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Civil Religion: Evangelicals and Latter-Day Saints in Civic Spaces

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Evangelicals , Mormons and Civic Engagement

Historical relationship to the government: real persecution (LDS) v imagined persecution (evangelicals)
Evangelicals focused on calamity, catastrophe, rather than the everyday needs (and a narrative about the end times)
Shifting ideas about economics from self help to prosperity gospel
Civic engagement as moral suasion (evangelicals)
Civic engagement as involvement and belonging (Mormons)
Differences in understanding of Religious Freedom
Moral issues

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Evangelicals and Civics�

In a world full of division and partisan politics, it can be difficult know what to think and how to speak up. We believe the Bible speaks to the most challenging issues we face as a nation.
For decades, evangelical Christians across the political spectrum have used “For the Health of the Nation” to apply gospel principles to complex issues. As a resource for Christian discipleship, it is designed to encourage thoughtful evangelical engagement as we work together for the health of the nation.

Practicalities- welfare, care, giving

Practicalities (practice) How does each group differ in welfare, giving, works of charity, etc?
How/Where do these civic/ethics intersect and collide
Self Help (evangelicals) vs Self Reliance (LDS)
Embedded in theology but also missions work
Heath care as not exactly a right
What is the basis of “engagement” (evangelism or charity)

Samaritan’s Purse and COVID March 2020

�Holy Redeemer pantries receive food donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-Bucks Co. PA.��

LDS Disaster Relief Mt Juliet Tn. March 14, 2020

Evangelicals and Mask Mandates and Civic engagement

Mask debates and LDS Church OCT 2020

Political Participation, Voting, and Political Neutrality

Merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on ‘tradition’ without careful study of the candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy and inconsistent with revealed standards,”

Doctrine and Covenants 9-11

9 Nevertheless, when the ^a wicked ^b rule the people mourn.
10 Wherefore, ^a honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
11 And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all ^a good, that ye shall live by every ^b word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.