Doctrine and Covenants 134

Establishing Zion & Seeking Justice.

D&C 134: A Timeless Blueprint for a Just Society

As a Latter-day Saint, I've always found comfort and guidance in the Doctrine and Covenants. It's a book filled with revelations that speak directly to the challenges and opportunities of living a righteous life in a complex world. One section that consistently resonates with me, especially in our current global climate, is Doctrine and Covenants 134. It’s a powerful declaration of principles that, when applied, can foster a society built on justice, freedom, and peace.

Religious Freedom & Government's Role

D&C 134 begins by affirming our belief in governments, laws, and the divine right of rulers to govern. But it’s not an endorsement of blind obedience. Instead, it emphasizes the crucial role of government in protecting the rights of its citizens. It states, “We believe that governments must support and sustain the righteous and the good, and that governments must punish the wicked and the evil doer, and that governments must uphold the laws of the land.” This principle is foundational to the idea of religious freedom. Latter-day Saints have historically faced persecution precisely because their beliefs differed from the mainstream. D&C 134 champions the right of individuals to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience, free from coercion or persecution. This is a cornerstone of constitutional rights for all people.

D&C 134 begins by affirming our belief in governments, laws, and the divine right of rulers to govern. But it’s not an endorsement of blind obedience. Instead, it emphasizes the crucial role of government in protecting the rights of its citizens. It states, “We believe that governments must support and sustain the righteous and the good, and that governments must punish the wicked and the evil doer, and that governments must uphold the laws of the land.” This principle is foundational to the idea of religious freedom. Latter-day Saints have historically faced persecution precisely because their beliefs differed from the mainstream. D&C 134 champions the right of individuals to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience, free from coercion or persecution. This is a cornerstone of constitutional rights for all people.

Citizens' Rights & Responsibilities

This revelation isn't just about what governments should do; it’s also about what citizens should do. It speaks to our civic duty and the importance of being responsible members of society. We are taught to submit to the laws of the land, to honor and obey them. This isn't always easy, especially when those laws might seem unjust, but the principle of respecting governing authorities is reinforced. However, this obedience is not absolute. D&C 134 makes it clear: "We do not believe it just to long suffer the existence of anyone that would not obey the laws of the land." This implies a responsibility to address injustices within the framework of the law, rather than resorting to anarchy or rebellion. It’s about advocating for a more just system.

Just Laws & Peaceful Resolution

A key theme running through D&C 134 is the necessity of just laws. The section declares, “We believe that all governments are instituted of God for the benefit of man and that he holds men accountable to him for all their acts in relation to them.” This means that laws should be designed to benefit humanity and that those in power will be judged by their fairness. It also highlights the importance of peaceful resolution when disagreements arise. The focus is always on upholding principles of righteousness and justice, which inherently lead to a more harmonious society.

Property Rights & Protection

D&C 134 also touches upon the fundamental right to own and protect property rights. It affirms that governments have a responsibility to protect individuals in their rights to property. This is not just about material possessions but also about the security and stability that comes from knowing one's hard-earned assets are safe. This protection is essential for individuals and families to thrive and contribute to society.

Establishing Zion & Seeking Justice

Ultimately, Doctrine and Covenants 134 speaks to a broader vision—that of establishing Zion. While Zion is often understood as a state of unity and righteousness, it also encompasses creating communities where justice and peace prevail. This section provides a framework for Latter-day Saints and all people of good will to engage with the world, advocating for principles that protect fundamental freedoms, uphold just laws, and promote the well-being of all. It’s a call to be engaged citizens, seeking the welfare of our communities and contributing to a world that reflects divine principles.

As I study D&C 134, I’m reminded that our faith calls us to be active participants in creating a better world. It’s a powerful reminder of our rights as citizens and our responsibilities to our governments and each other.

What are your thoughts on D&C 134? How do you see these principles playing out in your community or the world today?

Share your insights in the comments below!

What new knowledge have we received?

Section 134

1 We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.

2 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.

3 We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.

4 We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but 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.

5 We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience.

6 We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker.

7 We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

8 We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that government in which the offense is committed; and for the public peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment.

9 We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied.

10 We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world’s goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship.

11 We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded.

12 We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world; but we do not believe it right to interfere with bond-servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby jeopardizing the lives of men; such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in servitude.

My absolute favorite part of these gatherings is the opportunity to learn alongside each of you. Your questions, comments, and shared experiences given below in the comment area are invaluable lessons that enrich my understanding and the collective journey we embark on together.