“Freedom is an eternal, God-given principle. There is no genuine happiness without freedom, nor is there any security or peace without freedom. After traveling in practically all of the free countries of the world and several times behind the Iron Curtain, I say that Marxism is the greatest evil in this world and the greatest threat to all we hold dear.
Of all sad things in the world, the saddest is to see a people who have once known liberty and freedom and then lost it. I have seen the unquenchable yearning of the human heart for liberty on two unforgettable occasions. These experiences are indelibly etched on the memory of my soul.”
( Source: Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1960, pp. 96-100 )
Of all sad things in the world, the saddest is to see a people who have once known liberty and freedom and then lost it. I have seen the unquenchable yearning of the human heart for liberty on two unforgettable occasions. These experiences are indelibly etched on the memory of my soul.”
( Source: Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1960, pp. 96-100 )
The Two Original Plans: Personal Responsibility vs A Controlling Entity
( Moses 4:1-4 )
In the beginning there were two plans. God introduced one that was based on personal responsibility & personal growth, one that was meant to prepare his spirit children for something more: an upgraded situation in heaven. We would come to earth, gain temporary bodies and mortal experience, and return to him ready to have immortal bodies and if we had voluntarily done the things he'd asked (learned to live heavenly laws like loving and helping one another), we'd receive a way better standard of living than we previously had.
In walks the superiority complex. Lucifer (aka Satan) thought he was exceedingly wise, so wise in fact that he thought he was wiser than God. He probably thought to himself, unlike me, who is privileged, not everyone will have the ability to do what is required to come back to heaven in glory. Not everyone has what it takes to keep the commandments. I know a way to eliminate this disparity, to obtain equality for everyone. I will force everyone to be good and force everyone to do good works. That way, everyone can return to Heaven with the highest marks! Ultimately, he sought to "help" everyone by removing personal responsibility. That is the essence of Marxism. His plan was to control people's lives, and thus was the original form of the "captivity of the devil" conceived.
Although he was cast out of heaven with 1/3 of God's children for rebelling against God, they came to earth as spirits to exact bitter revenge on those who didn't back Lucifer's idea... which would be anyone who was ever born on this planet. One of the ways in which they do this is by continuing to influence people to have that same superiority complex, to put Satan's original plan into effect, to force people to be good and thus screw with God's plan and his children. In other words, to implement what is nowadays refereed to as Marxist ideals, or socialism/communism.
“Socialists ignore the side of man that is the spirit. They can provide you shelter, fill your belly with bacon and beans, treat you when you're ill, all the things guaranteed to a prisoner or a slave. They don't understand that we also dream.”
( Source: President Ronald Reagan, 1976 Radio Broadcast)
2 Nephi 2:25-29
- “And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.”
In the beginning there were two plans. God introduced one that was based on personal responsibility & personal growth, one that was meant to prepare his spirit children for something more: an upgraded situation in heaven. We would come to earth, gain temporary bodies and mortal experience, and return to him ready to have immortal bodies and if we had voluntarily done the things he'd asked (learned to live heavenly laws like loving and helping one another), we'd receive a way better standard of living than we previously had.
In walks the superiority complex. Lucifer (aka Satan) thought he was exceedingly wise, so wise in fact that he thought he was wiser than God. He probably thought to himself, unlike me, who is privileged, not everyone will have the ability to do what is required to come back to heaven in glory. Not everyone has what it takes to keep the commandments. I know a way to eliminate this disparity, to obtain equality for everyone. I will force everyone to be good and force everyone to do good works. That way, everyone can return to Heaven with the highest marks! Ultimately, he sought to "help" everyone by removing personal responsibility. That is the essence of Marxism. His plan was to control people's lives, and thus was the original form of the "captivity of the devil" conceived.
Although he was cast out of heaven with 1/3 of God's children for rebelling against God, they came to earth as spirits to exact bitter revenge on those who didn't back Lucifer's idea... which would be anyone who was ever born on this planet. One of the ways in which they do this is by continuing to influence people to have that same superiority complex, to put Satan's original plan into effect, to force people to be good and thus screw with God's plan and his children. In other words, to implement what is nowadays refereed to as Marxist ideals, or socialism/communism.
“Socialists ignore the side of man that is the spirit. They can provide you shelter, fill your belly with bacon and beans, treat you when you're ill, all the things guaranteed to a prisoner or a slave. They don't understand that we also dream.”
( Source: President Ronald Reagan, 1976 Radio Broadcast)
2 Nephi 2:25-29
- 25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
- 26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
- 27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
- 28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
- 29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
Education and the Superiority Trap
D&C 121:39
The people must vulnerable to achieving a superiority complex (sometimes referred to as pride) are those who have been highly educated as to the things of the world. Of course most of them don't see it that way, but self-awareness is a rare thing. Thus a majority of highly educated people tend to favor Marxist ideals of force and control under the guise of "helping" the less fortunate. In their eyes, not supporting these policies means you hate the less fortunate. Ironically, they tend to see anything that disagrees with their "superior ideas" of forcing people to do good as bad or evil. Inevitably they wish to exercise unrighteous dominion by removing the agency of others.
