Learning about the events that took place in Nazi Germany concerning Mormon’s truly sparked my interest. I focused on the question of how people’s morals differ as a community versus as an individual, what this says about people under difficult circumstances, and whether or not we can believe we would have acted any different under similar circumstances. It must first be brought to our understanding what lead to Mormon’s actions taken during WW2. There were elements that caused Mormons to be in support of the Nazi’s whether they were ignorant of their doings or not. Many members of the church were in favor of “clean up” policies of the Nazis as well as being initially drawn to Hitler’s public image. He was a non-smoker, non-drinker, and there were rumors of his experience with the church. Viewing Hitler from members’ perspectives we see the attraction toward such a leader, one who appeared to connect well and have similar views and morals as expressed in the LDS church.
We must now question one’s morality as an individual and how it changes when among their community. As a member of the LDS church, it is taught to uphold high standards of morality. One should always be willing to help others in need when they can, standing up for what is right in the eyes of God and the law. So then why did so many LDS members choose to look away during such tragic times? As a community, people can state their moral standards and publicly live them. When it comes to personal morality, the evidence shows personal safety can cause someone to reconsider who and what they stand for. It is very likely that members during this time felt as though their actions would have little impact and did not want to cause any danger upon themselves and their families.
To answer the question of whether or not there is a difference between individual and community morality is a definite yes. Yet whether or not there should be a difference is quite controversial. In a perfect society we would like to think people can commit to remaining moral and sustaining the ideals of the community and society they live in. We would see the entire population possessing a similar desire to live in harmony and uphold high standards. But the world is far from perfect, so can we judge a person for considering their own personal benefits over that of others or the community?
Today, members still struggle to maintain church ideals in balance with their own personal views on the ongoing events taking place throughout the world. Standing up in these times is surely to be faced with much criticism and hate. The church is attacked for choosing to uphold its views on subjects such as gay marriage and religious freedom. Members have their own views on what they believe is right, which can sometimes differ from the church’s standpoint on things. We can then see that when it comes down to it, people are human and will choose to do what makes sense to them in a time of crisis. Church ideals and standards can create a path for people to follow, but unless these standards are accepted whole heartedly members may go off in their own direction.
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