Church and State

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a notable reputation of encouraging its members to honor the laws pertaining to the respective nations where they live. The Church attempts to stay as neutral as seemingly possible on its commentary of existing laws or current headlines. It does so only in rare instances when the dictates of a movement threaten the free expression of religion for its members or other peoples. This respect for the balance of church and state is one that was also exemplified in The Book of Mormon, when a religious leader (Alma) suggested that a political leader (Mosiah) get involved in a spiritual matter of transgression.

 Mosiah 26:8 Now king Mosiah had given Alma the authority over the church.
 

 Mosiah 26:10 Now there had not any such thing happened before in the church; therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and he caused that they should be brought before the king.
 11 And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities. And they do not repent of their iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou mayest judge them according to their crimes.
 12 But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be judged.

LESSON LEARNED: A balance of church and state is a healthy state of affairs in today’s world, and functions best when both sides understand their role and are careful not to overstep their bounds.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOUR APPRECIATION OF THE BALANCE BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE?