Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Defense of Self and Family

Provident Principles and Practices
© David Edwards, 2008


PRINCIPLES: In General Conference, April 1967, Ezra Taft Benson said that a man needs to be ready to protect himself physically. This is also stated in his book God, Family, and Country on pp. 331-332 and 406.
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"There is one principle which is eternal; it is the duty of all men to protect their lives and the lives of the household whenever necessity requires, and no power has the right to forbid it, should the last extreme arrive. . . ." – Joseph Smith, Letter to Emma Smith, June 27, 1844, recorded by B.H. Roberts, 1912, History of the Church, v. VI, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, p. 605.
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“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." – Doctrine and Covenants 134:11 (See also D&C 98:14-16, 22-37 for additional, important instruction).

“And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion." – Alma 43:46-47

"Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives." – Alma 48:14

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in a 1995 statement entitled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," indicated that it is part of God's plan for each father to provide leadership for his family, to love them, to live righteously, to provide for the family's needs, and to protect the family.

PRACTICES: God can reveal to us our duty with respect to protecting ourselves and our families.
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Although self-defense is permissible as a last resort when innocent life is in imminent danger, we need guidance by the Spirit in all related matters since
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* human life is sacred
. . .
* decisions made in self-defense can have eternal consequences
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* legal penalties for any mistakes can be substantial

We also need to recognize local, state and Federal laws. Church policy that weapons do not belong in houses of worship is described at: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/no-firearms-in-latter-day-saint-houses-of-worship


Photo Credits:

Ezra Taft Benson: www.usda.gov/img/content/benson.gif
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