Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Agency & Welfare


We teach that agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and 'to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.' Agency is to act with accountability and responsibility for our actions. Our agency is essential to the plan of salvation. (Robert D. Hales, Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life, Oct. 2010)

Regarding government programs, particularly welfare, and how they relate to LDS doctrine, the principle of agency should guide our actions and ideas, and by extension, that which we promote and support.

Here are six truths about agency and welfare that, when considered as a whole, show us how to properly fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.

1. Agency, a precious gift

Agency is an eternal principle over which the war in heaven was fought. As such, we should treasure it over any earthly posession, human idea, or man made program.
How supernally precious freedom is; how consummately valuable is the agency of man.  (Boyd K. Packer, Atonement, Agency, Accountability, Apr. 1998)
When we came to the earth, we brought with us that great gift from God—even our agency. In thousands of ways we are privileged to choose for ourselves. Here we learn from the hard taskmaster of experience. We discern between good and evil. We differentiate as to the bitter and the sweet. We learn that decisions determine destiny.  (Thomas S. Monson, Ponder the Path of Thy Feet, Oct. 2014) 
...remember that God so loved that he would not shield us from the perils of freedom, from the right and responsibility to choose. So deep is his love and so precious that principle that he, who was conscious of the consequences, required that we choose. Lucifer ... argued for forced salvation, for imposed survival, for an agencyless round trip to the earth and back again. None would be lost, he insisted. (Marion D. Hanks, Agency and Love, Oct. 1983) 
...a blessing co-existent with man's creation. I refer to the fundamental principle of the Gospel, Free Agency. References in the Scriptures show that this principle is (1) essential to man's salvation; and, (2) may become a measuring rod by which the actions of men, of organizations, of nations may be judged.  (David O. McKay, Conference Report, April 1940)

2. Welfare is personal

We are commanded to love God, and love our brothers as ourselves. As we do, we will voluntarily impart of our substance for the support of those in need.
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.  (D&C 58:27-28)
And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God,  (Mosiah 18:28)
Finally, remember our agency is not only for us. We have the responsibility to use it in behalf of others, to lift and strengthen others in their trials and tribulations. (Robert D. Hales, To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency, Apr. 2006)
As we obey the counsel to avoid and get out of debt now, we use our agency and obtain the liberty to use our disposable income for helping and blessing others. (Robert D. Hales, Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life, Oct. 2010)
It is no more a part of God’s plan to compel men to work righteousness than it is his purpose to permit evil powers to force his children into sin.  (James E. Talmage, The Great Apostasy, Deseret Book Co., 1958, pp. 34–35.)

3. Satan's plan

We are not forced to love God or our neigbors, and we should not attempt to force others. God endowed Adam and his posterity with agency. Satan has, from then until now, sought to substitute agency with force.
After Heavenly Father presented His plan, Lucifer stepped forward, saying, “Send me, … and I will redeem all mankind, that [not even] one soul shall … be lost … ; wherefore give me thine honor.” This plan was rejected by our Father, for it would have denied us our agency. Indeed, it was a plan of rebellion.  (Robert D. Hales, Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life, Oct. 2010)
If we do not really love and really believe in free agency, we may be inclined to impose our will on others for what we think is their best good. If we love enough, we will not do that, even at the risk of failure. 
It is my deep conviction that any act or program or rule planned or performed without love at its heart, love as the spirit of it, or which curtails the agency of our Heavenly Father’s children, is not worthy of God’s kingdom or of his leaders or people.  (Marion D. Hanks, Agency and Love, Oct. 1983)

4. Misuse of Agency

We have been given the gift of agency, yet we can loose, and cause others to loose, that agency through its misuse. Particularly in the choices we make regarding the type of Government and Government programs we desire.
We have a classic example of the loss of economic freedom by the misuse of free agency in the book of Genesis. The Egyptians, instead of exercising their agency to provide for themselves against a day of need, depended upon the government. As a result, when the famine came they were forced to purchase food from the government. First they used their money. When that was gone, they gave their livestock, then their lands; and finally they were compelled to sell themselves into slavery, that they might eat. 
We ourselves have gone a long way down this road during the last century. My counsel is that we beware of the doctrine which encourages us to seek government-supported security rather than to put faith in our own industry.  (Marion G. Romney, The Perfect Law of Liberty, Oct. 1981)

5. Laws should uphold Freedom

We have been instructed and warned by the Lord & his prophets to safeguard our freedoms.
We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.  (D&C 134:2)

