The LDS Political Identity

The LDS Political Identity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints does not give a distinct opinion in political matters.  However, the church does not need to endorse a political party for there to be a political identity.  There is obviously an LDS political identity in the United States for within any large group there will almost always be those who take their views political, and for those individuals their political identity is shaped through their religion.  With that being stated the question is whether this LDS political identity is distinct or not.  In order for the identity to be distinct the majority of those involved in the church would have to agree on a similar ideology and be active members of the party which supports that.  However if one looks at the list of LDS Senators and Representatives who have been elected into office their political identities do not align in a very distinct pattern.  This is a good indicator for a distinct LDS political identity for these are active members in the political field who feel strong enough for the cause to run for office.  The statistics show that in the Senate out of the 10 people who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 5 of them are Republicans and 5 of them are Democrats.  Furthermore out of the 15 people who were elected for the House of Representatives 8 people identified themselves as Republican, 6 people identified themselves as Democrats, and 1 person identified himself as an Independent.  There is no distinct pattern in this data.  

            Now the question stands as to why there is not a distinct political identity.  Surely the church has teachings which may cause great political debate and make individuals identify politically because of their religion such as their stance on abortion and gay marriage.  One reason for this may be the stance of neutrality the church has held.  “The Church does not: Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.” This allows for the members themselves to determine which party or which leaders will best uphold their beliefs.  Each member is different and may have a different view on how things should be taken care of in the government.  Both sides of the political parties offer things which are good.  (Political Neutrality)

            Another reason why there may not be a distinct LDS political identity is the increase of people within the Independent party. According to a Gallup poll taken in 2010 40% of those surveyed identified themselves as Independents.  This is an increase of approximately 10% from 2008. Although this does not directly relate to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints it is still a factor which may be taken into account. With a national rise in Independents it shows that there is another alternative to the two major political parties.  With this additional option it may help to explain why there may not be a distinct LDS political identity. 

These findings support the constructivist arguments about political identity in the sense that opinions may be shifted and built upon throughout ones life.  There are many options and the church itself teaches people to look into politics for themselves.  The jump in Independents from 2008 to 2010 also provides further proof to the constructivist argument. As stated earlier even though there is not a distinct LDS political identity one is still able to find political identities held with large groups of Latter Day Saints however these identities are not distinct enough to apply to the religion in general. 

Works Cited

Jones, Jeffrey M. “Record-High 40% of Americas Identify with the Independents in ’11.” GALLUP Politics 9 January 2012. 11 October 11, 2012 <http://www.gallup.com/poll/151943/record-high-americans-identify-independents.aspx>.

 “List of Latter Day Saints.” Wikipedia 11 October 2012 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Latter_Day_Saints#cite_ref-205>.

“Political Neutrality.” Mormon Newsroom 11 October 2012 <http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/political-neutrality>.