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The Liberal Soul: Applying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Politics
The Liberal Soul offers something lacking in LDS culture. That is the presentation of a different way for Latter-day Saints to examine the question of how to be faithful disciples of Christ and good citizens. It shows public policy decision-making regarding government role as the manifestation of the “liberal soul” rather than as the libertarianism advocated by past Mormon speakers and writers such as Ezra Taft Benson, Cleon Skousen, or Vern Andersen. It also takes a different approach from the less radical but still traditional economic conservative attitudes of well-known politicians such as Orrin Hatch or Mitt Romney. Davis suggests that a Latter-day Saint can approach economic policy, war, the environment, and social issues with the perspective that society is basically good and not evil, tolerance and forbearance are desirable qualities instead of bad ones, and that government can and does play a positive role as a vehicle of society in improving the lives of citizens. He describes how Latter-day Saints can apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our roles at each of these three levels—individual, group, and society—rather than assuming the societal level violates the principles of the Gospel. The result is that Latter-day Saints can help bring about a Zion society—one where all benefit, the most vulnerable are aided and not ignored, inclusion is the rule and not the exception, and suspicion and fear are replaced by love and acceptance.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
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120 people want to read
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Richard Davis
218 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 6, 2014
The primary purpose of The Liberal Soul is to convince readers that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) can, in good conscience, be Democrats, liberals, progressives, socialists, and all manner of other political entities that fall somewhat to the left of Brother Glenn Beck and Brother Mike Lee. It is ridiculous, I think, that anyone would have to make this case in 2014, after decades of "political neutrality" statements from the First Presidency read from the pulpit. It is hard for me to even fathom the argument that Mormons must, or even should, all follow the same political path. Unfortunately, however, it is a case that needs to be made again and again, as the ties between right-wing politics and Intermountain West Mormons have become stronger, not weaker, in the 21st century.
Davis, a professor of political science at Brigham Young University, takes his title from Proverbs 11:25: "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." As one who is 1) liberal, 2) Mormon, and 3) fat, this verse gives me great hope. Davis defines the "liberal soul" broadly--not merely as an adherent of a set of 21st century positions trademarked as "liberal," but as an open-minded, generous, fair, and thoughtful individual who adopts Jesus Christ as a model for treating other people. Liberal souls do not have to be political liberals, but they certainly can be. And, Davis argues, there are a number of areas in which the current "liberal" (tm) position fits more closely with the tenets of Christian morality than the corresponding conservative (tm) position. Liberal souls can indeed be political liberals, and Mormons had better figure that out soon or they risk becoming a ridiculously exclusive American club instead of an International Church and a force for good in the world.
The first chapter of The Liberal Soul is downright magnificent. In it, Davis dismantles the most important objection that conservative Christians make to liberal government policies, which is that (according to some imaginary reading of the New Testament) Jesus wanted individuals to take care of the poor, not the government. Davis argues, clearly and forcefully, that this line of reasoning badly mischaracterizes the role of the government in a democratic society (a thing which nobody in the Old or the New Testaments ever experienced). The government, Davis insists, is an "us," not a "them." It is not an oppressive force of evil. Rather, it is the mechanism through which a free people create the society that they want to live in. Those of us who believe that a society should care for the less fortunate, protect the environment, promote education, or otherwise try to make people's lives better should and must work, to some extent, through the government. This is what governments are for.
In each chapter, Davis moves from the responsibilities of the individual, the responsibilities of groups, and the responsibility of society, which are best performed through the agency of the government. He banishes (hopefully forever, but I am a realist) the notion of government as a bumbling, incompetent, Colonel Klink character who can't do anything right. And he replaces it with the government of Hamilton and Madison--the imperfect, but not incompetent vehicle that people in a democracy use to create their society. He points to a number of things--roads, schools, public universities, etc.--that government has done reasonably well--and that would not have been accomplished if left in private hands. The rhetoric of "the government as enemy," he believes, has been, at best, irresponsible, and, at worst, delusional. And though many LDS public figures have engaged in this rhetoric, including some general authorities, it has never been the policy of a Church whose scriptural canon contains such statement as "we believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man" (D&C 134:1).
After this first chapter, Davis moves through most of the hot button political issues of the current age. Subsequent chapters deal with racial and gender equality, homophobia, welfare, separation of church and state, environmentalism, and war. In each chapter, he builds the case that the politically liberal positions on these issues are at least defensible according to LDS Doctrine and Christian morality--and that, in many cases, the liberal positions better in line with the expectations of Christian discipleship than the conservative ones.
