Media Myopia

I was just thinking about - - -

The notion that "Ignorance is bliss!" is a misnomer at best. When it comes to the Media, perhaps the adage, "None are as blind as those who will not see!" is more appropriate.

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In the recent exchanges regarding a person's faith, some media have been both dismissive in their assertion that Candidate A is wrong, and lazy in not doing some basic research to determine exactly what the Church of Candidate B states.

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Regarding the question of whether or not Jesus and Lucifer are thought to be brothers, the following from the official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints answers that question:

How can Jesus and Lucifer be spirit brothers when their characters and purposes are so utterly opposed? [Jess L. Christensen, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1986, 25–26 Jess L. Christensen, Institute of Religion director at Utah State University, Logan, Utah.]
On first hearing, the doctrine that Lucifer and our Lord, Jesus Christ, are brothers may seem surprising to some—especially to those unacquainted with latter-day revelations. But both the scriptures and the prophets affirm that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are indeed offspring of our Heavenly Father and, therefore, spirit brothers. Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning. Lucifer, too, was an angel “who was in authority in the presence of God,” a “son of the morning.” (See Isaiah 14:12; D&C 76:25–27.) Both Jesus and Lucifer were strong leaders with great knowledge and influence. But as the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus was Lucifer’s older brother. (See Colossians 1:15; D&C 93:21.)
How could two such great spirits become so totally opposite? The answer lies in the principle of agency, which has existed from all eternity. (See D&C 93:30–31.) Of Lucifer, the scripture says that because of rebellion “he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies.” (Moses 4:4.) Note that he was not created evil, but became Satan by his own choice.
When our Father in Heaven presented his plan of salvation, Jesus sustained the plan and his part in it, giving the glory to God, to whom it properly belonged. Lucifer, on the other hand, sought power, honor, and glory only for himself. (See Isaiah 14:13–14; Moses 4:1–2.) When his modification of the Father’s plan was rejected, he rebelled against God and was subsequently cast out of heaven with those who had sided with him. (See Revelation 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–37.)

That brothers would make dramatically different choices is not unusual. It has happened time and again, as the scriptures attest: Cain chose to serve Satan; Abel chose to serve God. (See Moses 5:16–18.) Esau “despised his birthright”; Jacob wanted to honor it. (Genesis 25:29–34.) Joseph’s brothers sought to kill him; he sought to preserve them. (Genesis 37:12–24; Genesis 45:3–11.)

While the official answer is clear from a Mormon point of view, it should not factor into whether or not Candidate A is more qualified than Candidate B to hold the office of President of the United States.

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Character, Moral Values and Sound Judgment should be the focus. I doubt the electorate will ever find an ideal and perfect candidate to hold office. We should cease majoring on minors and deal with the basics of who has the Character, Commitment, Integrity and Fortitude to lead this nation. Whoever it is will have a huge task and responsibility and is one for whom our prayers must be ceaseless.