Waking Up To Secret Combinations

[freedomforall]

Gavin says just what I think and feel. If Trump does what he says about making America great again, I'll root for him.

[youtube][/youtube]

I disagree. The Constitution only applies to citizens. People need to understand this principle

I disagree. The Constitution belongs to "WE THE PEOPLE" in a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy; not under socialism and tyranny. We are a "people", not a citizen. We the People have rights, a citizen may not have rights because other countries have citizens.

[freedomforall]

[LdsMarco]

Before you misunderstand me. Watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVt77KUI8tE&t=6s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[LdsMarco]

before you misunderstand me. Watch this. Not sure why the link isn't work properly but here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVt77KUI8tE&t=6s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[freedomforall]

before you misunderstand me. Watch this. Not sure why the link isn't work properly but here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVt77KUI8tE&t=6s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Obama was a traitor. Illegal immigration is invasion of a possible threat to our people. Obama could care less and even wanted to give them a free pass.

Excellent report....thanx

[freedomforall]

In line with secret combinations is the saving of the Constitution. BrianM has a great list of quotes here to be considered. One is (not verbatim)...When will the Saints, or better yet, the Elders of Israel wake up and save the Constitution?

http://www.latterdayconservative.com/fa ... -prophecy/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lundbaek]

Last year (2016) as we studied the Book of Mormon in our Gospel Doctrine Sunday school classes there were several opportunities to discuss the secret combinations among the Jaredites and the Nephites and even in modern times, without deviating from the instructors manual. I noted that in each case the instructors in our ward skated past those opportunities.

[freedomforall]

Last year (2016) as we studied the Book of Mormon in our Gospel Doctrine Sunday school classes there were several opportunities to discuss the secret combinations among the Jaredites and the Nephites and even in modern times, without deviating from the instructors manual. I noted that in each case the instructors in our ward skated past those opportunities.

With so much apathy, how will any Elders be able to save the Constitution, now or in the future?
Who started the false idea that the state of the Constitution and political problems isn't to be discussed in church? Especially when the Constitution is akin to scripture, both coming from God and addressing freedom? Do people assume that Moroni was a nut case? He held up a Title of Liberty and defended his home, his family and his faith by going up against evil. Today we have our own Title of Liberty, and people trample on it daily.

Speaking of the Constitution, here is some interesting news:

Democrats Demanding that Immigration Officials Stop Deporting Illegals Convicted of Violent Crimes

[lundbaek]

I have been persuaded that the Constitution, the topic of secret combinations, and liberty are not discussed by the First Presidency, the Q-12 or the 70s because of concern that doing so would incurr the wrath of the PTB / latter-day gadiantons, who would attack the Church in ways that would seriously frustrate the Church's missionary and building programs. Occasionally an apostle will say or write something, usually to a limited audience or readers, about these things, but nothing like years ago. For example, if you can find it, read the article by President Packer in the August 2010 Ensign, Pg. 23, lower right of page. I believe the LDGs have gotten too far above us for the Church to risk antagonizing them.

[freedomforall]

I have been persuaded that the Constitution, the topic of secret combinations, and liberty are not discussed by the First Presidency, the Q-12 or the 70s because of concern that doing so would incurr the wrath of the PTB / latter-day gadiantons, who would attack the Church in ways that would seriously frustrate the Church's missionary and building programs. Occasionally an apostle will say or write something, usually to a limited audience or readers, about these things, but nothing like years ago. For example, if you can find it, read the article by President Packer in the August 2010 Ensign, Pg. 23, lower right of page. I believe the LDGs have gotten too far above us for the Church to risk antagonizing them.

Is this what you are referring?


A Time of Spiritual War

We live in a time of war, that spiritual war that will never end. Moroni warned us that the secret combinations begun by Gadianton “are had among all people. …

“Wherefore, O ye Gentiles [and the term Gentile in that place in the Book of Mormon refers to us in our generation], it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you. …

“Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you” (Ether 8:20, 23–24).

