37 And he raiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the nations of the wicked.
People who say that the prophet has no business talking about
non-religious things like politics do not understand this verse. Brigham Young
said that, “all power is ordained of God and is in his hand. He sets up a
kingdom here, and pulls down another there at his pleasure…If the people of God
in ancient days had continued holy they would have continued in power and
authority to this day” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 19). Of course the prophet can speak to
politics. These powers are given and taken by God, and as God’s mouthpiece on
earth, the prophet can speak for the Lord on whatever subject he is directed
to.
The full quote:
“Whether they make good
or bad use of it, all power is ordained of God and is in his hand. He sets up a
kingdom here, and pulls down another there at his pleasure. He breaks the
nations like a potter’s vessel; he forms a nucleus, and around it builds up a kingdom
or nation, permitting the people to act upon their own agency, that they may do
right, or corrupt themselves, as did the Children of Israel; and after they
have become ripe for destruction, they will be scattered to the four winds. If
the people of God in ancient days had continued holy they would have continued
in power and authority to this day” (Discourses of Brigham Young, 7:148)
- Psalm 1:6
- Proverbs 14:34
- 1 Nephi 4:13
- Ether 2:10
