The Strength of Moral Tension
Although tension is rarely comfortable to experience, the strain of holding onto conflicting ideals can make us strong.
Although tension is rarely comfortable to experience, the strain of holding onto conflicting ideals can make us strong.
Latter-day Saints enjoy high levels of social trust in their communities thanks to shared beliefs and values. This is a blessing, but it has made us vulnerable to bad actors who misrepresent their beliefs.
If we seek to be more honest, a good first step would be to improve our relationship to the people we are being dishonest with.
What if deeper conversation threatens my very sense of self? In most cases it is infinitely worthwhile to engage in such “rival contestation.”
Will admonitions to be kinder, nicer, more civil, and less hateful be enough to change our pained American discourse? Or have they become part of the problem?
Many across different belief systems have conceptions of a more enlightened society to come. For Latter-day Saints, that “Zion” on the horizon centers on an imperative of inspired, righteous leadership – both then and now.
As we look to make sense of the news of this last week, it may be wise to look back on a more than 50 year old film that asks what exactly is an oath.