Heber J. Grant on Politics

By: J. Stapley - May 08, 2005

While preparing for some previous posts, I stumbled across several statements by Heber J. Grant that were noteworthy. Heber was self-declared member of the Democratic party. As President of the Church he endorsed government policies, but decried politics. The following is a selection of his lamentations on the subject during General Conference.

Heber was fond of repeating stories and metaphors that were important to him. He told the story of being blessed by Eliza R. Snow five times in conference. He repeated a humorous insight into politics four times:

You know, I have contempt for politics, because, as I have said for many years, they are like the measles, if you will just take a little saffron tea and keep the measles on the surface, they will not hurt you, but if they set in on you they turn your hide yellow and make you cross-eyed. (Laughter.)
Heber J. Grant Conference Report, April 1941 pg. 131

I’m not sure I fully get the point, but there is no question of Heber’s disdain. This is not to say that Heber did not appreciate difference in opinion. I think there is no question that he valued the well thought out and diverse opinions of others. What he loathed was forsaking agency, thought and civility to political parties:

Many of the Latter-day Saints have surrendered their independence; they have surrendered their free thought, politically, and we have got to get back to where we are not surrendering the right.
Heber J. Grant Conference Report, April 1941 pg. 144

I regret exceedingly that in political controversies men seem to lack that courtesy and that respect for their opponents that I believe all Latter-day Saints ought to have. I have never yet heard a Democrat make a political speech that I felt was fair to the Republicans. Being a Democrat, I shall not say anything about what I think of the speeches of Republicans regarding Democrats…From my own personal contact with dear and near friends, Republicans and Democrats, I have not been able to discover the exercise of what you might call charity, if you like, for the opinions of others who oppose them politically; at least not as much charity as should exist among our people.

I am a thorough convert myself to the idea that it is not possible for all men to see alike. You know the remark made by a young man once: “It is a splendid thing that we do not all see alike, because if we did, everybody would want to marry my Sally Ann”; and the other man remarked, “Yes, thank the Lord. If everybody saw your Sally Ann as I see her, nobody on earth would have her, and she would die an old maid.
Heber J. Grant Conference Report, October 1919 pg. 19

I am aware that the political climate today is different than that during the first half of the 20th century. However, the issues that President Grant raises in opposition to his contemporaries are equally applicable in the 21st century. Inasmuch as the current political climate discourages free thought, civility and plurality of opinion, it is like measles.

1 Comment

  1. Nice quotes. It seems to me that Pres. Grant argues as did George Washington, that parties are a bad thing. If only all Americans had to study out the candidates and make their own decisions. This upcoming Nov. 2008 election seems discouraging to most Americans. I don’t know anyone who likes either mainstream candidate, so I encourage all to vote third party, no matter who it is. Then we can restore our agency as President Grant wished us to.

    Comment by Steve Johnson — 8/17/2008 @ 10:37 pm

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