Mormonism and Socialism

An article was written in the Salt Lake City newspaper, The Salt Lake Tribune that caught my attention. The author was writing about an active, returned missionary who found some literature while he was in Germany. This has lead him to search out old statements by church leaders that he believes shows that the church is an advocate of socialism and anti-government.

Here is the article:

http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_7216457

Here is a comment from another poster that I responded to below:

What's interesting about this thread is how the orthodoxy shows itself as threatened by any fresh thinking. This same attitude has also led to a stagnancy within the LDS church. Stagnancy, as is well known, is a state of disease, and in regard to the church orthodoxy we see this manifesting as a pro-war, pro-business, pro-nationalism, anti-earth agenda. I know many Mormons who are deeply spiritual people, just as I know many Catholics, Buddhists, and Muslims who are deeply spiritual. As a group, there is not one indication in our culture that Mormons somehow know the "truth" anymore than any other group. If they did, our skies would be cleaner, our jails would be less frequented, our valleys would not be developed beyond what is prudent, we would not be using scarce water to irrigate deserts, we would not have to fight to save open spaces, we would have a much lower divorce rate, we would depend more on dialog than war, and would certainly not support the military industrial complex that underlies our economy. And with the deep corruption and hypocrisy so evident from the right wing, we would not see our legislature overwhelmed by republicans.

I'd be glad to listen to anyone who can show me how orthodox Mormonism is manifesting otherwise in our culture.
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I wrote a response to the above comment. Here it is:

The article does have some valid points, such as, overcoming poverty, loving one another as Jesus taught, etc. The problem is that the author is advocating abolishing government and instituting socialism. These are two issues that are opposed to the teachings of the Savior and past and present Prophets and church leaders. Socialism is a very old idea that has failed every time it has been instituted. It is definitely not "fresh thinking" as you mentioned.

Here are the author's words:

"Every Mormon should look forward to the abolition of government," Van Wagenen writes, "and the building of a socialist society based on free association and mutual cooperation."
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If the author truly believes that socialism is the way to help the poor and needy, he is very mistaken. Socialism is a failed (many times over) system that only makes those in charge wealthy at the cost of the poor.

The Law of Consecration is an inspired doctrine that is voluntary and meant to build up every individual, not those in charge.

Here is some additional information from Pres. Ezra Taft Benson:

Socialism--a Philosophy Incompatible with Man's Liberty

Another notable counterfeit system to the Lord's plan is collectivized socialism. Socialism derives its philosophy from the founders of communism, Marx and Engels. Communism in practice is socialism. Its purpose is world socialism, which the communists seek to achieve by revolution, and which the socialists seek to achieve by evolution. Both communism and socialism have the same effect upon the individual--a loss of personal liberty. As was said so well by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., "The two are as two peas in a pod in their ultimate effect upon our liberties."

Why is socialism incompatible with man's liberty? Socialism cannot work except through an all-powerful state. The state has to be supreme in everything. When individuals begin to exert their God-given rights, the state has to suppress that freedom. So belief in God must be suppressed, and with that gone freedom of conscience and religion must also go. Those are the first of our liberties mentioned in the Bill of Rights.

There are some among us who would confuse the united order with socialism. That is a serious misunderstanding. It is significant to me that the Prophet Joseph Smith, after attending lectures on socialism in his day, made this official entry in the Church history: "I said I did not believe the doctrine" (Joseph Smith, History of the Church 6:33).

Socialism Disguised under Welfare State Measures

As citizens of this noble land, we have marched a long way down the soul-destroying road of socialism. If you question that statement, consider the recent testimonial from the Nobel prize-winning economist, Milton Friedman. He indicated that government spending in the United States at all levels amounts to over forty percent of today's total national income. If we continue to follow the trend in which we are heading today, two things will inevitably result: first, a loss of our personal freedom, and second, financial bankruptcy. This is the price we pay when we turn away from God and the principles which he has taught and turn to government to do everything for us. It is the formula by which nations become enslaved.

