As my politics have shifted, I\u2019ve started to notice things in the LDS canon I hadn\u2019t noticed before, seen things from new perspectives. At some point over the last few years, I came to the conclusion that LDS theology is well-positioned for leftist Christians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem, however, is that right-wing politics have invaded Mormon theology over the last few decades as to either ignore or even distort its original social justice nature. That invasion is so pervasive that outsiders see Mormonism as only a conservative religion, with little to offer leftists. Even leftists themselves can\u2019t see the social justice nature of LDS theology and eventually leave the church themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I wanted to do with this post is highlight some of the more radical elements of LDS theology and tenets, which I hope can then show how it has potential to be a home to leftists Christians, if the right-wing faction within the church can be moderated, if not converted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is one area that sets us apart from many (if not most) other Christian traditions. We have canon that specifically tells us to be wise in our use of the Earth\u2019s resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;<\/p>

Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.<\/p>

And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.<\/p>D&C 59:18\u201320<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Used with judgement. Used without excess. Used without extortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right-wing Mormons don\u2019t take this stance, often seeing climate change as undecided, or even a hoax. They do not see our role as stewards of the Earth, rather than owners of it. They may even see it as something to be dominated, rather than something that we must harmonize with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider this video the church released about 7 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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