Prophet Statesmen, John A. Widstoe
The Church exists for the welfare of its members. It holds to the doctrine that “men are that they might have joy.” Therefore, whatever affects human welfare, temporally or spiritually on earth or in heaven, is accepted as the concern of the Church.
This doctrine leads the Church into problems of man’s physical, mental, moral, economic, social, and political well-being, into his every need. It strives to bring about conditions that will promote general, rounded, complete welfare. It cannot look with favor upon one-sidedness in life, one part of man’s nature satisfied, another unsatisfied. It does not hesitate, because of individual prejudices or the danger of making enemies, to speak frankly and fully about any and every phase of human life. To cower in some one corner of human need is held in contempt by the Church; and certainly such a Church should be held in contempt.
In the revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith, this matter is made very clear. Man is engaged in an eternal journey. Life on earth is but an episode in everlasting life. Therefore, all things that touch this eternal traveler belong to the plan under which he is moving forward. The distinction between things [p. 18] spiritual and temporal vanishes; they become merged, as the palm and back of the hand, as the warp and woof of the cloth. Man’s physical concerns acquire a spiritual value; and his spiritual activities have temporal counterparts. “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal . . . for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual” (D. & C. 29:34, 35).
By this doctrine, Church leaders feel themselves free and under obligation to discourse on any and every need of the day and of man, no matter under what man-given name it appears. They would be poor leaders if silence was enjoined upon them within any field of human interest. Indeed, the very life of the Church is involved in this free discussion of man’s welfare.
However, let no misconception arise. The Church holds itself aloof from propagandists or parties. In politics, for example, it is neither Republican, Democratic nor “mugwump.” It tests and measures every man-made policy by the eternal, unchanging principles of the gospel. If a proposed policy is in harmony with these principles, it is approved by the Church, if in opposition to gospel principles it is disapproved. The ax hews at untruth no matter where the chips may fall. Whether Democrats wail or Republicans weep is of no consequence. The Church is not in politics, but up to the shoulders in the fight for truth, which is the battle for humanity’s welfare
John A. Widstoe, 1943, Evidences and Reconciliations 1:207-8. John A. Widstoe was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1921-1952. Widtsoe was also a noted author, scientist, and academician.
