From my observations, it seems to me that when Mormons think of, or evoke the phrase ‘philosophies of men mingled with scripture’, that they have in mind religious philosophy or theology, and the concern or worry is in regard to church doctrine.  This concern is an important one, and we ought to be ever mindful of it.

However, it also seems to me that the phrase ‘philosophies of men mingled with scripture’ is rarely, if ever, applied to political philosophy.  There are probably two main reasons for this.  One is that we Mormons seem to have pretty strong political opinions, and if we scold each other for teaching the political philosophies of men mingled with scripture, it will largely put an end to all our fun.  The second reason may be that we often do not think of political opinions as being a philosophy.  But they surely are.

Political philosophy has been part of philosophy all along as far as I know.  Plato’s Utopia is a prime early example of this.  And political philosophy, mingled with scripture, may well have a very profound and direct impact on those that are influenced by it.  Perhaps even a greater influence than religious philosophy mingled with scripture.

Is it just me, or does the amateur religious philosopher/theologian get warned about mingling their philosophies with scripture (which at some level is unavoidable), much more often than the amateur political philosopher?  Should we not be just as concerned about one as the other?