Atheists and agnostics make nonbelief their religion and today organize in unprecedented ways to attack faith and belief. They are now organized, and they pursue political power. You will be hearing much about them and from them. Much of their attack is indirect in mocking the faithful, in mocking religion.

The types of Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor live among us today (see Jacob 7:1–21; Alma 1:1–15; 30:6–60). Their arguments are not so different from those in the Book of Mormon.

You who are young will see many things that will try your courage and test your faith. All of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Let me say that again: all of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Be careful that you do not fall into the category of mocking.

The Lord promised, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).

Even Moroni faced the same challenge. He said, because of his weakness in writing:

“I fear … the Gentiles shall mock at our words.

“[And the Lord said to him:] Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:25–27).

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/08/find ... m?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lundbaek]

President Packer spoke those words in 2007 at an event in Provo, UT, and then they appeared in the August 2010 Ensign on Pg. 23.

[freedomforall]

President Packer spoke those words in 2007 at an event in Provo, UT, and then they appeared in the August 2010 Ensign on Pg. 23.

So by "feasting on the word", specifically the Book of Mormon, a mandate that has caused condemnation in the church ensued due to a great number of church members not doing so, the contents therein teaching us about these Gadianton's, Gadianton's once again have seized Government and many like minded people because they ignore, even mock our God.
This is a indictment that will fall on the heads of the unfaithful Saints in the future, and will be difficult to bear.

Along these lines, has anyone read "Secret Combinations Today: A Voice of Warning", by Robert E Hales?

An excerpt on an Amazon page:
This book is essential for these perilous times! It sounds the warning trumpet, alerting the Saints to imminent dangers that are rapidly crescendoing in their severity. First, the secret combinations of old, using the Book of Mormon account of Korihor as a model is examined. Teachings, tactics, methods and practices of these ancient groups are analyzed and a model is developed which can be used to identify similar organizations that exist today. Shifting the focus to the present, warnings concerning the individual and the family are presented. Next, the view widens to the citizens of the United States. Then the panorama is broadened again to get a worldwide perspective. The book warns of conspiracies on the individual level, related to sexual perversions, homosexuality, abortion, pornography, drugs and Satan worship. At the family level, attacks on family unity and the traditional nuclear family are discussed. Challenges to parenting, child and spouse abuse, and problems in moderns education are illuminated. Terrorism, organized crime, gangs and political corruption are discussed on a broader level. Significant questions about the nation's vulnerability in connection with its monetary policies and serious indebtedness are raised. The history of the Federal Reserve System is examined. The way taxes are used to control the people and the pulpits of the nation is exposed. Opposing views concerning the sanctity and instrumentality of the U.S. Constitution are also presented. On an international level, the warning cry is raised concerning the rapid move toward one world government. This movement's impact is examined in therms of international finance and banking, environmental concerns, population control, youth education, control of civil unrest and the right to bear arms, and international control of religion. The final chapter is a series of recommendations to individual latter-day Saints suggesting appropriate ways to work towards the preservation of their freedoms. Surely, no book can be no more appropriate for these tumultuous last days that Secret Combinations Today: A Voice of Warning.

SEE: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Combinati ... 0882905694" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Of all the books I have, including this one, I have read a good share of them except SCT. Shame on me.

Another book of interest is The American Covenant - One Nation Under God, by Timothy Ballard:

Vol 1 https://www.amazon.com/American-Covenan ... 6Y5GASKCMQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Vol 2 https://www.amazon.com/American-Covenan ... %2C+Vol.+2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tim Ballard — The American Covenant (One Nation Under God):

[freedomforall]

Here is at least one thing my so-called representative believes. Instead of creating jobs, he wants to maintain having immigrants, doesn't say what legal status, work here in Oregon.

Rep. Kurt Schrader Calls President Donald Trump's Border Wall "A Stupid Idea"
By Nigel Jaquiss, Willamette Week
http://schrader.house.gov/news/document ... tID=390708" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Washington, January 27, 2017 | 0 comments

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to follow through with his campaign pledge to add to the existing wall between the U.S. and Mexico, at a cost of around $15 billion.

U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.)'s tweet this morning is pretty self-explanatory.
Schrader represents Oregon's Fifth District, which covers a wide swath of the Willamette Valley, where agricultural interests depend on immigrant labor, and the parts of the Cascades and the Coast Range, where migrant workers often replant timber lands.

Schrader, of course, is just one of many skeptics about Trump's plan.
Read the full story at Willamette Week.

From: http://schrader.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=100083" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The time is ripe for this Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform for the sake of our economy, jobs and millions of hopeful Americans.

A bipartisan Senate group is currently working on a comprehensive plan they hope to introduce this spring. The framework they have put forward is fair and sensible.

There needs to be a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Special pathways are needed for the children of immigrants, who were brought to the United States through no action of their own, and for migrant workers, who are integral to the operation of our agricultural economies. The pathway to citizenship should require a background check, followed by a probationary period where immigrants learn English, pay back taxes and work before getting in the line for full citizenship.

The pathway to citizenship should be built upon improvements to border control and the legal immigration system. We have already drastically reduced illegal border crossings with massive investments in border security in the last four years. Investments in technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, a functional and mandatory employment verification system and better tracking of people entering and exiting the United States is also essential. Many immigrants have simply overstayed their visas.

Additionally, the legal immigration system must be reformed to reflect our values and the needs of our modern economy. The visa system must admit innovative job creators and their families to the United States and also needs a better low-tech guest worker program, especially for agricultural workers. In doing so, we must ensure that the rights of all workers, both Americans and immigrants, are protected.

I am hopeful we can do this because the outline proposed by Senators from both parties includes all those essential elements and has the blessing of the President to move forward. My colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are also optimistic about the prospects of this outline becoming a solid legislative proposal. However, we do not yet have legislative language and there are voices of dissent.
.............................................................................................................................................
So how can I get him to look at this new bill, let alone agree with it?

Congressman Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 899, a bill to abolish the Department of Education.

The idea is to...abolish the Department of Education to return control of education back to parents and local communities.

And I fully agree.

[lundbaek]

Interesting that just over 100 years ago a U.S. Senator, Charles Lindbergh had this to say in the Senate:

"There is a sinister influence at work in our country, which if it is not checked, intends to completely undermine the original purpose of the formation of our government...and to bring all the world into one control and one system, which for purposes of deception of the plain people, they would call a ‘world democracy’, but which in fact it is their plan to make the rule of the wealth grabbers, maintained by simple organization of themselves and disorganization of the masses, pitting the masses against each other... The few now desire to cut off every possible avenue of escape from industrial slavery for the masses.” –Senator Charles A. Lindbergh Sr., in a speech given July 5, 1916

[lundbaek]

"...the engineered refugee crisis was created and is being used, at least in part, to advance what globalists often refer to in public as "global governance" and their "new world order"....the same self-styled humanitarians claiming to be concerned about refugees, while demanding that they be given asylum in the West by the millions, are, in reality, the same people responsible for making their victims into refugees to begin with.....Western governments and their allies - not to mention the globalists forces behind them, such as the Council on Foreign Relations and other global-government powerhouses - destroyed multiple Middle eastern nations via war and chaos." (The New American of April 4, 2016, Pg. 11)

[freedomforall]

Jack Monnett History of Secret Combinations - BYU Freedom Society

[freedomforall]

"He DOES have evidence." ex-CIA agent, on Obama wiretapping Trump

Mark Levin PROVES Trump Wiretapping Claims: ‘The Evidence Is Overwhelming’ #ObamaGate

Obama Knew About Wiretapping Trump - Newt Gingrich | Fox News

[freedomforall]

Secret Combination Movie

J. Reuben Clark Jr. - Constitution

[Sandinista]

Good stuff...now what do you do with it?

The reason I believe church leadership strays away from it now is that most don't seem to be able to decipher the threat and it turns to contentious battles over politics that go nowhere.

Name one political candidate today that is not tied into the conspiracy detailed above in one form or another?

And we have the prophetic address-

...not going to be saved in Washington...

