My friend Denise has reminded me of a post that I’ve been promising for a long time.
I believe that the Constitution of the United States of America was inspired by God.
The Lord told us: “According 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; … And 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 shedding of blood.” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77, 80 – emphasis added). The Apostle Paul taught “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim 3:16). The Lord also said “And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:4).
So, if the Lord inspired men, through the Holy Ghost, to establish the Constitution of the United States, would that not be like scripture? The term that I’ve come up with is that the Constitution of the United States is “near scripture”. Yet, through out our history, politicians have chosen to ignore the Constitution. They have chosen to interrupt it however it best fits what they are trying to do. Yet, the Apostle Peter warns us “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
So, if the Constitution was inspired of God, and we, as a country, are not following it, what are we following? If our laws are not based on the Constitution, what are they based on? I would be so bold as to say that if we are not following our God inspired Constitution, then we must be following some Apostate and/or false doctrine laws. In our own life, if we are holding onto false doctrine, we have a duty to God to get rid of it. We must cling unto truth, “and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). So to, in our political life, must we cling unto our God inspired Constitution and get rid of unConstitutional spending, programs, activities, and so forth.
In closing, I’ve decided to post a few misc quotes about the Constitution. In 1788, George Washington wrote “It appears to me, then, little short of a miracle, that the delegates from so many different states (which states you know are also different from each other in their manners, circumstances, and prejudices) should unite in forming a system of national Government, so little liable to well-founded objections.” (Feb 1992 Ensign).
“Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun. . . . We say that God is true; that the Constitution of the United States is true; that the Bible is true.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 147-48)
“To every Latter-day Saint, we have a tremendous obligation to be good citizens, to uphold the Constitution of this land, to adhere to its basic concepts, to do all in our power to protect the freedoms and the liberties and the basic rights which are associated with citizenship. The Lord has said even in our day, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we have an obligation. He has not only spoken about the Constitution being inspired, he has said that if we are to be good Latter-day Saints, we also have to take an interest in this country in which we live and we are to see to it that good men are upheld and sustained in public office. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson page 615-16; from an address given at Short Hills, NJ, 15 Jan 1961)
“On one occasion a journalist asked me about my belief regarding the Constitution. I replied that I felt it was inspired, that both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were brought forth under the inspiration of God to establish and maintain the freedom of the people of this nation. I said it and I believe it to be true. There is a miracle in its establishment that cannot be explained in any other way.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Keep Faith with America“, commencement address given at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah on 6 May 1999.)
I hope and pray that we will follow this God-given Constitution. But, perhaps, this is just The Philosophies of Michael Cox. But I believe what I have said is true.
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3 Comments;
Wow, Mike, that was really great! I think you make some excellent points that we don’t regularly think about. I agree with everything you said. I do, however, see a problem. You wrote, ” If our laws are not based on the Constitution, what are they based on? I would be so bold as to say that if we are not following our God inspired Constitution, then we must be following some Apostate and/or false doctrine laws. In our own life, if we are holding onto false doctrine, we have a duty to God to get rid of it.” I agree with you completely. But, where does that put the 12th Article of Faith? “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” But, I think you hit the nail on the head. All of these wasteful programs are truly unconstitutional. It is no wonder that they are failing miserably.
Great post, Mike!
What does it mean to obey, honor and sustain the law? James E. Talmage in “The Articles of Faith” said “…it is the duty of the Saints to submit themselves to the laws of their country. Nevertheless, they should use every proper method, as citizens or subjects of their several governments, to secure the boon of freedom in religious duties, for themselves and for all men. It is not required of them to suffer without protest imposition by lawless persecutors, of through the operation of unjust laws; but their protests should be offered in peaceful and proper order.” (“The Articles of Faith, pg 448). I believe that I can obey, honor, and sustain the law, and still work to better the law and to get rid of Apostate or false doctrine laws.
What does it mean to obey, honor and sustain the law? James E. Talmage in “The Articles of Faith” said “…it is the duty of the Saints to submit themselves to the laws of their country. Nevertheless, they should use every proper method, as citizens or subjects of their several governments, to secure the boon of freedom in religious duties, for themselves and for all men. It is not required of them to suffer without protest imposition by lawless persecutors, of through the operation of unjust laws; but their protests should be offered in peaceful and proper order.” (“The Articles of Faith, pg 448). I believe that I can obey, honor, and sustain the law, and still work to better the law and to get rid of Apostate or false doctrine laws.