Brian King

Brian King is a member of the Utah State Legislature, a practicing attorney, and a High Councilor in his stake. Brian’s political views are strongly influenced by his religion, especially the gospel concept of love.

How did you gain your testimony of the gospel?

I gained my testimony in my early teens when I read the Book of Mormon. It was the first time that I remember being conscious of feeling the Spirit. I love the scriptures.

Where do you consider yourself to be on the political spectrum?

I’m a progressive Democrat.

Do your religious beliefs affect your political beliefs?

Absolutely. I am a progressive Democrat because of my religious beliefs.

Has your family affected your political beliefs?

Yes, my parents especially have had a great influence on me. They were both very thoughtful, reason-based people. They also were optimists and generous in heart and spirit — not fearful, very compassionate, not focused on material things. They were tolerant of differences in people and concerned about those who were struggling. They were great examples of liberals and Democrats in many ways.

I hope to pass this same example on to my children. I hope they will live by Paul’s statement: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

What do you love most about living in Utah?

I love the physical beauty and variety of the state. I love the combination of the independent spirit of our people and the commitment to work together to accomplish things that benefit the whole. At our best we have a generous spirit that recognizes the need and value of working together and tolerating differences in political beliefs, race, religion, and class. These are largely the same things I love about America as a whole. I love our diversity.

What are the most difficult problems that our nation is currently facing?

The biggest problems are 1) the elevation of ideology over pragmatic, empirical problem solving, 2) the growing income and wealth inequality, and 3) appeals to and actions based on fear, anger, pride, ignorance, and emotion. Solving these problems will be a real challenge, but I think living more gospel-oriented lives would help a great deal with each of these issues.

You mentioned your love of the scriptures — what scriptures most inspire your political views?

I have a long list of scriptures that relate directly to why I’m a Democrat, but here are a few of my favorites:

• Mosiah 18:27 — an explicit endorsement of the wisdom of progressive taxation.
• Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35; 4 Nephi 1:3; D&C 49:20, 78:5-6; and Moses 7:18 — all powerful condemnations of unequal distribution of wealth and income.
• Romans 15:1; Galatians 5:13-15 — great statements condemning selfishness and calling for us to care for the weak.
• 2 Nephi 26:20 — warnings about abusing the poor with learning and riches.
• 2 Nephi 26:23-33 — admonitions about the need for equality regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and religion.
• Jacob 2:13-14, 17-21 — condemnations of riches and pride.
• Mosiah 4 — King Benjamin’s address. What’s not to love?
• Mosiah 27:3 — more about the need for equality.
• Alma 1:27-31 — inequality in income and wealth lead to a lower quality of life for everyone in society.
• D&C 124:75 — commands us to “plead the cause of the poor and the needy.” This especially appeals to me in my professional and legislative work.

There are lots more, but that’s a start.

Posted on December 20, 2011. Photography by Kaitlyn Janis. Video by Talk About Productions.