Letters on “Our Imperiled National Promise”
By Stephen M. Studdert

We Can Learn From Prophets of Old

The security I once felt in this once blessed country is gone.  In its place is apprehension and dread.  I have always had a certain amount of pride and hope for this country.  I felt that we were, as a nation, all striving for good values and ideals that were Christ-centered, but that has ebbed away into an unknown abyss.  

I am ashamed of the abandonment of our dedication to Christ, our Savior, by our new leadership. I feel a kinship to Nephi as he prayed in the tower for the people who had become so wicked when Gadianton had placed his people in office. Nephi's loss was not just personal, it was national.  The scale of the loss was tremendous because the leadership was unrighteous.  It took security, hope and civic pride away.  It left uncertainty, despondency and shame in its place.  We are in such a place today.  We have relaxed our vigilance and can see where Satan has been busy again.

-Kathryn Gunter

What Can I do to Help the Nation?

I read articles like this and I say, “How can I do anything to help the nation in its steady downhill spiral?” I feel overwhelmed as a citizen, mother and grandmother. Instead of just telling us about all the junk out there, tell us what we can really do about it.

Protecting our children, keeping our homes safe, and praying fervently for the Lord to come again are the things I feel like I can do personally—nothing else. Sorry, I feel hopeless about making a difference.

-Anonymous

Follow-Up Article Requested

Steve Studdert ended his article with a resounding call for all to awaken and require our national leaders to “turn from cooked paths.” Could we get another article to explain how we can go about this?

-Shauna Reid

Editor: The author is planning to write another article very soon on this topic.

An Alternative View

Personally, considering myself to be a fair-minded Latter-day Saint, I feel disappointed when I read writings such as Studderts.  Although I am perfectly ok with people living out their lives trying to maintain a sense of commitment to their principles, I often find their interpretations are not in line with my thinking and the principles by which I live.  Again, this would be ok, if they didn't try to lay down their arguments as if they were absolute truths, and if they (and people who agree with them) alone were "foot soldiers" for the Church, our leaders, or worse still, Deity.  I especially take issue with the implication that anyone who disagrees with them, in essence, is heading down a "crooked path" and I would infer, is supporting the adversary.

I, for one, am pleased with the direction the U.S. is currently taking.  God bless President Obama as he attempts to overcome the damage done for years by the fear mongering and saber rattling of foolish people.  We must not confuse ourselves by thinking that we can ignore so many of God's children throughout the world by classifying them as non-Christian.  I'm not sure why some LDS who are Americans insist on interpreting the Gospel through their eyes (see his statement "as Americans and especially as Latter-Day Saints.").  These comments, in my opinion, are anti-gospel.  They many times, such as in this article, create a flow of quotes, many taken out of context. By doing this, they stir up unrest as a minimum, with hatred and contention as a byproduct.

I'm sorry, but I do not agree with much written in the author's presentation.  I believe the quotes used were not originally given with the intent to support the dangerous nationalism that Brother Studdert puts forward.  We need to find some way to encourage our friends from the United States to try and see things more from a world-view.  I believe they could do this while still maintaining their core beliefs.  They don't realize how much the image of the United States is hurt when they promote American superiority of thought and morality.

I need to move on, but I do want to conclude with a statement of my belief.  Some of the points raised by this brother's article are disturbing, I admit.  I agree with him that Satan is alive and well.  I know that we are in the last days.  But things are not hopeless, and much of what is occurring now has been foretold by prophets.  We must remember that when all these things are concluded, Jesus Christ will bring Peace back to the earth after Satan has influenced many to make war. As LDS, we need to be peacemakers.  We can do that by the personal righteousness we develop.  We each have a wonderful role to play and with God's help, we can determine what that role is, and do it.

I believe firmly in a quote from Pres. Hugh B. Brown, that I found in a book entitled The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown by Edwin Firmage. In a chapter called "A Final Testimony," he quotes Elder Brown as follows:

 "There are altogether too many people in the world who are willing to accept as true whatever is printed in a book or delivered from a pulpit.  Their faith never goes below the surface soil of authority.  I plead with everyone I meet that they may drive their faith down through that soil and get hold of the solid truth, that they may be able to withstand the winds and storms of indecision and of doubt, of opposition and persecution.  Then, and only then, will we be able to defend our religion successfully.  When I speak of defending our religion, I do not mean such defense as an army makes on the battlefield, but the defense of a clean and upright and virtuous life lived in harmony with an intelligent belief and understanding of the gospel.   As Mormons, we should do with religion as we do with music, not defend it, but simply render it.  It needs no defense.  The living of religion is, after all, the greatest sermon, and if all of us would live it, we would create a symphony which would be appreciated by all ." 

I pray that we will all desire to be part of that symphony, and that we realize that all people throughout the world are children of the same God.

Sincerely,

Jeff Axson
Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Praying, Teaching Will Help Nation's Future

I appreciated this article very much. It is so true that we need to be aware of what is going on in our world and try our best to do something to improve it.

The last line of this article states “It is time you and I – as Americans and especially as Latter-day Saints –awake from our silent slumber and require our national leaders to return from crooked paths. Our personal, family, religious, and national promise depends on it.” How do you propose that we do this? How can you make such a statement and then not offer a way to help? In my current view I wonder what more can be done? Where does one even start?

Our citizens voted Obama into office and are now seeing the implications of that decision beginning to unfold. I just wonder what more I can do besides pray for our great nation and teach the gospel to as many as I can so hope will not be lost. Thank you.

-Ginny Hale

Peace Found in Knowing Efforts of Those Around World

Thank you for publishing this article and for past articles published regarding the founding principles of our nation.  Truly the Book of Mormon teaches us much, and history tends to repeat.  
 
Thank you for all you are doing in Family Leader. As I teach my family correct principles, live the essentials of the gospel in heart, mind and strength, and read the great efforts and works done by those who see and feel the same, I find peace.  I am so grateful for those labors in our behalf, and pray for these good saints every day.  I say I find peace, but it is not a peace that leads to neglect of attention to what I can do, but a peace that gives hope; the peace promised of the Lord.
 
At times I have felt overwhelmed with seeing and understanding what is happening, but not knowing what more I can do. I feel like Alma ("Oh that I were an angel..."), but I have also found reassurance from the Lord that teaching my family, living the gospel and sharing truths with friends is also good. It helps to know that what I do to “rock the cradle” is just as important as those noble people on the front battle lines. God bless them.
 
Please continue your wonderful efforts to teach the principles of real freedom and what we can do to preserve it.  How grateful I am for all of those who contribute to Meridian Magazine. Thank you.

-Laila Kammerman
Rigby, Idaho

Any Suggestions?

“...awake from our silent slumber and require our national leaders to return from crooked paths.” Any suggestions about how we should go about this? Thanks.

-Pam Wheeler

Prayer Strong Across Nation

Thank you for the very insightful message. I have felt concerned for quite a while about the very things addressed here. It really doesn't surprise me in the least what Mr. President is doing. I sensed he was not a true Christian long before he was elected and that he had a very different agenda for the United States than anyone who previously obtained the presidency. I tried to tell others, who were so taken with him, to beware but they didn't want to know what I felt/thought.

As disappointing as all that is going on is, there is something we can all do and that is to continually plead for Heavenly Father's help and guidance through these very troubled waters.

I consider Him the true King/President anyway. This is His nation/world. We are very blessed to be His children and to know of His plan for us and to have a dear, living prophet who speaks for Him. He can and I believe He will teach us what to do.

Last evening my husband and I returned home from visiting our son in Atlanta , where he is working, and later spent time with some friends in Tennessee . I think it is remarkable how many times while we were getting food on our journey I saw individuals, of many faiths, stop and bow their heads to pray silently over their meals. It was so comforting to see this, given the comments Mr. President has made to the contrary about our nation. I may be wrong, but I assume such people also pray on a regular basis to thank the Lord for His blessings and ask for help with their lives and needs. This experience gives me much hope and comfort.

Before I end this e-mail, I want to thank you very much for making Meridian Magazine possible. It is a true blessing in my life.

- Jaydene Buhler

How Can We Help?

This article by Stephen M. Studdert was very good. I want to read his book.

At the end he said: “It is time you and I – as Americans and especially as Latter-day Saints –awake from our silent slumber and require our national leaders to return from crooked paths. Our personal, family, religious, and national promise depends on it.” My question is how? Besides living the gospel, teaching my family, and voting at every election, I am not sure what more I can do. Can you do an article covering that? Thanks.

-Sharon Beyler

I Need to do What I do Best

Wonderful article! I am worried about all those things and more. I have done what I thought was within my power. I have written to my elected representatives. I have called. I have e-mailed. I have harangued and I have annoyed. I have supported, donated, talked to friends, and more, to no avail, but I will keep on doing these things.

However, I decided I need to do what I do best. I am working on myself and those in my sphere of influence. I teach my family to live righteously. I volunteer in my neighborhood by teaching school readiness skills to pre-school children who need a little extra boost. I share what I have when I can, and I am working on continuing my own education. This is because I believe that all we are doing will only slightly delay the inevitable.

There is only One who can fix this. I am waiting patiently.

-Angel Ellinghaus
Denton, Texas

Fighting for America

I have a question after reading this article. How can the average person “awake from our silent slumber and require our national leaders to return from crooked paths?” 

I write to my congressmen regarding issues that I become aware of, but beyond that what else can I do besides donate money?  Right now I don't have extra money to donate to good causes so I would like to learn what else I can do to fight for America . Thank you.

 - Wendy Tonga

Wake Up and Save the Country

Great Article!  I am thrilled to see and read that Meridian Magazine has joined the voices calling for all Americans to wake up and save the country and constitution.  Thanks for writing and running the article.

- Judy Centers
La Mirada, Calif.

We Must Do Something Before It's Too Late

Thanks to Brother Studdert for speaking out. I am sending this to many non-members who do not yet see the gravity of the peril the United States is in. We must do something before it is too late.

-Anonymous

Getting My House in Order

I am not surprised by Barack Obama's actions nor his words. He has shown a marked propensity for being a political animal since the beginning of his political life.  His “Christian” faith has always had a sense of expediency to me. It is a halo to be trotted out and worn when necessary, but not anything I would recognize as true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  I have felt a mounting sense of dread for the last six months as I have watched his administration run roughshod over the Constitution, personal liberties and established law. I pray for our leaders, but I'm feeling more and more like Moroni . The leaders are so wicked that it would be an offense to God to ask Him to intercede.

I realize that some people will moan about the Second Coming being imminent, but that's not how I see it. We are in for some very tough times for a far longer time than most people realize. I am working to get my house in order, which is what the prophets have asked us to do.    

-Rita Miller
Ann Arbor, Mich.

Book Recommendation

Brother Studdert's comments about current events in America are timely.  I would hope members would not only read his book, but also my own “We the People” advertised at Meridian Marketplace.

-William Burmer

Frustrations Make Me Feel Helpless

How do we fight against what is going on in this country?  I don't think Obama listens to Americans. It seems he only cares about his own agenda.  It is so frustrating to watch all that is going on.  I feel so helpless.

-Sheila Clement

Asking for Guidance and Direction

We may well agree with Brother Studdert and others who are spreading the alarm. Our quiet, solitary voices seem to go unheard, so we say nothing and do little. My question to him and others with that same cry is: What can we do?

We hear the common response about contacting our representatives in Congress. Either they agree with us but do little or they don't agree with us and do nothing. We are told to get involved. Where? How?

What I want to know is how I as an individual and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can most effectively make a difference. Don't just scare us. Give us some guidance and direction.

-Allen Sumsion

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Flawed Claims

Throughout its history this nation's freedoms have, from time to time, been imperiled. From British rule to Civil War, world war, Cold War and terrorist attacks we have been imperiled. Brother Studdert has an impressive background of service to government and the LDS Church . Yet, his one-sided article, "Our Imperiled National Promise" is full of unsubstantiated claims that seem to be flawed in the same way as what many call the "liberal media." The article seems to me to be in direct contrast with the twelfth Article of Faith, and preys upon the fears of less discriminating individuals.

Brother Studdert first attacks President Obama's "closing of America 's space defense initiative." As a college student, I studied the "Star Wars" defense initiative of President Reagan. Also know as the Strategic Defense Initiative, President Reagan's idea of defense from nuclear attack via orbiting satellites was flawed. The project was beyond financial practicality, during a time of previous recession, as well as technologically impractical. In the spirit of even-handedness I will however, credit President Reagan for dealing the final blow to Communism in the Soviet Union .

Next Brother Studdert seems to blame President Obama for an ever increasing national debt, and the failure of the "to big to fail" General Motors. First, President Obama is not the first U.S. president to increase the national debt. Second, the failure of General Motors, and the current economic trials that caused it are not new within the last four months. Both of these consequences are a result of circumstances present before President Obama took office.

Brother Studdert also criticizes President Obama on calling this "a secular nation." This statement, mentioned without context, could simply be recognition that this nation has become more than just a home for Christians. There is surely a more diverse population of Jews, Muslims, Hindu, etc., as well as Christians, who reside within our borders today. It could be that President Obama was simply referring to this diverse population of theological ideas that must all be served equally.

Finally, President Obama is cited for ignoring freedom of the press and "skipping" Israel in his Middle East visit. It would appear to me that the Middle East, as closed a society as it seems to be, may not see throngs of U.S. reporters as a gesture of goodwill. To me a litany of press only serves to aggrandize President Obama and undermines the focus on the Middle East leaders whom he is visiting. Visiting Israel would also undermine President Obama's intentions. It seems logical to me that if you seek cooperation from leaders of Muslim nations, you do not show empathy to their enemies at the same time.

As a former aide to President Reagan, Brother Studdert's article is only too typical of both political parties. When will we throw away our differences in an effort to cooperate and seek understanding? Let us stand behind our elected leaders and help direct them in the correct course, as described in the twelfth Article of Faith. I do not believe that any one person has all the answers. But, we should not stand in the way of well-intentioned efforts by pointing fingers. Instead, let us lend a hand in the aid of that which is good.

Gerald Breinholt
Omaha, Nebraska

Spiritual Warriors Can Pave the Way for Christ's Return

Thank you for the Studdert article. It is wonderfully timely and touches what so many of us “spiritual warriors” are feeling. I have spoken to many great members of the church and Christians of other denominations throughout the great country. The Holy Ghost and Light of Christ are working overtime in attempt to awaken us as to the mission many of us were sent here to perform in paving the way for Christ's return.

I, for one, would love to see many similar articles, and follow up articles that give us some practical ideas and effective ways that we can more fully accomplish the Lord's work in this brewing battle to save our country and ultimately as many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world as possible. Specific ideas and thoughts would be wonderful.

Keep up the great work. All of your articles help us so very much. Thanks.

-Jon C. (Kit) Gallini

Well-Served

Meridian Magazine would be well-served to follow the path of political neutrality exemplified so beautifully by the Church. Unfortunately, your inclusion of Stephen Studdert's article perpetuates the impression that Latter-Day Saints are “lock, stock and barrel” conservative Republicans, an image that the Church has refuted on repeated occasions. (Once could argue that the open and vocal animosity towards Mormonism displayed by a significant segment of the Republican Party transforms LDS membership in that Party to an act of disloyalty towards the Church, although that is an argument for another day . . . )

President Obama is a man of immense capability. Although I do not share all of his views, I admire him, and pray mightily for his success and safety. I am certain that I am not the only faithful Latter-Day Saint who feels this way, and encourage Meridian to broaden its politics in the event that it intends to include such issues in future articles.

Douglas W. Desmarais