Reader comments
Orson Scott Card: No nation is devoid of error

Cicero | 7:23 a.m. July 2, 2009

Except that Mosiah chapter 29 is pretty clear that a democratic government (of some sort) is better than a monarchy or dictatorship- and gives an extensive explanation why this is so- even if the king/dictator is righteous.

I take the 12th Article of Faith to merely recognize the fact that forcibly changing a government in most instances results in greater evil then it corrects. Therefor it is better to support the current government and make it as successful as possible.

That said I think it is clear that if a king or dictator is open to suggestions for modifications to his form of government, that democracy (in some format) is a better system, and the system church members should favor.

Ryan | 8:45 a.m. July 2, 2009

Well stated, Brother Card. I love America, there is no other nation I would rather live in, but sometimes I feel a little uneasy when I see people implying that certain political views are endorsed by the church (when there are a very, very precious few that the church states any position on). It concerns me even more when, based on this idea, these same people berate, belitle, and bully other people. We do not need a Mormon version of Al Sharpton.

And Cicero, Mosiah also states that to have a king is good if the king is righteous. Don't get me wrong, I think democracy is a better system, but if we are going to quote Mosiah's statements on government we need to do it in full context.

hbeckett | 9:36 a.m. July 2, 2009

thank you, fair reasoning

Comments continue below

John Pack Lambert | 10:22 a.m. July 2, 2009

Jesus wants us all to be concerned and focused on the Kingdom of God, not the various kingdoms of men.

It never ceases to amaze me how right wingers claim Jesus as some kind of mascot, yet spend all their time decrying welfare and social programs for the poor and calling for the eternal damnation of gays. Were Jesus on earth in the 21st century, he would be volunteering at clinics and helping uninsured families, not whining about the tax burden on wealthy soccer moms.

Anonymous | 10:22 a.m. July 2, 2009

The united states is a perfect nation. (oh..and it is also a bankrupt nation)

Its not about Religion. | 3:08 p.m. July 2, 2009

"there is no doctrinal reason why Mormons should be committed to revolution in a country that is not democratic".

Self rule or democracy/republic rule is not the goal. Good government is. Where there are good dictators, or kings there is no reason to over throw them.

Where there are governments who do not uphold the rights of human beings, and thereby do not rule with the concent of the governed, these governments do not have the right of rule.

LDS or not, religion has nothing to do with it. Its not about religion.

LDS have a right to overthrow an oppressive government the same as anyone else.

Anonymous | 3:14 p.m. July 2, 2009

"What part does patriotism play in a worldwide church?"
__________________

True partiotism is loving ones neighboor. Caring about their well being as you do your own.

You can waive a flag til the cows come home, but if you don't practice caring about others well being, you are not a patriot.

Matt | 3:37 p.m. July 2, 2009

I agree with everything in this article, but I would add that through the prophets we know that America, specifically the United States, is a blessed land with an important role in the past and in the future. We know that it was prepared for the restoration of the Gospel, that it will not fall, and that it will provide a place for the New Jerusalem. Given these facts, I think LDS Americans should all be very patriotic. Our nation is not even close to perfect, but it has a great history and destiny and, therefore, we should be very grateful to be Americans and should support our nation in any way we can. The same may or may not be true of saints in other nations.

re Matt | 3:37 p.m. July 2, 200 | 4:38 p.m. July 2, 2009

"We know that it was prepared for the restoration of the Gospel, that it will not fall,"

How do we know it will not fall, you should read what early LDS leaders had to say on this subject, there was no doubt in their mind that the Government of the United States WOULD fall.

The constitution itself may survive, as it lives outside the United States now, it has spread.

Card in Error | 5:00 p.m. July 2, 2009

Orson and his ghotee has obviously never read Ezra T. Benson. If he had, he would understand he has prophesied of our times and how difficult it is to overthrow an oppressive socialist regime once it is in power. ETB was a prophet for our time, unfortunately many LDS would rather worship at the alter of Harry Reid than the alter of the Lord.

Missed it by That Much | 5:18 p.m. July 2, 2009

Even Hitler missed it by That Much.
Instead of 'Ve ist der Master Race'
in the face of the already Restored
Church And Gospel of Jesus Christ,
it should have been 'Ve ist der Master's
Race'. So, Hitler missed it all by
That Much, an "'s". Many people, especially
Jews, didnt even know what hit them, even
unto death. Hitler wanted us to take up
his cause after his death. I dont think so !!!
We are to intelligent (as God's Offspring
in the flesh) to fall for that one. The
greatest of all that really matters is to be
a faithful and diligent Latter-Day Saint.

Anonymous | 6:01 p.m. July 2, 2009

If I have to choose between Mormonism and Democracy, I choose Democracy!

Fergie | 6:46 p.m. July 2, 2009

Thank you, OSC, for an excellent article. People are not perfect, therefore what they do is also not perfect. I appreciated your reasonable tone; such a switch from most of the ops in the Deseret News.

anon | 7:28 p.m. July 2, 2009

We tend to confuse "Patriotism" with "Obedience'
Patriotism is duty to the Head of State, while Obedience is duty to God.
Our decision determines our destiny

re anon | 7:28 p.m. July 2, 200 | 12:00 p.m. July 3, 2009

Making up our own definitions are we?

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