Latter-Day Common Sense: Israel

March 25, 2015

Support Israel’s Security, Not Its Conquests

Americans have a deep sympathy for Israel’s founding story, which is rooted in the Jewish people’s emergence from one of the greatest crimes of all time- the Holocaust. We recognize that since its founding, Israel has experienced continuous hostility from some of its neighbors - a hostility that continues today. Americans will always have Israel’s back in the face of violent extremism and aggression. Mormons are especially sympathetic with the plight of Israeli Jews as our faith was born amidst great suffering and oppression.Additionally, the Jewish people hold a special and revered place in our Christian doctrine. Nonetheless, it is crucial that Americans separate their abiding affection for the Jewish people from the State of Israel’s policies, which affect our security and our interests in the rest of the Middle East and beyond.

Important Statements by Church Leaders

Beware of those who feel obliged to prove their own patriotism by calling into question the loyalty of others. Be skeptical of those who attempt to demonstrate their love of country by demeaning its institutions.
-- President Hugh B. Brown, LDS Church First Presidency

Whether they be false friends or unrighteous teachers, artists or entertainers, commentators or letter writers to local newspapers, seekers of power or wealth, beware of those who stir us up to such anger that calm reflection and charitable feelings are suppressed.
-- Elder Robert S. Wood, Quorum of the Seventy

We need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions... There are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught... It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable.
-- Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The man who cannot listen to an argument which opposes his views either has a weak position or is a weak defender of it. No opinion that cannot stand discussion or criticism is worth holding. And it has been wisely said that the man who knows only half of any question is worse off than the man who knows nothing of it. He is not only one-sided but his partisanship soon turns him into an intolerant and a fanatic. In general it is true that nothing which cannot stand up under discussion or criticism is worth defending. -- Elder James E. Talmage, Improvement Era, January 1920

Strive to develop a maturity of mind and emotion and a depth of spirit which enables you to differ with others on matters of politics without calling into question the integrity of those with whom you differ. Allow within the bounds of your definition of religious orthodoxy variation of political belief. Do not have the temerity to dogmatize on issues where the Lord has seen fit to be silent.
-- President Hugh B. Brown

Favorite Quotes

My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
-- Abraham Lincoln

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.
-- Winston Churchill

The role of government is to do for the people what they cannot do better for themselves.
-- Abraham Lincoln

When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.
-- Sinclair Lewis

Fox (News) has become an incredibly destructive force in our society.
-- Steve Jobs

Reality has a liberal bias.
-- Stephen Colbert