Insightful article that makes several relevant points, thanks! But it skates over an increasingly important issue. Decades ago political parties were an opportunity for like-minded people to work together to further their common views and priorities. Now, I think parties are the source of the division and contention that is weakening our society. The parties determine the priorities and position on issues, not the people, and that drives everything to the extremes. The parties' goal is to gain or maintain power by electing party members, rather than support policies that benefit the people. The majority party does everything it can to silence the minority, like gerrymandering, and abandoning the two best principles to come from the Constitution (separate but equal branches of government, and the necessity to compromise). The current US President says he hates his opponents in the other party, and doesn't even pretend to be the President of all the people. I bet everyone in Utah (of both major parties) has family and friends that they love who belong to the other party. So where does this animosity come from? Some clearly from party and elected officials trying to maintain power. A recent university study also showed that social media and comment boards have been infiltrated by paid foreign agitators trying to weaken our society by making outrageous comments on both sides of contentious issues. Whatever the cause, our society is suffering. How about another essay to cover that?
Dave MFebruary 28, 2026
Maryann, I don't think it's correct to say the party supports abortion - I don't belong to that party, but I think the party supports a woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. Some young women are reported to be choosing between abortion and suicide, and that is tragic. The Church supports certain exceptions to abortion bans, and Pres. Oaks teaches that we can't seek to impose our will on others ("Principled accommodation", not specific to the abortion issue). Alma 5:62 reinforces that teaching. I think most people wish there were no abortions, but we don't know others' circumstances. That's why God gives us opposition and moral agency, so we can choose and be judged on our choices by one who is full of grace and truth (not by other equally flawed people).
Corey D.February 27, 2026
One of the solutions or I should say one of the things that would help in our present political problems/stalemates is we need to get away from the idea that there is only two viable parties, we need a good strong third or even fourth party. I have voted 3rd party in a number of presidential elections, knowing full well it was a losing cause but I believe I am under moral obligation to vote for the best candidates as I see fit. The prophet Joseph was unhappy with what he saw politically and formed his own party which had a platform of principles he felt were moral and were in keeping with what our founding fathers had intended.
David PreeceFebruary 25, 2026
The article left out a part of the First Presidency admonition that is just as important. It encouraged members to study candidates carefully and to vote for those demonstrating integrity, compassion and service to others — regardless of party affiliation.
JillFebruary 25, 2026
From way back in the 1970s I understand that Pres James E. Faust and also Dr Hugh Nibley were Democrats.
Sasha KwapinskiFebruary 25, 2026
When I first arrived at BYU in the early 1970's, there were several big-name Democrats in Utah politics. These included Govs. Calvin Rampton and Scott Matheson. Also, Sen. Frank Moss, and Congress members Jim Matheson (Scott's son), Wayne Owens, and Gunn McKay.
Mary aHunsingerFebruary 25, 2026
Are you aware Presidents Eyring, Uchdorft and Anderson are listed as Independents? Some of us just can’t put our names on either of the two major political parties list without feeling we are endorsing their policies.
MaryannFebruary 24, 2026
I am all for loving everyone, regardless of their political party, but HOW can a member of the church support a party that has REPEATEDLY supported abortion????????? This party will not even modify their stance or engage in ANY compromise. It is unfathomable to many members of the church. And, NO ONE needs to guess which party I am referring to. I do not wish make a personal attack, to persecute, or to harm. However, it is very understandable that many members of the church are shocked at such support.
ColinFebruary 24, 2026
Thank you, thank you! Some articles by otherwise faithful people on this site have vilified "the left," homogenizing a great variety of viewpoints. But in this article I can feel the goodies of your heart and your desire to make peace. Bravo!
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Dave MFebruary 28, 2026
Insightful article that makes several relevant points, thanks! But it skates over an increasingly important issue. Decades ago political parties were an opportunity for like-minded people to work together to further their common views and priorities. Now, I think parties are the source of the division and contention that is weakening our society. The parties determine the priorities and position on issues, not the people, and that drives everything to the extremes. The parties' goal is to gain or maintain power by electing party members, rather than support policies that benefit the people. The majority party does everything it can to silence the minority, like gerrymandering, and abandoning the two best principles to come from the Constitution (separate but equal branches of government, and the necessity to compromise). The current US President says he hates his opponents in the other party, and doesn't even pretend to be the President of all the people. I bet everyone in Utah (of both major parties) has family and friends that they love who belong to the other party. So where does this animosity come from? Some clearly from party and elected officials trying to maintain power. A recent university study also showed that social media and comment boards have been infiltrated by paid foreign agitators trying to weaken our society by making outrageous comments on both sides of contentious issues. Whatever the cause, our society is suffering. How about another essay to cover that?
Dave MFebruary 28, 2026
Maryann, I don't think it's correct to say the party supports abortion - I don't belong to that party, but I think the party supports a woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. Some young women are reported to be choosing between abortion and suicide, and that is tragic. The Church supports certain exceptions to abortion bans, and Pres. Oaks teaches that we can't seek to impose our will on others ("Principled accommodation", not specific to the abortion issue). Alma 5:62 reinforces that teaching. I think most people wish there were no abortions, but we don't know others' circumstances. That's why God gives us opposition and moral agency, so we can choose and be judged on our choices by one who is full of grace and truth (not by other equally flawed people).
Corey D.February 27, 2026
One of the solutions or I should say one of the things that would help in our present political problems/stalemates is we need to get away from the idea that there is only two viable parties, we need a good strong third or even fourth party. I have voted 3rd party in a number of presidential elections, knowing full well it was a losing cause but I believe I am under moral obligation to vote for the best candidates as I see fit. The prophet Joseph was unhappy with what he saw politically and formed his own party which had a platform of principles he felt were moral and were in keeping with what our founding fathers had intended.
David PreeceFebruary 25, 2026
The article left out a part of the First Presidency admonition that is just as important. It encouraged members to study candidates carefully and to vote for those demonstrating integrity, compassion and service to others — regardless of party affiliation.
JillFebruary 25, 2026
From way back in the 1970s I understand that Pres James E. Faust and also Dr Hugh Nibley were Democrats.
Sasha KwapinskiFebruary 25, 2026
When I first arrived at BYU in the early 1970's, there were several big-name Democrats in Utah politics. These included Govs. Calvin Rampton and Scott Matheson. Also, Sen. Frank Moss, and Congress members Jim Matheson (Scott's son), Wayne Owens, and Gunn McKay.
Mary aHunsingerFebruary 25, 2026
Are you aware Presidents Eyring, Uchdorft and Anderson are listed as Independents? Some of us just can’t put our names on either of the two major political parties list without feeling we are endorsing their policies.
MaryannFebruary 24, 2026
I am all for loving everyone, regardless of their political party, but HOW can a member of the church support a party that has REPEATEDLY supported abortion????????? This party will not even modify their stance or engage in ANY compromise. It is unfathomable to many members of the church. And, NO ONE needs to guess which party I am referring to. I do not wish make a personal attack, to persecute, or to harm. However, it is very understandable that many members of the church are shocked at such support.
ColinFebruary 24, 2026
Thank you, thank you! Some articles by otherwise faithful people on this site have vilified "the left," homogenizing a great variety of viewpoints. But in this article I can feel the goodies of your heart and your desire to make peace. Bravo!
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