Chapter 28
Following the Prophets — Study the Constitution
"The warning of this hour should resound
through the corridors of every American institution
— schools, churches, the halls of Congress,
press, radio and TV — with God’s help."
— Ezra Taft Benson

Many commandment have been received from the Lord through His living Prophets, and one of those commandments we will consider in this work; it is to study and learn the Constitution of the United States. In so doing we will examine a series of quotes from scripture, past leaders of the Church, and our current Prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson. The, above, introductory quote from Elder Benson can be found in his book, God, Family, Country, p. 344. And from the following quote that he gave to us after being sustained as our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, we find that he still gives his continuing support to this great document; for in general conference President Benson said, "We must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers." (General Conference, October 1987; The Ensign, November 1987, p. 7.)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no organized program for the study of the Constitution of the United States and related matters. Such study should, as with all aspects of the gospel, be an individual matter. However, in the light of current events and past admonitions of our Prophets, it may be well to follow such counsel.

There are a couple of ways this can be done. One way is to study independently. A second, is to study together with a few individuals having the same interest. In so doing, the students will have other resources available to them and also find mutual support and encouragement.

These study groups can help members understand the Constitution in the "tradition of our Founding Fathers," and not in the traditions of current events and past judicial decision. The scriptures and living prophets have encouraged us to support the Constitution and righteous principles.

Knowledge gained from these groups could help the individual become more informed about prevailing issues and become a more responsible citizen. Many can be encouraged to play a greater role, independently, in studying the principles and matters confronting them today. In the general conference mentioned above, President Benson said, "We must become involved in civic affairs to see that we are properly represented . . . we must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, our teachings, and our advice." (Ibid.)

Support the Constitution
The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the Constitution "should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh," and that it was established so that "every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgement." The Lord then went on to say, "For this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I have raised up unto this very purpose, . . . (D&C 101:77-80.) And that law of the land which is constitutional . . . belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land. . . . Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, . . . otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. (Ibid., 98:4-10.)

Here we have the Lord’s stamp of approval on this, which President McKay once called, an "inspired" document. Every Prophet from Joseph Smith to the present upheld the sacredness of the Constitution of the United States. This document was given to us to help protect our freedoms. It was the written law that guaranteed the God-given freedoms spoken of in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. It was given so that we might live in an environment whereby we might exercise our agency without restraint of government intervention. President John Taylor understood this and once said, "Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man." (JD, 23:63.)

President David O. McKay was always a very strong supporter of the Constitution and its inspired principles. In General Conference of April, 1950, he said, "No greater immediate responsibility rests upon members of the Church, upon all citizens of this Republic and of Neighboring Republics than to protect the freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States." (General Conference, April 1950.)

In keeping with this spirit, our current Prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson has encouraged us to not only study the sacred document "in the tradition of our Founding Fathers," but he also added some searching questions that indicate our posture in this regard:

"We must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. Have we read the Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?" (General Conference, October 1987; The Ensign, November 1987, p. 7.)

In light of the Prophet’s words, there could be some additional questions that might be asked: 1) Do we know what the Federalist papers are? 2) How can we ponder something we have not read or are not acquainted with? 3) If we are not aware of its principles, how can we teach them to others? 4) How can we defend that which we do not understand? 5) If we do not know what the Constitutional principles are, how can we know if a law is constitutionally unsound? 6) How many really know what the prophets have said about this document and the threats to it when this subject has not been consistently taught in our Church. It is interesting, also, that President Benson did not say we "should" learn, or that it would be "nice" to learn; he said we "must" learn. Likewise, he did not say we must "read," or that we must "study;" he said we must "learn" the principles of the Constitution.

From the Doctrine and Covenants, we get a more complete idea of the things we need to be studying and of the Lord’s directives to us in relation to them. In the 88th. Section we find:

"And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
"Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms —
"Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." (D&C 88:77, 79, 81.)

In our schools today, the Constitution is not taught as it used to be taught. How can our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, understand what sound government is if they do not understand the principles behind this inspired document? To be a responsible citizen, as President Benson admonishes, requires a sound understanding of what the Lord has given us.

From our Church leaders we get some inspired feeling about the Constitution. We read earlier that President Lorenzo Snow said the hand of the Almighty was instrumental in framing the Constitution and that He raised up inspired men for that purpose. (JD, 14:301.) We also noted that the Prophet Joseph Smith stated that the Constitution was a "glorious standard" and that it is a "heavenly banner." (TPJS, p. 147.) Likewise, President George Albert Smith spoke in General Conference and reverenced this Constitution in the following manner: "I feel bound to conform my life to the teachings of the Ten Commandments. I feel equally bound to sustain the Constitution of the United States which came from the same source as the Ten Commandments." (CR, April 1949, p. 169.)

During the Provo Freedom Festival of 1986, President Benson, speaking in the Marriott Center, offered these words in behalf of this sacred document: "We must teach our children that it is part of our faith that the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God. We reverence it akin to the revelations that have come from His hand." ("Righteousness Exalteth A Nation," Provo Freedom Festival, Brigham Young University, June 29, 1986.)

