LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 123
Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as
written by Joseph Smith the Prophet while a prisoner in the jail at
Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the
Church written around March 22, 1839 (see the heading to section 122).
1–6, The Saints should collect and publish an account of their
sufferings and persecutions; 7–10, The same spirit that established the
false creeds also leads to persecution of the Saints; 11–17, Many among
all sects will yet receive the truth.
1 And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of
all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and
sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State; 2 And
also of all the property and amount of damages which they have
sustained, both of character and personal injuries, as well as real
property; 3 And also the names of all persons that have had a hand in
their oppressions, as far as they can get hold of them and find them
out.
Note: Believers will not be focused on earthly possessions.
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you
endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a
spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you
became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion
on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods,
knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for
yourselves in heaven. Hebrews 10:32-34
4 And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things,
and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the
libelous publications that are afloat; 5 And all that are in the
magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories
that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and present the whole
concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and murderous
impositions that have been practiced upon this people— 6 That we may
not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of
government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which
is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and
completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his
hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse
before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm.
Note: Jesus Christ does not teach revenge.
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps
you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to
sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And
whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who
asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
Matthew 5:38-42
7 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, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care,
under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression,
supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which
hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited
lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with
confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the
very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the
weight of its iniquity. 8 It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they
are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell.
Note: Jesus Christ does not teach revenge.
“You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse
you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully
use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in
heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and
sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who
love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the
same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than
others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?” Matthew 5:43-47
9 Therefore it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own
wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands
and fathers have been murdered under its iron hand; 10 Which dark and
blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand
aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and palsy.
Note: Believers will overcome evil with good.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of
all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably
with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place
to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says
the Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is
thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire
on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
11 And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising
generation, and to all the pure in heart—12 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—13 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—14 These should then be
attended to with great earnestness.
Note: Believers will overcome evil with good.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he
will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap
corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap
everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in
due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the
household of faith. Galatians 6:7-10
15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth
in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.
16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by
a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with
the wind and the waves.
Note: Believers are to be law abiding citizens.
Therefore, submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s
sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who
are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of
those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you
may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using
liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all
people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things
that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost
assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
Note: Believers will overcome evil with good.
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another;
love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil
for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing,
knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9