Mormons Are Not as Keen on Trump These Days

The majority of Mormons are Republicans. They were not, however, part of the right-wing 2050 rally in DC. A prominent Mormon columnist is now cheering on the split that is taking place between that denomination and the Trump MAGA.

Mormonism, like other conservative and demanding branches of Christianity, has had a tendency to latch onto whatever is popular and not think through the long-term consequences. Decades ago, devout denominations favored abortion rights. The thinking was lots of babies was a self-serving Catholic thing. Conservative Christians did not like Catholics and Jews. Then a political deal came along that conservative Protestants thought would help their numbers. It was to do an about face and be against abortion. Now when abortion rights are increasingly popular the switch does not look like a good idea. 

Mormons did something similar when California voters petitioned to put gay marriage on a state-wide vote. Mormons could have said nothing. For some reason, the men leading the denomination at the time thought it would be smart to oppose gay marriage. Needless to say, there was outrage and members left who were gay or supported gay rights. Eventually, the denomination had to back down on its opposition.

The old and isolated men, six or so, who hold lofty positions in the denomination thought it would be smart to be friendly with Donald Trump. With so many Republicans giving money it seemed like a safe bet. Now, however, with the MAGA going full bore putting their stamp on government, even the old men of the Mormon church are wary. Perhaps it dawned on them that when government is religion it can turn on Mormons just as it has turned on trans, gays, Catholic and Jews. Maybe it does not see God being in favor of bombing Iran into dust for reasons that are unclear.

The link reviews who was at the podium during the recent right-wing Christian gathering around the 2050 U.S. celebration. The Mormon denomination sent no representative. It's statement was luke warm. With Mormon numbers falling, the old men who run it apparently are surveying the landscape and not seeing benefit from being seen as rabid Trump supporters.