I agree with Jason, what do we do? Stepping out of my usual cynical character, I think Mirkwood and others are right on, and have done an admirable job in presenting in one place a lot of prophecy and instruction about what we are facing. But the problem most, if not all, of us have is how to go about combatting the evil that surrounds us. It so daunting that I think many flee from it and just hope it goes away, which of course is a fatal decision to say the least.

So back to Jason's question, what do we do about it? We need to get past the simple "fight evil", make out "homes safe from evil influences", and all the other platitudes that come so easily to mind. What specifically do we, as a nation do? I am really lookin for answers here.

[lundbaek]

I believe there are people in government who not tied into the conspiracy detailed above in one form or another? Probably not many, but I believe freshman representative from Arizona Andy Biggs qualifies.

As to what each of us can do to, I think each of us needs to consult with the Lord and pray that He will give us direction appropriate for our abilities, knowledge, and station in life. I addition to "fight evil", make out "homes safe from evil influences", and all the other platitudes that come so easily to mind", a review of what the Lord, ancient prophets (especially Nephi and Moroni) and latter-day prophets and apostles counseled us certainly has given me guidance and direction in trying to promote the kind of government the Lord wanted us to have and awake others to our "awful situation". If I understand correctly, a time will come when there will be an effort to restore the Constitution and oppose the secret combinations with more than platitudes. I don't think many LDS people are prepared to make much of a contribution to such an effort.

[freedomforall]

I believe there are people in government who not tied into the conspiracy detailed above in one form or another? Probably not many, but I believe freshman representative from Arizona Andy Biggs qualifies.

As to what each of us can do to, I think each of us needs to consult with the Lord and pray that He will give us direction appropriate for our abilities, knowledge, and station in life. I addition to "fight evil", make out "homes safe from evil influences", and all the other platitudes that come so easily to mind", a review of what the Lord, ancient prophets (especially Nephi and Moroni) and latter-day prophets and apostles counseled us certainly has given me guidance and direction in trying to promote the kind of government the Lord wanted us to have and awake others to our "awful situation". If I understand correctly, a time will come when there will be an effort to restore the Constitution and oppose the secret combinations with more than platitudes. I don't think many LDS people are prepared to make much of a contribution to such an effort.

From: The Weighty Matters Of The Law A Plea for the Latter-day Saints to Awaken A compilation by Mark E. Hudson 2006

President Ezra Taft Benson said the following in the April 1965 General Conference: “As important as are all other principles of the gospel, it was the freedom issue which determined whether you received a body. To have been on the wrong side of the freedom issue during the war in heaven meant eternal damnation. How then can Latter-day Saints expect to be on the wrong side in this life and escape the eternal consequences? The war in heaven is raging on earth today. The issues are the same: Shall men be compelled to do what others claim is for their best welfare or will they heed the counsel of the prophet and preserve their freedom?”

President Benson also said this in his book An Enemy Hath Done This, pg 313-317:

“Satan is anxious to neutralize the inspired counsel of the Prophet and hence keep the priesthood off balance, ineffective and inert in the fight for freedom. He does this through diverse means, including the use of perverse reasoning. For example, he will argue, “There is no need to get involved in the fight for freedom – all you need to do is live the gospel." Of course this is a contradiction, because we cannot fully live the gospel and not be involved in the fight for freedom.“

The cause of freedom is a most basic part of our religion”....

“Sometimes from behind the pulpit, in our classrooms, in our council meetings, and in our Church publications, we hear, read or witness things that do not square with the truth. This is especially true where freedom is involved. Now do not let this serve as an excuse for your own wrongdoing. The Lord is letting the wheat and the tares mature before he fully purges the Church. He is also testing you to see if you will be misled. The devil is trying to deceive the very elect.”

[freedomforall]

From: The Weighty Matters Of The Law A Plea for the Latter-day Saints to Awaken A compilation by Mark E. Hudson 2006

The Saints Support the Secret Combinations

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his October 2005 General Conference address spoke about the blessings that come from truly reading and understanding the Book of Mormon. He said:

“Why is the reading of the Book of Mormon so important to us today? It is because the major writers of the Book of Mormon fully understood that their writings were primarily for the people of a future generation rather than for the people of their own generation. Moroni wrote to our generation, “I speak unto you as if ye were present” (Morm. 8:35).

