Jonah Patel
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, has spoken extensively on the topic of the United States Constitution, which he believes to be divinely inspired. He highlights several principles within the Constitution that he considers divinely inspired, including the sovereignty of the people, the division of powers between the state and federal governments, and the Bill of Rights. However, he clarifies that this does not mean that every word and phrase in the Constitution is scriptural. Specifically, he mentions that he finds nothing scriptural in the compromise on slavery or the minimum age and years of citizenship requirements for certain political positions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Provisions allocating the number of representatives from each state | Not inspired |
| Minimum age of each representative | Not inspired |
| Compromise on slavery | Not inspired |
| Minimum age or years of citizenship for congressmen, senators, or the president | Not inspired |
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What You'll Learn
- Elder Oaks does not believe that divine revelation dictated every word and phrase in the Constitution
- He does not find inspiration in every Supreme Court decision interpreting the Constitution
- Elder Oaks does not see anything scriptural in the compromise on slavery
- He does not consider the minimum age or years of citizenship for congressmen, senators, or the president to be scriptural
- Elder Oaks believes that the Constitution was inspired by the separation of powers
Elder Oaks does not believe that divine revelation dictated every word and phrase in the Constitution
In his talk titled "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution", Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve affirms his belief that the United States Constitution was divinely inspired. However, he clarifies that this does not imply that every word and phrase in the document was dictated by divine revelation.
Elder Oaks, drawing on his experience as a law clerk, professor of law, justice on the Utah Supreme Court, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizes that the Constitution contains divinely inspired principles rather than every clause being divinely inspired. He mentions that the source of government power being attributed to the people was revolutionary, as it was a departure from the assumption that sovereign power belonged to monarchs or military might. This principle of popular sovereignty forms the basis of a constitutional democratic republic, where the people exercise their power through elected representatives.
Elder Oaks also highlights the division of delegated power between the nation and its subsidiary states as another inspired principle. The United States Constitution limits the national government to the exercise of powers expressly granted, with all other powers being reserved for the states or the people. He acknowledges that the Constitution was not a static document but one that needed to evolve, citing inspired amendments that abolished slavery and extended voting rights to women as examples of its adaptability.
While Elder Oaks considers the Constitution to be divinely inspired, he does not believe that every word and phrase carries the same weight as scripture. For instance, he finds no scriptural significance in the compromise on slavery or the minimum age and citizenship requirements for government officials. Instead, he agrees with President J. Reuben Clark's view that the Constitution is not a "fully grown document" but one that must adapt to meet the changing needs of society.
In conclusion, Elder Oaks' talk emphasizes the presence of divinely inspired principles within the United States Constitution rather than the divine revelation of each word and phrase. He encourages citizens to uphold and defend the Constitution, recognizing its fundamental principles while allowing for its evolution to meet the needs of an advancing world.
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He does not find inspiration in every Supreme Court decision interpreting the Constitution
In his talk, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution", Elder Dallin H. Oaks states that he does not find inspiration in every Supreme Court decision interpreting the Constitution. While he acknowledges that the United States Constitution is divinely inspired, he clarifies that this does not mean that every word and phrase were dictated by divine revelation.
Elder Oaks, with his extensive legal and religious background, including his experience as a law clerk to the chief justice of the United States Supreme Court and as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, offers a nuanced perspective on the matter. He recognizes that the Constitution was established by God "for the rights and protection of all flesh". However, he also understands that the Constitution is a living document that must adapt to the changing needs of society.
In his talk, Elder Oaks emphasizes that the Constitution contains divinely inspired principles, such as the sovereignty of the people, the division of powers between the nation and its states, and the individual guarantees in the Bill of Rights. These principles, he believes, are the foundation of a constitutional democratic republic, where the people exercise their power through their elected representatives.
However, Elder Oaks also acknowledges that there are aspects of the Constitution that fall short of divine inspiration. For example, he mentions the compromise on slavery and the minimum age and citizenship requirements for government officials as areas where he finds no scriptural basis. He aligns himself with President J. Reuben Clark, who believed that the Constitution was not a static document but one that needed to evolve to meet the needs of a progressing world.
Elder Oaks' perspective on the Constitution is shaped by his legal and religious expertise, as well as his understanding of the dynamic nature of governance. He encourages citizens to uphold and defend the Constitution, recognizing its divinely inspired principles while also accepting that not every interpretation or application of the Constitution will be inspired.
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Elder Oaks does not see anything scriptural in the compromise on slavery
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a lawyer and law professor, has studied the United States Constitution for over 50 years. In his talk, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution," Elder Oaks discusses the unique responsibility of Latter-day Saints to uphold and defend the Constitution, which he believes contains divinely inspired principles.
However, Elder Oaks does not view the entire Constitution as divinely inspired scripture. He specifically mentions that he finds nothing scriptural in the compromise on slavery. While he acknowledges the reverence for the Constitution, he does not believe that every word and phrase needs to be defended as scriptural.
The compromise on slavery refers to the concessions made during the Constitutional Convention to include provisions that protected the institution of slavery. This compromise allowed for the continuation of slavery in the Southern states and granted representation to slaveholders in Congress, considering slaves as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of representation.
Elder Oaks's statement highlights that while he respects the Constitution, he does not consider all its aspects as divinely inspired. He draws a distinction between the fundamental principles and specific compromises made during its drafting.
Elder Oaks's perspective on slavery is consistent with his broader interpretation of the Constitution. He emphasizes that the Constitution is a living document that must "grow and develop to meet the changing needs of an advancing world." This belief is shared by President J. Reuben Clark, who stated that the Constitution is not a "fully grown document" but rather something that should adapt to the needs of a progressing society.
In conclusion, Elder Oaks's statement about not finding anything scriptural in the compromise on slavery reflects his understanding of the Constitution as a human document influenced by divine inspiration. He acknowledges the presence of divinely inspired principles while also recognizing that certain compromises, such as those made on slavery, are not inherently scriptural.
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He does not consider the minimum age or years of citizenship for congressmen, senators, or the president to be scriptural
In his talk "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution", Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve addresses the United States Constitution, which he has studied for over 60 years. He speaks from his experience as a law clerk, a professor of law, a justice on the Utah Supreme Court, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
Elder Oaks expresses his belief that the United States Constitution was divinely inspired. However, he clarifies that this does not imply that every word and phrase were dictated by divine revelation. He mentions that certain aspects, such as the minimum age and years of citizenship requirements for congressmen, senators, or the president, are not considered scriptural by him.
Elder Oaks emphasizes that the Constitution is a living document that must evolve to meet the changing needs of society. He cites the inspired amendments that abolished slavery and granted women the right to vote as examples of its adaptability. He also highlights the sovereignty of the people, the structure of federalism, the individual guarantees in the Bill of Rights, and the separation of powers among the branches of government as fundamental principles of the Constitution.
Elder Oaks' talk underscores the responsibility of Latter-day Saints to uphold and defend the Constitution, particularly in times of political turmoil. He encourages civil and peaceful engagement within the framework of the Constitution and applicable laws, even when opposing individuals holding office or their policies.
While Elder Oaks' interpretation of the Constitution has been subject to discussion and disagreement, his emphasis on the document's fundamental principles and their relevance for decades to come is notable.
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Elder Oaks believes that the Constitution was inspired by the separation of powers
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a lawyer and law professor, has studied the United States Constitution for over 60 years. In his address, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution," he discusses the Constitution's divine inspiration and the responsibilities of citizens. While he acknowledges that not every word and phrase in the Constitution is divinely inspired, he identifies several fundamental principles that he believes are inspired. One of these principles is the separation of powers.
Elder Oaks believes that the Constitution is inspired by the separation of powers among the various branches of government. This concept, he argues, was established in the American colonies long before the creation of the United States. The English Parliament's revolution of 1688, during which certain powers were taken away from the king, marked the beginning of the separation of legislative and executive authority. This idea was further developed in the state constitutions adopted during the American Revolution, which distinguished between executive, legislative, and judicial functions.
The Constitutional Convention successfully adapted the separation of powers to meet the practical needs of a national government. The delegates ensured the integrity of each branch by implementing checks and balances, creating a system of independence and interdependence among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This brilliant fusion, according to Elder Oaks, was truly miraculous and divinely inspired.
The separation of powers, as a fundamental principle of the Constitution, is of great importance to Elder Oaks. He emphasizes that citizens should be familiar with this principle and take action to oppose any infringement upon it. He suggests that the Constitution provides a framework for citizens to exercise their influence civilly and peacefully, seeking to moderate and unify on contested issues. Elder Oaks's interpretation of the Constitution and his emphasis on the separation of powers reflect his legal expertise and his commitment to upholding the inspired principles within the document.
In conclusion, Elder Dallin H. Oaks's address, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution," highlights his belief in the divine inspiration of the United States Constitution, particularly in the principle of separation of powers. He traces the historical development of this concept, from its origins in the English Parliament to its implementation in the American colonies and, ultimately, its brilliant adaptation in the Constitutional Convention. Elder Oaks's interpretation of the Constitution's inspired principles shapes his understanding of civic responsibilities and the importance of preserving the integrity of the various branches of government.
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Frequently asked questions
Elder Oaks believes that the Constitution is not a "fully grown document", and that it must continue to develop to meet the changing needs of the world. He does not believe that every word and phrase of the Constitution is scriptural, including the compromise on slavery and the minimum age or years of citizenship for congressmen, senators, or the president.
Elder Oaks believes that the Constitution contains at least five divinely inspired principles. The first is the principle that the source of government power is the people. The second is the division of delegated power between the nation and its subsidiary states.
Elder Oaks believes that the Constitution was divinely inspired and that it is the responsibility of the Latter-day Saints to uphold and defend it. He has studied the Constitution for over 60 years and speaks from his experience as a law clerk, a professor of law, and a justice on the Utah Supreme Court.
