Mormon Dilemma 790 Secretly Vying for Political Power

Journal of Discourses 21:8; “We have got this kingdom to build up; and it is not a phantom, but a reality. We have to do it, God expects it at our hands. We have got to have—now do not tell any body for it is a great secret; we have got to have political power. What, will not that be treason? Perhaps so, but no matter; we have got to go on and progress in these things.” – Prophet John Taylor, Logan, Utah, August 31, 1879

2 Peter 2:3; “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

If you’re within earshot of someone speaking like this (and a leader no less) what do you suppose they’ll say about you when you’re not around? 

Could you trust someone who says things like this? 

Where in the Bible does it teach us to covet political power and to keep secrets? 

Where in the Bible does it tell us that God expects us to build political kingdoms? 

This is what the Israelites were expecting when Jesus arrived. They were expecting their long awaited Messiah would kick the Roman Empire out the door and put them in power.  When they saw that He was sent of God they and He wasn’t living up to the standards they thought He should have, they crucified Him.

If you’re LDS do you believe it’s essential for the Church to hold political power? Why or why not? 

What does Peter’s warning mean for you personally in the 21^st century? Do you believe anyone could exploit or use you?