But Davis is not merely countering strident conservatism with strident liberalism. He is not saying that one must be a political liberal to be a good Mormon. But he is saying that the corollary argument--that one cannot be a good Mormon and a good political liberal--is flat out wrong. Not only is it wrong, it is morally indefensible, as it creates unnecessary and hurtful divisions within the Body of Christ. Latter-day Saints in the global Church come from a staggering variety of political positions. The constant insistence of some in our community that one cannot be a good Mormon and a good liberal is as dangerous as it is ridiculous. It drives people away for no good reason. Richard Davis's new book is a spectacularly important reminder that the Body of Christ has a left hand side too.
Davis, a professor of political science at Brigham Young University, takes his title from Proverbs 11:25: "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." As one who is 1) liberal, 2) Mormon, and 3) fat, this verse gives me great hope. Davis defines the "liberal soul" broadly--not merely as an adherent of a set of 21st century positions trademarked as "liberal," but as an open-minded, generous, fair, and thoughtful individual who adopts Jesus Christ as a model for treating other people. Liberal souls do not have to be political liberals, but they certainly can be. And, Davis argues, there are a number of areas in which the current "liberal" (tm) position fits more closely with the tenets of Christian morality than the corresponding conservative (tm) position. Liberal souls can indeed be political liberals, and Mormons had better figure that out soon or they risk becoming a ridiculously exclusive American club instead of an International Church and a force for good in the world.
The first chapter of The Liberal Soul is downright magnificent. In it, Davis dismantles the most important objection that conservative Christians make to liberal government policies, which is that (according to some imaginary reading of the New Testament) Jesus wanted individuals to take care of the poor, not the government. Davis argues, clearly and forcefully, that this line of reasoning badly mischaracterizes the role of the government in a democratic society (a thing which nobody in the Old or the New Testaments ever experienced). The government, Davis insists, is an "us," not a "them." It is not an oppressive force of evil. Rather, it is the mechanism through which a free people create the society that they want to live in. Those of us who believe that a society should care for the less fortunate, protect the environment, promote education, or otherwise try to make people's lives better should and must work, to some extent, through the government. This is what governments are for.
In each chapter, Davis moves from the responsibilities of the individual, the responsibilities of groups, and the responsibility of society, which are best performed through the agency of the government. He banishes (hopefully forever, but I am a realist) the notion of government as a bumbling, incompetent, Colonel Klink character who can't do anything right. And he replaces it with the government of Hamilton and Madison--the imperfect, but not incompetent vehicle that people in a democracy use to create their society. He points to a number of things--roads, schools, public universities, etc.--that government has done reasonably well--and that would not have been accomplished if left in private hands. The rhetoric of "the government as enemy," he believes, has been, at best, irresponsible, and, at worst, delusional. And though many LDS public figures have engaged in this rhetoric, including some general authorities, it has never been the policy of a Church whose scriptural canon contains such statement as "we believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man" (D&C 134:1).
After this first chapter, Davis moves through most of the hot button political issues of the current age. Subsequent chapters deal with racial and gender equality, homophobia, welfare, separation of church and state, environmentalism, and war. In each chapter, he builds the case that the politically liberal positions on these issues are at least defensible according to LDS Doctrine and Christian morality--and that, in many cases, the liberal positions better in line with the expectations of Christian discipleship than the conservative ones.
But Davis is not merely countering strident conservatism with strident liberalism. He is not saying that one must be a political liberal to be a good Mormon. But he is saying that the corollary argument--that one cannot be a good Mormon and a good political liberal--is flat out wrong. Not only is it wrong, it is morally indefensible, as it creates unnecessary and hurtful divisions within the Body of Christ. Latter-day Saints in the global Church come from a staggering variety of political positions. The constant insistence of some in our community that one cannot be a good Mormon and a good liberal is as dangerous as it is ridiculous. It drives people away for no good reason. Richard Davis's new book is a spectacularly important reminder that the Body of Christ has a left hand side too.
September 17, 2022
Overall 3.5, but introduction and first chapter a 5!
Preaching to the choir :) The basic frame of this book is Davis’ realization that church membership encouraged him to be more liberal than he would be otherwise. He presents a very thoughtful alternative to the common conservative/libertarian political narrative associated with Mormonism. Totally impressed with the overall humility of his tone and his acknowledgment of nuance. Will say that because it was published in 2014 it definitely feels slightly dated. Wish my younger self had read in 2014 to feel more confident in my views.
Preaching to the choir :) The basic frame of this book is Davis’ realization that church membership encouraged him to be more liberal than he would be otherwise. He presents a very thoughtful alternative to the common conservative/libertarian political narrative associated with Mormonism. Totally impressed with the overall humility of his tone and his acknowledgment of nuance. Will say that because it was published in 2014 it definitely feels slightly dated. Wish my younger self had read in 2014 to feel more confident in my views.
