Not Blind Conformity

Lest anyone think I’m a Frank Burns, who says and believe idiot things like this:

Unless we each conform, unless we obey orders, unless we follow our leaders blindly, there is no possible way we can remain free.

I offer the following:

Yes, I did say in our church we believe in being subject to kings; that we pray for our leaders. But we also stand up against leaders who are making incorrect choices.

The church has issued statements on immigration that emphasize keeping families intact; avoiding policies that target mass expulsions based on race, culture, or religion; and treating others withkindness, no matter their immigration status.

In other words, we assert our right to be at the table when topics of justice and morality are being discussed, whether that table is religious or secular in nature.

That means if we see a leader taking the nation down the wrong path, or see a law that to us is morally unjust, we will let our voice be heard and we will combat that leader and that unjust law, without resorting to violence. To do otherwise would sell our souls for that which has no worth.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a history of being ill-treated by government, at one point in its history even leaving the United States to avoid persecution which involved mob violence, destruction of property, and an order issued by then Governor of Missouri Lilburn W. Boggs that Mormons could be exterminated in that state “on sight” without risk of persecution. We have no desire to see others placed in similar predicaments, and would fight against any government, local or federal, which would seek to enact such laws.

Besides that – I’ve got a streak of Dutch Stubborn in me a mile wide. My father saw Nazi Germany invade the Netherlands during World War II, and has always cautioned us about following anyone blindly.