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Deleted member 1159
Unconfirmed Member
Well, ok, regarding the torture guy...I don't think his Mormonism inspired him to be a torturer, obviously, but I do think Mormonism inspires a devout nationalism and loyalty to America, which is why so many get picked up by the CIA and the other government acronym agencies. That devotion and loyalty can then be abused by an "ends justify the means" mentality. Nobody wants another 9/11 right? So anything which can be done to prevent that from happening again is on the table...that hardline devotion and loyalty likely creates a strong confirmation bias where, despite all the evidence about the inefficacy of torture, men like Jessen proceed with heinous and inhumane acts. See also: September 11, 1857, which is still one of the worst massacres in American history.
It also brings up the interesting subject of church discipline. Obviously a soldier or law enforcement officer committing a legitimate homicide in the line of duty isn't disciplined for violating "thou shalt not kill." But ineffective, dehumanizing and vile torture? I see a clear distinction in the morality here. And my loyalty to the American flag is due to it representing the ideals that this country was supposedly founded on, and committing these kinds of acts in the name of that flag seems to be one of the most DISloyal things one can do. It's a muddy water we sail in here.
It also brings up the interesting subject of church discipline. Obviously a soldier or law enforcement officer committing a legitimate homicide in the line of duty isn't disciplined for violating "thou shalt not kill." But ineffective, dehumanizing and vile torture? I see a clear distinction in the morality here. And my loyalty to the American flag is due to it representing the ideals that this country was supposedly founded on, and committing these kinds of acts in the name of that flag seems to be one of the most DISloyal things one can do. It's a muddy water we sail in here.