Book Of Mormon Warns America

[theplains]

I came across this 47 minute speech by Ezra Taft Benson, spoken in May of 1968.

 

Despite his seemingly authoritative statement of the American Indians being the descendants

of the Lamanites (it starts at the 06:55 mark), I had a few questions.

 

1. Was it communism (or more specifically atheism) the 'secret combinations' which led to the

destruction of the Jaredites and Nephites?  Is this the same fate coming to America?

 

2. What would have been the impact if the US President and Congress followed the former

LDS President's suggestion to ban trade with communist countries?

 

3. Could a current LDS President make such a politically-charged speech and escape governmental

reprisal in our era?

 

4. I looked on lds.org and did a search for the word 'communism' and I don't really see anything

dated after April 1980.  Why did the LDS Church seemingly go silent after that year?  Was it

because communism became less of a threat?

 

Apart from that, I learned a few things I never heard about the Vietnam War.

 

Thanks,

Jim

[The Nehor]

 

I came across this 47 minute speech by Ezra Taft Benson, spoken in May of 1968.

 

Despite his seemingly authoritative statement of the American Indians being the descendants

of the Lamanites (it starts at the 06:55 mark), I had a few questions.

 

1. Was it communism (or more specifically atheism) the 'secret combinations' which led to the

destruction of the Jaredites and Nephites?  Is this the same fate coming to America?

 

2. What would have been the impact if the US President and Congress followed the former

LDS President's suggestion to ban trade with communist countries?

 

3. Could a current LDS President make such a politically-charged speech and escape governmental

reprisal in our era?

 

4. I looked on lds.org and did a search for the word 'communism' and I don't really see anything

dated after April 1980.  Why did the LDS Church seemingly go silent after that year?  Was it

because communism became less of a threat?

 

Apart from that, I learned a few things I never heard about the Vietnam War.

 

Thanks,

Jim

 

 

1. No, while Communist organizations have at times been secret combinations there is no indication that that is what brought down the Nephites or the Jaredites (both were brought down due to war and there is nothing to indicate either side was communist). Could a communist combination damage the United States? Sure, but there is no guarantee one will.

 

2. No idea, anything from little effect to World War III. It is important to note that President Benson was not the President of the Church when he gave this speech. Then Elder Benson was always getting in trouble with the rest of the Twelve and the First Presidency for his political speeches. I know of one story in my family (a father and son) where Elder Benson made some rather extreme comments about preparations for dealing with the Communists. The son asked the father if he would follow the counsel. The father said that when Elder Benson became President Benson and ran the Church he would be first in line to follow this counsel. When President Benson was set apart and given authority to exercise all Priesthood keys something changed. There was little mention of politics in his talks from then on out and no support for the survivalist groups and militias he seemed to hold sympathy with before.

 

3. Probably, though there may be a social backlash.

 

4. It was less of a threat and there was and still is little worry. Russia may still be a threat to world or at least regional peace but the difference is not a difference of opinion on economic ideology.

 

I love looking back on anti-Communist diatribes. Here is a wonderful piece by a Christian group on the dangers of communism:

 

 

Communism apparently causes corny dialogue, awful stereotypes, and bad special effects. I am terrified.

[cdowis]

Sigh.  Why are you ignoring the clear warnings in the BOM and delving into the "evils of communism".

 

It is not a particular political creed that will destroy America.  May I suggest that you actually read the BOM and get back to us on what it says.  For example, you may find some interesting parallels with Alma chapter 51, and the prophecy in 3 Nephi 20:19-23 with current events.

[Rob Osborn]

Ezra Taft Benson worked in the government for many years and at that time during the cold war era there was a lot of fear over communism. I remember as a child many talks given in church over this threat of communism and a conspiracy within our government. I grew up and watched main institutions of communism slowly fall and it never became a threat like many supposed including many in the church. There are still those in that era that still believe in this global communist conspiracy but for the most part its dying out. The great threat to society has been pinpointed out by our current prophets and it is definitely not communism. Thats why we never hear them speak at all about it in conference these days.

[teddyaware]

Ezra Taft Benson worked in the government for many years and at that time during the cold war era there was a lot of fear over communism. I remember as a child many talks given in church over this threat of communism and a conspiracy within our government. I grew up and watched main institutions of communism slowly fall and it never became a threat like many supposed including many in the church. There are still those in that era that still believe in this global communist conspiracy but for the most part its dying out. The great threat to society has been pinpointed out by our current prophets and it is definitely not communism. Thats why we never hear them speak at all about it in conference these days.