2 Nephi 9:28
Isaiah 5:20-21
Proverbs 26:12
They end up thinking they are qualified to run the lives of others who are "less fortunate", "less privileged", "less educated", "less [enter desirable quality here], less, less, less... than themselves. They feel this need to control people for their own good. It is this foolishness, this arrogance that defeats the purpose of God's plan. Only the individual is qualified to run their own life. As a matter of fact, God won't even run your life. He might help out if you ask, but it is your life. He gave it to you. He gave you the wheel. He won't force you to take the opportunities he places before you and He won't force you back to heaven, you have to want it for yourself. You have to make your own choices, move your own feet forward. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get an education though, because you should. Education & knowledge are great things that allow you to improve yourself and your condition, but be wary of falling for the superiority complex.
2 Nephi 9:29
- 39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
- 4 ...we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.
The people must vulnerable to achieving a superiority complex (sometimes referred to as pride) are those who have been highly educated as to the things of the world. Of course most of them don't see it that way, but self-awareness is a rare thing. Thus a majority of highly educated people tend to favor Marxist ideals of force and control under the guise of "helping" the less fortunate. In their eyes, not supporting these policies means you hate the less fortunate. Ironically, they tend to see anything that disagrees with their "superior ideas" of forcing people to do good as bad or evil. Inevitably they wish to exercise unrighteous dominion by removing the agency of others.
2 Nephi 9:28
- 28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
Isaiah 5:20-21
- 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
- 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Proverbs 26:12
- 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
They end up thinking they are qualified to run the lives of others who are "less fortunate", "less privileged", "less educated", "less [enter desirable quality here], less, less, less... than themselves. They feel this need to control people for their own good. It is this foolishness, this arrogance that defeats the purpose of God's plan. Only the individual is qualified to run their own life. As a matter of fact, God won't even run your life. He might help out if you ask, but it is your life. He gave it to you. He gave you the wheel. He won't force you to take the opportunities he places before you and He won't force you back to heaven, you have to want it for yourself. You have to make your own choices, move your own feet forward. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get an education though, because you should. Education & knowledge are great things that allow you to improve yourself and your condition, but be wary of falling for the superiority complex.
2 Nephi 9:29
- 29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.
Godly Wisdom and Counsel
Isaiah 55:8-9
Basically, compared to God we are idiots. We all lack Wisdom.
James 1:5-6
What is the Wisdom He imparts?
Alma 37:35-37
The commandments are the most important wisdom God gave.
John 14:15
Personal responsibility. Voluntary action. You be good. You go help people. You do good. You be a good Samaritan. Never once did he advocate government usurp the role of caring for your neighbor. Never once did he advocate forcing people to be nice to each other. Personal responsibility. Voluntary action.
- 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
- 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Basically, compared to God we are idiots. We all lack Wisdom.
James 1:5-6
- 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
- 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
- 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
- 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
- 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
- 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
- 10 ¶When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
- 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
What is the Wisdom He imparts?
Alma 37:35-37
- 35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
- 36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
- 37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
The commandments are the most important wisdom God gave.
John 14:15
- 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
- 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
- 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
- 38 This is the first and great commandment.
- 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
- 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
- 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
- 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Personal responsibility. Voluntary action. You be good. You go help people. You do good. You be a good Samaritan. Never once did he advocate government usurp the role of caring for your neighbor. Never once did he advocate forcing people to be nice to each other. Personal responsibility. Voluntary action.
Final address of King Benjamin - a man with no Superiority Complex
Mosiah 2:10-18
- 10 I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me, or that ye should think that I of myself am more than a mortal man.
- 11 But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this people, and consecrated by my father, and was suffered by the hand of the Lord that I should be a ruler and a king over this people; and have been kept and preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me.
- 12 I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you;
- 13 Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one of another, nor that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery; nor even have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord, in all things which he hath commanded you--
- 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.
- 15 Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
- 16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
- 17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
- 18 Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?
Decline of Athens - Freedom from Responsibility
The fate of peoples that embrace Marxist philosophy is self-destruction, societal implosion. Just as Lucifer's plan embraced the idea of removing responsibility from the individual, so did Athens in the end.
“Sir Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), author of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, wrote tellingly of the collapse of Athens, which was the birthplace of democracy. He judged that, in the end, more than they wanted freedom, the Athenians wanted security. Yet they lost everything—security, comfort, and freedom. This was because they wanted not to give to society, but for society to give to them. The freedom they were seeking was freedom from responsibility.”
( Source: Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, The Moral Foundations of the American Founding, Hillsdale College, 1994 )
“Sir Edward Gibbon (1737-1794), author of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, wrote tellingly of the collapse of Athens, which was the birthplace of democracy. He judged that, in the end, more than they wanted freedom, the Athenians wanted security. Yet they lost everything—security, comfort, and freedom. This was because they wanted not to give to society, but for society to give to them. The freedom they were seeking was freedom from responsibility.”
( Source: Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, The Moral Foundations of the American Founding, Hillsdale College, 1994 )