Where there's a Will, there's a way

Gordon B. Hinckley, fifteenth president of the LDS (Mormon) Church strongly rebuked the anger and fear-mongering of talk radio hosts like Glenn Beck.

Despite their involvement in anti-gay marriage propositions, the Mormon church rarely involves itself in political issues. Church leaders will make broad statements about principles rather than individuals.

That was the case a number of years ago when Hinckley made his comments about the political media. Since Glenn Beck is Mormon, it's fair to ask whether he's heeding the council of a top Mormon leader who spoke about his disappointment in political commentators on TV and radio.

Most of the time I find that regardless of whom they write about, they seem to look for failings and weaknesses. They are constantly criticizing, seldom praising.

And this spirit is not limited to the commentators in newspapers or on radio or television. Some of the letters to the newspapers are filled with hostility, written by persons who seem to find no good in the world or in their associates. Criticism, faultfinding, evil speaking—these are the sentiments of our day. We are told that nowhere is there a man of integrity holding political office. Businessmen, many say, are crooks. It is claimed that public companies are intent on robbing us through over-charging. Everywhere is heard the insulting remark, the sarcastic comment, the verbal attack against the reputations of others.

Sadly, these are too often the bases of our conversation. In our homes, wives cry and children break down emotionally under critical attacks from husbands and fathers. Criticism is the seed of divorce, and it develops rebellion in our young. Sometimes it leads even to the destruction of individual self-worth.

The next part of Hinckley's speech reminds me of Glenn Beck's chalkboard rants about all progressives being part of a vast conspiracy to destroy everything.

I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and problems of life, and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we concentrate on the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we halt the sounds of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course of action.

What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that spreads through our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was inclined to speak critically of people or events, my father would say: “Pessimists do not contribute, unbelievers do not create, doubters do not achieve.”

Looking at the dark side of things always leads to a spirit of pessimism which so often leads to defeat.

Hinckley delivered this speech before Glenn Beck began his career as a political demagogue, but it sounds as though it were directed at him personally. I wonder if Beck has asked himself whether the kind of hostility and sarcasm he spreads on his program are as destructive to families and society as the former leader of his church suggested.

This admonition was repeated recently by another top Mormon leader, Quentin Cook. In an April General Conference sermon broadcast to Mormon churches worldwide he addressed the issue even more directly:

Many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. While we understand these feelings, we need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. This is especially true when we disagree. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies. The vast majority of our members heed this counsel.

Yet there are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught. I invite each one of us individually to recognize that how we disagree is a real measure of who we are and whether we truly follow the Savior. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable. Violence and vandalism are not the answer to our disagreements. If we show love and respect even in adverse circumstances, we become more like Christ.

Do the non-stop rants of negativity, paranoia, and scapegoating on Beck's show conform to the advice of his top religious leaders? Clearly not. Perhaps he needs to have a talk with his Bishop.