“The Book of Mormon is a voice of warning to this generation. See how vividly it describes conditions on the earth today:

....“And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness.

“President Ezra Taft Benson reaffirmed the fact that the Book of Mormon is of particular value to our time when he said:

“The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day” (“The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God,” Ensign, May 1975, 63).

“Each time we read the book we should probably ask ourselves: “Why did these writers choose these particular stories or events to include in the record? What value are they for us today?” [Note: Why are secret combinations the fourth most-mentioned topic within the pages of the Book or Mormon?]

“Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. It tells of evils and dangers of secret combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the people. It tells of the reality of Satan and gives an indication of some of the methods he uses.”

Why does Elder Perry mention secret combinations twice? Why does he also mention that the Book of Mormon teaches us “the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified” if we were fighting a justifiable war now in Iraq? There are many who rightfully question the righteousness of the current war. If you read Helaman Chapter 6: 18-22 you will be struck by the following verses. Remember that the Nephites represented members of God’s true Church:

18. ...there were many, even among the Nephites, of Gadianton's band...


21
21. But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths...
22. And thus they might commit murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God.

I don't think that these Nephites were just “useful idiots”- it seems they willfully entered into covenants and oaths with other conspirators.

Also noteworthy, a majority or "more part" of the Nephites were united with the Gadiantons.

How was that possible? Is it possible today among the Saints?

Ezra Taft Benson stated the same thing and paralleled that to our day in stating:

“Secret combinations flourished because, as Helaman tells us, the Gadianton robbers ‘had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and
partake of their spoils... even as today. ”(Helaman 6:38). (Ezra Taft Benson “The Savior’s Visit to America” May Ensign 1987. p.4.)

Now what does all of this have to do with the Latter-day Saints today? Surely the Gadiantons in this context have nothing to do with the mafia, terrorists, drug cartels or gangs which many Saints falsely interpret the secret combinations to be. The Saints typically aren’t tempted to join any of these evil groups, but they do align themselves with false governmental and political philosophies.

[freedomforall]

From: The Weighty Matters Of The Law A Plea for the Latter-day Saints to Awaken A compilation by Mark E. Hudson 2006

A Word of Warning to the Saints about Their Political Beliefs

From the statements above we know that the Saints in all times have been guilty of building up and upholding secret combinations.

How can we be assured that we are not one of them? How can we be assured that we are not deceived? How can we be assured that we aren’t one of the ones who President Clark warned about, as quoted here by Ezra Taft Benson?

“Yes, within the Church today there are tares among the wheat and wolves within the flock. As President Clark stated, ‘The ravening wolves are amongst us, from our own membership, and they, more than any others, are clothed with sheep’s clothing because they wear the habiliments of the priesthood.... We should be careful of them...”(EzraTaft Benson, “To the Humble Followers of Christ” Improvement Era June 1969. p.43.)

A great patriot of our nation, President David O. McKay, said back in the 60’s in a letter to the BYU faculty about our trend towards socialism in America and I believe it is still applicable today:

“I cannot help but think that there is a direct relationship between the present evil trends and the very marked tendency of the people of our country to pass onto the state the responsibility for their own moral and economic welfare. This trend to a welfare state in which people look to and worship government more than their God, is certain to sap the individual ambitions and moral fiber of our youth unless they are warned of the consequences. History is replete with the downfall of nations who, instead of assuming their own responsibility...mistakenly attempted to shift their individual responsibility to the government.”

Consider what the Saints overwhelmingly support politically today and compare these things with the words of our Founding Fathers and the Prophets. There is a perception among the members of the LDS Church, that in order to be a ‘good Mormon’ one should vote Republican. It is also commonly felt among the Saints that the precepts of the modern day Democratic Party platform are opposed to what we believe. However, as will be demonstrated below, there is a distinct danger to the Saints in blindly following either major party. The deception comes when the Saints believe that they are “choosing the right” when that choice all along may not be correct or righteous.

