ftp.xmission.com/2014.06.ftp.xmission.com.tar/ftp.xmission.com/pub/lists/gdm/archive/gdm.200002

Internet Message Format | 2000-02-28 | 52KB

From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Proposition 22
Date: 06 Feb 2000 13:53:03 -0700

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, February 6, 2000

Mormon Church: The Powerful Force Behind Proposition 22

DON LATTIN

Politics does make strange bedfellows, especially when you add sex,
religion and a little historical perspective.

One of the delicious ironies of the current political campaign concerns
the role of the Mormon church in the California Defense of Marriage
crusade, also known as the "Knight Initiative.'' Proposition 22 states, in
its entirely, that "only marriage between a man and woman is valid or
recognized in California.'' It is on the March 7 ballot as a rear-guard
action against persistent attempts to legitimize same-sex marriage in
church and state.

If one takes a somewhat longer view, the most notorious sexual outlaws in
American history are not today's gay rights' crusaders, but the founding
fathers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or the Mormon
church.

Joseph Smith Jr., the original Mormon prophet, was fomenting a radical
revolution in American religion and sexuality when he was imprisoned in an
Illinois jail and assassinated by a mob in the summer of 1844.  He was
also running for president and controlled an armed militia of
approximately 3,500 men.

During his lifetime, Smith publicly denied allegations of widespread
polygamy in his sect.  Today, it's widely acknowledged that Smith took at
least 28 wives, including the spouses and teenage daughters of his Mormon
brethren.  His successor, Brigham Young, brought the persecuted polygamous
sect to the Utah wilderness and for decades continued the practice of
"plural marriage'' in open defiance of Congress.  Officially, the church
ended the practice of polygamy in 1890, as a condition to get Utah
admitted to the union as a state.

-------------------
[Commentary, it is interesting that this article takes what mormons would
consider a negative slat, but ironically accepts the churches whitewashed
and false version of history that sanctioned polygamy ended in 1890!

See a new web page added by permission:

http://www.xmission.com/~plporter/lds/postman.htm

That deals extensively with post 1890 polygamy]
-------------------

"The rest of the country's reaction against polygamy rose to a crescendo
of near hysteria,'' writes Richard and Joan Ostling in their new book,
"Mormon America.'' "This was the Victorian age, the era when the
monogamous family became enshrined as the bulwark of civilization.'' What
a difference a century makes.

-------------------
[Commentary, compare the churches current stand with that of a century
ago:

http://www.xmission.com/~plporter/lds/required.htm

Was Mormon Plural Marriage a requirement for Exaltation in the Celestial
Kingdom?]
-------------------

Today, the current "president, prophet, seer and revelator'' of the Mormon
church has put the full force of his office behind the California Defense
of Marriage Act, declaring the "traditional family'' to be "the
fundamental unit of society.''  Three Sundays ago, on January 16, a
statement from church president Gordon Hinckley was read in every
Latter-day Saint congregation in the state, urging more than 750,000
California Mormons to "redouble their efforts'' to pass Prop. 22.

-------------------
[Commentary: from Joseph F. Smith, July 7, 1878

The marriage of one woman to a man for time and eternity by the sealing
power, according to the will of God, is a fulfillment of the celestial law
of marriage in part--and is good so far as it goes--and so far as a man
abides these conditions of the law, he will receive his reward therefor,
and this reward, or blessing, he could not obtain on any other grounds or
conditions. But this is only the beginning of the law, not the whole of
it. Therefore, whoever has imagined that he could obtain the fullness of
the blessings pertaining to this celestial law, by complying with only a
portion of its conditions, has deceived himself. He cannot do it.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.20, p.28 - p.29, Joseph F. Smith, July 7, 1878]
-------------------

"You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some
quarters may not be politically correct, but which nevertheless lies at
the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children,'' Hinckley told the
flock.

-------------------
[Commentary; Is President Hinkley really saying that the marriage of ONE
man to ONE women, lies at the heart of the Lords ETERNAL plan for His
children?

Apparently eternal is a time span of less than 100 years:

This is our position, this is where we are to-day (sp). We have accepted
this doctrine, this principle of faith from the Lord Jesus Christ, and we,
or some of us, have lived it more than thirty years in this Territory. And
in the matter of our appeal, inasmuch as the government is determined to
eradicate this item of our faith, and us with it, of course, and inasmuch
as we can get no redress therefrom, our appeal must be to the government
of heaven, to which we have vowed allegiance. Jehovah will hold a
contention with this nation, and will show them which is the higher and
eternal law, and which is the lesser and more recent law. While they are
carrying on this high-handed proceeding, regardless of life, liberty, or
the pursuit of happiness, the God of heaven and earth will notify the
earthly government that the rights and liberties of His citizens must be
respected and maintained.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.20, p.315, Franklin D. Richards, October 6,
1879]
-------------------

Earlier pleas for individual Mormons to write checks to the Prop. 22
campaign appear to be paying off.  As of December 31, the Defense of
Marriage forces had raised $4.8 million from 15,800 donors, about twice as
much as the "No on Knight'' campaign had collected.


In previous campaigns against same-sex marriage in Alaska and Hawaii, the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has publicly and collectively
contributed as a major financial supporter to those efforts.  In
California, the emphasis on individual, private Mormon donations makes it
hard to trace where the money comes from, but some estimate that half the
Prop. 22 money may be from members of the Mormon church.

Larger churches, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern
Baptist Convention, are also putting their financial resources and moral
authority behind Prop. 22.  On the other side of the campaign, individual
bishops and regional units of more liberal denominations, such as the
Episcopal and the United Methodist churches, have joined with gay rights
groups to fight the Knight Initiative.

But the church to watch in the Prop. 22 crusade is the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Mormon church leaders call their shots, and
they haven't gotten this politically involved since their holy war against
the feminist Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s.

They have the cash.  According to the Ostlings' impressive study, the
Mormons are by far the richest religion per capita in the United States,
with more than $25 billion in assets and $5 billion in annual church
income.

But perhaps more importantly, they have the commitment.  While they've
rapidly become a major world faith with more than 10 million members, the
Latter-day Saints retain the intensity and dedication of a new religious
movement.  When their prophet speaks, their people listen.

-------------------
[Commentary;  Statements to ponder, from then vs now.]

I heard the revelation on polygamy, and I believe it with all my heart,
and I know it is from God -- ... 'Do you think that we shall ever be
admitted as a State into the Union without DENYING the principle of
POLYGAMY?' IF WE ARE NOT ADMITTED UNTIL THEN, WE SHALL NEVER BE ADMITTED."

Deseret News, October 10, 1866

---------------

In the Latter Day Saints Millennial Star the following was printed:

Shortly before the revelation known as the manifesto (which put a stop to
the practice of polygamy) was given, Lorenzo Snow, who later became
President of the Mormon Church, was declaring that no such revelation
would ever come. When Lorenzo Snow was on trial for practicing polygamy,
Mr. Bierbower (the prosecuting attorney) predicted that if he was
convicted, 'a new revelation would soon follow, changing the divine law of
celestial marriage.' To this Mr. Snow replied: "Whatever fame Mr.
Bierbower may have secured as a lawyer, he certainly will FAIL AS A
PROPHET. The severest prosecutions have never been followed by REVELATIONS
CHANGING A DIVINE LAW, obedience to which brought imprisonment or
martyrdom.

Though I go to prison, GOD WILL NOT CHANGE HIS LAW OF CELESTIAL MARRIAGE.
But the man, the people, the nation, that oppose and fight against this
doctrine and the Church of God, WILL BE OVERTHROWN.

Historical Record, page 144

When did I ever teach anything wrong from this stand? When was I ever
confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence and am no
more seen. I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the
revelations which I have taught. Must I, then, be thrown away as a thing
of naught?

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843 44, p.368 (At the
Stand, May 12, 1844, Nauvoo, Ill.) HC 6:366

[Note that he is complaining that the saints were not obeying him or
believing him to his satisfaction. What doctrine was it Joseph was
advocating that was being resisted, yet one which he could not name
publicly?]
I bear my testimony that it is a necessity, and that the Church of Christ
in its fullness never existed without it. Where you have the eternity of
marriage you are bound to have plural marriage; bound to; and it is one of
the marks of the Church of Jesus Christ in its sealing ordinances.
"Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven." We know how sensitive the
Prophet Joseph was to introduce this principle. He knew the feeling that
was against it. It had been taught from the days of heathen Rome down to
the present time that a man should have but one wife, which has resulted
in the prostitution of many of the fair daughters of Eve as mistresses.
Here we have too much love for women to see them trampled in the dust.
Here we have too much respect for unborn spirits to have them come into
the world branded as bastards, illegitimate, in shame, without knowing
their fathers. The children we have are legitimate. They are our own. We
honor them and our wives. Our children are given unto us of God, for our
wives are given to us of God. We never should have thought of practicing
this principle if God had not revealed it from the heavens and commanded
it, and we must stand by it and by every principle that He has revealed.
It is more than I dare, to go back on that principle or any other
principle; and I have besought the Lord with all my heart that He would
give me strength according to my day that I might never fail in my
integrity, but that I might stand firm as the pillars of heaven to the
truths that He has revealed for the redemption of the human family.
...
That God may give us grace to stand true and faithful to our covenants,
and endure to the end, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.25, p.19 - p.22, George Teasdale, January 13th,
1884

--------------------------
Any man who has travelled (sp) with President Young knows he is a prophet
of God. He has foretold a great many things that have come to pass. All
the Saints who are well acquainted with him know that he is governed and
controlled by the power of God and the revelations of Jesus Christ. His
works are before the world; they are before the heavens; before the earth;
before the wicked as well as the righteous; and it is the influence of
President Young that the world is opposed to. This Priesthood, these keys
of the kingdom of God that have been sealed upon him, the world is at war
against; let them say what they may, these things are what they are at
enmity with. Their present objection to the Latter-day Saints, they say,
is plurality of wives. It is this principle they are trying to raise a
persecution against now. But how was it in Missouri, Kirtland, Jackson
county, Far West, Caldwell county, in all our drivings (sp) and
afflictions, before this principle was revealed to the Church? Certainly
it was not polygamy then. No, it was prophets, it was revelation, it was
the organization of an institution founded by revelation from God. They
did not believe in that, and that was the objection in those days. If we
were to do away with polygamy, it would only be one feather in the bird,
one ordinance in the Church and kingdom. Do away with that, then we must
do away with prophets and Apostles, with revelation and the gifts and
graces of the Gospel, and finally give up our religion altogether and turn
sectarians and do as the world does, then all would be right. We just
can't do that, for God has commanded us to build up His kingdom and to
bear our testimony to the nations of the earth, and we are going to do it,
come life or come death. He has told us to do thus, and we shall obey Him
in days to come as we have in days past.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.13, p.165 - p.166, Wilford Woodruff, December
12, 1869

---------------------

[Once again President Hinkley words to compare with what was once
considered eternal.]

Three Sundays ago, on January 16, a statement from church president Gordon
Hinckley was read in every Latter-day Saint congregation in the state,
urging more than 750,000 California Mormons to "redouble their efforts''
to pass Prop. 22.

"You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some
quarters may not be politically correct, but which nevertheless lies at
the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children,''

[How can the preventing of the legalization of plural marriage, be part of
the Lord's eternal plan for His children?

4 months before the press release:
-------------------
1890 June 12, Apostle Abraham H. Cannon noted in his diary that Wilford
"showed me a paper which Secretary of State Blaine had prepared for the
leading authorities of the Church to sign in which they make a virtual
renunciation of plural marriage." Cannon found that his "feelings
revolt[ed] at signing such a document." Others apparently felt the same
way and the document was not endorsed by church leaders.

(Van Wagoner, p. 140.)

Our ancestors must be turning over in their graves, when they have to
listen to the statements of President Hinkley!  Hinkley apparently has
little reverence for the sacrifices that our forefathers gave and went to
prison for.  Hinkley seems determined to see that the possibility of
plural marriage is NEVER going to be possible and a return to plural
marriage, is not a high enough principle to outweigh the public relations
problems that it may cause!

How can anyone sustain as a prophet, someone that does not sustain his
predecessors?


Perry     <[e-mail]>    http://pobox.com/~plporter

-



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Mime-Version: 1.0
Date: 15 Feb 2000 22:25:31 -0700

MORMON COUPLE IN CALIF PLACE ON PROBATION BY THEIR BISHOP DUE TO
OPPOSITION TO PROP 22

This a Tracy Press article from Tracy, California. At the heading it
includes some clarifications by Alan. Because of their opposition to Prop.
22, Yvette and Alan Hansen's bishop has placed both of them on informal
probation.

*********************************************

While the article is nearly accurate, I deny some of the statements the
reporter said I made. The 3rd paragraph says we have encountered nothing
but backlash, but that is not true. In addition to the backlash, we have
encountered a tremendous amount of support for our position from Mormons
and non-Mormons here in quiet little Tracy, and we are befuddled as to the
reporters reasons for not reporting it that way. There are other mistakes
too...but I won't waste your time mentioning them here.

Alan Hansen

*****************************************

    (Sorry, I don't have a date of Publication) (Headline) Tracy Couple Takes
Heat for Their Views TRACY PRESS Tracy California Main telephone: (209)
835-3030 Toll-free in California: [phone] Circulation: (209)
833-1125 Fax: [phone], Advertising fax: [phone] W. 10th St.
P.O. Box 419 Tracy, CA 95378-0419

Proposition 22, the ballot initiative that would authorize the state to
recognize only marriage between a man and a woman as legal, may be the
measure on the March ballot with the most potential to polarize voters.

For two Tracy residents, the price of taking an unpopular stance on the
measure is clear.

Yvette and Alan Hansen say they have encountered nothing but backlash for
having one of the few yards in town with a "No on prop. 22" sign.

They say disturbing phone calls to their home started as soon as their
letters to the editor were published. They wrote, espousing their beliefs
that the proposition is anti-family, because it may prevent children who
live with gay couples from receiving the same benefits as children of
heterosexual couples.

"We cannot keep quiet about something that would hurt even one child, and
this will hurt many," Yvette Hansen said.

But as long time members of The Church of Latter-day Saints, the Hansens
say they have been exhorted to support the campaign in favor of the
initiative or stay quiet.

Since they publicized their opposition to the measure, they said they've
received disturbing phone calls at home.

"Just when I think the worst is over, another call comes," Yvette Hansen
said.

She said some callers have accused both her and her husband of being gay.

"We're not gay," she said. "Look at us."

Yvette, who is a home-schooler, and Alan, who commutes to his job in San
Jose, have 2 young children and a foster daughter they plan to adopt.

"I'm not a proponent of homosexuality; I don't think one way or another
about it," he said. "I just think proposition 22 creates a lot of
problems, and doesn't solve any."

If approved, the measure would declare that "Only marriage between a man
and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

The measure is aimed a pre-empting recognition of same-sex marriages
should they become legally binding in other states.

The latest polls show that 52% of voters favor the proposition, 39% oppose
it, and 9% are undecided.

The Hansens recently were placed on informal probation by the bishop of
their church, Brian Robbins.

The difference between informal and formal probation, they said, is that
formal probation requires a disciplinary meeting, whereas informal
probation may be doled out at the discretion of the Mormon bishop. While
on probation, they can not hold a position in the church, serve in the
church, or offer prayers during worship.

The disciplinary action was stinging to the couple.

"We're bitterly disappointed," Alan Hansen said. "We just want the church
to remember its congregation is vast and varied and (the church) should
practice compassion."

Rex Brown, President of the Manteca Stake, which is made up of eleven
wards, including the Tracy one, said that while the church has a
confidentiality policy that prohibits officials from discussing the
Hansens' specific situation, the issue appears to have less to do with
Proposition 22 and more to do with publicly opposing the church.

"Any organization would be against a member publicly announcing opposition
to the organization," Brown said.

"You would rather have the individual address their opposition privately,"
he added.

The Hansens said they previously told their bishop they were not
comfortable with politics being discussed in church, and even left during
services where Proposition 22 was addressed.

"It's dangerous to mix church and politics," Alan Hansen said.

Though the couple admits they knew their stance against Proposition 22
would be unpopular, they said they didn't expect reactions to be so
severe.

"The church told members that we don't have to vote "yes," Alan said.
"Well, that means I can vote "no," and I can talk about my reasons."

=======================

According to the church handbook of instruction

------------

Confidentiality
Bishops, stake presidents, and counselors in a stake presidency have a
solemn duty to keep confidential all information that members give them in
confessions and interviews.

------------

[Commentary; They wrote a letter to the editor, they didn't ask for church
welfare or confess to watching an R rated movie!!!!

Hiding behind confidentiality, what PR Bunk!]


>"Any organization would be against a member publicly announcing
opposition >to the organization," Brown said.

[This vote, is in a government process, not a sustaining of membership in
the ward.]


------------------

Tax-Exempt Status

The Church normally is exempt from paying sales, property, income, and
other taxes because it is a religious organization. Church buildings and
other property are to be used for the purposes of worship, religious
instruction, and other Church-related activities. Facilities are not to be
used for political, business, or investment purposes as outlined on pages
153-54. To do so violates laws that permit tax exemption of Church
property.

----------------

Political and Civic Activity
The Church is politically neutral. It does not endorse political parties,
platforms, or candidates. Candidates should not imply that they are
endorsed by the Church or its leaders. Church leaders and members should
avoid any statements or conduct that might be interpreted as Church
endorsement of political parties or candidates.
Church records, directories, and similar materials may not be used for
political purposes. Church facilities may not be used for political
purposes except for voter registration or polling where there is no
reasonable alternative (see page 154).

As citizens of their countries and communities, Church members are urged
to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs,
including involvement in the political party of their choice.
Members should study political issues and candidates carefully and vote
for individuals whom they believe will act with integrity and in ways
conducive to good communities and good government. Members of the Church
are under special obligation to seek out and uphold leaders who are
honest, good, and wise (see D&C 98:10).

Church members are urged to be willing to serve in elected and appointed
public offices in local and national government.
Members should do their civic duty by supporting measures that strengthen
society morally, economically, and culturally. Members are urged to be
actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make
them wholesome places in which to live and rear families. However, members
should not give the impression that they represent the Church as they work
for solutions to city or community problems.

=================

7. Holding political meetings or campaigns. As an exception, where there
is no reasonable alternative, Church facilities may be used for voter
registration and as polling places at the request of voting officials if
the officials and voters maintain Church standards in the building. For
example, the voting officials should post "No Smoking" signs and enforce
this restriction.

====================
Every officer as well as member of the Church is entirely free as to
political opinion and action, and may resign any position that is in
restraint of perfect liberty.

James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.4, p.80

==================

On most issues and in most elections, the Church has remained neutral,
admonishing its members to study the issues and vote according to their
conscience. A member of the First Presidency said in 1951:
The Church, while reserving the right to advocate principles of good
government underlying equity, justice, and liberty, the political
integrity of officials, and the active participation of its members, and
the fulfillment of their obligations in civic affairs, exercises no
constraint on the freedom of individuals to make their own choices and
affiliationsà. Any man who makes representation to the contrary does so
without authority and justification in fact [Richards, p. 878].

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3, POLITICS

====================

Church members are enjoined by scripture and their prophets to be good
citizens, to vote according to their conscience during elections, and to
participate in the political process. To limit such participation to
Latter-day Saints are enjoined by God to be knowledgeable about "things
abroad." To be peacemakers they must be knowledgeable about "wars and the
perplexities of nations." They are likewise enjoined by scripture to be
"anxiously engaged" in the cause of peace. Our constitutional system
requires citizen participation in all its affairs, including foreign
relations, if the promises of both the founding fathers and the scriptures
are to be fulfilled. The proper concern of Latter-day Saints is therefore
not that the debate end but that all participate and exercise their
capacity as wise moral agents, "free to choose for themselves."

Peter L. Myer; BYU Studies Vol. 25, No. 1, pg.74

=======================

They should not interfere or undertake to shape our views in regard to
religion.  Therefore, do not allow yourselves to enter into politics so
deeply that it will lead you from the path of duty as good Latter-day
Saints, as good Christians, for I contend that the Latter-day Saints are
the only good and true Christians, that I know anything about in the
world.  There are a good many people who profess to be Christians, but
they are not founded on the foundation that Jesus Christ himself has laid.
 The Latter-day Saints have not only received the form of Godliness but
the power of God unto life and salvation if they will only live it.  May
the Lord bless us, and if I have said anything wrong in regard to politics
I hope the Latter-day Saints will forgive it.  All I wish to express is
that I believe it necessary for us to divide in politics for self
protection and that is just as wise and prudent for us to do so from this
time forth as it was for us in years that are past to combine in an object
to defend ourselves from our enemies in Utah.  And, therefore, that we
have just as good right to be Democrats as to be Republicans, and just as
good right to be Republicans as to be Democrats and allow every man to
choose whatever political party he may wish to join and let no man who
holds the priesthood say he has got to be sold.  Let men have their own
choice to be Democrats or Republicans to suit themselves; and I believe
there are lots of Latter Day Saints who are good Republicans.

Collected Discourses, Vol.2, Joseph F. Smith, November 2, 1891

=================

The Mormons in Kirtland, Ohio, like the saints in other Mormon centers
during the formative years, were involved in politics. The Latter-day
Saints in Ohio were neither recluses waiting for the millennium nor
passivists ignoring political and social problems. Active Mormon political
participation commenced in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, as early as
1834. There the saints, who had strong political beliefs, enthusiastically
expressed their views to the public and actively supported candidates of
their choice. Some of these activities added to their trouble.

Max H. Parkin, BYU Studies, Vol. 9, No. 4, p.484

=======================

He noted that church members belong to the political party of their own
choice, and should use wise judgment in their selection of officials.

He urged those affected to attend political mass meetings of their own
party to see that they had a free voice.

"Every Latter-day Saint should sustain, honor and obey the constitutional
law of the land in which he lives," said President Kimball.

The Church News, Conference Issues 1970-1987, p.4

=============

There is another reason why I am pleased with this opportunity of speaking
to you--I trust the fact of my doing so will be an evidence to you and all
who may hear of it, that Democratic Mormons no less than their Republican
brethren are free to affiliate with the political party of their choice,
and give full and free expression to their honest convictions.  The
peculiar circumstances existing in this territory must both excuse and
justify this remark.  It has been charged that in this territory there has
been a union of church and state--that the dominant church has dictated in
political affairs.  There has been some seeming upon which to base the
charge, perhaps; arising from the fact that since the dominant church here
in Utah was attacked by a local political party, there was nothing left
for the members of that church to do but to band together for
self-protection, and defend themselves as best they could.  But it is only
fair to say that the church charged with dictating in political affairs
has stoutly denied the charge; and almost from the beginning of its
existence has declared that it was not "just to mingle religious influence
with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered, and
another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights
of its members as citizens, denied" (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 134).
 In December, 1889, the charge that the Mormon church claimed the right to
dictate its members in their political affiliations and actions being
renewed, the first presidency of the church and the twelve apostles over
their signatures said:

This church, while offering advice for the welfare of its members in all
conditions of life, does not claim or exercise the right to interfere with
citizens in the free exercise of social or political rights and
privileges.

Further on in the same manifesto they say:

Church government and civil government are distinct and separate in our
theory and practice, and we regard it as our destiny to aid in the
maintenance and perpetuity of the institutions of our country.

Language cannot be more explicit than this

Collected Discourses, Vol.3, B. H. Roberts, October 5, 1892
================

There are differing views among Church members concerning how to put these
principles into practice. From one view, government intervention ought to
be minimal in order to encourage volunteerism, freedom of choice, and
individual responsibility. Others believe governments should pursue a wide
range of collective purposes and promote shared values. There are also
differences concerning the role of religious ideas in political discourse.
Some believe, much like those in other churches who have not hesitated to
mix politics and religion in issues such as civil rights, abortion, and
environmental pollution (see Earth), that religious principles having
corresponding secular purposes should be part of public debate and be
enacted into law if they can gain sufficient support in the political
system. Others favor a more distinct separation between religious belief
and public discourse, where public debate is limited to issues and values
that can be defended on "rational" grounds, so that religious beliefs do
not influence the making of laws (see Politics: Political Culture).

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3, POLITICS

Brigham Young stated clearly the LDS commitment to a broad conception of
collective effort in working toward a vision of a celestial community,
while expressing ambivalence about earthly politics: "As for politics, we
care nothing about them one way or the other, although we are a political
people. It is the Kingdom of God or nothing with us"

(Millennial Star 31 [1869]:573).

=======================

The early settlement of Utah by the Latter-day Saints or "Mormons" was the
result of persecution and hostility to their religion. The Church leaders
were the Pioneers in this colonization. They directed the movement and the
work of founding and building cities and industries, for the formation of
a new commonwealth. When the Territory was organized by Congress they were
placed in public office as the logical and fitting incumbents. The
President of the Church, the leading pioneer, was appointed Governor by
the President and Senate of the United States. Other prominent Church
leaders received civil appointments, and the most active Church officials,
being engaged also in promoting secular improvements, were elected to
territorial and civil positions. This condition of affairs fostered the
notion that "Mormonism" united church and state. The unanimity that
prevailed in the choice of these public servants while the people of Utah
were practically of one faith and party, further favored the impression
abroad that they voted as they were required by the Church. But the
ecclesiastical and political systems were kept distinct, and their affairs
were separately conducted and maintained.

James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.4, p.80

It does not follow, because a man who is elected to a national, state or
municipal office is also a minister of religion, that a union is formed
between church and state. And if there is anything of that nature in the
case of an ecclesiast in one of the orthodox churches holding a political
office, it is different with the officials of the "Mormon" Church, who, as
a rule, follow secular pursuits for their livelihood and engage in
business like other citizens. They do not form a separate class even among
their coreligionists, but the Priesthood of the "Mormon" Church is held by
the large majority of its male members. And the Church exacts no special
duty from any person who is elected to a political office nor imposes upon
him any requirements that conflict with those of his secular oath or
obligation. It interposes nothing between him and his full fidelity to the
government which he is elected to serve.

James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.4, p.81
=====================

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 use the political party of his choice to express his evaluation of
important issues. 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, studying
political issues, appraising the voting records and proposed programs,
writing to members of Congress, promoting good men in public office, and
scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies to see that the will of
the people is carried out. He should not wait for the Lord's servants to
give instruction for every detail once they have announced the direction
in which the priesthood should go. Each member should exercise prayerful
judgment and then act. (Title of Liberty, p. 192.)

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.685-686

=============================


Perry     <[e-mail]>    http://pobox.com/~plporter

-



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Are you busy?
Date: 28 Feb 2000 23:12:48 -0700

This is circulating the Mormon internet!

=====================

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil
angels, he said, "We can't keep the Latter Day Saints from going to
church. We can't keep them from reading their Scriptures and knowing the
truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate, abiding
relationship experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with
Jesus, our power over them is broken.

So let them go to their churches, let them have their conservative
lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that relationship
with Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them
from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection
throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" shouted his angels. "Keep them busy in the
non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their
minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow,
borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the
husbands to work 6 - 7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford
their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children.
As their family fragments, soon, their home will offer no escape from the
pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they
drive.

To keep the TV, VCR CDs and their PCs going constantly in their homes. And
see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-uplifting
music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with
Christ."

"Fill the coffee table with magazines and newspapers.

Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving
moments with billboards.  Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order
catalogues, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional
offering free products,services, and false hopes. Keep skinny, beautiful
models on the magazines so the husbands will believe that external beauty
is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. Ha!
That will fragment those families quickly!"

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from
their recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming
week.  Make it socially attractive for their children to be in every
sports league, even those that play or practice on the Sabbath.

Don't let them go out in nature to reflect on God's wonders. Send them to
amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies instead. Keep them
busy, busy, busy!! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve
them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences
and unsettled emotion."

"Go ahead, let them be involved in soul winning. But crowd their lives
with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon
they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and
family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work!" It was
quite a convention. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments
causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy and to rush here and
there.

I guess the question is: has Satan been successful at his scheme? You be
the judge! Friends, this message was sent to me by someone who cares and I
thought I could share it with you: B - Being U - Under S - Satan's Y -
Yoke

Are you busy?
Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil
angels, he said, "We can't keep the Latter Day Saints from going to
church. We can't keep them from reading their Scriptures and knowing the
truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate, abiding
relationship experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with
Jesus, our power over them is broken.

So let them go to their churches, let them have their conservative
lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that relationship
with Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them
from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection
throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" shouted his angels. "Keep them busy in the
non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their
minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow,
borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the
husbands to work 6 - 7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford
their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children.
As their family fragments, soon, their home will offer no escape from the
pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they
drive.

To keep the TV, VCR CDs and their PCs going constantly in their homes. And
see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-uplifting
music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with
Christ."

"Fill the coffee table with magazines and newspapers.

Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving
moments with billboards.  Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order
catalogues, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional
offering free products,services, and false hopes. Keep skinny, beautiful
models on the magazines so the husbands will believe that external beauty
is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. Ha!
That will fragment those families quickly!"

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from
their recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming
week.  Make it socially attractive for their children to be in every
sports league, even those that play or practice on the Sabbath.

Don't let them go out in nature to reflect on God's wonders. Send them to
amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies instead. Keep them
busy, busy, busy!! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve
them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences
and unsettled emotion."

"Go ahead, let them be involved in soul winning. But crowd their lives
with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon
they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and
family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work!" It was
quite a convention. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments
causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy and to rush here and
there.

I guess the question is: has Satan been successful at his scheme? You be
the judge! Friends, this message was sent to me by someone who cares and I
thought I could share it with you: B - Being U - Under S - Satan's Y -
Yoke

Are you busy?

===================
[Commentary, while the following, are arguably sightly out of context,
they are no more out of context than the assertions made above!  Spelling
also corrected in the above.]

========================

The establishment of various industries has opened new avenues for the
employment of both young and old, and there need be no unemployed among
us. If we can only keep busy, and retain the Spirit of the Lord, we will
be able to maintain our standing as the people of God.

Abraham O. Woodruff, Conference Report, October 1903, p.23

=======================
It is necessary that we keep busy at it all the time. If we do not, we
will fall short of those blessings that we desire to enjoy.

John W. Hart, Conference Report, April 1908, p.63

=================

It is a fine thing for one to keep busy, at least, it is a fine thing for
me. Work is a great blessing. Someone has said that even a mule can't kick
while he's pulling.

Thomas E. McKay, Conference Report, October 1946, p.16

===================

Children love and honor parents.

Keep busy.

Be considerate of others and be unselfish.

John Longden, Conference Report, April 1963, p.24

===================
He and Sister Stapley are the parents of one son and two daughters. Elder
Stapley has had for his life's motto: "I will do anything to keep busy in
the Church."

Brother Stapley will now speak to us.

Delbert L. Stapley, BYU Speeches, May 5, 1964, p. 2

======================

I think of another of my mother's teachings: "An idle brain is the devil's
workshop." (English proverb.) We know it is not when we are busy that we
get into trouble.

Herndon said: "Satan selects his disciples when they are idle; Jesus
selected his when they were busy at their work either mending their nets
or casting them into the sea."
...
Satan selects his disciples when they are idle. Jesus selected His when
they were busy at their work, either mending their nets or casting them
into the sea.

John Longden, Conference Report, April 1966, p.39

===================
Susa (Susan, Susannah) Gates was born on March 18, 1856, in Salt Lake
City. A writer, publisher, advocate for women's achievements, educator,
missionary, genealogist, temple worker, wife, and mother of thirteen
children, she was fond of saying, "Keep busy in the face of
discouragement" (Person, p. 208).

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2, GATES, SUSA YOUNG

=====================

Why do I keep talking these things over?  Because I want you to understand
them and get the Spirit of God, and let its peaceable influence be upon
you; then you will know the spirit of men and things.  Read the Bible, the
Book of Mormon, and every other good book, and keep busy at some good
thing or other, and stop your quarrelling.  There is a great deal of
quarrelling in the houses, and contending for power and authority; and the
second wife is against the first wife, perhaps, in some instances.  But
that is done away in my family, and there is none of it in brother
Brigham's, nor in brother Wells', nor in any family where they have common
sense.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.4, p.178, Heber C. Kimball, January 11, 1857

=================

We see men in our streets employed only in plotting the ruin of this
people.  But men who are engaged in the kanyons, in stores, or in any
active labor in the day time, when night comes they are glad to rest.
Night is the time the idle and the indolent watch for their prey.  My
policy is to keep everybody busy in building up this kingdom; in building
houses; in breaking up land; in setting out fruit and ornamental trees; in
laying out fine gardens, pleasant walks, and beautiful groves; and in
building academies, and other places of learning.
Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.145, Brigham Young, Dec., 3, 1854

===========================

COUNCIL HOUSE AND GRISTMILL BUILT AT WINTER QUARTERS. Knowing the need of
keeping the people busy, President Young assigned duties to all, keeping
the minds of the saints occupied and thus more contented than if they had
idle time on their hands. Of course there were cattle and horses to feed
and fields to be cultivated preparatory to a harvest in the rapidly
approaching fall.

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.340 - p.341

=====================
What is needed by the saints today is more of that particular brand of
perseverance which makes one unable to rest while important things are
half accomplished, and urges him to keep up the pace until the course is
run. We must be more than average workers. We must do something more than
average work. "My son," said Bob Burdette, "you have to work. Whether you
handle pick or wheel barrow or a set of books, digging ditches or editing
a newspaper, ringing an auction bell or writingfunny things, you must
work. Don't be afraid of killing yourself by over-working on the sunny
side of thirty. Men die sometimes, but it is because they quit at nine p.
m. and don't go home until two a.m. It's the intervals that kill, my son.
Take off your coat and make dust in the world. The busier you are, the
less harm you are apt to get into, the sweeter will be your sleep, the
brighter your holidays, and the better satisfied the whole world will be
with you." "Keep your boys busy," said Brigham Young, "even if you have to
have them dig a hole and fill it up again." Remember, "an idle brain is
the devil's workshop."

Reed Smoot, Conference Report, October 1928, p.116

========================

We discover in these commandments that being idle does not simply mean
that we are not willing to perform manual labor - to work by the sweat of
the brow - but the idler is also the man who is not diligent in the
performance of his obligations, or responsibilities. "Therefore, O ye that
embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart,
might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the
last day." If we serve him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength,
we will have plenty to do. The Father asks nothing inconsistent with
reason, but that which is in harmony with his law, and which he himself
obeys. Can you imagine our Eternal Father and Savior doing nothing? Was
not the Savior kept very busy in his ministry? "But Jesus answered them,
My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." Is this not true? Some night when
the sky is clear take a look at the heavens; then consider the countless
millions of worlds that you cannot see.

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., The Way to Perfection, p.151-152

=======================

The busy missionary is the happy missionary. I cannot recall a missionary
who was really active and busy ever going astray. Occasionally we have
missionaries who make mistakes. It usually starts when they become idle,
when they stay in their lodgings when they ought to be out with the
people. Occasionally you will find a missionary who is looking for excuses
for not going out - who can look out the window and see a storm coming
when there isn't any, who can see rain when it isn't raining. The
important thing is to get out with the people, to keep active, to be
devoted. Do not sleep longer than is needful. The same Lord who gave the
Word of Wisdom in the 89th section also gave that instruction in the 88th
section, and it is just as binding as the counsel that you are not to use
tobacco or alcoholic beverages. So cease from all lightmindedness, cease
to sleep longer than is needful, and retire to your bed early (see D&C
88:121, 124). You will be more effective, you will do more work, you will
be happier, and you will have better health.

(God, Family, Country, p. 60.) Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.205

======================

There is little excuse for the idle man in any walk of life, work is
abundant for every one who will labor; but least of all is there excuse or
palliation in the case of a listless or idle missionary pretending to be
busy in the service of his Lord.

Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.364


===========================

There are a great many things that we can do on the Sabbath day that would
entertain, interest, and instruct our children at home, between the hours
of service. Then, on Monday, if they want to go and turn somersaults, and
jump, and have a frolic, exercise themselves, or if they want to go
fishing, let them go, - provided there is time to do it, and if there is
nothing better for them to do. To me there is nothing so foolish, so idle,
as to go to a dead stream with a fish hook and a worm, and sit on the bank
for hours and hours trying to induce one of the finny tribe to take a
barbed hook on which they have placed a dainty allurement. I never had
time to do it; never in my boyhood. I was always busy at something, and
had so much else to engage my time that I could not go fishing in a dead
stream, or pond, or lake. If a boy wants to take a fly-hook and go to a
rapid stream, and if a trout is foolish enough to catch it and get it, all
right, let the boy take him and eat him. But there is exercise in that,
and there is skill, which there is not in putting a hook out on the
seashore and going out and standing for hours and hours, day in and day
out, to end perhaps in catching a sprat an inch and a half long during the
day! Let the boys have their exercise. Let them have amusements at the
proper time, but let them be taught better things on the Sabbath day.

WHAT SHALL WE DO ON THE SABBATH DAY?*15-1
By President Joseph F. Smith
James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.5, p.21

==============




Perry     <[e-mail]>    http://pobox.com/~plporter

-