Isabella Carter
The Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, considers the US Constitution to be a sacred document inspired by God. They believe that the Founding Fathers were raised up by God to establish a free nation and that the Constitution's principles, including a system of checks and balances, are aligned with their religious beliefs. The Church has expressed commitment to upholding and defending the Constitution, viewing it as essential to their freedom of worship. However, critics have questioned the Church's commitment to Constitutional liberties, citing instances where it has hindered the free exercise of these rights, such as in the case of Mormon Church v. United States in 1890, which involved the Church's defiance of government authorities and practice of polygamy. Additionally, the White Horse Prophecy, attributed to Joseph Smith, suggests that Mormons believe they will play a role in saving the Constitution when it is in peril, leading to speculation about their political ambitions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The Mormon Church's view of the US Constitution | The US Constitution is a divinely inspired document, founded in the wisdom of God. |
| The Founding Fathers | Men raised up by God to establish the US Constitution and a free nation. |
| The Gospel | The US Constitution led to the restoration of the Gospel. |
| The Book of Mormon | The Gentiles were established in the US as a free people by the power of God so that the Book of Mormon could come forth and the Lord's church be established. |
| The Prophet Joseph Smith's view | The US Constitution is a glorious standard, a heavenly banner, and a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun. |
| The LDS Church's commitment to Constitutional liberties | The LDS Church is committed to the document and the principles upon which it is founded. |
| The White Horse Prophecy | The US Constitution will one day "hang like a thread" but be saved by Latter-day Saints, "by the efforts of the White Horse." |
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints | The Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was first organized as a corporation under an act of assembly of the provisional government of the State of Deseret in Utah on February 8, 1851. |
| Polygamy | The Mormon Church has been criticized for its practice of polygamy, which is considered a crime against the laws and abhorrent to the sentiments and feelings of the civilized world. |
| Defiance of authority and resistance to law | The Mormon Church has a history of defiance of government authorities, attempts to establish an independent community, and resistance to the law. |
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What You'll Learn
The Mormon Church's view of the Founding Fathers
The Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, considers the US Constitution to be an inspired document, with the Founding Fathers seen as men raised up or foreordained by God to establish a free nation. This belief is based on interpretations of the Book of Mormon and other scriptures.
According to Mormon teachings, the Founding Fathers were "choice spirits" inspired by God to create a nation where the Gospel could be restored and the Church of God established without interference. This philosophy aligns with the Mormon view of individual freedom and agency, as outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Founding Fathers' emphasis on freedom of intellect and their references to God in their writings are also consistent with Mormon beliefs.
Mormon leaders like President Woodruff have reinforced this view, declaring that the Founding Fathers were the "best spirits" chosen by God to lay the foundation of the American government. The Prophet Joseph Smith, a key figure in Mormonism, also expressed admiration for the Constitution, describing it as a "glorious standard" founded in divine wisdom.
However, some critics and Mormon folklore enthusiasts have interpreted the White Horse Prophecy, attributed to Smith, as suggesting that Mormons believe in a future theocracy dominated by the LDS Church, where they will go to the Rocky Mountains and be a great and mighty people. This interpretation has led to speculation about Mormons' loyalty to the US Constitution and their political ambitions.
In conclusion, the Mormon Church's view of the Founding Fathers is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs. They revere the Founding Fathers as divinely inspired leaders who established a nation conducive to their religious principles, including freedom of religion and individual liberty. While there are varying interpretations of how these beliefs may influence their political aspirations, the Mormon Church emphasizes its commitment to upholding and defending the US Constitution and the principles upon which it was founded.
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The White Horse Prophecy
> "will go to the Rocky Mountains and will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety."
Smith also predicted continued persecution by enemies of the church, stating:
> "You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber... I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspiration of God; and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defense."
The "White Horse" prophecy is often interpreted as suggesting that Latter-day Saints will one day take action to save the imperiled US Constitution and that the US will become a Mormon-ruled theocracy. This interpretation has been referenced by numerous Church leaders and used by critics to imply that Latter-day Saints have a "secret agenda" to take over the US government. However, the LDS Church has repudiated the prophecy since 1918, stating that it is "not embraced as Church doctrine" and is not considered binding on the membership of the Church.
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The Mormon Church's interpretation of the Constitution as divinely inspired
The Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), believes that the US Constitution is a divinely inspired document. This belief is based on the idea that God inspired the Founding Fathers to establish a free nation wherein the Gospel could be restored. In the words of President Harold B. Lee in 1973, "Our government came into existence through divine guidance. The inspiration of the Lord rested upon the patriots who established it, and inspired them through the dark days of their struggle for independence and through the critical period which followed that struggle when they framed our glorious Constitution".
The Mormon view is that the US Constitution was the first written constitution in the world and has served as a model for other nations, enhancing freedom and prosperity over more than two centuries. According to Apostle Dallin H. Oaks, "No wonder modern revelation says that God established the U.S. Constitution and that it 'should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles'".
The Mormon interpretation of the Constitution as divinely inspired is further supported by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who said, "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".
The Mormon Church's commitment to Constitutional liberties is evident in President McKay's statement: "Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States". This commitment extends beyond the document to the principles upon which it is founded, including the preservation of natural rights and the establishment of a system of checks and balances to prevent the exercise of autocratic powers.
However, it is important to note that Mormons do not believe that the Constitution is perfect or infallible. They acknowledge that it can contain errors, such as the endorsement of chattel slavery. Additionally, while some critics of Mormonism and Mormon folklore enthusiasts interpret the White Horse Prophecy as suggesting that Mormons expect the US to become a theocracy dominated by the LDS Church, the Church has denied this claim.
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The Mormon Church's view of the Constitution as a glorious standard
The Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, considers the US Constitution to be a divinely inspired document. According to Mormon belief, the Founding Fathers were foreordained or raised up by God to establish the Constitution and create a free nation in which the Gospel could be restored. This belief is supported by quotes from the Book of Mormon, which states that America would be a nation where its people would be "free from bondage and from captivity".
The Prophet Joseph Smith described the Constitution as "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". He further emphasised the importance of upholding the Constitution, stating, "I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on Earth".
Mormons view the Constitution as a divinely inspired document that guarantees certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This belief is reflected in the words of President Harold B. Lee, who said, "Our government came into existence through divine guidance. The inspiration of the Lord rested upon the patriots who established it, and inspired them through the dark days of their struggle for independence".
The Mormon Church's commitment to Constitutional liberties is evident in their interpretation of the Constitution as a document that upholds individual freedom and protects against autocratic powers. They believe that the Constitution is a "glorious standard" founded in the wisdom of God, and that it is their duty to defend and uphold it.
In summary, the Mormon Church views the US Constitution as a glorious standard, inspired by God, that guarantees certain freedoms and rights to the American people. They believe that the Founding Fathers were divinely guided in their creation of the document and that it plays a crucial role in ensuring liberty and justice in the nation.
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The Mormon Church's view of the Constitution's role in the restoration of the Gospel
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormon Church, considers the US Constitution to be a sacred document inspired by God. The Founding Fathers are believed to have been raised up by God to establish a free nation where the Gospel could be restored. This belief is reflected in the Book of Mormon, which predicted that America would be a nation where the Lord's church could be established.
Mormons view the Constitution as a glorious standard and a heavenly banner that protects the natural rights of man and establishes a system of checks and balances to prevent autocratic powers. They believe that the Founding Fathers were foreordained by God to create a constitution that upholds the principles of liberty and freedom. This commitment to Constitutional liberties is evident in the teachings of Mormon leaders such as David O. McKay, who emphasised the importance of upholding and defending the Constitution.
The Mormon Church also believes that the US Constitution plays a significant role in the restoration of the Gospel. They interpret the Constitution as a document that promotes religious liberty and freedom of religion, creating an environment conducive to the spread of their faith. This belief is supported by the White Horse Prophecy, attributed to Joseph Smith, which suggests that Latter-day Saints will play a crucial role in saving the Constitution when it is in danger of destruction.
According to the prophecy, the US Constitution will hang by a thread, and the elders of the Church will step in to preserve it. This belief has been referenced by various Church leaders, including Brigham Young and Orson Hyde, contemporaries of Smith. The prophecy suggests that Mormons expect the US to become a "'Mormon-ruled theocracy,' where their religious principles and the Constitution's ideals are intertwined.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mormon Church, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, considers the US Constitution to be an inspired document. They believe that the Founding Fathers were raised up by God to establish the Constitution and create a free nation where the Gospel could be restored.
The White Horse Prophecy is a belief among some Mormons that the US Constitution will eventually hang by a thread and be saved by the elders of the Church. The prophecy is attributed to Joseph Smith, who said that the Mormons would go to the Rocky Mountains and be a great and mighty people.
No, not all Mormons subscribe to the White Horse Prophecy. While it has been referenced by numerous Church leaders, the Church has denied the validity of Rushton's version of the prophecy.
The Mormon Church has interpreted the White Horse Prophecy as a call to uphold and defend the US Constitution. They believe that the Constitution is divinely inspired and are committed to the principles upon which it is founded.
No, the Mormon Church has a history of defiance towards government authorities and resistance to US laws, particularly in the 19th century. This included attempts to establish an independent community and the practice of polygamy, which was considered a crime against the laws and abhorrent to civilized sentiments.
