Today is Independence Day in the United States, and I’ve been reviewing some of the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Here are some thoughts about the second paragraph’s opening declaration:
We hold these truths to be self-evident…
Some things that are true can’t be proven, and they don’t need to be. This claim rests on the assumption that all human beings have an intrinsic sense of right and wrong.
Restoration scripture supports this assumption. Mormon taught that each of us can discern between good and evil by “the light of Christ” (Moroni 7:12-19). And, as the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith in 1832:
The Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
Doctrine and Covenants 84:46
…that all men [and women] are created equal…
Nephi proclaimed that “all are alike unto God,” and he named several characteristics which do not affect that equality, including gender and race (2 Nephi 26:33). Jacob urged us to act in accordance with that truth: “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all” (Jacob 2:17). Alma pointedly asked the people of Zarahemla:
Will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another?
Alma 5:54
When we recognize that we are all of equal value in God’s eyes, we treat each other more appropriately. For example, as the Lord instructed in the School of the Prophets, “let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:122). We listen carefully and respectfully to each person’s opinion, recognizing their infinite worth regardless of background, age, or economic class.
…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…
In December 1833, as Joseph Smith sought guidance about church members in Missouri who were enduring significant persecution, the Lord revealed that He had established the Constitution of the United States specifically to protect their rights:
Those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you—
According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles.
Doctrine and Covenants 101:76-77
God established this system of government to protect the rights He gave to all of His children.
…that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
When Captain Moroni saw that the freedom of his people was in danger, he tore his coat, inscribed the following rally cry upon it, and turned it into a banner:
In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.
Alma 46:12
In so doing, he codified a core set of beliefs which had previously motivated his warriors and led them to victory (see Alma 43:45-47). Some things are worth fighting for, including the freedom to worship as you choose and the well-being of your family.
The prophet Lehi additionally clarified that God wants us to seek and find happiness. “Men [and women] are that they might have joy,” he said (2 Nephi 2:25). Nephi said that his people lived “after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). And Mormon observed that Ammon’s joy at the end of his fourteen-year mission can only be received by “the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness” (Alma 27:18). God intends for His children to pursue happiness.
Today I will remember and apply the self-evident truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and affirmed in modern revelation. In particular, I will strive to treat everyone as children of God, of equal and immeasurable worth in His eyes. I will strive to respect and defend the rights of all people, including their God-given right to seek after happiness.