March 10, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, and agree with much, but not all, that the author wrote. My biggest problem with it is that neither party is all good or all bad, and in rejecting one in praise of the other, I felt he really skimmed over some controversial topics (abortion, same sex marriage.... ) that could have easily been their own chapters. The book would have been much better by admitting the shortcomings of both parties. And I don't recall him even mentioning the Independent party. Also, he used the term "liberal soul" WAY too much. It sounded "holier than thou" after a while.
Having said that, I wish everyone would read it. Particularly his pitch on using church time to teach the atonement, not politics. And he has a great chapter on all of the good things that DO come from government. So maybe it's time to lose some of the pessimistic attitude about government. Lots of things to think about....
Having said that, I wish everyone would read it. Particularly his pitch on using church time to teach the atonement, not politics. And he has a great chapter on all of the good things that DO come from government. So maybe it's time to lose some of the pessimistic attitude about government. Lots of things to think about....
October 8, 2018
I have often joked with my more conservative friends that "God is liberal unto all." (Alma 6:5) Although I have intended this statement as a joke and a poke, Professor Davis takes it to a completely different level. This book is not intended as a deep philosophically dive into the theological underpinnings of liberal politics. Nonetheless it is a very good contribution to the liberal underpinnings of and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and liberal politics. Nothing new but a great reminder and I wish some of our more conservative church members would open their minds enough to consider the opinions of Dr. Davis.
I am amazed that there still exit in the Church those who feel that one simply cannot be a member of the Church and a Democrat. Within the last few weeks I had someone on social media tell me that I had no place in the kingdom due to my political leanings. As a stake president I once had a member during a TR interview ask me "How can you be a Democrat and an active member." We had a good discussion and I hope she left with a more open mind. BYU once asked me to speak at the law school on the same topic.
I had hoped that those opinions, that really are relics of the anti-communism of the 50's and 60's and the personal opinions of some church leaders of the era, would eventually diminish. And for the most part I think they did but in the age of Trump they seem to be making a comeback. The great irony today is that the leadership of the Church is not leading the charge. I know from conversations with General Authorities over the last several years that many of "the Brethren" do not share rightward political shift of the Utah membership over the last few years.
In my reading of history whenever religion and government become intertwined it is always a formula for disaster. Yet today so many on the right are actively campaigning and lobbying for more involvement of religion in governmental affairs. I fear at times we do not learn from history.
Professor Davis make a valuable contribution that is worthy of considerations for all members.
I am amazed that there still exit in the Church those who feel that one simply cannot be a member of the Church and a Democrat. Within the last few weeks I had someone on social media tell me that I had no place in the kingdom due to my political leanings. As a stake president I once had a member during a TR interview ask me "How can you be a Democrat and an active member." We had a good discussion and I hope she left with a more open mind. BYU once asked me to speak at the law school on the same topic.
I had hoped that those opinions, that really are relics of the anti-communism of the 50's and 60's and the personal opinions of some church leaders of the era, would eventually diminish. And for the most part I think they did but in the age of Trump they seem to be making a comeback. The great irony today is that the leadership of the Church is not leading the charge. I know from conversations with General Authorities over the last several years that many of "the Brethren" do not share rightward political shift of the Utah membership over the last few years.
In my reading of history whenever religion and government become intertwined it is always a formula for disaster. Yet today so many on the right are actively campaigning and lobbying for more involvement of religion in governmental affairs. I fear at times we do not learn from history.
Professor Davis make a valuable contribution that is worthy of considerations for all members.
June 10, 2024
Refreshing. Prescriptive.
Observations:
• It seems apparent he pictures the audience often as Intermountain West church members with a conservative or libertarian leaning. Not always but frequently.
• His observations regarding that audience are not unlike observations I’ve made would and corroborate.
Liked:
• As a result of the observations noted and a desire to be a thoughtful (as in thinking and mindful) individual, I appreciate his thoughtful assertions which accurately question and challenge errant notions of the association between political preference and seeking to draw near to God. As has been elsewhere observed, politics is unable to make a person or a people good. Only the atonement of Jesus Christ can make a person and a people good.
• I appreciate his boldly identifying bias expressed at times by high level church authorities which has been contrary to an exercise of individual moral agency.
• The paradigm of individual efforts, local efforts, and societal efforts he suggests seems useful as I contemplate my attempts to choose and to influence.
Less liked:
• I prefer less prescriptive language e.g., fewer “should” statements replaced by something like “it seems well to consider doing / behaving / thinking in X or Y manner.”