Fact: the State of Utah gives President Bush the highest job-approval rating of all of the States in America.
Fact: over 70% of the population in Utah are registered Republican.
Fact: Utah is the most “Republican” state in America.
Fact: Under Bush and the Republicans (with help from the Democrats) our nation is in more debt than ever before in our nations history – over $9 Trillion. As of 2006 the per capita national debt is over $30,000 per man, woman and child. Under Bush and the Republican led Congress more debt has been added to our national debt than under all previous Presidential administrations combined.

In 1997 Gordon B. Hinckley had this to say about our national debt:

“What a dismal station we have reached in this nation where we have borrowed and spent and failed to repay. At the close of 1994, every man, woman, and child in the United States owed as his or her part of the national debt $17,805.64. Think of it. It is a disgrace. It affects all of our monetary policies and all of our commerce. It burdens us with taxes from which there is little or no relief.”

Thomas Jefferson said:

“I deem economy to be one of the first and most important republican virtues and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.”

We have doubled our national debt since Hinckley said that, largely under supposedly “conservative” political leadership.

Fact: Due to the passage of the USA Patriot Act by politicians from both major parties and with President Bush’s signature, Americans have lost more of their God-given Constitutional liberties than ever before in our nation’s history. This legislation severely threatens the Bill of Rights but especially the 4th Amendment protections. The President alone can now determine who is a terrorist threat. Many Saints support these measures because the President and Congress claim that it is for our safety, but as President Benson quoted: “There used to be a time when the American people roared like lions for liberty, but now they bleat like sheep for security. ”We shouldn’t sacrifice liberty for safety.

President J. Reuben Clark also warned about legislation like the USA Patriot Act:

“Under [God’s] plan the only allegiance we owe as citizens...of the United States, runs to our inspired Constitution which God himself setup....This principle of allegiance to the Constitution is basic to our freedom.
“I wish to say with all the earnestness I possess ....when you see government invading any of these realms of freedom which we have under our Constitution, you will know that they are putting shackles on your liberty, and that tyranny is creeping upon you, no matter who curtails these liberties or who invades these realms, and no matter what the reason and excuse therefore may be. ”(The Improvement Era, July 1940)

Have we heeded that warning? Do we support in any way any legislation which, in its remotest effect, would endanger our God-given liberties? Tyranny is creeping upon us.

Fact: Utah gave President Bush and the Republicans the highest percentage of victory in the 2004 Presidential election out of the entire country. This was clearly a vote in support of the Un-constitutional War in Iraq and the perpetual ‘War on Terror’ in general. This also shows LDS support for the expansion of the welfare state and the attack on our liberties through legislation like the Patriot Act. In fact many Latter-day Saints come out in fervent support of our nation’s current foreign policy. Many Saints even believe that we should be spreading “democracy” through force around the world because it is “for their own good”.

While this may show good intentions, it doesn’t mesh with proper Constitutional principles. It has been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Have the Saints considered the words of our Prophets concerning proper U.S. foreign policy as well as their warnings against worshipping the false gods of war?

President Benson stated:

“There is one and only one legitimate goal of United States foreign policy. It is a narrow goal, a nationalistic goal: the preservation of our national independence. Nothing in the Constitution grants that the president shall have the privilege of offering himself as a world leader.... Nothing in the Constitution nor in logic grants to the president of the United States or Congress the power to influence the political life of other countries, to ‘uplift’ their cultures, to bolster their economies, to feed their people, or even defend them against their enemies.”(Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 614;pp.682 & 704)

And President Spencer W. Kimball stated in his 1976 talk The False Gods We Worship:

“When I review the performance of this people.....I am appalled and frightened.....We are a warlike people, easily distracted from our assignment of preparing for the coming of the Lord. When enemies rise up, we commit vast resources to the fabrication of gods of stone and steel – ships, planes, missiles, fortifications – and depend on them for protection and deliverance. When threatened, we become anti-enemy instead of pro-Kingdom of God; we train man in the art of war and call him a patriot, thus, in the manner of Satan’s counterfeit of true patriotism, perverting the Savior’s teaching: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven’.”