This nation was established by the God of heaven as a citadel of liberty. A constitution guaranteeing those liberties was designed under the superintending influence of heaven. I have recounted here before what took place in the St. George Temple when the Founding Fathers of this nation visited President Wilford Woodruff, who was then a member of the Twelve and not president of the Church. The republic which was established was the most nearly perfect system which could have been devised to lead men toward celestial principles. We may liken our system to the law of Moses which leads men to the higher law of Christ.
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It is very important that we as a church and individuals understand that it is our duty to help those in need. It is not the government's responsibility. I agree with the author in that sense, that capitalism can lead to greed which leads to money becoming all-important. The issue I have is that capitalism also leads to having the money available in the private-sector to truly lead people out of poverty and off of government welfare.
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What do you think?

Global Statesmanship Blog Disclaimer

It has come to my attention that my blog appears to claim that George Wythe College is somehow affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormons). I want to let any visitors to my blog know that they are not affiliated in any way. I just happen to be a student and supporter of the college and a member of the LDS church. Please comment if you have any questions about either.

Thanks, Eric

Oh, how the world needs statesmen!

Oh, how the world needs statesmen! And we ask again with George Bernard Shaw, "Why not?" We have the raw material, we have the facilities, we can excel in training. We have the spiritual climate. We must train statesmen, not demagogues; men of integrity, not weaklings who for a mess of pottage will sell their birthright. We must develop these precious youth to know the art of statesmanship, to know people and conditions, to know situations and problems, but men who will be trained so thoroughly in the arts of their future work and in the basic honesties and integrities and spiritual concepts that there will be no compromise of principle.

Spencer Kimball, Statesman

The End of Motherhood?

Motherhood and particularly families have been under attack for many years. It was inevitable that the consequences would catch up with the world. I found this article on realclearpolitics.com and thought I would share.

Eric
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The End of Motherhood?
By Robert Samuelson

WASHINGTON -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has inadvertently spotlighted one of today's momentous mysteries: collapsing birthrates in industrialized countries. Putin proposed that Russia pay women to have children to remedy a ``critical'' population outlook. Actually, he might have said ``desperate.'' In 2000, Russia's population totaled almost 147 million; Putin says it's declining by 700,000 a year. With plausible assumptions, the U.S. Census Bureau projects it at 111 million in 2050. The median age (half the population above, half below) would be almost 50, up from 38 now. Could this Russia maintain a strong economy, national optimism or a capable military?

Russia's case, though extreme, isn't isolated. There's no more population ``explosion.'' In wealthier countries, motherhood is going out of style and plunging birthrates portend population loss. This is a hugely significant development, even if we don't fully understand the causes -- 30 years ago experts didn't predict it -- or consequences. One way or another, the side effects will be massive for economics, politics and people's well-being. Indeed, they may already have started. Is it a coincidence that Germany and Italy, two countries on the edge of population decline, are so troubled?

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The Leaders of Tomorrow

I heard this story a few years ago and it had an impact on me because I probably would have been one of the almost 10,000 people that just sat there and missed out on this man's instruction. I decided then that I wanted to become a leader of tomorrow and I am still working towards that goal.

