Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994)

My thoughts in no particular order.

-- This is, like many, a collection of previously written pieces sold as a book.

-- It's also interesting to read in context of the times during which each piece was individually delivered. Not that I claim to be an expert, but the 1940s has been a bit of a literary fad recently so they interacted in fascinating ways... in my head.

--Many times as I read the book I found myself really grateful for the internet and online libraries. The amount of knowledge show more we have (and the easiness with which we access it) is astounding. And world-shaking. And hard to deal with.

-- It does NOT say many things that it has been claimed to have said. And it is NOT titled "God, Family, Political Party" or "God, Family, Presidential Candidate."

-- It does say other things that were not all that controversial in his day. Not that that is meant as an excuse or as a qualifier. However, I feel like that it is interesting, from an academic point of view, to note that few, if any(I haven't read all of them yet) of his General Conference talks post-calling as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reference those things. Also it is rather interesting when combined with Dallin H Oaks' November 2019 statements and Neil L. Andersen's Nov 2012 points. Or even his own statements at BYU in Feb of 1980.

-- My unacademic opinion? Take me out to lunch and you can find out. show less

Forceful and well-argued statements by this former Secretary of Agriculture (1952- ), who became President of the LDS Church much later, about the dangers of socialism, and particularly Communism, to the freedom and character of America. The addresses were directed to many diverse groups over a number of years, but are all directed to the principles of government represented by the archetypal opposites of Communism and Democracy. Includes addresses to specifically LDS audiences explaining show more how socialism is the antithesis of the doctrine of free agency, and should not be supported by Mormons. (see Conf. Report 1966 April)
The appendices include two statements published by the First Presidency in that regard, which are no longer prominent in Church teachings, but so far as I know have not been abrogated or diminished; however, the increase in Church membership in the former Soviet sphere may have generated a discrete retreat from overt opposition to a supposedly defunct political system.
The additional commentary in the footnotes are from former and contemporary persons, but Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, and Cicero are prominently featured..

Notes:
p. 191: "Therefore, if you desire to help your fellowmen the most, then you must put the first commandment first. When we fail to put the love of God first, we are easily deceived by crafty men, who profess a great love of humanity, while advocating programs that are not of the Lord." (Gen. Conf. 1967,
Sept. 29) show less

Great account of Benson's involvement with helping European saints after the last war there. I especially was interested in the German stories since I lived in the Frankfurt area in the mid-70s.

I appreciate President Benson quite a bit more after reading this excellent colleciton of topics and material. I especially enjoyed reading the chapters about The Book of Mormon, Beware of Pride, and finally A Christ-Centered life.