The scriptures are filled with verses discussing the wicked nature of offensive, pre-emptive war and the evil of “going out” to battle. (See 3 Nephi 3: 17-21, D&C 98:33, 3 Nephi 2:12, D&C 98:16-8, Mormon 3:10,14-15,etc..)

This is what President Gordon B. Hinckley said in the context of the current war in Iraq:

“War, of course, is not new. The weapons change. The ability to kill and destroy is constantly refined. But there has been conflict throughout the ages over essentially the same issues....

“Isaiah speaks further concerning that great conflict (see Isa. 14:12–20). Modern revelation gives additional light (see D&C 76:25–29), as does the book of Moses (see Moses 4:1–4), which tells of Satan’s plan to destroy the agency of man....

[Note: the War on Terror seems to be a war on our liberties more than anything.]

“We sometimes are prone to glorify the great empires of the past, such as the Ottoman Empire, the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and in more recent times, the vast British Empire. But there is a darker side to every one oft hem. There is a grim and tragic overlay of brutal conquest, of subjugation, of repression, and an astronomical cost in life and treasure...

“But modern revelation states that we are to “renounce war and proclaim peace.”(D&C 98:16).....[end of Hinckley quote]

Are we truly fighting for “a better cause” as the Book of Mormon says? Are we truly defending our own homes, lives, families and liberties over in Iraq? Did Iraq attack America? In the Book of Mormon the righteous Nephites never “went out” to battle but only fought to defend the borders of their own lands. When the Nephites did venture out in offensive war they were always defeated.

Fact: Under President Bush and the Republicans the federal government and taxpayer funded welfare entitlements have grown more than at any other time in our nation’s history. Far more people are dependent upon the Government for some benefit than at any other time in our history.
Fact: The National Republican Party Platform from 2004 says the following:

“Republicans applaud President Bush for launching groundbreaking efforts to address the needs and hopes of the world’s poor, cutting across traditional boundaries to focus on what works....

“Republicans believe that a world where some live in comfort and plenty, while half of the human race lives on less than $2 a day, is neither just nor stable. We applaud President Bush and the Republican Congress for their leadership and moral clarity in making the inclusion of all of the world’s poor in an expanding circle of development –and opportunity – one of the top priorities of U.S. international policy....

“Decades of massive development assistance have failed to spur economic growth in the poorest countries....

“Where governments have implemented real policy changes, we will provide significant new levels of assistance. The United States and other developed countries should set an ambitious and specific target: to double the size of the world’s poorest economies within a decade.” [end of excerpt from Republican Platform]

Contrast those words with the words of our Prophets. Again, remember these words uttered by a Prophet of God:

“Nothing in the Constitution nor in logic grants to the president of the United States or Congress the power to influence the political life of other countries, to ‘uplift’ their cultures, to bolster their economies, to feed their people, or even defend them against their enemies.”(Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 614; pp. 682 & 704)

I also highly encourage you to locate Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ entire talk from October 2003 General Conference entitled Repentance and Change to see where the Lord stands on government entitlements and programs established to bring equality to the people. Here is just part of what he said:

“The traditions or culture or way of life of a people inevitably include some practices that must be changed by those who wish to qualify for God’s choicest blessings....

“In these examples I am not contrasting the culture or traditions of one part of the world with another. I am contrasting the Lord’s way with the world’s way—the culture of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the culture or traditions of every nation or people....

“There is a unique gospel culture, a set of values and expectations and practices common to all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This gospel way of life comes from the plan of salvation, the commandments of God, and the teachings of the living prophets. It is given expression in the way we raise our families and live our individual lives.... This requires us to make some changes from our family culture, our ethnic culture, or our national culture. We must change all elements of our behavior that are in conflict with gospel commandments, covenants, and culture....

“The gospel plan is based on individual responsibility.... This requirement of individual responsibility, which has many expressions in our doctrine, is in sharp contrast to Satan’s plan to “redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost .” (Moses 4:1). The plan of the Father and the Savior is based on individual choice and individual effort.

