Meridian Magazine : : Church Update: Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Religious Freedom at Risk

Phenomenal discourse setting forth an issue that we are now facing, namely the confrontation of civil rights and civil liberties. The first being God given and self evident and the second man made and unfounded.

Meridian Magazine : : Church Update: Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Religious Freedom at Risk

1948 Cartoon Reveals Our Clear and Present Danger

Socialism, communism, and every other type of 'ism' government states are counterfeit ideas for the truth, or true forms of government; they are a great lie because they blur the line between church and state. There is, and ought to be, a separation of church and state.

The church provides for both the spiritual and the physical needs of the people under the rule of God's law and according to principles of mercy, charity, and free will. The state on the other hand, in particular the American state, protects the rights and freedom of the people as set forth in the Constitution and Bill of Rights--but that is the sole purpose--any government or state that assumes more than this is part of the great lie and counterfeit ideas of the ‘ism’ government states. Moreover the state can only protect the rights of the people under the rule of law according to principles of justice based on God's law and its inherent moral certitudes. Any departure from this moral foundation is not only a step toward the 'ism's' it is also a move toward the restriction of the God given rights of the people; a step into the realm of the church that must be held inviolate by the state.

I am concerned that the government is no longer protecting the rights of the people, rather they are attempting to prescribe the rights of the people and as part of that prescription they are favoring the rights of some over the rights of others; in most cases the rights desired by a few and eschewed by the majority.

I am concerned that there is no longer any honor in government and that representation in our Republic has disappeared from both major parties. The Constitution is no longer viewed as the foundational document rather it is considered a living document subject to the will of the majority and the whim of presidents.

I am concerned that the separation of church and state has morphed into the separation of morality and government; truth and righteousness have given way to compromise and realism.

I am concerned that The United States of America will soon be sold out to the rest of the world and wrested of all things that have made her great.

We the people have allowed and at times encouraged the transfer of our rights and therefore our power to the state. But even at this late date we have both recourse and the power to set things right. We have the "Petition of Rights", we have the impeachment process, we have the truth and the truth shall make us free in every sense.

Climate Change and US Sovereignty

brief thoughts on life

Is it just me or does life seem to be composed of series of necessity driven, chaotic, and somewhat meaningless activities punctuated by moments of inspired clarity, sublime joy, and peace? I'm grateful for the moments..."these little wonders, these twists and turns of fate...these small hours still remain." I think the whole point is to direct our lives toward these moments more and more until that's all there is. As it says in Doctrine & Covenants 50:24 "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." The ensuing verses talk about progression and the paradox of the servant leader--he that is the least is the greatest of all.

I actually do think I have it figured out...Heleman 5:12 we become more 'moment' oriented as we make Christ our foundation and we are able to "heed them not" (Nephi 8:33) them being Satan, the pride of the world etc. We begin to have the longevity of vision that brings eternal perspective to everything we see and experience, the joy that comes from... Read More confidence that nothing can shack us and the peace that comes from knowing and living right. With time we become, not just built on the Rock, we become part of the Rock, immovable, serene, happy.

Words of wisdom on liberal ideas

Whenever I hear people talking about "liberal ideas," I am always astounded that men should love to fool themselves with empty sounds. An idea should never be liberal; it must be vigorous, positive, and without loose ends so that it may fulfill its divine mission and be productive. The proper place for liberality is in the realm of the emotions.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The tumult of life...at present.