Mormons believe the United States Constitution is a sacred document. We believe that God himself inspired the Founding Fathers to unite in declaring the independence of the American colonies, to make them states, to make them free.
LDS Declaration of Belief
In 1835, The Latter-Day Saints unanimously adopted this (paraphrased) declaration "that our belief regarding earthly governments and laws in general may not be misunderstood":
We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people... [we believe] that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience. We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man... We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that government in which the offense is committed; and for the public peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment. (Doctrine & Covenants 134:1-8)
We believe that every government has a responsibility to seek the best interest of the public and to secure freedom to its people, that such a government is to be upheld and submitted to.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I personally believe that so long as any government upholds constitutional principles, there is never an excuse for sedition or rebellion, as described in this declaration.
The Importance of Preserving, Upholding and Obeying the Constitution
In speaking to the early Latter-Day Saints at a time of great persecution, the Lord said:
"...it is my will that [the saints] should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you according to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; that every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77-80)
At the dedication of the Kirtland temple in Ohio on May 27, 1836, Joseph Smith prayed for continued protection and preservation of the United States Constitution:
"Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever." (Doctrine and Covenants 109:54)
The Lord has also "justified" the Latter-Day Saints in submitting to the laws of the land, so long as those laws are framed in conformity with Constitutional principles:
"And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them. And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land..." (Doctrine and Covenants 98:4-6)
The Lord also warned the Latter-Day Saints about what happens when we allow wicked men to pass unconstitutional laws:
"And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, (iow. is unconstitutional, refer back to verses 4-6 above) cometh of evil. I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. " (Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-10)
Interestingly enough, king David gave a similar warning:
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Psalms 29:2)
The Constitution was not written by lawyers; it was written and ratified by merchantmen, farmers, tradesmen and the like. It is not difficult for an honest person to read and understand the provisions and freedoms plainly secured to the people of the United States of America by their Constitution. The United States Constitution is not to be subjected to nitpicking and "re-interpretation" by self-serving voters, scheming lawyers, or corrupt politicians.
America: The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave
We believe America has long been a place where God has instituted governments for the benefit of man - governments that made men free.
In the year 92 B.C., king Mosiah of the people of the Nephites realized the power that a king had to destroy justice, freedom and peace. He decided that the best way to secure freedom and peace to his people at the end of his reign was to do essentially the same thing our Founding Fathers did for us in giving us the Constitution: he created a democratic republic.
He declared that the leaders of the people would be judges of different ranks and roles, who would be chosen by the voice of the people:
"And now let us be wise and look forward to these things, and do that which will make for the peace of this people. Therefore I will be your king the remainder of my days; nevertheless, let us appoint judges, to judge this people according to our law; and we will newly arrange the affairs of this people, for we will appoint wise men to be judges, that will judge this people according to the commandments of God..." (Mosiah 29:10-11)
King Mosiah went on to warn his people of the imperfect judgements of man and the destruction that comes of having a wicked king to rule over them:
"Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just... Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you. For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction! And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood. For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God; And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness. (Mosiah 29:12-13,21-23)
A good look at the Declaration of Independence shows how many of these same grievances against the king of their time "impell[ed the Founding Fathers] to... separation". The result was the creation of the United States of America and the establishment of her Constitution, given with the intent of protecting us from those things.
Godly Principles in Government: A Parallel Between Nephites and Americans
Mosiah stressed the importance of governing in accordance with the laws and commandments of God:
"And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that such abominations should come upon you. Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord." (Mosiah 29:24-25)
As they were developing the Constitution, the Founding Fathers studied from the Bible, referring to it often as the basis for constitutional principles.
King Mosiah then instructed the people to make it their policy to "do their business by the voice of the people". He taught them that the voice of the people usually chooses right, but warned that if the voice of the people ever began to choose iniquity, it would lead to their destruction:
"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people. And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land." (Mosiah 29:26-27)
Similarly, the United States Constitution provides a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". We have seen how the corruption of it has brought increasing contention and discontent with the government in our society.
