On 22 October 2007, David posted an article on his Life, etc. blog entitled, Am I an anarchist? I’ve read a few articles written by anarchists, but his, which ponders whether he is becoming one, cuts right to the heart of the issue. I don’t know if he’s just a good writer, or if he’s inspired of the Holy Ghost, (probably both,) but he said things better than I’ve heard non-LDS anarchists say them. In fact, I’d say he said them even better than I could.
Just read this gem of an excerpt:
Even if I were to believe that a person lives in sin, it is not God’s way for me to try and force that person, through legislation or other “legal” means, to live as I believe. Now I can however share my beliefs in a loving manner and I might even call them to repentance, but NOWHERE in the scriptures am I commanded to become that person’s ruler because of their views.
We LDS have a very unique doctrine and perspective. Our doctrine unfolds the principle of free agency more so than any other religion. Free agency is cherished by the saints and they are (or should be) passionate about it, both in promoting it and preserving it. Couple this passion with the gift of the Holy Ghost and the LDS should be the most convincing anarchists around.
I mean, it is not just that we LDS love (or should love) freedom of choice, because there are lots of people in this world who love it, too. But we differ from others in that all of our doctrine is based upon free agency. Free agency is our religion. Jesus wanted to preserve our free agency. Lucifer wanted to coerce us, taking it away. We followed Christ and still do here on Earth. It is natural for us to align ourselves with anarchy, as anarchy represents free agency and co-operation, not coercion.
But more than that, we possess the gift of the Holy Ghost, and with the reception of the Spirit, the anarchies we could make would be the best of them all. And when we undertake to explain the principle of anarchy, which is essentially the principle of free agency, no one does it better than us LDS. David just proves my point. Here he is, a relative newbie to anarchic thought, but due to his restored gospel background, his knowledge of the scriptures, and his gift of the Holy Ghost, he immediately can make the connections and expound the principle better than non-LDS anarchists!
Now, I do not mean to brag. That is not my intention. Nevertheless, I know the doctrine of this church. And I have received the manifestations of the Holy Ghost. So, I know just how deeply the Holy Ghost can take one’s mind in understanding the additional knowledge we LDS have. It is that additional knowledge (4 canonical works, not just 1 like the Christians) that allows us to have additional insights. Plus we’ve got the all important gift of the Holy Ghost. We have the potential to understand things deeper than those who don’t have or don’t receive this knowledge and gift. So, it is my opinion that once a LDS finally makes those connections between the gospel and anarchy, and considers themselves an anarchist, that they become the very best type of anarchist possible and the staunchest supporters of it.
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