Anyone else?
I just read this scripture quoted in a blog comment thread, alluding to. . .me.
2 Nephi 9:28
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.
The context: I had suggested that Ezra Taft Benson's political views as expressed in 1968 before he was the prophet were not the official political views of the church, and shouldn't be construed as such.
It is actually not the first time this month that I've been told through scriptural references that I am a wicked person {my extrapolated take-away from the conversations}.
I give up.
2 Nephi 9:28
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.
The context: I had suggested that Ezra Taft Benson's political views as expressed in 1968 before he was the prophet were not the official political views of the church, and shouldn't be construed as such.
It is actually not the first time this month that I've been told through scriptural references that I am a wicked person {my extrapolated take-away from the conversations}.
I give up.
Comments
I've LOVED the debating between Mormons on both sides.
My mom use to be a member of the John Burch Society. I know all about the famous ETB quote...
I had to remind my Elder's Quorum just last week that the Church's official stance is one of political neutrality.
Many members forget that fact.
I've really enjoyed many of your recent posts on the subject.
I think you are awesome and I can't believe the nerve of some people. Who are we to judge??
Even though I don't share some of your political views, I have tons of respect for you because you aren't afraid to express your opinion and you don't settle for ignorance. It is sometimes easier to "go with the flow" and you don't. Good for you.
Elly
And someday I have a story about ETB and the Birch Society which will elicit gasps (I refuse to divulge it on a blog.)
Sometimes we talk past each other instead of to each other. And don't forget to listen with twice the effort you put into talking. Two ears and all...
This reminds me of a lecture I attended in April, "A Conversation Between a Mormon & an Evangelical". We can be convicted in our religious and political views and remain civil with each other.
http://richalger.blogspot.com/2008/04/convicted-and-civil.html
I look forward to productive debates with those of honest intentions. There is a difference between wrong and rotten. Civil people can discuss their views. Even if we don't end up agreeing, the conversation is valuable. It allows us to step into the shoes of another perspective.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. Matthew 7:1-2
There were several (at least 2) people that posted anonymously on Callie's blog. I was the first two and I was not the others. I just wanted you to not link my comments with those directed at judging you.
In the January 1988 Ensign First Presidency Message, then President and Prophet of the Church ETB spoke of the evils of Socialism in a talk about the Book of Mormon.
May 1977 Ensign, First Presidency Member Marion G Romney also spoke of the evils of Socialism.
August 1971 Ensign has an article written by Then Church President and Prophet John Talyor entitled The Government of God, where he also talks of the evils of Socialism.
At President Benson's Funeral President Hinckley made reference to the evils of communisim and socialism. You can read it in the July 1994 Ensign.
My point here is simply that the church's stance on socialism is not based simply on a talk given in 1968 by ETB, in fact perhaps his most powerful talk was given in 1977. There have been numerous Prophets who have also spoken on the subject.
We all have the right to think.
Steve and I have been sitting side by side on our laptops perusing the comments and accusations. Very entertaining:) Don't give up, OK? I don't share all your political views but I do enjoy hearing them and I don't think 2 Nephi 9:28 applies in the least from what I know of you. Just my 2 cents.
That being said, Obama is not communist nor a socialist. However, us conservatives like to use those labels.
The socialism and communism referred to in the above church articles are a far cry from the changes Obama wants to implement: apples and oranges. People need to remember the historical context of socialism/communism from prior decades.
As for ETB's comments - It was recently pointed out by various general authorities, that comments over the pulpit at stake conferences made by Apostles are not applicable to The Church as a whole, and should be construed as a message for that stake.
In fact, other than General Conference and church magazines, there are few ways that the President of the Church, or the Quorum of the Twelve, actually disseminate revelation.
For example, the Book Mormon Doctrine, by McConkie isn't "official doctrine" of The Church, and has undergone several revisions.
The point being: unless Benson is speaking over the pulpit, or using official church media, it isn't "doctrine."
And remember: McCain '08!