31) HANG BY A THREAD: What have latter-day prophets taught concerning the prophecy of Joseph Smith that the United States Constitution would hang by a thread and be saved, if saved at all, through the efforts of the Elders of Israel?

Prophetic Statements Joseph Smith 1. Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very […]

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16) PROSPERITY: Is it possible to prosper without righteousness? How is righteousness a deterrent for poverty?

Prophetic Statements Harold B. Lee We have heard much said about keeping out of debt and avoiding speculation. From the inspired lips of the late President Anthony W. Ivins [of the First Presidency] came these words (and they should be something of a condemnation to those who disregarded his words and should be something of […]

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29) CONTENTION: Should we defend freedom even if it may cause contention? What should be our focus when preserving our rights?

Prophetic Statements John Taylor Besides the preaching of the gospel, we have another mission, that is the perpetuation of the free agency, liberty, freedom and rights of man. David O. McKay NO GREATER IMMEDIATE responsibility rests upon members of the Church, than to protect the freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States. Ezra […]

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18) LOCAL: Why should the power of government be kept as close to the individual as possible? Should most power in government remain local or national? Are the principles of federalism as defined by the Founders also taught in the scriptures?

Prophetic Statements Wilford Woodruff I have looked upon the Constitution of the United States as one of the best instruments ever devised by man for the government of the inhabitants of the earth. Ezra Taft Benson The function of government is to protect life, liberty, and property, and anything more or less than this is […]

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04) CHURCH/STATE: Should religious influence be excluded from politics? Can Prophets understand and receive revelation on political issues and government principles?

Prophetic Statements First Presidency We encourage all members, as citizens of the nation, to be actively involved in the political process, and support those measures which will strengthen the community, state, and nation–morally, economically, and culturally. Brigham Young The Constitution and laws of the United States resemble a theocracy more closely than any government now […]

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30) REDEFINITION: How do those seeking to destroy freedom mislead the public? How can mislabeling and redefining terms be dangerous?

Commentary The “Fanatic Test” Believe in following the words of prophets Believe the family and parents are responsible for education Believe the Father should preside in the home Believe in adhering to scripture above the philosophies of men Believe God created the earth rather than chance Believe sovereignty belongs in the home Believe there is […]

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02) RIGHTEOUSNESS: Is righteousness essential for freedom?

Questions Answered: Can a people remain free without the principles contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is freedom possible without a righteous populace? Does wickedness lead to captivity? Does temporal captivity follow spiritual captivity? What is the covenant on the land of promise? Prophetic Statements Brigham Young There never was a better constitution on […]

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19) SECRET COMBINATIONS: What are secret combinations? What are the objects sought by secret combinations (power, plunder, prestige)? Are there secret combinations today?

Commentary Prophetic Statements First Presidency Satan is making war against all the wisdom that has come to men through their ages of experience. He is seeking to overturn and destroy the very foundations upon which society, government, and religion rest. He plans to destroy liberty and freedom–economic, political, and religious, and to set up in […]

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35) CONSTITUTION: What has been revealed regarding the Divine origin and influence of the United States Constitution on our nation and the world?

Associated Locations: Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Location of Constitutional Convention Associated Dates: May 14 – September 17 1787 -– Convention Length Prophetic Statements First Presidency Because some Americans have not kept faith with our Founding Fathers, the Constitution faces severe challenges. Those who do not prize individual freedom are trying to erode its great principles. […]

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27) NATURAL RIGHTS: What is the source of freedom and all rights? Is it possible to retain Natural Rights without God and the principles of the Gospel?

Prophetic Statements Brigham Young . . . our national organization originated in the heavens. [1] John Taylor We believe that the Constitution of the United States was given by inspiration of God. And why? Because it is one of those instruments which proclaims liberty throughout the land, and to all the inhabitants thereof [2]. And […]

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01) PRIVATE VS. PUBLIC: Can “Private” morality be separated from public service in political leadership? How do wicked leaders promote iniquity among the people they govern?

Prophetic Statements Ezra Taft Benson Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and un-virtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all of these good qualities. (See D&C 98:10) […]

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34) BIRTH-CONTROL: Is it morally wrong for our government to be involved in birth control measures?

Supporting Statements Mark E. Petersen The United States is taking a leading role in the development and dissemination of birth control information and devices, not only here at home, but world-wide. Only a few weeks ago through the Agency for International Development, our country provided a half million dollars’ worth of oral contraceptives to India, […]

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08) RULE OF LAW: What is the Rule of Law? Should citizens be equal before the law or equal in possessions? How does this apply to governmental leadership?

Prophetic Statements John Taylor It is true that the founders of this nation, as a preliminary step for the introduction of more correct principles and that liberty and the rights of man might be recognized, and that all men might become equal before the law of the land, had that great palladium of liberty, the […]

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23) FREEDOM OF WORSHIP: Why must we understand that there are wicked individuals who seek to deprive the righteous of their freedom?

Questions Answered: Why is it essential to understand that the wicked will continually seek to take away the freedom of worship from the righteous? Do the scriptures teach that one of Satan’s most effective methods of oppressing the Saints through time has been oppressive governments? Why do the wicked seek to put down the righteous? […]

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03) ACCOUNTABILITY: Will individuals be accountable to God for their acts in relation to government? What is the priority of loyalty to country?

Prophetic Statements First Presidency Because some Americans have not kept faith with our Founding Fathers, the Constitution faces severe challenges. Those who do not prize individual freedom are trying to erode its great principles. We, as Latter-day Saints must be vigilant in doing our part to preserve the Constitution and safeguard the way of life […]

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09) REDRESS GRIEVANCES: How should citizens address personal or group grievances? How should Citizens appeal to civil law for redress of grievances?

Scriptures D&C 134:11 We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, […]

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