Eric
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Several years ago, a prominent businessman in the United States was asked to give a speech at a major university. Now I didn't see the contract, but I understand that he was paid $20,000 for a one-hour lecture. They flew him to the city where the university was-on a first class ticket, put him up in a five-star hotel, gave him a tour of the campus, took him to nice restaurants, and met with donors. Then they took him to the big sports arena-something similar to the Marriott Center, in fact, it is a little bit bigger than the Marriott Center, and introduced him with a long résumé. They turned the time over to this gentleman, and he stood at the podium. He said, "Before I get started, I would like to see by a raise of hands how many of you in this room believe that you will be a leader and will change the world?" This basketball arena was almost full and there were tens of thousands of people there. He had been asked to speak on the subject of "The Leaders of Tomorrow." Out of those tens of thousands of people, six individuals raised their hand. Six people, out of tens of thousands, said "Yeah. I'm a leader. I can change the world." The man said, "Would those of you who raised your hands come down here please?" They came down to the podium. He went away from the podium and arranged some chairs in a circle around a little table there on the stage. He put seven chairs there and sat down with those six individuals and began to talk to them. Now people noticed there was a problem and they started talking. The noise got loud in the place, as you know they can during a basketball game or something. The man went back to the podium and said, "Would you please be quiet? We're trying to talk. And, by the way, why don't you leave? I have nothing for you. I am here to talk about the leaders of tomorrow." Then he went back to this small group of students until several people came up and tried to listen in, including the President of the University. The man who had just given him a check. When they came up, he said, "Did you raise your hand?" "Well, no." "Then go away. I am here to talk about the leaders of tomorrow."

The Value of an Educated Woman

This is one of the first articles that my wife and I read when learning more about Thomas Jefferson Education. It was written by Dr. Julie Earl, who is a mentor at George Wythe College. It is an excellent article that shows the great potential my own three daughters have and any woman who has a desire to educate themselves.

Enjoy.

The Value of an Educated Woman

Julie Earl

Julie M. Earl, author of the following article, was raised in Tempe, Arizona, but has called Southern Utah "home" for the last ten years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and Health Sciences and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education. Dr. Earl has taught in primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions and has lectured in many different forums. Currently she is a Professor of Liberal Arts at George Wythe College. Dr. Earl is presently publishing a series of books to assist educators in mentoring students in classical literature. She enjoys many hobbies among which are reading, music, restoring her 1920's home, and most recently, playing with her new little nephew.

An older woman approached Dr. Louis Agassiz, a distinguished American naturalist, after a lecture he gave in London. She complained that she had never really had a chance to learn because of her lot in life. She and her sister ran a boardinghouse and she simply didn't have time for anything else. After listening to the woman's story, Dr. Agassiz responded, "Do you say, madam, you never had a chance? What do you do?" She replied, "I skin potatoes and chop onions." He then inquired, "Madam, where do you sit during these interesting but homely duties?"

"On the bottom step of the kitchen stairs."
"Where do your feet rest?"
"On the glazed brick."
"What is glazed brick?"
"I don't know, sir."
"How long have you been sitting there?"
"Fifteen years."

Dr. Agassiz then handed her his business card saying, "Madam, here is my personal card. Would you kindly write me a letter concerning the nature of a glazed brick?"

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7 Rules of Wealth

1. Get Deeper into Debt
2. Lose Your Job
3. Waste Your Life
4. Save Less, Spend More
5. Be Materialistic
6. Become a Slave
7. Be Unrealistic

Do I have your attention? I realize that these concepts are not what you would hear at your typical financial seminar but when I heard them the first time I was enthralled to hear more.

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What does it mean to be a Statesman?

STATESMAN, n. [state and man.]

1. A man versed in the arts of government; usually, one eminent for political abilities; a politician.

2. A small landholder.

3. One employed in public affairs.

This is only the most basic of definitions. Being a Statesman means being able to make a change in the world. The most basic definition can be summed up with the following:

Seeing a problem and seeing a solution and putting oneself in the middle to bring the solution to pass.

Our world is obviously filled with problems that need powerful leaders to bring any changes. We have the responsibility to make our lives, families, country and ultimately the world a better place. I believe we all have life missions to fulfill and with God's help we can, as Ghandi said, "be the change we wish to see in the world."

Ideas and concepts are only the beginning. The purpose of this blog is to explore ideas and solutions that can make a difference and most importantly, allow us to implement these ideas in the world we live.

Why "Global Statesmanship"?

There are events going on around the world that will have an impact on the United States in ways we are only beginning to comprehend. The buildup of Communist China, Latin America's shift toward leftist and authoritarian regimes, and of course terrorism and the Middle East.