You are quite mistaken. Whether one calls it communism, collectivism, atheistic materialism, totalitarianism or whatever, it's still alive and well, unfortunately. Remember, the devil is the master of deceit. What better way to spread the devil's kingdom of secret combinations abroad than to call it by another name, thereby making most everybody (myself excluded) think the threat is no longer real.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8: 24-26)

Edited August 12, 2014 by teddyaware

[Rob Osborn]

You are quite mistaken. Whether one calls it communism, collectivism, atheistic materialism, totalitarianism or whatever, it's still alive and well, unfortunately. Remember, the devil is the master of deceit. What better way to spread the devil's kingdom of secret combinations abroad than to call it by another name, thereby making most everybody (myself excluded) think the threat is no longer real.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8: 24-26)

Remember though that the BoM was primarily wrote for the descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites. What do we see in Mexico, Central America, and South America? We see secret combinations in the forms of cartels, gangs and other corruption taking over their governments. Its definitely not communism.

[The Nehor]

You are quite mistaken. Whether one calls it communism, collectivism, atheistic materialism, totalitarianism or whatever, it's still alive and well, unfortunately. Remember, the devil is the master of deceit. What better way to spread the devil's kingdom of secret combinations abroad than to call it by another name, thereby making most everybody (myself excluded) think the threat is no longer real.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8: 24-26)

 

You say he is mistaken when he says the big threat is not communism and then you meld a bunch of things together and say it is all communism by other names when it is not. Communism does not have to be totalitarian or atheistic. The devil does not have one unified conspiracy. The thing about secret combinations is that they are rarely secret and are rarely grandiose. They are usually petty groups obsessed with petty goals. The danger is mostly not their existence but that the Saints will join with them to get glory and gain. So we get a variety of them operating under various political, economic, and religious banners.

[Duncan]

One of the reasons I love the Book of Mormon is stated in its introduction-that is to let people to know about the covenants of the Lord to bring them to a knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. Secret combinations exist all over the place in the Church and out, but that knowing they exist isn't one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon. If exposing secret combinations of the Nephites and Lamanites or their modern day equivalent was one of the main purposes then those who live in Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, Antartica are home free

[teddyaware]

Remember though that the BoM was primarily wrote for the descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites. What do we see in Mexico, Central America, and South America? We see secret combinations in the forms of cartels, gangs and other corruption taking over their governments. Its definitely not communism.

Many of the poor people who lived under communism knew the trappings of doctrinaire Marxism/Leninism eventually evolved to the point where they were only utilized by the Soviet oligarchs to provide a cover of philosophical legitimacy to a cabal of criminal totalitarian gangsters. They knew Communism eventually became a national joke that was only officially maintained to serve as a cynical veneer for criminality.

You are also misinformed when it comes to South America, as Socialism is making big inroads down there, just as it is here in the United States. Argentina‎, Bolivia, Brazil‎, Chile‎, Colombia‎, Ecuador‎, Guyana‎, Panama‎, Paraguay‎, Peru, French Guiana‎, Suriname‎, Uruguay‎, Venezuela‎ are all countries where socialism is gaining a foothold, and President Benson always warned that Socialism is steppingstone to Communism

[Rob Osborn]

Many of the poor people who lived under communism knew the trappings of doctrinaire Marxism/Leninism eventually evolved to the point where they were only utilized by the Soviet oligarchs to provide a cover of philosophical legitimacy to a cabal of criminal totalitarian gangsters. They knew Communism eventually became a national joke that was only officially maintained to serve as a cynical veneer for criminality.

You are also misinformed when it comes to South America, as Socialism is making big inroads down there, just as it is here in the United States. Argentina‎, Bolivia, Brazil‎, Chile‎, Colombia‎, Ecuador‎, Guyana‎, Panama‎, Paraguay‎, Peru, French Guiana‎, Suriname‎, Uruguay‎, Venezuela‎ are all countries where socialism is gaining a foothold, and President Benson always warned that Socialism is steppingstone to Communism

So what you are saying is that socialist aspects of the government are Satans plans? Do you think that welfare is a socialist program?

[teddyaware]

You say he is mistaken when he says the big threat is not communism and then you meld a bunch of things together and say it is all communism by other names when it is not. Communism does not have to be totalitarian or atheistic. The devil does not have one unified conspiracy. The thing about secret combinations is that they are rarely secret and are rarely grandiose. They are usually petty groups obsessed with petty goals. The danger is mostly not their existence but that the Saints will join with them to get glory and gain. So we get a variety of them operating under various political, economic, and religious banners.

