The Liberal Soul offers something lacking in LDS culture. That is the presentation of a different way for Latter-day Saints to examine the question of how to be faithful disciples of Christ and good citizens. It shows public policy decision-making regarding government role as the manifestation of the "liberal soul" rather than as the libertarianism advocated by past Mormon speakers and writers such as Ezra Taft Benson; Cleon Skousen; or Vern Andersen. It also takes a different approach from the less radical but still traditional economic conservative attitudes of well-known politicians such as Orrin Hatch or Mitt Romney. Davis suggests that a Latter-day Saint can approach economic policy; war; the environment; and social issues with the perspective that society is basically good and not evil; tolerance and forbearance are desirable qualities instead of bad ones; and that government can and does play a positive role as a vehicle of society in improving the lives of citizens. He describes how Latter-day Saints can apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our roles at each of these three levels-individual; group; and society-rather than assuming the societal level violates the principles of the Gospel. The result is that Latter-day Saints can help bring about a Zion society-one where all benefit; the most vulnerable are aided and not ignored; inclusion is the rule and not the exception; and suspicion and fear are replaced by love and acceptance.
#1288829 in Books Public Affairs 2006-06-12Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.13 x 6.74 x 9.44l; #File Name: 1586482955336 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A trip down a gritty road.By James ConleyI was researching this era for a theatrical production I’m working on; but couldn’t find much in the way of source material. I came across this book at my local library and (in a figure of speech) haven’t been able to put it down.It paints a vivid panorama of street life in Los Angeles in the 40’s and ’50; within the Black community. I kept referring to it while working on my project. When it was time to take it back to library; I recheck it out.It’s a cultural time capsule on the West Coast Black Renaissance; now long since faded.I enjoyed it so much; I brought my own copy.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. West Coast Black HistoryBy TCGrowing up; I only learned of Black struggle and the Civil Rights Movement events as they happened in the South. I love that this book shows Black contributions to the shaping of the state and the country; from a Los Angeles point of view. I especially love this because I grew up in the Los Angeles area and never knew of Central Avenue being the hub for Black culture and life during the Harlem Renaissance.The author did a great job of painting a vivid picture of Brother's and other places of interest in the area. I could almost picture walking into one of these places and smelling the Whiskey and cigarettes; and hearing the great jam sessions.After reading this book; I want to do more research and learn more about our contributions to the African American Renaissance.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Raves from a jazz masterBy wildcanaryI just gave this book as a gift to jazz master musician on upright bass; Joel Ector; whose folks lived near Central Ave and were part of that scene--his mother worked as a coat check gal at the Dunbar Hotel. He was thrilled; read it in one sitting and says BRILLIANT; well written and authentic. He loved it so much I just ordered another copy for myself.