Mosiah went on to provide a pattern for the various ranks of judges to maintain a set of checks and balances of power, so that improprieties in the structure or behavior of the government could be prevented or easily fixed, just as our Constitution does today.
Wherever Mormons live, we believe in upholding the law, in being subject to righteous government. (Titus 3:1, Articles of Faith 12)
The Lord admonished the early Latter-Day saints, saying:
"Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat. Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land. Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be..." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:20-22)
It is of critical importance that rulers be guided by God, and that they operate in accordance with His principles - the same principles enumerated in the United States Constitution. Inasmuch as our rulers do this, we are instructed of the Lord to be subject to them.
Righteous Leaders, Wicked Leaders
Below is a Book of Mormon litmus test for knowing the difference between a righteous and a wicked leader. This shows the examples of Amalickiah and king Noah as wicked leaders, and Chief Judge Pahoran as also Captain Moroni, along with kings Mosiah and Benjamin - all Book of Mormon characters - as righteous leaders.
I have included this because I believe the United States of America and her Constitution were established by righteous leaders and voters, and that this same Constitution is now being destroyed by wicked ones. I believe that if we're going to save our nation from eventual destruction, it is absolutely critical that We the People begin to recognize the difference between righteous and wicked leadership. Any resemblance to actual voters or political figures is purely coincidental - but instructive!
Choose a political figure in your country, state, or province and see how he or she stacks up against this list. All leaders will have both good and bad in them - after all, nobody's perfect. But which category does your specified leader predominantly fall into?
Inasmuch as the country in which we live still respects the voice of the people, the voters are political leaders too. Which category do the voters in your country predominantly fall into? Which category do you predominantly fall into?
Freedom is Worth Dying For
We also believe - as did the founding Fathers - in fighting for our freedom when it is threatened by government gone awry.
Captain Moroni felt compelled to respond to tyranny this way:
LDS Declaration of Belief
In 1835, The Latter-Day Saints unanimously adopted this (paraphrased) declaration "that our belief regarding earthly governments and laws in general may not be misunderstood":
We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people... [we believe] that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience. We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man... We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that government in which the offense is committed; and for the public peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment. (Doctrine & Covenants 134:1-8)
We believe that every government has a responsibility to seek the best interest of the public and to secure freedom to its people, that such a government is to be upheld and submitted to.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I personally believe that so long as any government upholds constitutional principles, there is never an excuse for sedition or rebellion, as described in this declaration.
The Importance of Preserving, Upholding and Obeying the Constitution
In speaking to the early Latter-Day Saints at a time of great persecution, the Lord said:
"...it is my will that [the saints] should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you according to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; that every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77-80)
At the dedication of the Kirtland temple in Ohio on May 27, 1836, Joseph Smith prayed for continued protection and preservation of the United States Constitution:
"Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever." (Doctrine and Covenants 109:54)
The Lord has also "justified" the Latter-Day Saints in submitting to the laws of the land, so long as those laws are framed in conformity with Constitutional principles:
"And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them. And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land..." (Doctrine and Covenants 98:4-6)
The Lord also warned the Latter-Day Saints about what happens when we allow wicked men to pass unconstitutional laws:
"And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, (iow. is unconstitutional, refer back to verses 4-6 above) cometh of evil. I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. " (Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-10)
Interestingly enough, king David gave a similar warning:
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Psalms 29:2)
The Constitution was not written by lawyers; it was written and ratified by merchantmen, farmers, tradesmen and the like. It is not difficult for an honest person to read and understand the provisions and freedoms plainly secured to the people of the United States of America by their Constitution. The United States Constitution is not to be subjected to nitpicking and "re-interpretation" by self-serving voters, scheming lawyers, or corrupt politicians.
America: The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave
We believe America has long been a place where God has instituted governments for the benefit of man - governments that made men free.