“...We live in a world where there are large differences in income and material possessions and where there are many public and private efforts to narrow these differences. The followers of the Savior are commanded to give to the poor, and many do. But some gifts have promoted a culture of dependency, reducing their recipients’ need for earthly food or shelter but impoverishing them in their eternal need for individual growth. The growth required by the gospel plan only occurs in a culture of individual effort and responsibility. It cannot occur in a culture of dependency. Whatever causes us to be dependent on someone else for decisions or resources we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and retards our growth toward what the gospel plan intends us to be.” [End of Dallin H. Oaks’ quote]

Also consider this statement from President Ezra Taft Benson:

"When government presumes to demand more and more of the fruits of men's labor through taxation, and reduces more and more its actual income by printing money and furthering debt, the wage earner is left with less and less to buy food, to provide housing, medical care, education, and private welfare. Individuals are then left without a choice, and must look to the state as benevolent supporter. When that happens, liberty is gone!"

Are we, through our votes or our party loyalty, supporting candidates who support “the culture of dependency” or socialism? Have we supported the taking away of our freedoms in exchange for safety? Are we failing the test?

This is what Heber. C Kimball said of the Saints:

"Yes, we think we are secure here in the chambers of these everlasting hills . . .but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy against the people of God. Then is the time to look out for The great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall. For I say unto you there is a test, a Test, a TEST coming."
(Heber C. Kimball, 1856. Quoted by J. Golden Kimball, Conf. Report, Oct 1930,pp. 59-60.)

[freedomforall]

From: The Weighty Matters Of The Law A Plea for the Latter-day Saints to Awaken A compilation by Mark E. Hudson 2006

The Saints Can Be Deceived

The Latter-day Prophets and Apostles are constantly preaching “the milk” of the gospel, even to life-long members of the Church. “Pay your tithing”, “do your home teaching”, “go to the Temple”, “love your neighbors”, “provide for and nurture your family”, “have Family Home Evening every Monday”, “read your scriptures”, etc., are all common themes and are all very important to not leave undone. While some may get tired of hearing it, it must be needed. If the Saints cannot live the basics of the gospel and stay away from pornography, gambling, worldliness, greed, abuse and violence on their own accord, then the Prophets musts pend their time on these very basic evils and constantly warn the Saints against them. This also means that they are not able to preach about the real “meat” of the gospel and the weighty matters of the kingdom. However, I will make the case that our leaders really are speaking of “the meat” to those who have ears to hear.

There are many wonderful and faithful Latter-day Saints who are doing many of the basic, righteous things of the gospel and yet are still deceived or “blinded by the craftiness of men”. How? It is very important to be obedient to the basics of the gospel as mentioned above. Without obedience to the“milk”of the gospel we will never have the Holy Ghost with us long enough to see clearly and not be deceived nor to ultimately get the “meat”.

We know from the scriptures that even the very elect will be deceived. Consider Joseph Smith Translation of Mathew 1:22:22

For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect....

Also in Doctrine and Covenants section 76 the Lord warns that many good men of the earth will go to the Terrestrial Kingdom because they were deceived:

71 And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn.....
75 These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.

Is it not possible for Latter-day Saints to be included in this definition of those who were “blinded by the craftiness of men” and hence will inherit the terrestrial kingdom because of it?President Benson apparently thought this could be the case when he stated:

“The Lord said that “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”(Luke 16:8) [From Benson’s Civic Standards For The Faithful Saints talk]“

President Marion G Romney also stated in a talk... ‘There is no guarantee that the devil will not deceive a lot of men who hold the priesthood.’”[From Benson’s Be Not Deceived talk in General Conference from the early 60s]

What are they talking about? Can the saints be deceived by pornography, immodesty, alcoholism, gambling, etc.? No! The Saints absolutely know that these things are wrong! Consider the very beginning, even the War in Heaven. What was it fought over?

[kittycat51]

Freedom THANK YOU! (Oh where oh where has that thank button gone? O where O where can it be?)

Great posts. :ymapplause: