The setting was Kirtland, Ohio, December 16, 1833. A little more than three years earlier, Joseph Smith and a small group of those who believed as he did organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to today as Mormons.<\/p>\n
Because of their religious beliefs, early members of the church endured much persecution \u2014 persecution that resulted in the loss of life, liberty, and property. Indeed, mobs had only recently driven the Saints from their homes in Jackson County, Missouri, but even that did not satisfy the blood-lust raging in the hearts of those who wanted to annihilate the Mormons, so threats against life and limb continued \u2026 and were numerous. Indeed, only a few years hence Governor Boggs of Missouri would issue his infamous Extermination Order against the early members of the fledgling church.<\/p>\n
And it is this background that makes what followed so remarkable and therefore reveals so much about Mitt Romney\u2019s affection for our Constitution.<\/p>\n
In the face of the challenges confronting the Saints in Missouri, Joseph Smith sought answers from the only source with the power to deliver them from their enemies. And the questions themselves were certainly relevant \u2014 and needed answering: What was he to do? What direction should be given to church members? How should the church respond to the atrocities?<\/p>\n
Those of us who are members of the LDS Church regard the answer given to Joseph Smith\u2019s inquiry as a revelation from the Lord himself. And while non-Mormons are under no obligation to regard the text as the word of God, a proper analysis of the message does demand that even non-Mormons acknowledge the reverence afforded the Constitution by active members of the church \u2014 active members like Mitt Romney. In other words, those who doubt Mitt\u2019s commitment to the Constitution and the principles embodied therein would do well to understand the theology that lies at the core of his soul \u2014 at least on this subject.<\/p>\n
Here\u00a0is the answer given to Joseph Smith, as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you\u2014<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;<\/p>\n
\u201cThat every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the\u00a0shedding of blood.\u201d (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:76-80)<\/p>\n
There are seven principles clearly taught in this passage:<\/p>\n
First, the Saints were to continue to abide by the law and seek a redress of grievances \u2014 as provided by the Constitution.<\/p>\n
Second, God himself established the Constitution, which makes it a sacred as well as political document.<\/p>\n
Third, the Constitution was established for the \u201cprotection of all flesh\u201d \u2014 regardless of social status, color, creed, or location. Indeed, it was based on \u201cjust and holy principles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fourth, all of God\u2019s children were given moral agency \u2014 liberty \u2014 and every individual will be held accountable by God for his or her exercise of that agency.<\/p>\n
Fifth, no person should ever be in bondage to another.<\/p>\n
Sixth, God not only established the Constitution, but raised up \u201cwise men\u201d for this very purpose \u2014 a clear and unequivocal statement that original intent is to be taken seriously when deciding the constitutionality of any federal law or regulation.<\/p>\n
Seventh, this land was redeemed by \u201cthe shedding of blood\u201d \u2014 another clear and unequivocal statement \u2026 this time referring to His divine intervention in a War for Independence where we were outgunned, outmanned, and outspent.<\/p>\n
Romney has had great success: he understands business and the free market; he understands liberty and the costs of maintaining that sacred gift; he understands that our Constitution is a legacy given to all men and women everywhere; and he understands that the Constitution \u2014 as framed by our founders \u2014 must once again become the centerpiece of our national, political\u00a0life \u2026 for such is a fundamental precept of our shared theology.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The setting was Kirtland, Ohio, December 16, 1833. A little more than three years earlier, Joseph Smith and a small group of those who believed as he did organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to … Continue reading