General Conference, ‘Love Your Enemies’, October 2020 “An essential part of loving our enemies is to render unto Caesar by keeping the 
“Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
“Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:21–22).
And our article of faith, written by the Prophet Joseph Smith after the early Saints had suffered severe persecution from Missouri officials, declares, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12).” — Dallin Oaks
1 Corinthians 11:13-14 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
After serving 13 years as a judge on the Utah Supreme Court, one would think Dallin Oaks could present truth, not the lies he dished out at General Conference. He submitted a compelling argument using Mark 12:17 to present the Saints as a wholesome group, however, all one has to do is look at their track record.
Joe Smith wrote the Doctrine and Covenants passage on August 1, 1831. The next reference (12th Article of Faith), was part of the Wentworth Letter, Smith wrote in March 1842.
In 1831 Joseph Smith already had a rap sheet. After tricking people he could find buried treasure using a seer stone, he was arrested on charges of swindling people out of money. For more info also see JS Scrying Arrest.
Smith’s letter to Mr. Wentworth (editor of the Chicago Democrat) declared the Saints were merely following the Lord, but in reality, they were actively practicing polygamy. They went so far as to issue another declaration, also in March 1842, which was the original edition of D&C 101. This declaration was signed by everyone in the Relief Society, and their husbands.
While everyone who signed the letter was actively practicing polygamy, Smith was busy writing his denials. The behavior by Smith, and his followers, led to a boatload of trouble. As history shows, it’s only one of the reasons they were kicked out of Missouri.
Now, in light of our mini-history lesson behind us, we have to wonder…
Why would Mr. Oaks claim they were persecuted when historical evidence shows otherwise?
When you have an opportunity, share this info with a Mormon you know!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle