I think that the events of recent weeks, especially in Libya, prove the wisdom and truthfulness of these words. While many people, countries and nations have looked to kings, or strong autocratic rulers, as a solution to their current problems. Unfortunately the end result is usually more hardships and trouble for the people. In the end it never turns out to be a solution.
16Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a aking or kings to rule over you.17For behold, how much ainiquity doth one bwicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!21And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous aking save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood.22For behold, he has his afriends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God;23And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he acauseth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous bking doth pervert the ways of all righteousness. (Mosiah 29:16-17,21-23)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
"Ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention"
In light of the current events happening in the Arab world I thought that this short passage from The Book of Mormon was particularly applicable.
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The problem is that if you get rid of the autocrat, then the people have to start taking responsibility for their own actions. That's too scary of a concept for most people. We'd rather blame someone else for our problems and troubles, even at the expense of freedom.
Rereading the BoM lately I've been struck by how political it is. I always knew there were themes there, but it's overtly even violently political, from Nephi to Moroni. I wish I knew how to 1) understand the social and political messages, and 2) translate them into today's current events. That seems to be a HUGE leap from just recognizing that they are there...
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