It is important that we understand these events so that we can be involved in the policy that will be created by our government to influence these events. The United States is in a position to influence the world for good as long as it remains the moral and ethical country that was created by our Founding Fathers. As the country continues to leave those standards, our influence will have less and less of an impact.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, 2 Cor. 3: 17.

This is why there is such a need for Global Statesmen. We must be willing and ready to defend our freedoms. It will be necessary for us to understand our roll in the world and how we can make an impact. We must have the necessary training to influence the entire world.

Now, I wish to help you understand that by saying Global Statesmanship, I do not mean "globalism". See: Globalization

I believe that the United States can be and is a "beacon on the hill" for the world and should not be part of any global government run by the UN, Nato or any other world organization. This does not mean however that the United States cannot become so corrupt that our liberties will be lost.

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Benjamin Franklin

Most of our Founding Fathers were farmers, small business owners and just plain hard-working people. Most of them had no idea the impact they would end up having on the world. Becoming a Global Statesman will allow all of us to have the same opportunites they had.

It won't easy, but it will be worth it.

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

Volume 4, Issue 1 December 1999
Be The Change You Wish To See In The World
Oliver DeMille

The following speech was delivered at the GWC Commencement Exercises held September 11, 1999, in Cedar City, Utah. Dr. Mark D. Siljander is a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a three-term U.S. Congressman, and the 1996 recipient of the Mohandas K. Gandhi International Peace Award. He is also a doctoral graduate of George Wythe College.

Dr. Sills and Dr. and Mrs. DeMille and I were discussing statesmanship over breakfast this morning. I told them the following story, which is one of the most remarkable stories in the world of politics, diplomacy, statesmanship and intervention by God in contemporary society.

In South Africa, just prior to the elections, Chief Buthelezi, head of the Zulu people, was contemplating participating in the historic South African elections (and his non-involvement would certainly have catapulted South Africa into a major civil war). This was the first time in South Africa's history that non-whites could participate politically and vie for the presidency. There's a Kenyan gentleman named Washington Okomo. He's not a politician; he's not necessarily famous; but he's part of a small group in Kenya that meet and talk around the spirit of Christ and pray for the future of Kenya and Africa. Chief Buthelezi, similarly, is in a group in South Africa that prays and fellowships together. This is the base for his group of mentors.

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What is George Wythe College?

When my wife Mindy and I first started thinking about home-schooling our kids we looked at many different programs and curriculum. I happened to come across a book online called A Thomas Jefferson Education. I am still not sure why but I decided to buy it but I am grateful I did. This book described how Thomas Jefferson and the majority of the Founding Fathers were educated and it was exactly what Mindy and I had been looking for. We were not just educating our daughters but helping them to become leaders and statesmen. We have been on the path of leadership education for about six years now. The book was written by Dr. Oliver DeMille, President of the George Wythe College in Cedar City, Utah. You can read more about the college on their website if you wish. I added the link below. The information below the link is an introductory paragraph to the college.

George Wythe College Website

Today's political, economic, and social challenges are no less daunting than those of past generations. Governments, businesses, schools, churches and other institutions worldwide need men and women of high moral character, sound intellectual understanding, and principled action to lead the way. But where will these statesmen be found?

George Wythe College stands on the belief that Statesmanship is the product of a particular educational system, known to the great leaders of the past, but lost to modern academia. It is a principle-centered process grounded in the belief in God and immutable moral law, framed on the classics of literature, history, science , the arts, and philosophy, and crowned in the discipline of real-world application under the guidance of a committed and caring mentor.

This was the education of Thomas Jefferson and others under the guiding hands of George Wythe. Today, it can again be your privilege if you have the desire, determination, and character to meet perhaps the most intense and exciting educational challenge imaginable offered at George Wythe College. Having done so, you can be assured of a rich and satisfying life of contribution in whatever path you choose to follow.