Speaking on religious liberties, and agency, Elder Hales said this;
As we face increased pressure to bow to secular standards, forfeit our religious liberties, and compromise our agency, consider what the Book of Mormon teaches about our responsibilities. In the book of Alma we read of Amlici, “a very cunning” and “wicked man” who sought to be king over the people and “deprive them of their rights and privileges,” which “was alarming to the people of the church.” They were taught by King Mosiah to raise their voices for what they felt was right.   (Robert D. Hales, Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom, Apr. 2015)
Man's Free Agency is an eternal principle of progress, and any form of government that curtails or inhibits its free exercise is wrong -- Satan's plan in the beginning was one of coercion, and it was rejected, because he sought to destroy the agency of man which God had given him. When a man uses this God-given right to encroach upon the rights of another, he commits a wrong.  (David O. McKay, Conference Report, April 1940)
Unwise legislation, too often prompted by political expediency, if enacted, will seductively undermine man's right of free agency, rob him of his rightful liberties, and make him but a cog in the crushing wheel of regimentation.  (David O. McKay, Conference Report, October 1965)

6. Agency & (Government) Welfare

We have also been instructed and warned many times about the right and the wrong system of government. And when measured against agency it is easy to judge when any system exceeds its bounds.
Agency is an essential ingredient of being human... This principle helps explain the Church's strong position against political systems and addictive practices that inhibit the free exercise of agency.   (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1, AGENCY)
I suggest we consider what has happened to our agency with respect to contributing to the means used by the bureaucracy in administering government welfare services.In order to obtain these means, one head of state is quoted as saying, "We’re going to take all the money we think is unnecessarily being spent and take it from the ‘haves’ and give to the ‘have nots’ that need it so much."
The difference between having the means with which to administer welfare assistance taken from us and voluntarily contributing it out of our love of God and fellowman is the difference between freedom and slavery.  (Marion G. Romney, Church Welfare Services' Basic Principles, Apr. 1976)

Since 1976, this idea of redistributing wealth has only gained traction and popularity. It is wrong! Even when parroted as being the means to bring security and help to the masses.
In the war in heaven the devil advocated absolute eternal security at the sacrifice of our freedom. Although there is nothing more desirable to a Latter-day Saint than eternal security in God's presence, and although God knew, as did we, that some of us would not achieve this security if we were allowed our freedom -- yet the very God of heaven, who has more mercy than us all, still decreed no guaranteed security except by a man's own freedom of choice and individual initiative.
Today the devil as a wolf in a supposedly new suit of sheep's clothing is enticing some men, both in and out of the Church, to parrot his line by advocating planned government guaranteed security programs at the expense of our liberties. Latter-day Saints should be reminded how and why they voted as they did in heaven. If some have decided to change their vote they should repent -- throw their support on the side of freedom -- and cease promoting this subversion.  (Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, October 1961)


As we navigate todays turbulent political arena, and discuss ways to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, ask yourself this;


Who's plan am I supporting?



Saturday, May 16, 2015

Defending President Benson

Below are comments & reply's I made on a post that in their words is a,
"condensed (and admittedly cherry-picked) summary of the reactions and interactions of Elder Benson with his church leaders on the topic of politics"
Included in the article were quotes from people who were not "his church leaders" (President McKay's son), and insinuations drawn from church statements, among other obscure notes & letters. The article was biased and cherry picked to justify dismissing the things President Benson taught that conflicts with their political views.
"...my investigations and studies lead me to reject Benson’s politics,"


My First comment;
For those who are interested in reading a non-cherry picked, well-researched article about the doctrine that President Benson taught, using church materials (Scriptures, Conference reports, Ensign, Church News, Sunday school books, etc.) Ie. doctrine that is part of the church.
Read here; http://ndbf.blogspot.com/2015/04/enemies.html
Here are a couple of other great articles on President Benson, from the same author; 
http://ndbf.blogspot.com/2015/01/prepared.html 
http://ndbf.blogspot.com/2015/01/keep-still.html
http://ndbf.blogspot.com/2015/02/snubbing-benson.html
These are not my articles, just ones that I have enjoyed. I would encourage everyone to read these with an open mind & spirit, regardless of your political views.


To this I received comments again dismissing what President Benson taught, and others...
"please stop using the political remarks of Pres. Ezra T. Benson as a cultural litmus test for belonging"
"use this thinking to mark other church members as unworthy or unwelcome"


My Second comment;
I’m sorry if anyone feels unworthy, unwelcome, or uncomfortable because of what President Benson taught. However the facts remain;
1. Only the First Presidency and Twelve may legitimately chastise publicly one of their own and, in the case of Ezra Taft Benson, that never happened.
2. There is still an abundance of President Bensons teachings on LDS.org, and gospel library app, unlike the obscure letters, and notes referenced in this article. For example.Teachings of Presidents, Ezra Taft Benson, ch9, sec 3, (this years manual)
The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.”
3. If one were to research any modern day prophet to a similar extent as this article, they would find similar results.


