President Benson on conspiracy theory

arbilad · Head Chef

President Benson on conspiracy theory

lundbaek · Profuse Pontificator

The Apostle Benson not only recommended the book in a General Conference talk, but also endorsed the book with the stsatement "I wish thatevery citizen of every country in the free world and every slave behind the Iron Curtain might read this book."

It can be read online at: http://oneheartbooks.com/resources/eboo ... _allen.pdf

Ezra Taft Benson, while President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, speaking in a Church General Conference in October 1988 stated: "I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world."

More recently on the subject of conspiracy / secret combinations, Apostle Boyd K. Packer, speaking in the 16 January 2007 BYU Devotional, stated: "We live in a time of war, that spiritual war that will never end. Moroni warned us that the secret combinations begun by Gadianton are had among all people. . . . Wherefore, O ye Gentiles [and the term gentile in that place in the Book of Mormon refers to us in our generation], it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you. . . . Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you. [Ether 8:20, 2324]

As if the Book of Mormon doesn't tell us enough about secrret combinations.

arbilad · Head Chef

You know, though, there's just sort of a different impact seeing the man himself make the statement.

lundbaek · Profuse Pontificator

LDSs, more than any other people, have access to great insights into the conspiracy that the Lord warned us about thru Moroni, President Benson, and a few others. But most seem to think that if the conspiracy were a serious threat, the Church General Authorities would tell us about it. Well, certain Church General Authorities did tell us about it. I well remember that Church General Authorities did warn us about a conspiracy to destroy our freedoms, not only in America, but in all nations. President Benson was especially outspoken about this threat. Other General Authorities in the past and prominent members of the Church also tried to warn us. Today, we only have certain scriptures and the occasional warning from the Brethren.

For a good scriptural study of conspiracy/Gadiantons/secret combinations I suggest reading:

Helaman 2: 4, 12-13
Helaman 6: 15-30
Helaman 7: 4-5
Helaman 8: 1-4
3 Nephi 6: 25-30
3 Nephi 7: 1-10
4 Nephi 1: 42 & 46
2 Nephi 26: 14, 20-22, 29
Ether 8: 22-26