And just a year later he spoke the following in General Conference: "I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval upon it." (General Conference, October 1987; The Ensign, November 1987, p. 7.)

There can be well-intended people in the Church that may not adequately comprehend what the Lord and our Founding Fathers had in mind when they framed the Constitution; and such individuals may express opinions contrary to inspired counsel. For this purpose our Prophet, Ezra Taft Benson, has given us the cautions and counsel that he has.

More from Ezra Taft Benson
Now what is his counsel on being involved in study groups? Let’s review a few statements Ezra Taft Benson has made about the subject. And keep in mind, he is an Apostle of the Lord as Peter or Paul and we should consider his words as we would consider theirs. The following are a few quotes that have been strung together for our convenience and understanding:

"We need a vast awakening of the American people as to the true nature of the communist [socialist] blueprint for revolution. Considering the degree to which the controlling influences of the federal government and many of the communications media are now furthering this Communist [Socialist] revolution, it is unrealistic to expect most of our present leaders or the networks to bring about this awakening. In fact, they may be expected to resist it. That means that individual citizens must stand up and assume more than their share of the responsibility. The speaker’s platform, hand-distribution of literature, study clubs, home discussions — all must be pressed into service. . . . Each of us must be willing to discuss the problems openly with our friends. . . ." (CR,, October 1967, pp. 34-39.)
"No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist or support programs leading in that direction. These evil philosophies are incompatible with Mormonism, the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
"What can priesthood holders do? There are many things we can do to meet the challenge of the adversary in our day.
"First, we should become informed about communism, about socialism, and about Americanism. What better way can one become informed than by first studying the inspired words of the prophets and using that as a foundation against which to test all other material? This is in keeping with the Prophet Joseph Smith’s motto, ‘When the Lord commands, do it.’" (DHC, 2:170). (CR, October 1961, p. 74.)
"We should study the records of our Congressmen — how they vote, not what they say only — to help determine whether or not we maintain an Administration dedicated to freedom and free enterprise. . . . We must provide for the security of our nation. With fine representation in Congress we can win the battle for freedom.
"For eight years in Washington I had this prayerful statement on my desk: ‘O God give us men with a mandate higher than the Ballot Box.’" (TRC, p. 236.)
"At this particular moment in history the United States Constitution is definitely threatened and every citizen should know about it. The warning of this hour should resound through the corridors of every American institution — schools, churches, the halls of Congress, press, radio and TV and so far as I am concerned it will resound — with God’s help." (An address given on February 11, 1966, at The Utah Forum for the American Idea in the Assembly Hall, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah; AEHDT, p. 39.)
"But the reason many liberals don’t want the American people to form study groups to really understand and then fight socialistic-communism is that once the American people get the facts, they will begin to realize that much of what these liberals advocate is actually helping the enemy.
"For after you inform yourself you might begin to study the liberal voting record. And this study would show you how much the liberals are giving aid and comfort to the enemy and how much the liberals are actually leading America toward socialism itself." (AEHDT, p. 43.)
"I think it is time for every patriotic American to join with neighbors to study the Constitution and the conspiracy. Subscribe to several good patriotic magazines such as American Opinion, buy a few basic books, such as The Naked Communist, by Cleon Skousen, recommended by President David O. McKay, in the General Conference of the Church October, 1959, etc. And then prepare to do some independent thinking. And remember that the organized who have a plan and are dedicated, though they be few, will always defeat the many who are not organized and who lack plans and dedication. The communists [socialist] know this and have proven it. Isn’t it about time that most Americans realize it too?" (Ibid., p. 44.)
"By 1962 some American liberals had almost completely neutralized the resurgence of American patriotism. They had frightened uninformed citizens away from study groups and patriotic rallies. They had made it popular to call patriotism a ‘controversial’ subject which should not be discussed in school assemblies or churches." (TL, p. 32.)
"We are going through the greatest, most insidious propaganda campaign of all time. Even the character-destroying ‘credibility gap’ seems to be gaining respectability. We cannot believe all we read, and what we can believe is not all of the same value. We must sift. We must learn by study and prayer.
"Study the scriptures and study the mortals who have been most consistently accurate about the most important things. When your freedom and your eternal welfare are at stake, your information had better be accurate." (GFC, p. 330.)
"Unfortunately, we as a nation have apostatized in various degrees from different Constitutional principles as proclaimed by the inspired founders." (General Conference, October 1987; The Ensign, November 1987, p. 6.)
"Surely — certainly — it behooves patriotic citizens — such as you — to meet together to seriously consider present conditions in our beloved nation. It is imperative that American citizens become alerted and informed regarding the threat to our welfare, happiness and freedom.
"No American is worthy of citizenship in this great land who refuses to take an active interest in these matters." (An address given on February 11, 1966, at The Utah Forum for the American Idea in the Assembly Hall, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah; AEHDT, p. 31.)
"We must become accurately informed and then let others know how we feel." (General Conference, October 1987; The Ensign, November 1987, p. 7.)

The above series of quotes may be interesting to consider, but they are not all inclusive. Many other things could be said in consideration of this subject. Let us just cover two more important ones. First, let us consider some of President David O. McKay’s statements given in General Conference, April 1966. The complete statement was later published by Deseret Book Company in pamphlet form. Here are excerpts from that conference address:

"In order that there may be no misunderstandings by bishops, stake presidents, and others regarding members of the Church participating in non-church meetings to study and become informed on the Constitution of the United States, communism [socialism], etc., I wish to make the following statements that I have been sending out from my office for some time and that have come under question by some stake authorities, bishoprics, and others.
"Church members are at perfect liberty to act according to their own consciences in the matter of safeguarding our way of life. They are, of course, encouraged to honor the highest standards of the gospel and to work to preserve their own freedoms. They are free to participate in non-church meetings that are held to warn people of the threat of communism [socialism] or any other theory or principle that will deprive us of our free agency or individual liberties vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States.
"In this connection, we are continually being asked to give our opinion concerning various patriotic groups or individuals who are . . . speaking up for freedom. Our immediate concern, however, is not with parties, groups, or persons, but with principles. We therefore commend and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to study Constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us. We wish all of our citizens throughout the land were participating in some type of organized self-education in order that they could better appreciate what is happening and know what they can do about it." (Conference Report, April 1966, p. 109; The Improvement Era, June 1966, p. 477.)

The second one we will consider is a letter from the First Presidency of the Church, dated January 15, 1987. It was called the "Bicentennial Celebration of the U.S. Constitution." It was "To be read in sacrament meetings." But, in many meetings the local church leader took exception and did not read it. A few quotes from it may be interesting:

"We should . . . in the tradition of our Founding Fathers, learn the principles of the Constitution and abide by its precepts.
"We encourage Latter-day Saints throughout the nation to familiarize themselves with the Constitution. They should focus attention on it by reading and studying it. They should ponder the blessings that come through it. They should recommit themselves to its principles and be prepared to defend it and the freedom it provides." (D&C 109:54).
"Citizens of this nation are free, of course, to participate in efforts designed to warn of the threat of any force or power, theory or principle, that would deprive them of their freedom or the individual liberties vouchsafed by the Constitution.
"We believe the Constitution will stand, but it will take the efforts of patriotic and dedicated Americans to uphold it. . . . Thus we, as Latter-day Saints, must be vigilant in doing our part to preserve the Constitution and safeguard the way of life it makes possible.
"The bicentennial year affords us renewed opportunities to learn more about this divinely inspired charter of our liberty, to speak in its defense, and to preserve and protect it against evil or destruction. We encourage your participation and involvement in this worthy endeavor." (Letter from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (to be read in sacrament meeting), January 15, 1987.)

Some Serious Concerns
Many individuals, especially leaders in the LDS Church, have various concerns about study groups. This is due to the many groups that have started, with good intentions, and ended up being apostate from the Church. However, because many have fallen away because of the pride of man, that does not by any means say that all such groups should be so suspect, though there may be concerns.

It is true that there are individuals teaching the overthrow of governments, defection from religious organizations, and rebellion. Such extremist, radical, and fanatical individuals, though having their freedom to exercise their agency, do not fit into all study groups and all study groups do not teach or even advocate such negative principles or practices those type of persons may espouse.

There are many positive study groups, however, that do teach from the scriptures, from principles taught by the prophets and the founding fathers. Such groups are the type of study groups with which our prophets have counseled us to align ourselves, though we should use caution in choosing which group we associate ourselves with.

Filling the Void
Not all people, in or out of the LDS Church, understand the Constitution in the tradition of our founding fathers. We must realize that the Lord established the Constitution because it protects our freedoms, and that Satan wants to destroy the Constitution because it protects our freedoms. We must also realize that the Lord expects us to act for ourselves as outlined in the scriptures. His sacred words are as follows:

"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
"But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned." (D&C 58:26-27, 29.)

The Lord also tells us through the scriptures, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17.)

The question may be asked: "Have we been commanded to study the Constitution of the United States and other issues pertaining to our liberties and our safety in the last days"? To the alert, the answer is obvious. Have we followed the Lord’s counsel on this subject as given through the scriptures and His servants? The answer to this question may be too revealing for some even to consider.

As stated before, the purpose of study groups is to encourage and help members of the Church, and anyone else so interested, to follow the counsel of our Prophet to "learn the Constitution," and "become involved." Study groups have been established, therefore, to fill the void left in many church and school educational programs on this vital subject.

We will conclude our discussion of this matter with the following quote from Section 123 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

"It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children. . . .
"And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart—
"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—
"Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—
"These should then be attended to with great earnestness." (D&C 123:7, 11-14.)