Topic: Citizenship, Matches 36 quotes.

The Latter-day Saints believe that they must be loyal to their country, honoring its laws, upholding its institutions, its constituted authorities, and doing all things that American citizens ought to do. They are taught that the Constitution of the United States was inspired of God and framed by wise men whom the Almighty raised up for this very purpose, and that it “should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh,” so that every man may act according to the moral agency which God has given him, that he “may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.”

Believing this, they cannot be otherwise than loyal. They do not blame the government of the United States for their past persecutions at the hands of lawless mobs. They realize that such things were not because of the Constitution and the Government, but in spite of them; and they stand ready at all times to honor the laws of this nation and to defend it against foes without or within.

Source: Elder Reed Smoot
General Conference, October 1933

Topics: Citizenship; US Constitution, Inspired

Joseph Smith on Politics

Relative to politics the epistle urged that inasmuch as none of the candidates who were before the public for the high office of president of the United States had “manifested any disposition or intention to redress wrong and restore liberty, and law,” the saints were advised to stand aloof from corrupt men and measures, “and wait at least till a man is found, who, if elected, will carry out the enlarged principles, universal freedom and equal rights and protection, expressed in the views of our beloved Prophet and martyr.” “We do not, however,” said the epistle, “offer this political advice as binding on the consciences of others; we are perfectly willing that every member of this church should use his own freedom in all political matters; but we give it as our own rule of action, and for the benefit of those who may choose to profit by it.” (Joseph Smith’s full letter was printed in Times and Seasons, vol. v, p. 620. The presidential election year was 1844.)

Source: B.H. Roberts
A Comprehensive History of the Church
Volume Two, p. 448

Topics: Citizenship; Responsibility; Statesmanship

As we have progressed the mist has been removed, and in relation to these matters, the elders of Israel begin to understand that they have something to do with the world politically as well as religiously; that it is as much their duty to study correct political principles as well as religious, and to seek to know and comprehend the social and political interests of man, and to learn and be able to teach that which would be best calculated to promote the interests of the world.

Source: John Taylor
JD, 9:339-340, April 13, 1862.
Political Responsibility of the Elders

Topics: Citizenship

Our Responsibility to America

If we are to protect this American base, we must realize that all things, including information disseminated by our schools, churches, and governments, should be judged according to the words of the prophets, especially the living prophet. This procedure, coupled with the understanding which will come through the Spirit of the Lord, if we are living in compliance with the scriptures, is the only sure foundation and basis of judgment. Any other course of action leaves us muddled, despondent, wandering in shades of gray, easy targets for Satan. If we fail in these pressing and important matters, we may well fall far short of the great mission the Lord has proffered and outlined for America and for His divinely restored Church.

Source: Ezra Taft Benson
Title of Liberty, pp. 88-91.

Topics: Citizenship

Part-Time Patriots?

There is no place here in America for part-time patriots. This nation is face to face with the greatest danger ever to confront it, a sinister and deadly conspiracy which can be conquered only by an alert, informed citizenry.

Source: David O. McKay quoting J. Edgar Hoover
Conference Report, April 1962, p.125

Topics: Citizenship

Lukewarm?

Our civilization and our people are seemingly afraid to be revolutionary. We are too ‘broadminded’ to challenge what we do not believe in. We are afraid of being thought intolerant, uncouth, ungentlemanly. We have become lukewarm in our beliefs. And for that we perhaps merit the bitter condemnation stated in Revelation 3:16: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

This is a sad commentary on a civilization which has given to mankind the greatest achievements and progress ever known. But it is an even sadder commentary on those of us who call ourselves Christians, who thus betray the ideals given to us by the Son of God himself.

Source: Ezra Taft Benson
Conference Report, October 1960

Topics: Citizenship; Responsibility

Good and Wise Men

Speaking of other country, I think the business men are largely to blame for these chaotic conditions. The Lord says: “Search out good and wise men”—not of any party; not of any church, but search out these good men and put them in charge of our civil affairs. But if you ask a business man to run for office, he becomes a Pharisee, a political Pharisee. He says: “I don’t like to enter into the slime of politics.” But who has made it a slime? The men who were unworthy to hold office. Business men say: “We can’t be elected.” Well, when, in the name of heaven, will you be any stronger? Why not enter the conflict? There ought to be common ground where good and wise men may stand, and their influence will be felt at headquarters in Washington.

Source: Elder Charles A. Callis
General Conference, October 1941

Topics: Citizenship; Voting

The Glorious Standard

We are deaf today to the approach of tyranny because we have lived so long under the protection of the Constitution that we take for granted the blessings of liberty. But the Framers of the Constitution, having had bitter experience with tyranny, wrote it with the purpose to preserve the right of local self government-which had been the fundamental principle on which the war of the Revolution was fought. They were not dreamers, but practical men of wide experience, and they wrote into that document the fruition of human experience in self-government. Prospering under the privileges insured by the Constitution this country has advanced as no other in a like period in all history. We need more people today with strong convictions in support of the Constitution and with courage to stand back of their convictions. We need men with courage to refuse support to every effort aimed at undermining the Constitution. Any change in our social order which is really desirable can be effected under the Constitution or by orderly Constitutional amendment rather than by efforts to evade its provisions. We must continue to protect ourselves against the approach of tyranny in any guise.

Source: J. Reuben Clark
“A Talk on the Constitution of the United States.”
Stand Fast by Our Constitution

Topics: Citizenship; Statesmanship

“God Governs in the Affairs of Men”

This country has enjoyed the blessings that it does, because of reliance upon the Lord. Only a year later—1787—our great Constitution was drafted. I wonder how many in this congregation have read the Constitution in the last ten years? I want to tell you, brethren and sisters, it is the charter that stands between us and slavery, and it would be well for us to think upon that. May I read what Benjamin Franklin said about it. He said this at the time when debate was acrimonious, and there was dissension in the Congress:

“I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. Arid if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

“We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that “except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a by-word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.

“I, therefore, beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.”

Source: Elder Joseph F. Smith
General Conference, April 1946

Topics: Citizenship; Responsibility

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