Twelfth Article of Faith (Latter-Day Saints, Earth, Jehovah, mission, doctrine)

[Halcyon]

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

Hey, me again - another question.

This article of faith seems a little contradictory to what i've heard other Christians say. For example, that the only king any Christian should be subject to is Christ in Heaven. What is your take on this?

This is exemplified in the early church martyrs who died, essentially for recognising Christ above the Emperor. Does this article of faith suggest that, had the LDS been the Christians persecuted under the Romans, you would have submitted to the will of the Emperor?
I'm gonna assume your answer will be a no, but i'd be interested in some clarification if you can.

[SoyLeche]

Here is a section of the Doctrine and Covenants that you may find interesting as well:

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/134

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Hey, me again - another question.

This article of faith seems a little contradictory to what i've heard other Christians say. For example, that the only king any Christian should be subject to is Christ in Heaven. What is your take on this?

This is exemplified in the early church martyrs who died, essentially for recognising Christ above the Emperor. Does this article of faith suggest that, had the LDS been the Christians persecuted under the Romans, you would have submitted to the will of the Emperor?
I'm gonna assume your answer will be a no, but i'd be interested in some clarification if you can.

When asked a similar question, Christ said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." This would include allegiance, honor, respect and obedience. We believe in the need for earthly governments. As a matter of fact, you will find a porportionately higher number of Latter-day Saints in the US Senate and House than would be expected. There is also a strong emphasis in the Church on patriotism and community service. There would be a problem, of course, if a government were to deny the basic human rights to the people, or to declare that one was not free to worship God as he saw fit. Otherwise, we are very much in favor of any political process in which the people are free to govern themselves. Incidentally, because we also respect the laws of the land throughout the world, we will not proselytize in any countries where we are not welcome. Some Christian denominations (such as the Jehovah's Witnesses) will enter a country without permission and attempt to do missionary work without the approval of the government. If we can't go into a country through the front door, we don't go in at all.

(By the way, your inbox is full. If you want to set up the one-on-one debate you suggested in your last PM to me, I'd be happy to participate.)

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

When asked a similar question, Christ said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." This would include allegiance, honor, respect and obedience. We believe in the need for earthly governments. As a matter of fact, you will find a porportionately higher number of Latter-day Saints in the US Senate and House than would be expected. There is also a strong emphasis in the Church on patriotism and community service. There would be a problem, of course, if a government were to deny the basic human rights to the people, or to declare that one was not free to worship God as he saw fit. Otherwise, we are very much in favor of any political process in which the people are free to govern themselves. Incidentally, because we also respect the laws of the land throughout the world, we will not proselytize in any countries where we are not welcome. Some Christian denominations (such as the Jehovah's Witnesses) will enter a country without permission and attempt to do missionary work without the approval of the government. If we can't go into a country through the front door, we don't go in at all.

(By the way, your inbox is full. If you want to set up the one-on-one debate you suggested in your last PM to me, I'd be happy to participate.)

Not to mention the CIA and FBI

I'd also like to point out that when our people felt that the US Government would not protect their rights (or their lives for that matter) - they opted to leave the country, so following the government at all costs is not a tenant of the LDS faith.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by SoyLeche

Not to mention the CIA and FBI

I'd also like to point out that when our people felt that the US Government would not protect their rights (or their lives for that matter) - they opted to leave the country, so following the government at all costs is not a tenant of the LDS faith.

Great point!

[Halcyon]

Ah, ok that makes sense i guess, just needed clarification.



Katz - i cleared my inbox, i don't rememebr being that popular