Comment by krupan
21 days ago
Calling Mormons socialist is inaccurate. Socialism is government-forced redistribution of wealth. A large majority of Mormons, at least in Utah, are very much opposed to that. You are correct that a large majority of Mormons voluntarily share their wealth with the poor and needy.
You are incorrect saying that you have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the actual name of the "Mormon church") to receive these benefits. In some cases there will be conditions, like if you want to attend one of the church universities you will need to promise to abstain from alcohol (one example), but becoming a baptized member of the church is not required
> Calling Mormons socialist is inaccurate
I would say it's very accurate. They are forced to share their wealth to get into the Kingdom of God. The only choice they have is to not go to heaven. I'd say that's being forced, just by a different power.
> but becoming a baptized member of the church is not required
You don't get the BYU discount unless you're baptized.
That's pretty different than getting arrested and thrown in jail by government thugs for not paying up, whether you believe in the cause or not, but ok?
Even the non-member BYU tuition is subsidized and a much lower price than other comparable colleges. But really, BYU is not the best example of Mormon charity, it can only accommodate a limited number of students.
I think you are missing the key element, that socialism isnt just a structure or institution, but a government policy and applied to all people within a society.
It is neither optional or excludable.
This is why the monopoly man choosing to share caviar with his family or paying dues to a yacht club does not make them a socialist. The monopoly man retains full agency over who they share with.