That
quote by Joseph Smith is very famous among Mormons, but it begs
an obvious question: how would it be possible for us to save or
preserve a Constitution about which we know nothing? The answer
is equally obvious.
How
will we learn about it? It cannot be preached in church lest
some complain that we are injecting politics into our religious
services. We cannot talk about it in school lest we be accused
of violating the separation of church and state. So where is
the appropriate forum for discussion and education? We think
Meridian Magazine is a wonderful forum for this purpose.
Through
a series of articles, we at the Constitutional Freedom Foundation
would like to serve an educational function and discuss some basic
constitutional principles. This article is the first of that
series.
Our
foundation is simply a group of concerned citizens who see the
need to educate the public on constitutional issues of vital public
concern. While we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, we in no way represent the church in any official
capacity. Nor are we affiliated with Meridian Magazine. Our
opinions are our own and we take sole responsibility for them.
We see a critical need for members of the church, and everyone
else, to seriously think about various constitutional issues and
want to seize the opportunity to start a dialog on these matters.
Modern Revelation
Perhaps
the best place to start in this first article would be to consider
what the Lord and the brethren have said over the years regarding
our obligations as members to become involved politically and
what our church thinks about the U.S. Constitution.
D&C
98:5-6
5. 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.
6. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of
my church in befriending that law which is the constitutional
law of the land.
D&C
101:77 & 80
77. ....I have suffered [the Constitution] to be established
and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all
flesh, according to just and holy principles.
80. ...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
134:1
1. 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.
President
John Taylor declared that the Elders of Israel should “begin to
understand that they have something to do with the world politically
as well as religiously, that it is as much their duty to study
correct political principles as well as religious, and to seek
to know and comprehend the social and political interests of man,
and to learn and to be able to teach that which would be best
calculated to promote the interests of the world.” (Journal of
Discourses 9:340 (1862))
“It
is the duty of a Saint of God to gain all the influence he can
on this earth, and to use every particle of that influence to
do good.” (President Brigham Young, 1867, Journal of Discourses
12:18)
“Let
every loyal member of the Church look down with scorn upon any
man or woman who would undermine [the] Constitution.” (President
David O. McKay, Church News 5/29/54) (PPNS p. 90)
“I
counsel you, I urge you, I plead with you, never, so far as you
have voice or influence, permit any departure from the principles
of governments on which this nation was founded, or any disregard
of the freedoms which, by the inspiration of God our Father, were
written into the Constitution of the United States.” (President
Heber J. Grant, Conference Reports-10/44:12)
“Next
to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world
upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding
and defending the Constitution of the United States!” (President
David O. McKay, 1956, Instructor Magazine 91:34)
So
we clearly have responsibilities regarding these matters and if
we do not meet them properly,
then
we will fulfill the prediction made long ago by Edmund Burke when
he warned:
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good
men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke, Richard L. Evans Quotebook, p.88)