In the year 92 B.C., king Mosiah of the people of the Nephites realized the power that a king had to destroy justice, freedom and peace. He decided that the best way to secure freedom and peace to his people at the end of his reign was to do essentially the same thing our Founding Fathers did for us in giving us the Constitution: he created a democratic republic.
He declared that the leaders of the people would be judges of different ranks and roles, who would be chosen by the voice of the people:
"And now let us be wise and look forward to these things, and do that which will make for the peace of this people. Therefore I will be your king the remainder of my days; nevertheless, let us appoint judges, to judge this people according to our law; and we will newly arrange the affairs of this people, for we will appoint wise men to be judges, that will judge this people according to the commandments of God..." (Mosiah 29:10-11)
King Mosiah went on to warn his people of the imperfect judgements of man and the destruction that comes of having a wicked king to rule over them:
"Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just... Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you. For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction! And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood. For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God; And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness. (Mosiah 29:12-13,21-23)
A good look at the Declaration of Independence shows how many of these same grievances against the king of their time "impell[ed the Founding Fathers] to... separation". The result was the creation of the United States of America and the establishment of her Constitution, given with the intent of protecting us from those things.
Godly Principles in Government: A Parallel Between Nephites and Americans
Mosiah stressed the importance of governing in accordance with the laws and commandments of God:
"And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that such abominations should come upon you. Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord." (Mosiah 29:24-25)
As they were developing the Constitution, the Founding Fathers studied from the Bible, referring to it often as the basis for constitutional principles.
King Mosiah then instructed the people to make it their policy to "do their business by the voice of the people". He taught them that the voice of the people usually chooses right, but warned that if the voice of the people ever began to choose iniquity, it would lead to their destruction:
"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people. And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land." (Mosiah 29:26-27)
Similarly, the United States Constitution provides a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". We have seen how the corruption of it has brought increasing contention and discontent with the government in our society.
Mosiah went on to provide a pattern for the various ranks of judges to maintain a set of checks and balances of power, so that improprieties in the structure or behavior of the government could be prevented or easily fixed, just as our Constitution does today.
Wherever Mormons live, we believe in upholding the law, in being subject to righteous government. (Titus 3:1, Articles of Faith 12)
The Lord admonished the early Latter-Day saints, saying:
"Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat. Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land. Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be..." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:20-22)
It is of critical importance that rulers be guided by God, and that they operate in accordance with His principles - the same principles enumerated in the United States Constitution. Inasmuch as our rulers do this, we are instructed of the Lord to be subject to them.
Righteous Leaders, Wicked Leaders
Below is a Book of Mormon litmus test for knowing the difference between a righteous and a wicked leader. This shows the examples of Amalickiah and king Noah as wicked leaders, and Chief Judge Pahoran as also Captain Moroni, along with kings Mosiah and Benjamin - all Book of Mormon characters - as righteous leaders.
I have included this because I believe the United States of America and her Constitution were established by righteous leaders and voters, and that this same Constitution is now being destroyed by wicked ones. I believe that if we're going to save our nation from eventual destruction, it is absolutely critical that We the People begin to recognize the difference between righteous and wicked leadership. Any resemblance to actual voters or political figures is purely coincidental - but instructive!
Choose a political figure in your country, state, or province and see how he or she stacks up against this list. All leaders will have both good and bad in them - after all, nobody's perfect. But which category does your specified leader predominantly fall into?
