"THE LIBERAL SOUL: Applying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Politics," by Richard Davis, Greg Kofford Books, $22.95, 170 pages (nf)
Richard Davis, professor of political science at Brigham Young University, seeks to fill a gap in the LDS political conversation with his book “The Liberal Soul: Applying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Politics.”
Such a gap, Davis writes, exists largely due to the following phenomenon: Past political statements made by church leaders and other prominent members of the church, have resulted in many church members believing that the “conservative right” end of the political spectrum is where they should stand.
Rather than just accepting the conservative right political opinions, Davis posits that church members consider “be(ing) liberal souls.” Davis uses the term “liberal” as “descriptive of certain personal characteristics of generosity, magnanimity and charity.” With this premise, Davis explains political views that coincide with this definition of being liberal.
These views include not disparaging government as being inherently evil and supporting government programs that give aid to the needy. He also challenges popular views held by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about environmental stewardship, the role of religion in America, and the role of war in international conflicts.
Davis proposes that being a “liberal soul” coincides with following the teachings of Christ and that we are benefited as we work as individuals, groups and nations to build a Zion society — one in which people’s needs are met.
Davis quotes Proverbs 11:25 to this effect: “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Whether or not one chooses to change his or her political viewpoint to match Davis’ ideal, in studying “The Liberal Soul,” readers can learn about another place from which to approach politics as a member of the LDS Church.
Karen Schwarze lives in Utah's Cache Valley.