Interesting history behind D&C 134

[creator]

Some excerpts from an article written by Joseph Fielding Smith regarding church doctrine on governments and law, including a history of D&C 134...

"In a revelation given to the Church, August 1, 1831, the Lord said: “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land. Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.” It has been the doctrine and practice of the covenant people of God in all ages to be subject to the worldly “powers that be,” and to sustain and uphold them in all just and proper government."

Notice how he ended that statement with the qualifier "just and proper government". If I am reading and understanding correctly, we are to be subject to the powers that be, but only sustain and uphold their just and proper actions... so, for example, a latter-day saint in a socialist/communist/fascist/dictatorship/etc country, should be subject to those powers, bear the grievous burdens patiently (such as a 20% tax on our Ziff!) but not necessarily encourage, support or condone the powers that be's use of unrighteous dominion.

History of D&C 134...

"At a conference of the Church held in Kirtland, Ohio, August 17, 1835, the Doctrine and Covenants was presented to the assembled conference for their acceptance or rejection. After the brethren there assembled had carefully and studiously considered the matter, the revelations which had been previously selected by the Prophet Joseph Smith were accepted as the word of the Lord by the unanimous vote of the conference, and were ordered printed. On the occasion of this conference, Joseph Smith the Prophet and his second counselor, Frederick G. Williams, were not present. They were on a brief mission to the saints in Michigan, and because of this were not familiar with all the proceedings of this conference. After the conference had accepted the revelations, an article on marriage, which had been written by Oliver Cowdery, was read by Elder William W. Phelps, and was ordered printed in the book with the revelations.

"When this action had been taken, Oliver Cowdery arose and read another article, also written by himself, on “Governments and Laws in General.” This article the conference also ordered printed in the book of Doctrine and Covenants. Unfortunately, a great many people, because these articles appeared in the Doctrine and Covenants, readily concluded that they had come through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and hence were to be received on a par with the other parts of the book of revelations. Because of this misinformation articles have been published from time to time declaring that these words on Government and Laws have come to us with the force of revelation having been from the mouth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This article and the one on “Marriage” were not considered as revelations by the conference, but were published as an expression of belief of the members of the Church at that time.

"The article on Governments and Laws has appeared in each edition of the Doctrine and Covenants since 1835, and has been accepted, as the preamble of the article states, as a declaration of belief of the Latter-day Saints. It is as follows and is known as Section 134, of the Doctrine and Covenants..."

"It should not be understood that because Oliver Cowdery declared, and the Church has approved, the statement in this article that “We believe that governments are instituted of God for the benefit of man,” that therefore God has been the author of every government upon the earth. He is the author of government, for government prevails throughout the universe, but some of the despotic governments have been far from governments established or instituted by the hand of God. In the beginning, as previously stated, government was instituted for the benefit of man, but man in his rebellious nature turned from that government given by the Almighty to organizations of his own. It is a fact, however, that the Lord does overrule all nations. Kings and potentates may plot and plan and league together, but the Lord sets the bounds of their habitations and their authority and says: “This far, and no farther, shalt thou go.” The history of nations as it is recorded, reveals clearly and positively, the fact that the hand of the Lord has been the ruling hand among all kingdoms. The destiny of nations as well as the destinies of individuals is in his hands. Kings, presidents, despots and dictators will rule until the Lord declares it is enough and then their kingdoms and authorities shall cease upon the earth."

Read the entire article here.

[Mahonri]

The history of this Church and of all the dispensations is that of rebellion of tyranny and unjust laws.

John Taylor made the statement, "I defy the United States!"

[ithink]

The history of this Church and of all the dispensations is that of rebellion of tyranny and unjust laws.

John Taylor made the statement, "I defy the United States!"

..., er, that should read: "...was that of rebellion of tyranny and unjust laws"

[Mahonri]

The history of this Church and of all the dispensations is that of rebellion of tyranny and unjust laws.

John Taylor made the statement, "I defy the United States!"

..., er, that should read: "...was that of rebellion of tyranny and unjust laws"

Thanks for correcting my poor grammar.