Inasmuch as the country in which we live still respects the voice of the people, the voters are political leaders too. Which category do the voters in your country predominantly fall into? Which category do you predominantly fall into?
| A Wicked Leader or Voter... | |
Does not put himself above his subjects (or fellows). (Mosiah 2:10-11) Sacrifices to serve his people. Works to support himself, and expects his subjects (or fellows) to do the same. (Mosiah 2:11-12,14) Values and protects the freedom of his people. (Mosiah 2:13) Teaches his people to keep the commandments of God. (Mosiah 2:13, Mosiah 29:14) Does not aggrandize himself; humbles himself before God. (Mosiah 2:15-19) Uses political courage, leadership, and innovation to promote peace and freedom and to advance the cause of his people. (Mosiah 29:7-11,32) Practices actual government transparency. (Mosiah 29:16-24, 35-36) Protects checks and balances of power. (Mosiah 29:28-29) Talks sense to his people; respects the rights, freedoms, property, and voice of his people, and they love him for it. (Mosiah 29:37-40) Teaches his people to take care of their needy. Does not teach them to rely on government to do it for them. (Mosiah 4:16-18, 21-27) Teaches his people to work hard and to wisely benefit from the use of natural resources. (Ether 10:23, Jarom 1:8, Helaman 3:7,9,11) |
Curries and calls in political favors to seek power and wealth, (voter votes for candidates) to promote the agendas of himself and his "friends in iniquity" with little concern for the voice or best interest of the people and little or no concern for consequence or common sense. He "tears up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him. He tramples under foot the commandments of God. (Alma 46:4-5, Mosiah 24:1, Mosiah 29:22-23) Replaces good leaders with bad ones who will permit him to subject the people to oppression. (Mosiah 11:4-6) Uses cunning words to lead away the hearts of many to destroy liberty. (Alma 46:10) Uses deceit to obtain rule over (have a voice in) a nation of which he is not a citizen (Alma 47:21-26) Uses false witnesses carefully placed to accomplish his evil designs. Replaces good judges and leaders with bad ones that will help him promote his evil and immoral agendas. (Alma 47:34-35, Mosiah 11:5-6) Uses the media to deceive and manipulate the public to accomplish his designs (Alma 48:1-3) Makes use of the industry and resources of others and levies grevious taxes so he and his supporters don’t have to work (Alma 48:4, Mosiah 11:3) Doesn’t care for the lives of the people he sends into battle (Alma 49:10) "Walks after the desires of his own heart" instead of keeping the commandments of God (Mosiah 11:2) Spends lavishly on himself and his supporters at the expense of the public. (Fancy buildings and podiums... an entourage? ...public welfare?) (Mosiah 9:10-12, Mosiah 11:8-11) Causes handfuls of buildings or towers to be erected, for unspecified special government purposes. Yes, the kings of old carried out intelligence-gathering activities against their people! (Mosiah 11:13) Persecutes those who are different or who oppose him. (Mosiah 24:8) Interferes with the exercise of religion. (Mosiah 24:11) Punishes people who've done nothing wrong (laws have become corrupted), accepts bribes, seeks office to be able to do whatever he feels like (Helaman 7:5-6) Creates crises and then saves the people from them in exchange for loss of freedom or more power. Uses political intrigue and deception to gain power. (Alma 47:8-19; Alma 47:22-35) Puts unprincipled people as senior officers over the armed forces. (Alma 43:6) Uses flattery and manipulation to cause people to abandon their principles (Alma 46:5-7) |
Freedom is Worth Dying For
We also believe - as did the founding Fathers - in fighting for our freedom when it is threatened by government gone awry.
Captain Moroni felt compelled to respond to tyranny this way:
"And
it came to pass that [Captain Moroni] rent his coat; and he took a
piece thereof, and wrote upon it, 'In memory of our God, our religion,
and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children' and he fastened
it upon the end of a pole. And he fastened on his head-plate, and his
breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins;
and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and
he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth,
and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest
upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain
to possess the land — And it came to pass also, that he caused the title
of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land,
which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the
standard of liberty among the Nephites." (Alma 46:12-13,36)
Later, in the year 62 B.C., Captain Moroni wrote a letter to the chief judge over the Nephites whose name was Pahoran. (See Alma 60) In that letter, Captain Moroni sent his complaint concerning the government's neglect of the armies and of the sufferings of the soldiers, including starvation, dehydration, dying in battle because of weakness when it might not have been so if they'd had sufficient provisions.
