Harold B. Lee
There are some things of which I am sure, and that is that contrary to the belief and mistaken ideas of some people, the United Order will not be a socialistic or communistic setup; ... (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 280)
Now, keep in mind with all the crowding in of the socialistic reform programs that are threatening the very foundation of the Church, we must never forget what the Lord said, “that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world” (D&C 78:14). Whenever we allow ourselves to become entangled and have to be subsidized from government sources — and we think that it’s the expedient way to do business in this day — or when we yield to such pressures, I warn you that government subsidies are not the Lord’s way; and if we begin to accept, we are on our way to becoming subsidized politically as well as financially. (Harold B. Lee, The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, [1996], p. 314-15)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
4. Freedom is easily replaced by benevolent social programs designed to take care of everyone. ( Pres. Ezra Taft Benson)
We should help those who have been deceived or who are misinformed to find the truth. Unless each person who knows the truth will stand up and speak up, it is difficult for the deceived or confused citizen to find his way back. Thousands of patriotic Americans, including Latter-day Saints, have helped the communists without realizing it. Each priesthood holder should use his influence in the community to resist the erosion which is taking place in our political and economic life. He should see that his party is working to preserve freedom, not destroy it. He should join responsible local groups interested in promoting freedom and free competitive enterprise, in studying political issues, promoting good men in public office and scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies. He should not wait for the Lord’s servants to give instruction for every detail. In doing these things, a member of the Church is not only making himself an opponent of the adversary, but a proponent of the Lord. May God give us the wisdom to recognize the threat to our freedom and strength to meet this danger. (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson - CR Oct 1961
. Here is a struggle against the evil, satanical priestcraft of Lucifer. Today, the devil, as a wolf in sheep’s clothing is enticing some people, both in and out of the Church to parrot his line by advocating planned government guaranteed security programs at the expense of our liberties. Latter-day Saints should be reminded how and why they voted as they did in heaven. If some have decided to change their vote - they should repent, throw their support on the side of freedom, and cease promoting this subversion. (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson - CR Sep 30 1961)
8. No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist, or support programs leading in that direction. (Pres Ezra Taft Benson - CR Oct 1961
What really prompted me to emphasize this principle is the presence in our own United States of influences the avowed object of which is to sow discord and contention among men with the view of undermining, weakening, if not entirely destroying our constitutional form of government. If I speak plainly, and in condemnation lay bare reprehensible practices and aims of certain organizations, please do not think that I harbor ill-will or enmity in my heart towards other United States citizens whose views on political policies do not coincide with mine. But when acts and schemes are manifestly contrary to the revealed word of the Lord, we feel justified in warning people against them. We may be charitable and forbearing to the sinner, but must condemn the sin. . . .
. . . There is another danger even more menacing than the threat of invasion of a foreign foe. It is the unpatriotic activities and underhanded scheming of disloyal groups and organizations within our own borders. . . .
Latter-day Saints should have nothing to do with secret combinations and groups antagonistic to the Constitutional law of the land, which the Lord "suffered to be established," and which "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. (D&C [101:]77-80)
Of course there are errors in government which some would correct, certainly there are manifest injustices and inequalities, and there will always be such in any government in the management of which enter the frailties of human nature. If you want changes go to the polls on election day, express yourself as an American citizen, and thank the Lord for the privilege that is yours to have a say as to who shall serve you in public office. (CR [Oct 1939] 102-05; also in Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States 3, 5-6)
We should help those who have been deceived or who are misinformed to find the truth. Unless each person who knows the truth will stand up and speak up, it is difficult for the deceived or confused citizen to find his way back. Thousands of patriotic Americans, including Latter-day Saints, have helped the communists without realizing it. Each priesthood holder should use his influence in the community to resist the erosion which is taking place in our political and economic life. He should see that his party is working to preserve freedom, not destroy it. He should join responsible local groups interested in promoting freedom and free competitive enterprise, in studying political issues, promoting good men in public office and scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies. He should not wait for the Lord’s servants to give instruction for every detail. In doing these things, a member of the Church is not only making himself an opponent of the adversary, but a proponent of the Lord. May God give us the wisdom to recognize the threat to our freedom and strength to meet this danger. (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson - CR Oct 1961
. Here is a struggle against the evil, satanical priestcraft of Lucifer. Today, the devil, as a wolf in sheep’s clothing is enticing some people, both in and out of the Church to parrot his line by advocating planned government guaranteed security programs at the expense of our liberties. Latter-day Saints should be reminded how and why they voted as they did in heaven. If some have decided to change their vote - they should repent, throw their support on the side of freedom, and cease promoting this subversion. (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson - CR Sep 30 1961)
8. No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist, or support programs leading in that direction. (Pres Ezra Taft Benson - CR Oct 1961
What really prompted me to emphasize this principle is the presence in our own United States of influences the avowed object of which is to sow discord and contention among men with the view of undermining, weakening, if not entirely destroying our constitutional form of government. If I speak plainly, and in condemnation lay bare reprehensible practices and aims of certain organizations, please do not think that I harbor ill-will or enmity in my heart towards other United States citizens whose views on political policies do not coincide with mine. But when acts and schemes are manifestly contrary to the revealed word of the Lord, we feel justified in warning people against them. We may be charitable and forbearing to the sinner, but must condemn the sin. . . .
. . . There is another danger even more menacing than the threat of invasion of a foreign foe. It is the unpatriotic activities and underhanded scheming of disloyal groups and organizations within our own borders. . . .
Latter-day Saints should have nothing to do with secret combinations and groups antagonistic to the Constitutional law of the land, which the Lord "suffered to be established," and which "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. (D&C [101:]77-80)
Of course there are errors in government which some would correct, certainly there are manifest injustices and inequalities, and there will always be such in any government in the management of which enter the frailties of human nature. If you want changes go to the polls on election day, express yourself as an American citizen, and thank the Lord for the privilege that is yours to have a say as to who shall serve you in public office. (CR [Oct 1939] 102-05; also in Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States 3, 5-6)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
