I did appreciate getting the chance to hear some rational arguments. However, I was somewhat unimpressed because the democrat position was quite centrist. I didn't feel like it was answering the question of how you could be a "liberal" democrat and a Mormon.
However, the second half of the book was what I really appreciated. The second half really saved the book for me. Here is an excerpt that really explains the purpose of the second half: "You could say that this book was not even written to answer the question, 'How can you possibly be a Mormon and a Democrat?' Rather, this book was written to encourage people not to ask that question rhetorically."
That was the message I got from this book. Though, it wasn't necessarily what I was looking for when I picked it up, it turned out to be a satisfying message. The author shared many insightful quotes and I just wanted to share a few of them.
"I am a thorough convert myself to the idea that it is not possible for all men to see alike."
- President Heber J. Grant
"Friendship is the grand and fundamental purpose of Mormonism"
- Joseph Smith
"If God had so desired, he would have made everyone alike. But he has not done so that he may better test and try his people. In the meantime, compete with each other in good work. Upon your return to God, he will unravel the mystery behind your differences."
-Qur'an 5:45
"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."
- John f. Kennedy
I am a member of the LDS (or Mormon) church. I believe strongly in the doctrines of the church and many of my core values align with the teachings of the church. My core values naturally color the way I view the world. As a part of that, my core values certainly influence my political beliefs. So, even though the Church doesn't necessarily have a stance on many political topics, I've often wondered how people who profess to have my same core values can have such different political beliefs as myself. I figured this book would help answer that question.
This book attempts to answer that question by showcasing a discussion between two characters, a republican and a democrat. The two discuss their beliefs on several different issues. At first I wasn't particularly impressed. I actually found the democrat character to be quite reasonable and rational, which I did appreciate getting the chance to hear some rational arguments. However, I was somewhat unimpressed because the democrat position was quite centrist. I didn't feel like it was answering the question of how you could be a "liberal" democrat and a Mormon.
However, the second half of the book was what I really appreciated. The second half really saved the book for me. Here is an excerpt that really explains the purpose of the second half: "You could say that this book was not even written to answer the question, 'How can you possibly be a Mormon and a Democrat?' Rather, this book was written to encourage people not to ask that question rhetorically."
That was the message I got from this book. Though, it wasn't necessarily what I was looking for when I picked it up, it turned out to be a satisfying message. The author shared many insightful quotes and I just wanted to share a few of them.
"I am a thorough convert myself to the idea that it is not possible for all men to see alike."
- President Heber J. Grant
"Friendship is the grand and fundamental purpose of Mormonism"
- Joseph Smith
"If God had so desired, he would have made everyone alike. But he has not done so that he may better test and try his people. In the meantime, compete with each other in good work. Upon your return to God, he will unravel the mystery behind your differences."
-Qur'an 5:45
"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."
- John f. Kennedy
March 27, 2014
I enjoyed the multiple points of view and detailed thinking in this book. It bugs me when LDS assume everyone is going to vote Republican and that if you don't- then you are doing something wrong. So I liked how this was addressed head on. If you want to be truly informed on issues, or able to defend your position Republican or Democrat, then this book is helpful and easy to read.
June 2, 2012
Do you hate politics? Do you hate the ideas of those on the other side of your political beliefs? Do you want to feel better about it, even though you won't change party lines? Do you also want to read inspirational, feel good stories that make you want to be better, and less critical of others? Do you want to read something funny too? Well these are just a few of the things you will get from this book. You must read it today!
September 9, 2016
Interesting topics and good coverage of both sides of the issues. Informal voice of the book conflicts with normally serious issues.
August 31, 2015
I know this guy. I read his book before it came out. I thought it was a grand piece of work on his part. I wish I had the answer to the title!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews