If the towns people waited, maybe the Marauders would have passed them by and they would be safe!
RitaFebruary 5, 2021
The Oracle didn't say "do nothing"; it said "do nothing for one month". The bridge could still be built, but after the peril (that the villagers had no clue about) had passed. We are also given counsel to wait sometimes, to work other times. The important thing is that we obey, not only the spirit, but the letter of the counsel. We work when the Lord commands, and wait at the same command. Taking things into our own hands, with our limited sight, generally results in pain and suffering, no matter how good our intentions.
Sandra CoxFebruary 4, 2021
I would like to comment on the supposed Capitol attack. Unfortunately you are believing the propaganda. There was no attack on the capitol. A few people were ushered in by police. Photo ops were staged. Unfortunately you can't believe the main stream media.
Earl ChantrrillFebruary 4, 2021
I believe that we have people among us inside and outside of our government who have no respect for our constitution or the Judeo-Christian foundations of it as described in the Federalist Papers and letters between the founders and their correspondents. This government was established by God for the purpose of establishing the Church and spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the world. Satan is diametrically opposed to all of these things and has been working to establish his counter-religion during this same period of time. Communism and its analogous organizations such as Nazism, Fascism, etc. that have been conquering governments and spreading their false doctrines based on lies. One of the major parties in the United States is preaching and practicing those false doctrines and using practices of oppression both through official and unofficial organizations and through extra-governmental organizations and businesses to subvert the will of the majority of the people and to make it very difficult for individuals who oppose their tactics to make their voices heard. This is corrupt.
Maryann TaylorFebruary 4, 2021
I wholeheartedly agree that we must follow our Prophets and Apostles for our direction, especially in current conditions where the world has drifted so far away from truth. However, I have a problem with the title of your column. My politics have EVERYTHING to do with gospel teachings. You cannot separate them. We do not "check our religion at the door" of the voting booth. Because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I do NOT support laws that promote or support abortion. I do NOT support many of the inappropriate government "handouts" that cripple self-reliance, where the need is not genuine, thereby creating welfare families for generations. I do NOT support breaking current immigration laws, thereby putting American citizens at risk for drug and human trafficking, and disease. I do NOT support any attempts to destroy the constitution or the Bill of Rights. I do NOT support evil endeavors that apply the absurd term of "separation of church and state" in order to thwart religious freedom. I do NOT support today's current mindset that puts the "rights" of any minority or special interest group above the good of all. I do NOT support any law that promotes or supports in any way the belief that gender is a "choice." A reading of the Doctrine & Covenants and the Book of Mormon make it clear that we have a responsibility to preserve laws that are in harmony with God's laws--unless we want to be "swept off' the land. I don't know how the Lord can make it any more clear.
JOHN RICHARD HILLFebruary 4, 2021
To be frank, I have been greatly disappointed in the community response to Mr. Trump's efforts to overturn his election loss. Clearly, he had the right to challenge improper voting in the courts, but when that failed, he turned to efforts that undermined our democratic norms and values, including being impeached for inciting insurrection when he followers attacked the Capitol. During the post-election assault on our Constitution, my community (neighbors, FB friends, relatives, ward members, etc.) remained remarkably silent---not even publicly expressing outrage about the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol. That might be explained by the fact that I live in Utah County, where (according to official data) two-thirds of the votes were cast in favor of Mr. Trump. So, I ask myself just who will speak up in defense of our Constitution? Apparently not the "silent majority" in my community!.
Rosie BFebruary 4, 2021
I love this parable. I'm also grateful that we are studying the Doctrine & Covenants this year. What was going on in the background all during the time that the original revelations were received? Mob violence as a result of evil and designing men with a hidden agenda based on greed. What will be the result of refusing to see our neighbors, including the ones that disagree with us, as children of our Heavenly Father? According to the Book of Mormon, endless wars even to the point of annihilation.
Katelon GilbertFebruary 3, 2021
Amen to what @Tedfullerton and @pakundo said!
There has never been a more important time to stand fast in the liberty by which we have been made free!
RachFebruary 3, 2021
@TedFullerton, I think WHAT the oracle said in this story is of minor importance. It was a just a story element to help present a point. The point of the story is how people interpreted what the Oracle told them, and that they each claimed that their misinterpretation was what the Oracle wanted, when it actually wasn’t. There are problems with both political parties in our country.
Karen GreeneFebruary 3, 2021
Ted Fullerton, have you heard of Cleon and Joel Skousen. Look them up and their books. Cleon is deceased. Joel has podcasts and briefings. Some free , some pay for subscription. Talks about very things you are referring to. I think you will find these things informative. They are also members of the Church.
Robert D StarlingFebruary 3, 2021
I love this analogy. It reinforces God's word when he said in Isaiah 55, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." We are SO blessed in these "perilous times" to have a living prophet who can tell us what the Lord's "higher thoughts" are for our time. And whether he says we should wait with patience as Alma was told in Mosiah 24, or whether we should act as Helaman and the stripling warriors, our best guide is - - FTP - Follow The Prophet.
Mary E PettyFebruary 3, 2021
This was a very thought provoking article, including the comments. They led me to review the prophecies and Latter-day Saints’ responsibilities related to the US Constitution.
I recommend the following readings to all interested in our prophetic role in civil society.
1. Conference Report of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 94th Semi-Annual Conference October 1923, accessed 2/3/2021 on archive.org: Oct. 6, 1923 Morning Session talk given by Presiding Bishop of The Church, Bishop Charles W Nibley, pp 58-62;
2. Conference Report of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 94th Semi-Annual Conference October 1923, accessed 2/3/2021 on archive.org: Oct. 6, 1923 Morning Session talk given by Elder Stephen L Richards, pp 44-48;).
3.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org › ensignWeb resultsDid Joseph Smith say that the Constitution would hang by a ...
4. Elder David A Bednar spoke June 17, 2020 at the Religious Freedom Annual Review, hosted by the Brigham Young University Law School.
From 32:27Elder David A. Bednar begins speaking
Sally SmothFebruary 3, 2021
The prophet speaks to his saints ok n a regular and rightnow is is saying to trust in the Savior, hear him, which means we follow him in all we do. The Prophet and his apostles are our oracles. They are the only ones we can trust.
pakundoFebruary 3, 2021
The headline is misleading: politics and the gospel are intertwined, because they both concern how we live our lives. One cannot be separated from the other and be true to both.
Kelly H.February 3, 2021
Just to be clear, there is a distinct and powerfully backed difference between our opinion and a revelatory experience from God. This is for any mortal, of any station. I think of Nephi. I don’t think this article makes sense unless that distinction is made.
Robert E JonesFebruary 3, 2021
When the Prophet changed Sunday services from 3 hours to 2 hours how many understood that the change was from a "church centered concept" to a "home center concept and what it meant for the future.."
How many thought that a pendemic was in the future and all church services would be stoped but our "home center" services would continue without a problem.
What lies in the future? I don't know but I think I will relie on what our general authorties have to say of the future "as for me I will follow the prophets."
Bob Jones
Maria Luisa TorresFebruary 3, 2021
I was guided by the words of President Oaks last October Conference, right before the election.” We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12).
This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election.”
Those Church members who participated in the Washington insurrection and support those endeavors, DID Not heed the council of our oracles from God.
Joan Girvin SmithFebruary 3, 2021
In my opinion, the author was simply relaying a pre-existing story which made a point... "Listen to the Prophet" and don't rely upon your particular bias. Even Christ's parables were not intended to be extended beyond the apparent lesson.
Patty K.February 3, 2021
The parable is not about whether to take action or do nothing, but about listening to the Prophet and following his council as opposed to following the dictates of ones political party.
Michael HousemanFebruary 3, 2021
The warnings from our "oracles" have been blatantly plain. Ezra Taft Benson warned us of the evils of communism and we now have members of Congress espousing these diabolical principles openly. Listen to "Stand Up for Freedom" and it will be abundantly clear that the Constitution and the ideology of communism cannot stand together. Communism is Christianity stripped of God, while the Constitution is based on "Christian principles" and the two can't exist equally together. If we adopt what our prophets have warned us against then we will reap the whirlwind. It is folly to believe they can coexist. No communist country has ever allowed Christians to live in peace. We should listen to our "oracles" and we have been warned.
Ronald KjarFebruary 3, 2021
Ted, the article simply said to follow the living oracle or prophets. That's it. I didn't see that it said that there was a particular position that was either correct or incorrect. Just follow the prophet. What a great analogy!
Juliann BradshawFebruary 3, 2021
I believe the authors intent can be summarized with President Nelson’s story about his family member being “myopic”. Don’t read the parable with an agenda. Just read it with an open heart. My own current conflict is the “vaccination” being encouraged in order to be good citizens. But there was also agency allowed, and I know my body, my medical history and past reactions to vaccines. What I don’t know are the ways and mind of God concerning the future, an unpredictable government and the hearts of evil and conspiring men. God always knows.
I do know that we have a prophet, seer, and revelator.
Tammy LindstromFebruary 3, 2021
Loved this. I loved the messages we had during October conference. We just need to live what we were taught by our leaders.
Ted FullertonFebruary 3, 2021
I think thats a wonderful parable and has some valuable lesson or application we have seen played out in history before. I am confused by the title and how it specifically applies to our situation today. Did I miss a warning somewhere by our Prophet that says do nothing? The way I understand our Oracles, defending the Constitution is the very essence of the Gospel. The Book of Mormon practically shouting at us, trying to warn us of our awful situation when we see the Secret Combinations that would be among us in the last days. Modern Apostles and Prophets like Charles Nibley, David O McKay, and others:
Conference Report Charles W. Nibley October 1923
"Brethren and sisters, let me say in closing that we have it of record, that the prophet Joseph Smith said the time would come when, through secret organizations taking the law into their own hands, not being governed by law or by due process of law, but becoming a law unto themselves, when, by those disintegrating activities, the Constitution of the United States would be so torn and rent asunder, and life and property and peace and security would be held of so little value, that the Constitution would, as it were, hang by a thread. But he never said, so far as I have heard, that that thread would be cut. I believe, with Elder Richards, that this Constitution will be preserved, but it will be preserved very largely in consequence of what the Lord has revealed and what this people, through listening to the Lord and being obedient, will help to bring about, to stabilize and give permanency and effect to the Constitution itself. THAT IS ALSO OUR MISSION. That also is what we are here for. I glory in it. I praise God with all my heart and soul that I am a member of it." (almost 100 years ago) I have not verified this account with the actual record of that session of General Conference, however, I have seen other quotes by David O McKay who also said defending the Constitution is almost as much a duty of the Saints as preaching the Gospel (just as Elder Nibley did). Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy both warned boldly, plainly, in great detail, of the dangers of secret organizations that they said were among us in their day and were a serious threat to our freedom. President Benson spoke as plainly as can possible be plain and was seen as an embarrassment by many of the Saints with his "Conspiracy Theories.". So, again I am confused by the title of this parable. Our Oracles that come to my mind have said it is the Gospel to be politically astute and aware of our awful situation and to take action. What am I missing? Do we have an Oracle who is saying to do nothing? If so I have missed that.
Comments | Return to Story
Suzan BruceFebruary 10, 2021
If the towns people waited, maybe the Marauders would have passed them by and they would be safe!
RitaFebruary 5, 2021
The Oracle didn't say "do nothing"; it said "do nothing for one month". The bridge could still be built, but after the peril (that the villagers had no clue about) had passed. We are also given counsel to wait sometimes, to work other times. The important thing is that we obey, not only the spirit, but the letter of the counsel. We work when the Lord commands, and wait at the same command. Taking things into our own hands, with our limited sight, generally results in pain and suffering, no matter how good our intentions.
Sandra CoxFebruary 4, 2021
I would like to comment on the supposed Capitol attack. Unfortunately you are believing the propaganda. There was no attack on the capitol. A few people were ushered in by police. Photo ops were staged. Unfortunately you can't believe the main stream media.
Earl ChantrrillFebruary 4, 2021
I believe that we have people among us inside and outside of our government who have no respect for our constitution or the Judeo-Christian foundations of it as described in the Federalist Papers and letters between the founders and their correspondents. This government was established by God for the purpose of establishing the Church and spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the world. Satan is diametrically opposed to all of these things and has been working to establish his counter-religion during this same period of time. Communism and its analogous organizations such as Nazism, Fascism, etc. that have been conquering governments and spreading their false doctrines based on lies. One of the major parties in the United States is preaching and practicing those false doctrines and using practices of oppression both through official and unofficial organizations and through extra-governmental organizations and businesses to subvert the will of the majority of the people and to make it very difficult for individuals who oppose their tactics to make their voices heard. This is corrupt.
Maryann TaylorFebruary 4, 2021
I wholeheartedly agree that we must follow our Prophets and Apostles for our direction, especially in current conditions where the world has drifted so far away from truth. However, I have a problem with the title of your column. My politics have EVERYTHING to do with gospel teachings. You cannot separate them. We do not "check our religion at the door" of the voting booth. Because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I do NOT support laws that promote or support abortion. I do NOT support many of the inappropriate government "handouts" that cripple self-reliance, where the need is not genuine, thereby creating welfare families for generations. I do NOT support breaking current immigration laws, thereby putting American citizens at risk for drug and human trafficking, and disease. I do NOT support any attempts to destroy the constitution or the Bill of Rights. I do NOT support evil endeavors that apply the absurd term of "separation of church and state" in order to thwart religious freedom. I do NOT support today's current mindset that puts the "rights" of any minority or special interest group above the good of all. I do NOT support any law that promotes or supports in any way the belief that gender is a "choice." A reading of the Doctrine & Covenants and the Book of Mormon make it clear that we have a responsibility to preserve laws that are in harmony with God's laws--unless we want to be "swept off' the land. I don't know how the Lord can make it any more clear.
JOHN RICHARD HILLFebruary 4, 2021
To be frank, I have been greatly disappointed in the community response to Mr. Trump's efforts to overturn his election loss. Clearly, he had the right to challenge improper voting in the courts, but when that failed, he turned to efforts that undermined our democratic norms and values, including being impeached for inciting insurrection when he followers attacked the Capitol. During the post-election assault on our Constitution, my community (neighbors, FB friends, relatives, ward members, etc.) remained remarkably silent---not even publicly expressing outrage about the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol. That might be explained by the fact that I live in Utah County, where (according to official data) two-thirds of the votes were cast in favor of Mr. Trump. So, I ask myself just who will speak up in defense of our Constitution? Apparently not the "silent majority" in my community!.
Rosie BFebruary 4, 2021
I love this parable. I'm also grateful that we are studying the Doctrine & Covenants this year. What was going on in the background all during the time that the original revelations were received? Mob violence as a result of evil and designing men with a hidden agenda based on greed. What will be the result of refusing to see our neighbors, including the ones that disagree with us, as children of our Heavenly Father? According to the Book of Mormon, endless wars even to the point of annihilation.
Katelon GilbertFebruary 3, 2021
Amen to what @Tedfullerton and @pakundo said! There has never been a more important time to stand fast in the liberty by which we have been made free!
RachFebruary 3, 2021
@TedFullerton, I think WHAT the oracle said in this story is of minor importance. It was a just a story element to help present a point. The point of the story is how people interpreted what the Oracle told them, and that they each claimed that their misinterpretation was what the Oracle wanted, when it actually wasn’t. There are problems with both political parties in our country.
Karen GreeneFebruary 3, 2021
Ted Fullerton, have you heard of Cleon and Joel Skousen. Look them up and their books. Cleon is deceased. Joel has podcasts and briefings. Some free , some pay for subscription. Talks about very things you are referring to. I think you will find these things informative. They are also members of the Church.
Robert D StarlingFebruary 3, 2021
I love this analogy. It reinforces God's word when he said in Isaiah 55, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." We are SO blessed in these "perilous times" to have a living prophet who can tell us what the Lord's "higher thoughts" are for our time. And whether he says we should wait with patience as Alma was told in Mosiah 24, or whether we should act as Helaman and the stripling warriors, our best guide is - - FTP - Follow The Prophet.
Mary E PettyFebruary 3, 2021
This was a very thought provoking article, including the comments. They led me to review the prophecies and Latter-day Saints’ responsibilities related to the US Constitution. I recommend the following readings to all interested in our prophetic role in civil society. 1. Conference Report of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 94th Semi-Annual Conference October 1923, accessed 2/3/2021 on archive.org: Oct. 6, 1923 Morning Session talk given by Presiding Bishop of The Church, Bishop Charles W Nibley, pp 58-62; 2. Conference Report of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 94th Semi-Annual Conference October 1923, accessed 2/3/2021 on archive.org: Oct. 6, 1923 Morning Session talk given by Elder Stephen L Richards, pp 44-48;). 3. www.churchofjesuschrist.org › ensignWeb resultsDid Joseph Smith say that the Constitution would hang by a ... 4. Elder David A Bednar spoke June 17, 2020 at the Religious Freedom Annual Review, hosted by the Brigham Young University Law School. From 32:27Elder David A. Bednar begins speaking
Sally SmothFebruary 3, 2021
The prophet speaks to his saints ok n a regular and rightnow is is saying to trust in the Savior, hear him, which means we follow him in all we do. The Prophet and his apostles are our oracles. They are the only ones we can trust.
pakundoFebruary 3, 2021
The headline is misleading: politics and the gospel are intertwined, because they both concern how we live our lives. One cannot be separated from the other and be true to both.
Kelly H.February 3, 2021
Just to be clear, there is a distinct and powerfully backed difference between our opinion and a revelatory experience from God. This is for any mortal, of any station. I think of Nephi. I don’t think this article makes sense unless that distinction is made.
