The Book of Mormon is an abridged version of historical
events and religious teachings that occurred over hundreds of years here in the
Americas. It is another testament of Jesus Christ.
Most of the
material in the Book of Mormon occurred while the inhabitants functioned under
a democracy; although all forms of government were present, including monarchies,
theocracies and tribal governments. It was a democracy, but
perhaps not our modern definition of democracy. It was as democratic as you can
be when judgeships are passed from father to son.
Guidance on
government is scattered throughout The Book of Mormon, but is concentrated in Mosiah 29. Below are some relevant passages:
26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people. 27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
32 And now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this my people; but I desire that this land be a land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, so long as the Lord sees fit that we may live and inherit the land, yea, even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face of the land.
Clearly, The
Book of Mormon teaches that government should be conducted by majority rule and
that we should seek equality.
King Mosiah’s
father, King Benjamin, also instructed the people in government and expressly
affirmed that he supported himself, not at the people’s expense. See Mosiah 2:14:
And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.
Several
passages exist in The Book of Mormon where excessive taxation and governmental
excesses are condemned. See especially Ether 10:5, Ether 10:6, Mosiah 11:6, Mosiah 7:15 and Mosiah 11:3.
Mormons do
not like to see government overstep its boundaries. They prefer that it be
limited and exist in a particular sphere.
Throughout
The Book of Mormon defensive military efforts were judged as righteous, as long
as people were defending their lives and their liberties and led by righteous
leaders. See especially Captain Moroni.
Mormons tend
to support a strong military. Currently, this is more in line with the
Republican party than the Democratic party.
The Book of
Mormon clearly teaches that government has a responsibility to protect religious freedoms. Mormons tend to view the Republican party as supportive of
religion and the Democratic party as being non-supportive.
Unrighteous
judges and lawyers are portrayed in The Book of Mormon as detrimental to
society. See Alma 10:27:
And now behold, I say unto you, that the foundation of the destruction of this people is beginning to be laid by the unrighteousness of your lawyers and your judges.
Most lawyers
in the United States are Democrats. I know this from all my schooling, training
and experience. Most lawyers contribute money to Democratic
candidates and always
have.
Mormons tend
to associate corrupt lawyers and Judges with the Democratic party.
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