LDS Liberal

'Liberalism' a trend with young LDS members

Emi Tano
Writer

In the wake of this year’s embattled same-sex marriage legislation and organized groups pushing for ordination of female members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a new Mormon liberalism has started to take hold in the minds and dialogue of young LDS members.

It’s not the political liberalism based on partisan affiliation but it denotes a paradigm shift in the ideologies that now challenge Mormon doctrine as evidenced the recent addresses of church ecclesiastical leaders.

“We are liberal in our approach about the church’s beliefs, meaning we take all sides into account instead of writing people or their concerns off,” said Brigham Young University student Jacob Newman, who describes himself as a Mormon liberal. 

“We’re seeing more young LDS members starting to question the status quo regarding tolerance on gay marriage and female ordination to the priesthood. I usually advise our young adults to take caution in realizing that tolerance means respecting opinions rather than incorporating them,” said Brett Hugie, a bishop in a Logan young single adult ward.

The trend toward liberalism appears to be rooted in basic doctrine that Mormon's believe was taught by Christ during his earthly ministry. 

“I think that it is in compliance with our doctrine to be kind and tolerant. After all it teaches us in the Book of Mormon and in the Bible that Jesus Christ valued charity above all characteristics,” said Alvaro Lopez, a USU junior from Salt Lake City who recently returned from a mission to Philadelphia.

The Book of John in the Bible states that the first and greatest commandment is to love one another, while the Book of Moroni says that "a man without charity is nothing."

However, the discourse within the church has been steadfast and in regard to the line separating tolerance and acceptance. 

“Being kind, benevolent and tolerant does not mean accepting doctrines of the world,” said Logan Temple President G. Richard Taylor in a February stake conference address this year.

Other people who identify as strong LDS members take a more moderate approach in regard to tolerance of liberal ideologies in the church.

“I have non-member friends who enjoy Utah, but feel that their non-member status isolates them. I also have LDS friends who have a tendency towards being judgmental and could more accommodating,” said USU senior Natasha Hill, an Alabama native.

The LDS church specifically addressed LDS institute instructors regarding recent trends in queries regarding tolerance to ecclesiastical leaders by young adult members.

“Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society," the official address read. 

Despite the recent official statements, Ordain Women spokesperson Debra Jenson said that she is grateful to see "the rhetoric within church soften."