Friday, June 11, 2010

Do We Honor or Do We Mock? What do Mormons Do With The Law?

The new immigration law in Arizona is being defended by people who argue that the Church teaches us to obey, honor, and sustain the law. It is too bad that the people making this argument do not follow the teaching of the church. Consider lesson 35 in the Aaronic Priesthood Manual. It tells us that…

"To honor a law is to feel that the law is more important than one’s own personal interests. It shows an understanding that without laws there would be chaos. We sustain the law when we uphold it, protect it, and keep it from disrespect. We believe in the importance of law and encourage others to obey the law."

People say the Arizona law was passed to show the United States Government that they had failed. That our national law and policies were not effective. In short, the Arizona law appears to mock our national law and our national leaders. The voices I hear and the items I read supporting this law are often very disrespectful. Furthermore the perception of many people is that the state, and the legislators, are putting their interest ahead of the nation's interest. (One sees no interest in the least in our society). By mocking the national law, by calling the federal government weak I do not see that they are encouraging others to obey the law.

The lesson also teaches that "...we should feel a brotherhood and love for all people in all nations of the world..." Does this law encourage brotherhood? Does it show love for all people?

Finally the lesson tells us "The example of our lives will influence others more than anything we might say." What kind of example have the LDS lawmakers been to the world?

The scriptures tell us to honor the law. I submit that following that guidance we are expected to pass honorable laws. Have we done that?

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