The Patient Scholar

Reflections on Learning and Teaching

Mon, 08 Dec 2003

Research log 1

Brinkerhoff et al. (1987) observe two characteristics of the LDS Church that might be viewed as impediments to formal LDS involvement with Conservative Christians in political causes: 1) the desire to appear respectable (and acceptable) which entails a certain moderation in statement and action; and 2) a focus on its own growth as the Church’s primary mission and a concomitant marginalization of any activity that might detract from that mission. These two characteristics, coupled with an abiding respect held by members of the LDS Church for authority (particluarly the authority of the Church) make a formal linkage between the Church itself and Conservative Christians unlikely.

Nevertheless, Brinkerhoff et al. point to situations in which

“[o]n a self-defined and relatively narrow political/moral agenda the Mormon Church has mobilized resources to become a dominant force in defeating ERA initiatives in several states …, and abortion reform reform legislation in Nevada… . As the LDS Church acted vigorously to defeat what it considered immoral legislation, Mormons (encouraged by both their local and central leaderships) worked through citizen groups composed of conservative Christians, right-wing activists and Catholics. [emphasis mine.]

Things to do

  1. See if Brinkerhoff et al. have served as the basis for later work.

  2. Get a copy of Brinkerhoff et al. (this article) “Mormonism and the Moral Majority Make Strange Bedfellows?: An Exploratory Critique.” Review of Religious Research vol. 28 no. 3 (March 1987): 236-251.

  3. Review the following works:

    • Alexander, Thomas G. 1986. Mormonism in Transition: A History of the Latter-day Saints, 1890-1930. Urbana, Ill.: University of Illinois Press.

    • Gotlieb, Robert and Peter Wiley. 1984. America’s Saints: The Rise of Mormon Power. New York: G.P. Putnam.

    • Miller, Arthur H. and Martin P. Wattenberg. 1984. “Politics from the Pulpit: Religiosity and the 1980 Elections.” Public Opinion Quarterly 48:301-317.

    • Richardson, James T. 1984. “The ‘Old Right’ in Action: Mormon and Catholic Involvment in and Equal Rights Amendment referendum.” In Davd Bromley and Anson Shupe (eds.) New Christian Politics. Macon, Georgia: Mercer University Press.