• I’m left wondering how thorough some of the history he summarizes has been researched. Or perhaps it is that on occasion he has taken liberty to infer and express motive (a person or group’s) when the cited source is unable to support either or. For example, he infers motive behind late 19th century church leader’s actions regarding Republican Party support. His telling differs from other (highly regarded historical) accounts I’ve read which make no such inference because the written record is silent as to motive.
• Elsewhere he decries “General Authority chess” yet pages later sadly errs similarly when seemingly suggesting a political leaning for Joseph Smith.
“Less-liked” items noted, I nevertheless enjoyed, learned from, and recommend
it as a means to consider another point of view and perhaps to open one’s mind a bit.
Observations:
• It seems apparent he pictures the audience often as Intermountain West church members with a conservative or libertarian leaning. Not always but frequently.
• His observations regarding that audience are not unlike observations I’ve made would and corroborate.
Liked:
• As a result of the observations noted and a desire to be a thoughtful (as in thinking and mindful) individual, I appreciate his thoughtful assertions which accurately question and challenge errant notions of the association between political preference and seeking to draw near to God. As has been elsewhere observed, politics is unable to make a person or a people good. Only the atonement of Jesus Christ can make a person and a people good.
• I appreciate his boldly identifying bias expressed at times by high level church authorities which has been contrary to an exercise of individual moral agency.
• The paradigm of individual efforts, local efforts, and societal efforts he suggests seems useful as I contemplate my attempts to choose and to influence.
Less liked:
• I prefer less prescriptive language e.g., fewer “should” statements replaced by something like “it seems well to consider doing / behaving / thinking in X or Y manner.”
• I’m left wondering how thorough some of the history he summarizes has been researched. Or perhaps it is that on occasion he has taken liberty to infer and express motive (a person or group’s) when the cited source is unable to support either or. For example, he infers motive behind late 19th century church leader’s actions regarding Republican Party support. His telling differs from other (highly regarded historical) accounts I’ve read which make no such inference because the written record is silent as to motive.
• Elsewhere he decries “General Authority chess” yet pages later sadly errs similarly when seemingly suggesting a political leaning for Joseph Smith.
“Less-liked” items noted, I nevertheless enjoyed, learned from, and recommend
it as a means to consider another point of view and perhaps to open one’s mind a bit.
November 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this. I think the thinking and presentation was clear and it made me feel less alone, and that my way of looking at the world DOES fit with the gospel and all the people who insist only one set of opinions is possible for Saints are wrong. My opinions can matter and I can make my church and my community a better place.
December 19, 2024
Very insightful! I learned new things about church and US history and appreciated the explaining of both sides throughout.
January 8, 2020
WOW!!! This book had a profound impact on my thinking. The book I read was a library book, but am seriously thinking that I need to buy it so I can read it again...and again...and again. I highly recommend it.
October 30, 2014
This is an excellent--if not especially deep--explanation of why and how someone who is faithfully committed to being a Christian in the context of the Mormon church, with its particular history and doctrines and culture, can also be a political (as well as philosophical, though that is not a major theme of the book--see this blog post for more thoughts on that question) liberal. Davis grounds his argument in the claim that liberalism, while an individualistic perspective which highlights equality and rights, really has at its heart the basic ideal of generosity, open-mindedness, and respect: that is, "liberality" in the fullest sense of the word in English. And for him, the generosity and mutual respect which can be expressed with government programs of redistribution and fair wages, of affirmative action and civil rights protections, as well as much more, may not be firmly and explicitly grounded in scripture...but neither are they denied by said scriptures. Davis insists that he is not attempting to sketch out a new--and for most American Mormons, very unusual) political theology--but rather simply trying to show that the liberal reading of the gospel is as defensible as any other. While I kind of wish this had been a more leftist or theoretically rigorous book, I can't deny that what he's developed here has as much chance to speaking to, and maybe opening the minds of, America's mostly conservative-libertarian Mormon population as anything I've ever read. So for that accomplishment, I can only say: huzzah!
December 3, 2014
This is a good book. A solid 3.5 stars. It really got me thinking about the interaction (whether desirable or not) of religion and politics, and how a diversity of political views is desirable in religious institutions. Davis did a really good job illustrating what the liberal soul is, and how it really describes those who strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
October 31, 2014
Excellent book that explains why I believe what I believe. Every LDS Church member should read this to help them understand why liberalism is more in sync with the gospel than any other political view.
January 24, 2015
I was really disappointed in this book. I thought it would be more scholarly, but for me this book seemed like the author's opinion without anything to back it up. I share a lot of the same opinions with the author, but I had hoped for more from a professor. I gave up about half way through.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews