Will the Mormons Be the Ones to Save the Constitution? Joseph Smith Says, “YES”.

The belief that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) will be instrumental in saving the U.S. Constitution in the last days is rooted in a prophetic statement made by Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This doctrine, while significant to the faith, has raised questions as it has not been fully realized in the way some early teachings suggested. Let’s explore this belief, its historical context, and its implications.

The Prophetic Statement

The concept that Latter-day Saints would play a crucial role in the preservation of the U.S. Constitution comes from a statement attributed to Joseph Smith, delivered in 1843. According to LDS teachings, Joseph Smith prophesied that in the future, the Constitution of the United States would hang by a thread, and the Latter-day Saints would be the ones to save it. This is often referred to as the “Prophecy of the Constitution.”

The key part of the prophecy comes from a statement Joseph Smith made in 1843, which can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants, a sacred text in LDS scripture. In Doctrine and Covenants 101:77-80, Joseph Smith proclaimed that the Constitution would be in danger in the last days and that it would be the Latter-day Saints, when they were in a position of strength, who would be instrumental in preserving it.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:80 states: “And it is my will that my people should be gathered together unto the land of Zion, and that they should be a defense and a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”

This prophecy has often been interpreted to mean that the Church and its members would be a significant force in preserving religious freedom and the constitutional rights in times of political or social turmoil.

Historical Context

The prophecy came at a time when the LDS Church was facing persecution and growing tensions with the U.S. government, particularly in Missouri and Illinois. Smith’s words were likely influenced by the political and social unrest that marked the 19th century. The idea of a group of faithful people (the Latter-day Saints) coming to the aid of the nation’s founding principles, especially religious freedom, resonated with the challenges the early Saints were facing.

Joseph Smith’s own belief in the sanctity of the Constitution as a divinely inspired document also played into this prophecy. For early Latter-day Saints, the Constitution represented a political foundation of freedom and rights, something that they sought to protect and uphold.

Interpretations of the Prophecy

While the prophecy itself suggests that the LDS Church will have a key role in saving the Constitution, there have been various interpretations over time. Some people believe that this prophecy was meant to be taken literally and that, in the future, the LDS Church would take direct action to preserve the Constitution. Others see it as a more symbolic or spiritual statement, suggesting that Latter-day Saints would be instrumental in protecting the values and principles that the Constitution represents, especially religious freedom and liberty.

Over time, Latter-day Saints have been encouraged to become involved in political and social causes that align with the Constitution, such as promoting freedom of religion, defending individual rights, and participating in the political process. This belief, while not always focused on a specific future event, emphasizes the importance of defending liberty.

Has It Happened?

As of today, the LDS Church and its members have not been directly involved in a large-scale effort to “save” the Constitution in the way some might have envisioned when Joseph Smith made the prophecy. Critics point to this as evidence that the prophecy has not come to fruition.

However, many Latter-day Saints interpret the prophecy in more metaphorical or spiritual terms. They believe that their role in “saving” the Constitution can be understood in terms of advocating for constitutional principles such as freedom of religion, individual rights, and democratic governance.

LDS Engagement with Politics

While the LDS Church officially maintains a stance of political neutrality, it has historically encouraged members to be actively engaged in the political process, especially when it comes to issues related to religious freedom and moral values. For instance:

• Religious Freedom: The Church has advocated for the protection of religious freedom both in the U.S. and around the world.
• Marriage and Family: The LDS Church has been vocal in its opposition to same-sex marriage, which it views as a challenge to traditional family values and, by extension, religious freedoms.
• Political Involvement: Many individual Latter-day Saints have become politically active, particularly in advocating for the protection of the Constitution and religious rights.

However, no specific event has occurred in which the LDS Church has “saved” the Constitution in a dramatic or world-changing way, as the prophecy suggested.

Interpretations in the Modern Era

Some modern Latter-day Saints believe that the prophecy could still be fulfilled in some way in the future, particularly in the context of political or social upheaval in the U.S. Others argue that the prophecy may have been more symbolic, reflecting the Church’s role in maintaining the foundational principles of the Constitution rather than providing direct intervention in political matters.

Latter-day Saints are taught to continue supporting the Constitution and its values, not necessarily through political power but through their personal actions, advocacy for religious freedom, and moral teachings. The “saving” of the Constitution could thus be seen as a long-term spiritual mission rather than a specific political event.

Conclusion

The prophecy about Latter-day Saints saving the U.S. Constitution has not yet materialized in the dramatic way that some early followers might have expected. While the Church has not been directly involved in a national crisis to save the Constitution, many Latter-day Saints see their role in preserving its principles through promoting freedom, individual rights, and religious liberty. As the world continues to face political and social challenges, the teachings of Joseph Smith regarding the Constitution remain a significant part of LDS doctrine, albeit interpreted in a variety of ways by different members of the faith.

In summary, the prophecy reflects a vision of moral and spiritual leadership in defense of foundational American values, even if the exact fulfillment of this prophecy remains unclear in a literal sense.