In Alma 61, Pahoran writes back, assuring that he himself has been faithful. Pahoran then requested Moroni's assistance to put down those who had turned on the government and the people. In chapter 62 we see Captain Moroni raise the standard or title of liberty, calling people together to go and put down the insurrection at their capital city of Zarahemla. (See Alma chapters 60-62)
Inasmuch as we judge its purposes to be noble, Mormons feel compelled to serve in the military when called upon to do so.
Why America Must Keep the Commandments of God
Later, in the year 62 B.C., Captain Moroni wrote a letter to the chief judge over the Nephites whose name was Pahoran. (See Alma 60) In that letter, Captain Moroni sent his complaint concerning the government's neglect of the armies and of the sufferings of the soldiers, including starvation, dehydration, dying in battle because of weakness when it might not have been so if they'd had sufficient provisions.
In Alma 61, Pahoran writes back, assuring that he himself has been faithful. Pahoran then requested Moroni's assistance to put down those who had turned on the government and the people. In chapter 62 we see Captain Moroni raise the standard or title of liberty, calling people together to go and put down the insurrection at their capital city of Zarahemla. (See Alma chapters 60-62)
Inasmuch as we judge its purposes to be noble, Mormons feel compelled to serve in the military when called upon to do so.
Why America Must Keep the Commandments of God
Many times throughout the Book of Mormon, the prophets called America "the promised land" or "a land which is choice above all other lands". They warned that those who live in America must keep God's commandments, or they would be swept off the earth. They prophesied concerning a time when America would be a land of liberty where there would be no more kings and no more captivity - unless the people fell into wickedness.
Along with having been undeniably blessed with freedom and prosperity, latter-day Americans have the responsibility to abide by and protect the principles that enable that freedom and prosperity. If we fail to do so, we stand to lose both.
Let us ever remember the near-miracles that took place in preserving early American colonists as they fought for their independence - our independence!
To put it in the words of a rarely-heard verse of the the "Star-Spangled Banner":
"Oh thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Bless'd with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation."
(LDS Hymns #340)
Along with having been undeniably blessed with freedom and prosperity, latter-day Americans have the responsibility to abide by and protect the principles that enable that freedom and prosperity. If we fail to do so, we stand to lose both.
Let us ever remember the near-miracles that took place in preserving early American colonists as they fought for their independence - our independence!
To put it in the words of a rarely-heard verse of the the "Star-Spangled Banner":
"Oh thus be it ever, when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Bless'd with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation."
(LDS Hymns #340)
Because of what our God has given us, or aided us in obtaining, we owe it to Him to value and protect it at all cost. The third verse of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" reads:
"In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free
While God is marching on"
(LDS Hymns #60)
Long May Our Land Be Bright
I don't know about you, but I, for one, am disillusioned with what I see our country becoming. Still, I hold in my heart the hope that someday - perhaps within my lifetime - the reins of government will be placed once again into the hands of God-fearing men and women.
When that day comes, we will once again be "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all". When that day comes, I hope to see our "alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears". When that day comes, I pray we will find ourselves once again "in General Congress assembled", to "[re-]ordain and [re-]establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Long may our land be bright, with Freedom's holy light... from ev'ry mountainside, let Freedom ring!"
(LDS Hymns #339, vs 1,4)
Also of Interest
Declaration of Independence (PDF)
United States Constitution (PDF)
Bill of Rights & Amendments to the Constitution
FIRM Foundation - read how the preamble to the Constitution invoked the four parts of the "American Covenant" as given in the Book of Mormon - This blew my mind!
Huffington Post - Book of Mormon warning about latter-day governments
LDS Liberty - Why liberty lovers would love the Book of Mormon
Rabbi Steven Pruzanski - The Decline and Fall of the American Empire
Fox News Opinion: Is Our Constitution Just a Worthless Piece of Paper?
Get a Free Book of Mormon
No comments:
Post a Comment