BH Roberts’ Church Suspension

A Book of Mormons, pp. 243-244; “Roberts…refused to sign a Church ‘political manifesto’ which stipulated that before a general authority could seek political office he must ‘apply to the proper authorities and learn from them whether he can, consistently with the obligations already entered into with the Church upon assuming his office, take upon himself the added duties and labors and responsibilities of the new position.’…Roberts felt that the political manifesto constituted an infringement on basic civil liberties. He was suspended from ecclesiastical duties and given three weeks to recant…. He walked the streets all night, wrestling with the dilemma of sacrificing principle or being stripped of his Church blessings. Just hours before the deadline, he decided to sign and was accepted back into fellowship.” – Richard S. Van Wagoner and Steven C. Walker

2 Corinthians 4:2; “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Roberts put privilege over principles in 1896. 

Mr. Roberts’ life and decision making process shows us just how misdirected some people choose to live. He reminds me a lot of my own father in how prestige of people knowing who you are for your intelligence takes precedence over your conscience. Secret self pride is what guided this man’s life which ended up not being so secret in the end. 

By the time 1896 rolled around Roberts’ decision was obviously made on what losses he’d certainly incur and mind you, they’d be substantial. 

He’d already been arrested, went on the lam for illegal cohabitation, turned himself in and served time in prison which at the time was known as ‘doing a 6 x 3’, meaning six months in prison and a $300 fine. (Historical Record 9:635) After all that and still living a polygamous lifestyle, he really couldn’t afford to diss the Church as well. By this time he had three wives. 

Serving as an apologist for the Church and having a conscience is a hard road to tow. For every ex-Mormon there’s a price to be paid, but as the Apostle Paul once said ‘…count it as rubbish just to win Christ’. Philippians 3:8 Many Church historians today (Richard & Joan Ostling for example) believe Roberta was an anti-Mormon serving in the Church on his own volition, but never hesitating to speak his mind he continued to author numerous books on  Church history and its doctrine. Ironically, even though the Church vehemently disagreed on many doctrinal issues with him, they continued to foot the publication bills. 

Roberts is a prime example of what goes on in the Church today and we as Christians need to give heed to what God says in His word. The majority of Mormons are very intelligent, well spoken people, but that doesn’t mean they’re ‘smart enough’ to figure out what’s wrong with Mormonism. 

I’m always asked why there’s such a disconnect with them and my answer is always the same. You can find it in Ephesians 6:12. This has nothing to do with someone’s IQ. Decisions are always made based on what type of person you are. This is about your devotion to God and your integrity.

Ephesians 6:12; “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 

“A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” 
― Dwight D. Eisenhower

Proverbs 11:3; “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”