From President Ezra Taft Benson's October 1988 General Conference address:

I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

 

I say we ignore President Benson's and Moroni's warnings at our own peril.

 

This is my last post on this thread. I've said all I want to say or need to say.

Edited August 12, 2014 by teddyaware

[Rob Osborn]

From President Ezra Taft Benson's October 1988 General Conference address:

I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

 

I say we ignore President Benson's and Moroni's warnings at our own peril.

 

This is my last post on this thread. I've said all I want to say or need to say.

The living prophets in the last two decades have said nothing regarding ETB's views. Are modern prophets deceived?

[BCSpace]

1. Was it communism (or more specifically atheism) the 'secret combinations' which led to the

destruction of the Jaredites and Nephites?  Is this the same fate coming to America?

 

Back then, it looks more like ISIS to me.  However, Communism and it's brothers (and sisters) are the root cause of most of today's problems and is whats closest to bringing us down. ISIS traces it's roots back to Nazism through the Muslim Brotherhood and since the Nazi Party (National Socialist German Workers' Party) is a Socialist (a brother to Communism) party, perhaps there was indeed a 'Progressive' movement behind those secret combinations. To 'murder and get gain' is similar to what the pigs did in Animal Farm to obtain and keep life in the farmer's house.

Edited August 12, 2014 by BCSpace

[The Nehor]

From President Ezra Taft Benson's October 1988 General Conference address:

I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

 

I say we ignore President Benson's and Moroni's warnings at our own peril.

 

This is my last post on this thread. I've said all I want to say or need to say.

 

I take Moroni's warning seriously. His warning NOT to get involved with combinations is very poignant. I am less sure of President Benson's ability to identify the combination especially if it was international communism. If he was right the combination has morphed into something else since then. Based on the Book of Revelation I believe the combinations that will doom those who will not flee to Zion will have more to do with wealth than political power (though doubtlessly there will be spillover). It seems to crave wealth, slaves, and whores/sex if that book is anything to go by and I think it is.

 

I am not that worried about identifying which combination will doom us. I am more interested in avoiding getting ensnared in any of them and dooming myself.

[Rob Osborn]

We are only supposed to contend with the church of Satan and no other church. According to the scriptures everything belongs to either the church of Jesus Christ or to the church of Satan. So, if we only contend against the church of Satan it becomes rather obvious what those things are. Here is but a short list-

Pornography

greed

lust

immorality

murder

lying

theft

abuse

bullying

slavery

Its interesting that those above topics are pretty much the very topics that the Prophets and apostles tackle day by day and contend with in society.

[Sevenbak]

 

 

4. I looked on lds.org and did a search for the word 'communism' and I don't really see anything

dated after April 1980.  Why did the LDS Church seemingly go silent after that year?  Was it

because communism became less of a threat?

 

 

 

You might want to read President Hinckley's talk at P. Benson's funeral. It was given in 1994, and is easy to find on lds.org.  

 

Here's a link.

 

 

And here's some highlights.  P. Hinckley was one of his counselors for many many years.   If you can read this and still tell me that President Hinckley didn't support P. Benson's words, courage and conviction, than I'm a monkey's uncle.

 

 

 

I am confident that it was out of what he saw of the bitter fruit of dictatorship that he developed his strong feelings, almost hatred, for communism and socialism. That distaste grew through the years as he witnessed the heavy-handed oppression and suffering of the peoples of eastern Europe under what he repeatedly described as godless communism.

These experiences further strengthened his love for the land of his birth. He had grown up in big sky country, where there was a spirit of freedom and independence. He had grown up in the tradition of his forebears, who spoke reverently of those who were raised up by the Almighty to establish this nation and who had pledged “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor” to the cause of liberty. He never got over his boyhood love for freedom. Rather it grew within him, nurtured by what he saw of oppression in other lands and by what he observed firsthand of a growing dominance of government in this land over the lives of the people.

The Wall Street Journal in its issue of last Tuesday, May 31, 1994, carried together notice of the deaths of “Ezra Taft Benson, 94, president of the Mormon church since 1985, … in Salt Lake City” and “Erich Honecker, 81, East German leader who built the Berlin Wall, in Santiago, Chile.”

I cannot imagine two men so different in the causes they espoused, in what they did for mankind, and in the philosophies by which they guided their lives.

