John the Baptist answered the same question asked by three groups of people: "What shall we do." All three of his answers are based on the same underlying principle, a principle which King Benjamin also exemplified and taught: Don't take more than you should. Discipline yourself to not abuse the power you have.
“To Cast in Their Voices”
I voted yesterday. On Sunday, I told my children that voting is almost a spiritual experience for me. It is an honor to gather with fellow citizens to participate in such an important process—the foundation of a democratic system of government. I feel a form of reverence as I engage in a process by which... Continue Reading →
King-men
Why would a person vote to eliminate their own freedom? I've been intrigued the past couple of weeks by the children of Israel, who insisted on having a king, even after the prophet Samuel warned them of the terrible consequences of this decision: Their children would suffer, they would lose control over their possessions, and... Continue Reading →
The Voice of the People
When the prophet Samuel was old, he tried to appoint his sons to succeed him as leaders over Israel. But the Israelites were not willing to follow his sons, and they requested that he appoint a king. Samuel was troubled. He didn't think it wise to give one person that much power, and he thought... Continue Reading →
Gleaning
The law which God gave to the Israelites included a provision for caring for the poor among them: When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave... Continue Reading →
The Book of Judges and the Book of Mormon
Did the authors of the Book of Mormon have access to the book of Judges? They did have the brass plates, which contained "the five books of Moses...and also a record of the Jews...and also the prophecies of the holy prophets" (1 Nephi 5:10-13). It seems reasonable to assume that some version of the book... Continue Reading →
Govern Ourselves
When Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, saw him judging the people "from the morning unto the evening," he said, "The thing that thou doest is not good." Moses explained to him that the people needed his help resolving disputes and that this was his opportunity to teach them about God's laws. Jethro replied, "This thing is too heavy for thee;... Continue Reading →
Freedom of Religion
When King Mosiah proposed to his people that they abolish the monarchy and establish a new government consisting of judges appointed "by the voice of the people," one important feature of this new system was the protection of each citizen's rights: Now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Elections?
Shortly before his death, in about the year 91 B.C., King Mosiah announced to his people that he would have no successor. None of his sons wanted to be king, and he had been horrified to hear about the suffering caused by an unrighteous king named Noah. To prevent such a situation arising again, Mosiah... Continue Reading →
“Every Man According to His Mind” – Alma 2:5
Lehi taught his sons that they were free to make choices—including choices which would reduce that freedom. He urged them to choose liberty, not captivity (2 Nephi 2:26-29). About five years after King Mosiah abolished the monarchy and established a government "by the voice of the people" (Mosiah 29:26), a man named Amlici tried to... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 