Robert E JonesFebruary 3, 2021
When the Prophet changed Sunday services from 3 hours to 2 hours how many understood that the change was from a "church centered concept" to a "home center concept and what it meant for the future.." How many thought that a pendemic was in the future and all church services would be stoped but our "home center" services would continue without a problem. What lies in the future? I don't know but I think I will relie on what our general authorties have to say of the future "as for me I will follow the prophets." Bob Jones
Maria Luisa TorresFebruary 3, 2021
I was guided by the words of President Oaks last October Conference, right before the election.” We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12). This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law. It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it. It also means that we peacefully accept the results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election.” Those Church members who participated in the Washington insurrection and support those endeavors, DID Not heed the council of our oracles from God.
Joan Girvin SmithFebruary 3, 2021
In my opinion, the author was simply relaying a pre-existing story which made a point... "Listen to the Prophet" and don't rely upon your particular bias. Even Christ's parables were not intended to be extended beyond the apparent lesson.
Patty K.February 3, 2021
The parable is not about whether to take action or do nothing, but about listening to the Prophet and following his council as opposed to following the dictates of ones political party.
Michael HousemanFebruary 3, 2021
The warnings from our "oracles" have been blatantly plain. Ezra Taft Benson warned us of the evils of communism and we now have members of Congress espousing these diabolical principles openly. Listen to "Stand Up for Freedom" and it will be abundantly clear that the Constitution and the ideology of communism cannot stand together. Communism is Christianity stripped of God, while the Constitution is based on "Christian principles" and the two can't exist equally together. If we adopt what our prophets have warned us against then we will reap the whirlwind. It is folly to believe they can coexist. No communist country has ever allowed Christians to live in peace. We should listen to our "oracles" and we have been warned.
Ronald KjarFebruary 3, 2021
Ted, the article simply said to follow the living oracle or prophets. That's it. I didn't see that it said that there was a particular position that was either correct or incorrect. Just follow the prophet. What a great analogy!
Juliann BradshawFebruary 3, 2021
I believe the authors intent can be summarized with President Nelson’s story about his family member being “myopic”. Don’t read the parable with an agenda. Just read it with an open heart. My own current conflict is the “vaccination” being encouraged in order to be good citizens. But there was also agency allowed, and I know my body, my medical history and past reactions to vaccines. What I don’t know are the ways and mind of God concerning the future, an unpredictable government and the hearts of evil and conspiring men. God always knows. I do know that we have a prophet, seer, and revelator.
Tammy LindstromFebruary 3, 2021
Loved this. I loved the messages we had during October conference. We just need to live what we were taught by our leaders.
Ted FullertonFebruary 3, 2021
I think thats a wonderful parable and has some valuable lesson or application we have seen played out in history before. I am confused by the title and how it specifically applies to our situation today. Did I miss a warning somewhere by our Prophet that says do nothing? The way I understand our Oracles, defending the Constitution is the very essence of the Gospel. The Book of Mormon practically shouting at us, trying to warn us of our awful situation when we see the Secret Combinations that would be among us in the last days. Modern Apostles and Prophets like Charles Nibley, David O McKay, and others: Conference Report Charles W. Nibley October 1923 "Brethren and sisters, let me say in closing that we have it of record, that the prophet Joseph Smith said the time would come when, through secret organizations taking the law into their own hands, not being governed by law or by due process of law, but becoming a law unto themselves, when, by those disintegrating activities, the Constitution of the United States would be so torn and rent asunder, and life and property and peace and security would be held of so little value, that the Constitution would, as it were, hang by a thread. But he never said, so far as I have heard, that that thread would be cut. I believe, with Elder Richards, that this Constitution will be preserved, but it will be preserved very largely in consequence of what the Lord has revealed and what this people, through listening to the Lord and being obedient, will help to bring about, to stabilize and give permanency and effect to the Constitution itself. THAT IS ALSO OUR MISSION. That also is what we are here for. I glory in it. I praise God with all my heart and soul that I am a member of it." (almost 100 years ago) I have not verified this account with the actual record of that session of General Conference, however, I have seen other quotes by David O McKay who also said defending the Constitution is almost as much a duty of the Saints as preaching the Gospel (just as Elder Nibley did). Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy both warned boldly, plainly, in great detail, of the dangers of secret organizations that they said were among us in their day and were a serious threat to our freedom. President Benson spoke as plainly as can possible be plain and was seen as an embarrassment by many of the Saints with his "Conspiracy Theories.". So, again I am confused by the title of this parable. Our Oracles that come to my mind have said it is the Gospel to be politically astute and aware of our awful situation and to take action. What am I missing? Do we have an Oracle who is saying to do nothing? If so I have missed that.
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