How to Engage LDS Friends in a Meaningful Discussion About Trump and LDS Values
When approaching LDS friends about why voting for Donald Trump might conflict with the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), it’s essential to do so respectfully and thoughtfully. Many LDS members strive to align their political decisions with their faith, which makes it possible to have a meaningful conversation centered on shared values. By focusing on the principles of integrity, compassion, and service, you can highlight how certain actions and behaviors do not align with what the LDS Church teaches.
1. Focus on Values Over Party Affiliation
A common defense among Trump supporters is the idea that they are voting for the person rather than the party. It’s important to emphasize that leadership, especially in government, should be a reflection of one’s values, not just a political agenda. Many LDS leaders have spoken about the importance of character in leadership. For example, President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
“We need leaders in positions of power and influence who are willing to follow the principles of honor and integrity in their personal and public lives.”
Donald Trump’s history of dishonesty, divisive rhetoric, and morally questionable behavior stands in stark contrast to the values of honor and integrity that the LDS faith encourages. Discuss how voting for a candidate whose actions contradict these values can send the wrong message about what we prioritize as a society.
2. The Fallacy of Two-Party Choice
Many people feel stuck between voting for Trump or the opposing party, believing that supporting a third-party candidate is a “wasted vote.” However, the idea that we must choose between two flawed candidates is a false dilemma—a logical fallacy that presents only two options when, in fact, more exist.
Remind your friends that voting should be about principles, not fear. Elder D. Todd Christofferson emphasized:
“As we make decisions in our lives, especially in matters as important as governance, we must ensure that our choices reflect our deepest values.”
Encourage them to explore candidates who more closely align with LDS values or consider writing in a candidate who exemplifies the integrity and compassion Christ taught. Voting one’s conscience is never wasted; it is a stand for principle.
3. Rebutting the Argument for ‘Person Over Policy’
Some may argue that Trump, despite his flaws, is the only one who can execute conservative policies. While policy positions are important, the character of the person enacting them is equally crucial. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches:
“When we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride… behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved.”
If a leader lacks moral character, it’s unlikely they will act with the integrity and humility required to lead effectively, regardless of their policies. As LDS members seek to follow Christ’s example, supporting leaders who exhibit Christ-like behavior should be a priority over purely political concerns.
4. Compassion and Service as Core LDS Values
The LDS faith emphasizes love, compassion, and service to others, especially the marginalized. Trump’s policies and rhetoric often target vulnerable populations—immigrants, minorities, and others—leading to increased division and fear. Reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who reached out to the downtrodden and taught his followers to love their neighbors as themselves.
President Thomas S. Monson once said:
“Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”
A vote for a candidate who frequently engages in demeaning, divisive behavior contradicts the call to love and serve one another.
Conclusion: Voting with Integrity
When engaging with LDS friends on this topic, the goal should not be to “win” an argument, but rather to invite reflection on how our political choices reflect our values. By focusing on the importance of character, rejecting the two-party fallacy, and prioritizing the principles of love and service, you can encourage others to consider alternatives to Trump that align more closely with the teachings of the LDS Church.
Here are ten quotes from LDS leaders about voting according to your conscience rather than party loyalty, along with references:
- Gordon B. Hinckley: “We must stand solidly for the values we believe in. We must not be party men first; we must be men of God first.”
(Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1998) - Ezra Taft Benson: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
(Ensign, November 1987) - David O. McKay: “Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution.”
(David O. McKay, Improvement Era, June 1966) - D. Todd Christofferson: “We should not ignore or be casual about that very critical, divine guidance in voting our conscience.”
(Ensign, May 2014) - James E. Faust: “When citizens are properly informed about the issues, they have a duty to vote according to their conscience.”
(Ensign, November 1999) - Jeffrey R. Holland: “To vote according to conscience is to have the courage to stand for principles, not just party.”
(BYU Devotional, January 1984) - L. Tom Perry: “We need men and women who are anchored in righteousness and willing to act on conscience, not expediency or party loyalty.”
(Ensign, May 1999) - Howard W. Hunter: “Each citizen of the Church should seek to vote wisely and in keeping with the principles of the gospel, not merely out of tradition or allegiance to party.”
(Ensign, October 1975) - Dallin H. Oaks: “The faithful citizenship of a Latter-day Saint is not measured by party allegiance but by adherence to righteous principles.”
(Ensign, May 2010) - Joseph F. Smith: “It is the duty of Latter-day Saints to vote for honesty, virtue, and righteousness, not to merely follow party lines.”
(Conference Report, October 1911)
These quotes emphasize the importance of voting based on personal convictions and gospel principles, rather than blind party loyalty.
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About The Moroni Project
The Moroni Project is a non-partisan organization organized by LDS political leaders dedicated to promoting LDS values in politics and rejecting Trump as a viable candidate. By providing educational resources and advocacy campaigns, the project empowers voters to align their political decisions with their LDS faith.