For this one, I recieved comments like these;
"...Furthermore, I don’t think it’s of sound reason to conclude that ‘if it’s on lds.org, it must be true.’ Wow"
"...because 'in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.' That’s not what we have. What we have is one man..."


My Third comment;
Yes, I believe in and try to live by everything found under "teachings" on LDS.org, and I encourage everyone to do the same, doing so will bring blessings and joy.
I am not promoting a political party or candidate, I'm also not dismissing any teachings. I do not apply any "litmus test", or judgement against any member of the church. I do stand up for truth, and defend it where I can.
I believe one of many reasons that the Church does not "endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms" is this;
"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward." (D&C 58:26) 
Another reason is that we are part of a Global Church, not just an 'American' church. We as members should study ALL of the prophets words, starting with the living prophet, then, as in proverbs, we will not depart from truth (Prov. 22:6). Then, we are advised to support the political candidates, ideas, policies, etc. that most closely align with revealed truth, in whatever country we are.

Your statement about two or three witnesses,

"...That's not what we have. What we have is one man"
Is false! President Benson was one of many conservative voices. I will list some of them.
Harold B. Lee, & J. Reuben Clark, Jr.:
Harold B. Lee: "I once had a young university student of political science voice to me his vigorous disagreement with President Clark's lecture in 1952 before an audience sponsored at the University of Utah by the Institute of Government on the subject 'Our Dwindling Sovereignty' 
In this lecture, President Clark had declared that he was 'pro-Constitution, pro-Government, as it was established under the Constitution, pro-freedom, pro-full and complete independence and sovereignty, pro-local self-government, and pro-everything else that has made us the free country we had grown to be in the first 130 years of our national existence.'
In the domestic field, he had also declared in this lecture: 'I am anti-socialist, anti-Communist, anti-Welfare State, etc.'
I replied to this youthful budding political science student critic perhaps somewhat sharply, 'Yes, I suppose it would be difficult for a pigmy to get the viewpoint of a giant. When I go to hear world authority on some subject as I did the other night with you and many others at the University of Utah, in listening to President Clark on the subject of international affairs where he is a recognized authority, I go to learn and not to criticize. It would be well if you would do more listening to men of his stature and less criticizing." (The Improvement Era, Sept. 1961, p.632) 
 Jeffrey R. Holland:
"Now, lest I be accused of proposing quixotic global social programs or of endorsing panhandling as a growth industry, I reassure you that my reverence for principles of industry, thrift, self-reliance, and ambition is as strong as that of any man or woman alive. We are always expected to help ourselves before we seek help from others." (Oct. 2014 Are We Not All Beggars?)
Marion G. Romney:
"Many programs have been set up by well-meaning individuals to aid those who are in need. However, many of these programs are designed with the shortsighted objective of “helping people,” as opposed to “helping people help themselves.” Our efforts must always be directed toward making able-bodied people self-reliant." (Oct. 1982 The Celestial Nature of Self-reliance)
David B. Haight:
"It is significant to note that about this same time, when the Lord established his way of caring for those in need, the “world,” or government, introduced its form of dole assistance—a counterfeit alternative to the Lord’s way. In most instances, the world’s way dismissed the principle of individual work and family responsibility and adopted the philosophy that “the government will take care of our needs” or “the government owes us a living.” Individual and family initiative was supplanted by government handouts. The true spirit of love for our neighbor and concern for others as taught by the Savior had been generally ignored." (Oct. 1978 The Stake President's Role in Welfare Services)
On 3 July 1936, the First Presidency published this warning to Church members:
“Communism is not a political party nor a political plan under the Constitution; it is a system of government that is the opposite of our Constitutional government. … “Since Communism, established, would destroy our American Constitutional government, to support Communism is treasonable to our free institutions, and no patriotic American citizen may become either a Communist or supporter of Communism. … “We call upon all Church members completely to eschew [shun] Communism. The safety of our divinely inspired Constitutional government and the welfare of our Church imperatively demand that Communism shall have no place in America” (signed: Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay, The First Presidency, in Deseret News, 3 July 1936) 
Regarding secret combinations;
Hel. 7:5; Ether 8:9, 16, 22-23; Moses 5:31.
And there are more...

Let me say again, we should study ALL of the prophets words, then follow it.
President Harold B. Lee:
“You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may conflict with your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. … Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow. … Let’s keep our eye on the President of the Church.” (Conference Report, October 1970, p. 152–153.)




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

LDS Doctrine & "Free Handouts"

I read an article titled "What is wrong with a free handout" (you can read it here). And felt compelled to respond. To avoid straying from the doctrine of the Church, the bulk of my response will be quotes from General Conference & Official Church publications.

I have two points in which I disagree with this post;

1. The Church's welfare program (Fast Offerings) is not set up as a free handout. It is set up to help members become self-reliant.

In speaking about the Church's relief effort after Tytphoon Haiyan,
Bishop Dean M. Davies said this;
"Modest resources were provided to help Church members rebuild their wood-frame shelters and homes. This was not just a free handout. Members received training and performed the needed labor for themselves and then for others." (The Law of the Fast: Oct 2014) (Italics added)

And from the Church Handbook;
"Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. As members become self-reliant, they are also better able to serve and care for others."

"Church members are responsible for their own spiritual and temporal well-being. Blessed with the gift of agency, they have the privilege and duty to set their own course, solve their own problems, and strive to become self-reliant. Members do this under the inspiration of the Lord and with the labor of their own hands."

"When Church members are doing all they can to provide for themselves but cannot meet their basic needs, generally they should first turn to their families for help. When this is not sufficient or feasible, the Church stands ready to help."

Many Church leaders have spoken about welfare in the Church, and in Government. President Benson was one of the most outspoken on this topic. However, as many people dismiss what he taught as "his opinion" I will quote others.
(For more on this, I recomend reading here)

If you search "evil of dole" on LDS.org you will find dozens of references to this quote;
"Our primary purpose was to set up … a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership” (Handbook 2: 6.1)

Free handouts hurt individuals, families, and communities, not help.
"Even with the universally accepted desire to help the poor and needy, the Lord concurs in our goal but warns, 'But it must needs be done in mine own way' (D&C 104:16). Otherwise, in our efforts to help, we may actually hurt them. The Lord has taught us the need to promote self-reliance. Even if we are able to help, we should not give or provide what they can and should do for themselves. Everywhere it is tried, the world learns the evils of the dole. Truly God knows best."
(The Lord's Way Stanley G. Ellis. Apr 2013)

Elder Marion G. Romney said this;
"A few years ago I read a lengthy book dealing with the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. That fall, in large measure, was due to the purchasing of votes with unearned benefits, such as entertainment, circuses, and food. The government’s actions built up in the people an expectation and demand which eventually could be kept down only by the establishment of a dictatorship. Many of our members live in countries where this history has repeated itself. In the United States, our treasured American work ethic is waning and the purchasing of votes with unearned benefits is dangerously common."

"One of the most demeaning things a government can do is to teach people that the government owes them a living."

"By contrast, ever since the Church was organized, it has encouraged its members to maintain their own economic independence and to work for what they get, to produce that which they consume..."

"Church welfare principles have always been with us. Although President Grant’s statement came in 1936, you will note he said that 'independence, industry, thrift, and self-respect [should] be once more established.' Also note that he said work should be re-enthroned, not enthroned. If time permitted, we could begin when Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden and found the earth cursed for their sake. (See Gen. 3:17.) We could trace these principles through biblical and Book of Mormon times."
(Work and Welfare: A Historical Perspective. Apr 1982)

One more by Harold B. Lee, who was quoting Brigham Young;
My experience has taught me, and it has become a principle with me, that it is never any benefit to give, out and out, to man or woman, money, food, clothing, or anything else, if they are able-bodied, and can work and earn what they need, where there is anything on the earth, for them to do. This is my principle, and I try to act upon it. To pursue a contrary course would ruin any community in the world and make them idlers.” (Discourses of Brigham Young [Deseret Book Co., 1943], p. 274.)

2. I feel that the argument of "earning" forgiveness, or exaltation, is mis-leading. Again I will quote from General Conference.

James E. Faust gave a beautiful talk on The Atonement of the Savior;
"My beloved brothers and sisters and friends, I come humbly to this pulpit this morning because I wish to speak about the greatest event in all history. That singular event was the incomparable Atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. This was the most transcendent act that has ever taken place, yet it is the most difficult to understand. My reason for wanting to learn all I can about the Atonement is partly selfish: Our salvation depends on believing in and accepting the Atonement. Such acceptance requires a continual effort to understand it more fully. The Atonement advances our mortal course of learning by making it possible for our natures to become perfect. All of us have sinned and need to repent to fully pay our part of the debt. When we sincerely repent, the Savior’s magnificent Atonement pays the rest of that debt." (The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope. Oct 2001)

While it is true that we can not "earn" our way into heaven, please remember this;
"...I am profoundly grateful for the principle of saving grace. Many people think they need only confess that Jesus is the Christ and then they are saved by grace alone. We cannot be saved by grace alone, 'for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.'” (The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope. Oct 2001)


Comparing the Atonement to Welfare is appropriate when you consider that in both cases, it is given freely after all we can do.  And even as President Uchtdorf taught, they are given after all we can do, and not because all we can do.