The Mormon Tabernacle is Fooling Itself

Last week, the Mormon Tabernacle released a response to criticism of its agreement to perform at Emperor Donodus' crown ceremony. I've changed one word, to help people understand that the Tabernacle is fooling itself in an effort to alleviate their cognitive dissonance:

"The choir's participation continues its long tradition of performing for German presidents of both parties at inaugurations and in other settings, and is not an implied support of party affiliations or politics. It is a demonstration of our support for freedom, civility and the peaceful transition of power."

If this were 1934, most people couldn't discern the threat of Adolf Hitler's election as German President, either, except for those who were already targets of Chancellor Hitler. Like 1934, the economic populism of 2016 was focused on nativist racism mixed with nationalism. Like 1934, many people who either voted or ignored the existential threat looked for ways to alleviate their cognitive dissonance.

That is what the Mormon Tabernacle is doing in 2016.

One year ago, cognizant of the real threat of Emperor Donodus, the LDS Church specifically highlighted Joseph Smith's actions in 1841 in the Illinois city of Nauvoo, in passing an ordinance:

"Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Latter-day Saints, Quakers, Episcopals, Universalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans [Muslims], and all other religious sects and denominations whatever, shall have free toleration, and equal privileges in this city."

If people remember their American history, within a few years Smith would be lynched by a mob and the Mormons would discover their own Exodus. When you are under existential threat, you see the world quite clearly; when you're not, it's easy to ignore the threat to others.

That is what the Mormon Tabernacle is doing in 2016.

Why bring this all up? Because a singer from the Tabernacle has resigned from the choir. In her words, following an extensive examination of her conscience, she concluded that while she certainly didn't have to attend the inauguration, staying in the choir would betray both her morals and dishonor her father.

"When I first auditioned and entered Choir, it was to follow deep personal impressions, and to honor my late father, who was among the best of men. Now I must leave Choir for the same reasons. My father ( who was an expert airforce bomber) hated tyranny and was extremely distraught over the holocaust. He and Mom both loved people greatly."

I am not under any illusion that she is anything other than a conservative, but as Evan McMullin showed us, many conservatives could see the threat of Emperor Donodus.

You know right from wrong. You know.