Tolkein portrayed the oath that Merry made to Theoden and that Pippin made to Denethor much better in the books than Peter Jackson did in the films. Every time I've read LOTR, I've been moved by that allegiance.
Despite my inherent mistrust of government and my obsession with getting the government out of my life as much as possible, there is paradoxically something inside of me that desires to be a subject, a servant--a desire to swear fealty to and live and die for a benevolent King.
How is it that I can passionately promote and defend our constitution as the inspired beginning of the Lord's government, and still have an equally strong desire to serve a King?
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The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. - Julie Beck
I'd say because maybe none of us may really understand what it means to live under a government where the ruler is absolute. Also, there is something "romantic" about the feudal mindset and the associated chivalry in the mindset of most men, methinks.
I don't agree with saying that the Constitution is the beginning of the Lord's government. Inspired, yes of course, but not the beginning of His government. There is a big difference between equating it to that and stating that it was inspired and has allowed for the relatively protected environment in which the fulness of His Gospel could be restored, take root, and begin to flourish. I think it is better equated to an Elias condition... much like John the Baptist was not the Messiah, but he helped prepare the people for the Messiah's mortal ministry.
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It seems to me the only thing you've learned is that Caesar is a "salad dressing dude."
Re. a desire to serve a King, if that King is Jesus Christ, I think one is on safe ground. During my professional career I have had only one manager who earned my respect to where I ever desired to make any extra effort to promote his interests (serve). But most of my work was done with considerable independence, including working far from the home office.
There have been statements by General Authorities since shortly after the restoration of the Church that indicate to me that the Constitutions role goes beyond just providing a free nation in which the gospel and true Church could be restored to the Earth. It appears the Constitution will become the governing system for the whole world during the Millennium, and that its principles will eventually spread over the whole world, and all who are living at that time will desire to abide by them. I dont see that happening now, but heres one statement to that effect by Brigham Young:
"I believe in a true republican theocracy. What do I understand by a theocratic government? One in which all laws are enacted and executed in righteousness, and whose officers possess that power which proceedeth from the Almighty. That is the kind of government I allude to when I speak of a theocratic government, or the Kingdom of God upon the earth. [Few], if any, understand what a theocratic government is. In every sense of the word, it is a republican government but its subjects will recognize the will and dictation of the Almighty. The Constitution and laws of the United States resemble a theocracy more closely than any government now on the earth. The kingdom of God will be extended over the earth; and it is written, "I will make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness" [Isaiah 60:17]. Is that day ever coming? It is; and the doctrine we preach leads to that point. Even now the form of the Government of the United States differs but little from that of the kingdom of God. Whoever lives to see the Kingdom of God fully established upon the earth will see a government that will protect every person in his rights. [Every] class of worshipers most strictly protected in all their municipal rights and in the privileges of worshiping who, what, and when they pleased, not infringing upon the rights of others. Does any candid person in his sound judgment desire any greater liberty?" (July 31, 1859, Journal of Discourses, 6:342-343, 345, 346-347)
Then there is the question of which of the amendments will be retained.
I've sworn the fealty in the Temple of the Most High God. He's a King I don't mind serving. I think the idea of being bound to serve a noble cause of good and right appeals to many. In the LOTR, Pippin wanted to serve but look at the actions of the Steward. His grief had made him turn a blind eye to the impending dangers. He didn't even care anymore about his living son. His decisions cost lives. Earthly kings are just men, some good, some bad. If they could all be like Captain Moroni or King Benjamin we would have no problems. Unfortunately, the power seems to make many if not most turn evil. The old testament is full of them.
The only king I will ever kneel to or bow to is Christ. I feel little loyalty to our own government and that only because of my deep loyalty to my country and the Constitution.
Like Jason, my fealty was sworn in every aspect to my Lord. In fact, I have always despised the use of the word lord as an appellation to those who somehow think they are better than us. I have always felt lord used as a title of men to be a denigration to the real Lord.
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Lo, there I see my mother, my sisters, my brothers Lo, there I see the line of my people back to the beginning Lo, they call to me, they bid me take my place among them In the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live...forever
