pam Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 There have been many investigators using this website to get some basic doctrinal information about the Church. Each week I will post an Article of Faith so that the discussion of each can be done. Keep in mind..this is based on LDS doctrine and debating of that will not be tolerated. Let's try and make this more personal. Copy and paste is wonderful but reading personal testimony and understanding of this doctrinal subject is far more meaningful. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. Quote
a-train Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 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. (D&C 134:2)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. (D&C 134:5)Thomas Jefferson asked:Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath?The sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usurpation and oppression. (Alabama Constitution Article 1, Sec 35) The Proper Role of Government - by Ezra Taft Benson-a-train Quote
Still_Small_Voice Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.I believe the Lord wanted governments created to protect their people and their rights. As it reads in the Declaration of Independence:"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men . . . " Quote
Prodigal_Son Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 So here's the tough one. At what point in time does this tenet of our faith become superceded by the need to revolt/overthrow/abolish an evil regime? The US is still hanging in there (just barely) but there are members in other parts of the world suffering serious oppression at the hands of their governments. Are we to submit no matter what? Quote
pam Posted September 7, 2008 Author Report Posted September 7, 2008 So here's the tough one. At what point in time does this tenet of our faith become superceded by the need to revolt/overthrow/abolish an evil regime? The US is still hanging in there (just barely) but there are members in other parts of the world suffering serious oppression at the hands of their governments. Are we to submit no matter what? Good question..I have wondered the same thing. I think about some countries where their leaders are so evil, cause numerous bloodshed but yet they still lead the country. At what point are we allowed to say...I'm not going to take it anymore?" Quote
a-train Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 So here's the tough one. At what point in time does this tenet of our faith become superceded by the need to revolt/overthrow/abolish an evil regime? The US is still hanging in there (just barely) but there are members in other parts of the world suffering serious oppression at the hands of their governments. Are we to submit no matter what?No!Looking for a modern day example?Look at Helmuth Hübener. (Some wiki).-a-train Quote
Prodigal_Son Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 No!Looking for a modern day example?Look at Helmuth Hübener. (Some wiki).-a-trainGreat example. I have that book. Good story. Quote
pam Posted September 7, 2008 Author Report Posted September 7, 2008 No!Looking for a modern day example?Look at Helmuth Hübener. (Some wiki).-a-train That is a book I have wanted to read. Since I'm not into one right now...maybe I'll go see if Deseret Book has it. Quote
a-train Posted September 7, 2008 Report Posted September 7, 2008 Also, read this:LDS.org - Ensign Article - I Have a Question Quote
Prodigal_Son Posted September 8, 2008 Report Posted September 8, 2008 a-train: killer link! I'm gonna have to rethink my whole hostile-takeover bid! Quote
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