Erich Honecker was the iron-fisted communist ruler of East Germany, the feared and despised builder of the Berlin Wall, the practitioner of the godless dogma of oppression and slavery to the state. He died a refugee from his native land. He was able to leave his country and thus escape prosecution and possible execution because of the serious condition of his health.

On the other hand, Ezra Taft Benson was the fearless and outspoken enemy of communism, a man who with eloquence and conviction preached the cause of human freedom, one who loved and worshipped the Prince of Peace, the Redeemer of mankind. He died in the love of people across the world, a man respected and reverenced, a man for whose well-being millions constantly prayed.

Although he became a citizen of the world, feeling a kinship with good people wherever he went, President Benson’s love for America never dimmed. In the first world war he enlisted in the army and was subsequently honorably discharged. His crowning patriotic service was his response to a call from the president of the United States to serve as secretary of agriculture. He served the entire eight years of President Eisenhower’s presidency.

He was constantly within the glare of the spotlight of public scrutiny. He was absolutely fearless in speaking out against what he regarded as oppressive programs that shackled the farmer and did injury to him while masquerading as his protector and benefactor. His picture appeared on the covers of the leading national news magazines. Editorialists and commentators denounced him. But without fear or favor, without political or personal consideration, he spoke his mind and won the plaudits of millions across this nation. Even those who disagreed with his policies were forced to respect his logic, his wisdom, and his convictions. They came to know that he knew whereof he spoke. He had once been a dirt-digging, hands-on, sweating farmer. He spoke out of that experience. But he spoke also with the skill and refinement of an educated mind, with the skill of a trained debater, and out of a conviction deep and intense that came of a love for freedom to live one’s own life and direct one’s own affairs.

In those difficult and strenuous times, again prayer was his refuge and his strength. He believed that the principle he espoused involved the same principle that was contested in the war in heaven, the great and basic and underlying principle of the agency of man.

 

For more than thirty-two years I sat in councils with him—in the Council of the Twelve Apostles and in the Council of the First Presidency. I have been the beneficiary of his kindness and deferential manner. I have been blessed by his wisdom. I have seen the spirit of prophecy rest upon him.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Sevenbak

[Sevenbak]

Also, you can see from my tagline that I am a big P. Benson fan.  He was my prophet during my mission, and his love for the Book of Mormon and his warnings to us have always held a strong place in my convictions of him as a prophet seer and revelator.  I know he is often discarded as overbearing by some.  But I love the man.

[rameumptom]

As prophet, Ezra Taft Benson told us to study the Book of Mormon, or we would fall under a curse.  He stated that key reasons to study it was to know Jesus Christ, and to know Jesus Christ's enemies.

 

We can recognize Gadianton Robbers in their many forms today. In the BoM, they were not just secret gangs, but they were judges, lawyers, politicians, Governors, etc.  We see in the powerful country of Gadianton Robbers in Lachoneus' day that they were able to attack Nephites and Lamanites with impunity.

 

Gadiantons were not necessarily atheists.  We find that they made their oaths in God's name!  So, they basically believed they had God's authorization to kill, rob, and force others to follow their convictions.  ISIS seems like a clear Gadianton robber group today, doing all their horrors in God's name.

[Storm Rider]

I don't think I ever had an understanding or took a position that only "X" groups affiliated with "X" philosophy could create a secret combination.  I have always associated secret combinations with those who seek to get gain by either killing or stealing from others.

[thesometimesaint]

Group "X" always claims God is on their side, and that God is not on group "Y's" side.  Myself, I prefer to be on Gods' side.

[Carebear0411]

Sigh. Why are you ignoring the clear warnings in the BOM and delving into the "evils of communism".

It is not a particular political creed that will destroy America. May I suggest that you actually read the BOM and get back to us on what it says. For example, you may find some interesting parallels with Alma chapter 51, and the prophecy in 3 Nephi 20:19-23 with current events.

Wow, harsh. Crowds brings up a valid (because any question is valid to the questioner) question. This is not a very loving response.

So what you are saying is that socialist aspects of the government are Satans plans? Do you think that welfare is a socialist program?

The welfare system of the church, when in correct operation, is nothing close to socialism/communism. Church welfare is short term, recipients are expected to give commiserate service for the help they receive, and they are encouraged to make generous fast offerings when they are financially stable. Big difference from the poverty-enabling way socialistic welfare "benefits" enrollees.

The living prophets in the last two decades have said nothing regarding ETB's views. Are modern prophets deceived?

Every time the prophets address secret combinations they are supporting ETB's teachings. During ETB's youthful era communism was the most glaring of the world's secret combinations and thus was his focus. Secret combinations are any groups of people intent on power and gain and who are willing to agree to either commit or secretly support any atrocity to get them. The installation of the Federal Reserve was an outcome of a secret combination. The ongoing destruction of the premises of The Constitution is being attempted through the manipulation of secret combinations. The attempt to give power to a world wide entity to control peoples lives through the manipulation of the "science" of global warming is a product of secret combinations. Satan does not limit his influence to one "ism", he multitasks.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Carebear0411

[bcuzbcuz]

Back then, it looks more like ISIS to me.  However, Communism and it's brothers (and sisters) are the root cause of most of today's problems and is whats closest to bringing us down. ISIS traces it's roots back to Nazism through the Muslim Brotherhood and since the Nazi Party (National Socialist German Workers' Party) is a Socialist (a brother to Communism) party, perhaps there was indeed a 'Progressive' movement behind those secret combinations. To 'murder and get gain' is similar to what the pigs did in Animal Farm to obtain and keep life in the farmer's house.

Much like the DDR, German Democratic Republic and DPRK, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea share the name of the USA's two political parties, democrats and republicans. I see the connection.

[DJBrown]

 

I came across this 47 minute speech by Ezra Taft Benson, spoken in May of 1968.

 

Despite his seemingly authoritative statement of the American Indians being the descendants

of the Lamanites (it starts at the 06:55 mark), I had a few questions.

 

1. Was it communism (or more specifically atheism) the 'secret combinations' which led to the

destruction of the Jaredites and Nephites?  Is this the same fate coming to America?

 

2. What would have been the impact if the US President and Congress followed the former

LDS President's suggestion to ban trade with communist countries?

 

3. Could a current LDS President make such a politically-charged speech and escape governmental

reprisal in our era?

 

4. I looked on lds.org and did a search for the word 'communism' and I don't really see anything

dated after April 1980.  Why did the LDS Church seemingly go silent after that year?  Was it

because communism became less of a threat?

 

Apart from that, I learned a few things I never heard about the Vietnam War.

 

Thanks,

Jim

 

 

At its most fundamental level, communism preaches the idea of getting something for nothing.  I believe that is the doctrine that underlies those teachings and philosophies that are most dangerous, including communism.

 

Elder Bednar visited our stake a few years ago and taught things I will never forget.  Among those teachings was the charge to parents to teach their kids that they cannot get something for nothing.  He repeated that counsel at least 3-4 times throughout our stake conference.  He explained how Lucifer sought to gain the praise and power of the Savior without suffering.  Elder Bednar said this was the first con job.  

[thesometimesaint]

Wow, harsh. Crowds brings up a valid (because any question is valid to the questioner) question. This is not a very loving response.

The welfare system of the church, when in correct operation, is nothing close to socialism/communism. Church welfare is short term, recipients are expected to give commiserate service for the help they receive, and they are encouraged to make generous fast offerings when they are financially stable. Big difference from the poverty-enabling way socialistic welfare "benefits" enrollees.

Every time the prophets address secret combinations they are supporting ETB's teachings. During ETB's youthful era communism was the most glaring of the world's secret combinations and thus was his focus. Secret combinations are any groups of people intent on power and gain and who are willing to agree to either commit or secretly support any atrocity to get them. The installation of the Federal Reserve was an outcome of a secret combination. The ongoing destruction of the premises of The Constitution is being attempted through the manipulation of secret combinations. The attempt to give power to a world wide entity to control peoples lives through the manipulation of the "science" of global warming is a product of secret combinations. Satan does not limit his influence to one "ism", he multitasks.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

Wrong on so many levels I don't know where to start.

[thesometimesaint]

At its most fundamental level, communism preaches the idea of getting something for nothing.  I believe that is the doctrine that underlies those teachings and philosophies that are most dangerous, including communism.

 

Elder Bednar visited our stake a few years ago and taught things I will never forget.  Among those teachings was the charge to parents to teach their kids that they cannot get something for nothing.  He repeated that counsel at least 3-4 times throughout our stake conference.  He explained how Lucifer sought to gain the praise and power of the Savior without suffering.  Elder Bednar said this was the first con job.  

 

Communism is an economic system where the society controls the means of production for the benefit of all. Capitalism is the economic system where the individual controls the means of production for their own benefit. Neither one is the total solution of finite resources in the face of infinite greed.