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Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson

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Were the teachings of this book followed by the majority of this nation and world, we would not be facing the problems we currently face today. His lectures on pride are among the most profound I've read, and his teachings on true Christ-like living are inspiring. Apparently Dave "the Penstemon" has not read the book (and is also apparently fond of communism - which is not mentioned in this book).

1. Our complacency as a nation is shocking
2. We seem oblivious to the rise and fall of nations
3. Nations usually sow the seeds of their own destruction while enjoying unprecedented prosperity
4. Our great need in America today is to be alerted and informed.
5. Being informed, we will realize the laws of economics are immutable. We will be convinced that we must return to a spirit of humility, faith in God, and the basic concepts upon which this great Christian nation has been established under the direction of divine providence.
6. There is safety in an informed public. There is danger in a complacent, uninformed citizenry.
7. The truth must be told.
8. Ours is a crisis of faith
9. The Constitution was endorsed by the Lord
10. The degree America fulfills its full mission depends upon the righteousness of its people. God has established a free people in this land as a means to carry forward his purposes.
11. God will not permit America, his base of operations to be destroyed. "He promised protection to the righteous even, if necessary, to send fire from heaven to destroy their enemies" (1 Ne 22:17)
12. We must protect this base of operation from every threat: from sin, from unrighteousness, from immorality, from desecration of the Sabbath day, from lawlessness, dirty movies, false education principles and doctrines, and filthy tv shows. We must learn to love and respect basic spiritual concepts upon which this nation was established. America needs greater spirituality. The erosion of national morality has brought us to brink. We need to be more grateful and return to founding father basics.
13. Righteous is essential to liberty. Self government depends on our support of wise and good representatives, exercising self-restraint, and keeping the commandments of God. This nation will be preserved if we retain the same quality of faith in God that our founders manifested.
14. The inhabitants of this land will serve God or be swept off (Eth 2:10)
15. America's independence meant that on King would have dominion over the land.
16. Divine intervention has given Americans peace and prosperity greater than all nations combined.
17. We need to work more and play less, eat less, and waste less time. Sacrifice, labor, and struggle are the heritage of great Americans.
18. Repentance is the sovereign remedy to our problems.
19. You are a witness to pronouncements of atheism, agnosticism, and immorality in our midst. The nation has forgotten God.
20. We need to recapture the strength of individualism and independence.
21. I want an America that will stand guard against the force that will destroy our freedom
22. I want an America that understands the principles of freedom
23. I want an America that does not overtax economic profits
24. I want an America that will strengthen the tree of enterprise rather than create monopolies of anti-competition.
25. I want an America where people are not seeking special privileges

I can tell lots of diligence and time was put into this book. The quotes are accurate, separated and easy to read, and organized very well in different topics. I particularly enjoyed the focus on Constitutional/patriotic topics that Pres. Benson talked so much about. Very Easy Read.

Ezra Taft Benson is honored (and spurned) by L.D.S. and non-L.D.S. alike as a clarion voice of freedom regarding the manifest destiny of the Constitution of the United States and the threats which it faces by a modern secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries. Ezra Taft Benson, probably more than any other L.D.S. chief leader has spoken more clearly, frequently, and convincingly on this subject. This volume, more than any others with his name on it, is particularly important in that it was published when he was President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its review by the sitting First Presidency is mentioned in the preface pages. The last third portion of the book is devoted to the subject of freedom, with many powerful L.D.S. General Conference talk excerpts.

Now with Bush having burned the constitution and Bill of Rights outright in his "Patriot" act (barf bags are on the left- don't believe me, read the document), it is interesting that LDS stand by doing nothing, even helping his "cause".

I have nothing more to say other than it is hard to have hope in these conditions, but read the b of mormon before you judge anyone, knowledge only comes with a truly open mind to catch it.

And do it yourself, DIY.

If you think the John Birch Society is mainstream, you will love this book. Ezra Taft Benson was a passionate believer in Mormonism, American imperialism, the teachings of the John Birch Society and in the belief that the founding fathers created the U.S. Constitution out of divine inspiration.

This particular book does a good job of summarizing the many teachings of Ezra Taft Benson. The basic teachings of Ezra taft Benson are:

1- Mormonism is God's Plan and America was created for the furtherance of that plan
2- Communism is Satan's Plan
3- Creeping socialism will ultimately lead to communism
4- The Book of Mormon is a real record of native americans that shows us the way to live
5- As part of God's plan, the U.S. Constitution and strict interpretation of it is the main means by which Satan's plan will be thwarted.

Given that the Book of Mormon is a profoundly racist document where God curses the wicked with dark skin but turns their skin white again after they become faithful, using that book as a capstone to your religion is a dangerous matter. One aspect of the Book of Mormon that has provided paranoia to Mormons and made the red scare tactics of Joe McCarthy resonate with Mormon was the discussion of "secret combinations" and the "gadianton robbers." Ezra Taft Benson bought into that stuff hook line and sinker and dragged down many zealots with him into the dark paranoid world of conspiracies and evil just under the surface.

As for the U.S. Constitution, like many others right wing nut-jobs, it is usually a veiled belief in states rights and in making America a land not for diversity, but conformity to a particular world view.

For a better understanding of Ezra Taft Benson and what he stood for and what his impact was on the Mormon religion, please read "Mormon Hierarchy, Extensions of Power" by D. Michael Quinn. He devotes an entire chapter to Ezra Taft Benson that is enlightening as well as frightening.

Those who follow Ezra Taft Benson to the letter just might find themselves quitting Mormonism to become "real" mormons ironically living in a communal lifestyle in Colorado City.