Deceiving the Elect
Posted by Connor on August 15th, 2006
We have many warnings about what will happen (and what is happening) in the last days. We are in the thick of it right now. There is ample scriptural prophecy about what is to come.
Are the prophecies in the scriptures sufficient? I think not—that is the beauty and blessing of modern revelation. We have a Prophet today who will warn us, if and when necessary, about things we need to do to prepare for what is to come.
For example, we already have a few things we’re supposed to be doing to prepare, so that we “shall not fear”:
- Store a year’s supply of food (and fuel)
- Get out of debt
- Repent of our sins, cultivate the spirit, and create our own “Zion in the midst of Babylon“
But is that enough? Should we, in our own studies, actively be aware of and prepare for what is to come? Should we look to other sources (W. Cleon Skousen, Ken Bowers, mainstream media, blogs, friends and family) for additional information on what is to come, and how to prepare for it?
It’s no surprise, to those that read my blog, that I try to be aware of what is “at our doorstep”. I believe there are secret combinations. I believe there is a “shadow government”, men that are really in control of world and national affairs. I believe that the Book of Mormon warns us of these things, and it is part of the very important message it testifies of.
Alma, in counseling Helaman, said:
And now, I will speak unto you concerning those twenty-four plates, that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works of darkness, and their secret works, or the secret works of those people who have been destroyed, may be made manifest unto this people; yea, all their murders, and robbings, and their plunderings, and all their wickedness and abominations, may be made manifest unto this people. (Alma 37:21)
Obviously, Alma wanted these secret works of darkness taught (but not the oaths and covenants associated with them) so that the people might be aware.
If one should wish to study and be aware of the secret works of darkness in our day, I feel it becomes necessary to not only read prophetic scripture, but also the writings of men who have researched the topic. Scripture documents past experience, with lessons and insights for future application. Rarely does it prophecy with specificity what exactly will happen in the future, how it will occur, who will be responsible for it, and what timeline it will adhere to. For that, one must investigate the writings of those who have studied and researched the ongoings of our own day.
But what is the litmus test for who we listen to? Whose book do we read and believe? Whose lecture do we attend and think to be true? We have been warned:
For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant. And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived… (JS-M 1:22,37)
We who hold the priesthood of God are the “elect according to the covenenant”. Satan will go (and is going) to great lengths to deceive us. One of his biggest tactics is to try to convince people that he doesn’t exist, and that there is no hell (see 2 Nephi 28:21-23)—all in an effort to lull people into carnal security, thinking that “all is well”.
I think we should study these things. I think we should listen to a prophet of the Lord who has previously warned and counseled us. I think we should take “conspiracy theories” (or as Pres. Benson liked to call them, “conspiracy facts”) with a grain of salt, but not altogether reject them. And I think, with moderation in all things, that we should not only try to not be deceived by others, but also not deceive ourselves:
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (1 Cor. 3:18)
In our quest to prepare for that which is to come, we must be weary of who we believe. We must seek wisdom, but be humble (and a “fool”) throughout the process. We must have the spirit of discernment to sift through the information, and judge righteously as to what is true and what is not.
If we are prepared, we shall not fear. What steps are you taking to prepare yourself? How are you ensuring that you won’t be one of the deceived elect?
I am very leery of looking to sources other than the prophets because of all the sensationalism that is involved in much of our information-sharing sources these days. I have also seen people use what they think as “gifts” (dreams, visions, etc.) in what feel like inappropriate ways. (I got on a preparedness listserv a while back and seriously got the creepies.) That is not to say that there aren’t people who might have legitimate information for us, but I think they are hard to find; their words are hard to discern. I have never really felt the need to be looking to sources other than the prophets in the end. What would specifics do, anyway? In some ways, that can just breed more fear.
Connor says:
Obviously, Alma wanted these secret works of darkness taught….
Yes, but look at who was teaching them. The prophets. They were the ones capturing the information for others to know. Might there be a message in that?
Maybe I’m just naive, but to not be deceived, the scriptures say to me to simply look to the prophets. They are not just aware of spiritual dangers; I believe they are also in tune with other elements of our lives as well (political, social, etc.) This is why I think we ought to take it very seriously when they make the unusual decision to get involved in political/social issues. I wonder sometimes if we are looking for secret combinations in the wrong places sometimes. Perhaps the secret combinations that are most damaging are the ones that threaten our doctrine, not our national security or other physical/temporal elements of life. (I just can’t get that last paragraph of the Proclamation out of my mind and heart — the disintegration of the family is what will bring about calamities foretold by prophets. Is it not possible that the adversary’s deception in this arena is among the most damaging forces we face?) Remember the title of liberty; what they wanted to protect most was family and religion. So, what I focus on most is understanding these issues that affect the family, and doing my best to create a home where the Spirit can dwell.
I also really believe that if we study the scriptures, we will see warnings and counsel a-plenty. If anything, this post makes me want to study those things more carefully, not read the paper more. And again, part of this tendency is because I find it very, very difficult to really discern what is truth and what is not, except to look to the prophets.
Comment # 1 left by mullingandmusing (m&m) on August 15th, 2006
p.s. I’m not trying to advocate ignorance. I think part of the reason we can trust our prophets is because they are so in tune with world events, etc. I don’t think all we have to read is the Conference Ensign. I think it’s good to be aware of what is going on, and to get different points of view of current events to be able to help us discern what might really be going on. We are told to be agents and do much good, and there may be ways for people to be actively involved in doing good as they see the need, independent of what prophets may be focusing on. That said, I still look to them first to help me sort out all the voices that are swirling around me — after all, many of those voices, even within the Church, can be very convincing. And yet, all too often, they are either focusing on things that can lead to us missing the mark or are creating hype and fear without accurate information. And sometimes they are barking up the wrong tree altogether.
Comment # 2 left by Michelle on August 15th, 2006
M&M,
You raise some good points. I agree that above all, we should look to the prophets.
Eric recently commented on “Wars and Rumors of Wars“, referring to obtaining a gun for protection, saying: “It would fall under general preparation counsel, and left up to the individual of how best to prepare for tough times.”
I agree with the statement that sentence conveys. The prophets give us much direction and guidance, but there is also much left up to us. Just as we have the law of the Sabbath, there is much left up to personal interpretation in that regard. I feel it is similar with preparing for the latter days. We will be directed by the Prophet to do certain things, but other than that, it’s up to us to decide what we feel to be necessary.
If anything, this post makes me want to study those things more carefully, not read the paper more.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I became a news junkie for a couple months, and it wore me out. I still like to keep in touch with what’s going on, so that I can understand it and opine when I feel like it, but the scriptures give hope. They talk about these problems, their side effects and end results, but they bring the reader to the focus of all hope: Christ. So, I feel the same way as you. The scriptures offer light among darkness, while the news and other sources seem to spew out more and more darkness.
Comment # 3 left by Connor Boyack on August 15th, 2006
Connor:
Eternally speaking, repentance is probably the most important thing. Being in touch with the spirit is also a must - therefore scripture study and prayer are key things.
I kind of cringe and ’shadow government’ stuff. I really don’t know much about that. I am much more concerned about living in a democracy where the majority of people choose evil. This is conspriracy enough for me.
My wife pushes our family in food storage. We are doing better at that all the time. Still a long way to go. I do worry about just how bad things are going to get. While the righteous need not fear, it could get rather unpleasant.
Comment # 4 left by Eric Nielson on August 15th, 2006
Interesting. So, if we considered every group of saints that believed and popularly preached that they would see the end, we would find scores of communities dotted along our 200 year history (Kirtland, Jackson, 1850’s, 1890’s, Cold war, etc.). So, were these “elect” decieved?
Comment # 5 left by J. Stapley on August 15th, 2006
Interesting. So, if we considered every group of saints that believed and popularly preached that they would see the end, we would find scores of communities dotted along our 200 year history (Kirtland, Jackson, 1850’s, 1890’s, Cold war, etc.). So, were these “elect†decieved?
Was preparing for the end a bad thing for them? Can prepration for such not continue in the next life? Might some of this involve getting on the right path in this life, so as to ensure that we will be on the path in the next? I think timing of “the end” is less important than being prepared for it, no matter when it happens. They WILL see the end. Just not in a mortal state.
Comment # 6 left by Michelle on August 15th, 2006
J.,
I’ve often wondered about this. Christ always talked in an “the end is nigh”, “I come quickly” mentality. I agree with Michelle that it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will come quickly in our mortal state. We could be hit by a car tomorrow, and then we find ourselves in the spirit world, where yes, the end will certainly be “nigh”. It’s almost like God’s “scare tactic” to get us to repent and obey the commandments, because we never know when it will be “everlastingly too late”.
Comment # 7 left by Connor Boyack on August 15th, 2006
I just stumbled upon this quote, and thought it might be relevant to the conversation.
Three times in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord counsels His people to “stand in holy places†(see D&C 45:32; D&C 87:8; D&C 101:22). The context of His counsel is all the more significant as we look at the current condition of our world. Desolating disease, persecution, and war have an all-too-familiar face and have imposed themselves into our daily experience. In the face of such perplexing problems, the Lord counsels, “Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places†(D&C 101:22).
Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “Holy Place, Sacred Space,†Ensign, May 2003, 71
I found it interesting that the answer to the temporal problems and our concerns about them is spiritual. “Stand in holy places.” We could add, “Be not moved.” “Look to God and live. ”
And perhaps this as well:
D&C 101:37
37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
Comment # 8 left by Michelle on August 15th, 2006
Connor:
I believe there are secret combinations. I believe there is a “shadow governmentâ€, men [who] are really in control of world and national affairs.
I don’t mean to be a jerk or anything, but this sounds a bit “nutty” to me.
First off, “men” really are in control of government affairs. I can agree with you that secret combinations are occurring. But is this new to anyone with their head above the sand?
As for a “shadow government”, I would be interested for you to share more details of your beliefs. I think if you look closely, you’ll find there is no such thing. Rather, the existing government is simply corrupt. However, as I said, I’m interested in hearing more.
Comment # 9 left by Wade on August 15th, 2006
Wade,
Here are a few quotes that might indicate a little of what I believe to be true. I agree that there is corruption in our government, but I also strongly feel that there are strong influences outside of the government that have an impact, if not direct say, on what the USA’s domestic and foreign policy is to be. Some such influences are the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission, Project for the New American Century, and the Bilderbergers.
“The real rulers in Washington are invisible, and exercise power from behind the scenes.”
—Felix Frankfurter, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court
“The real menace of our republic is this invisible government which like a giant octopus sprawls its slimy length over city, state and nation. Like the octopus of real life, it operates under cover of a self created screen. At the head of this octopus are the Rockefeller Standard Oil interests and a small group of powerful banking houses generally referred to as international bankers. The little coterie of powerful international bankers virtually run the United States government for their own selfish purposes. They practically control both political parties.”
—New York City Mayor John F. Hylan, 1922
“I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the civilized world - no longer a Government by free opinion, no longer a Government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.”
—U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, a few years after authorizing the creation of the “Federal” Reserve
In the January 7th issue of USA Today former Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich wrote, “The dirty little secret is that both houses of Congress are irrelevant.” Reich pointed out that “America’s domestic policy is now being run by Alan Greenspan and the Federal Reserve,” and “America’s foreign policy is now being run by the International Monetary Fund.”
“Permit me to issue and control the money of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.”
—Amschel Mayer Rothschild
“We are grateful to the Washington Post, the NY Times, Time Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promise of discretion for almost 40 years. It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity during those years. But, the world is more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries.”
—David Rockefeller, Bilderberger, Trilateral Commission, and CFR member/founder
Comment # 10 left by Connor Boyack on August 16th, 2006
Geez Wade, Ya big jerk…
-
Comment # 11 left by Mike "okie" Troutt on August 16th, 2006
Connor:
This invisible or “hidden hand” government you speak of is how government has always worked. The quotations you cite convey the perception that a very select few individuals literally run our government. This is not accurate.
Interestingly, the people you quote above are/were either those who wanted to influence government, or those who actually did through their legitimate political actions. But that’s all. There is absolutely no evidence that anyone other than those who are elected or appointed have any actual authority to do anything. It’s true that every single politician is influenced by outside actors and forces! But it has always been so!
I am very interested to see any evidence, beyond benign quotations, that shows those in government actually don’t have a choice in their political actions because they are unwillingly coerced! But I really don’t think you’ll find any such evidence.
The belief in a real “shadow government” fringes on hysteria. You cite to private organizations and think tanks to show that these people are the real actors. But that is just not true. Although they have influence over policital actors, the amount of influence is in the control of the real political actor.
There are many anti-mormons who believe we are a “cult” and there are conspiracy theories about Mormons. These theories are rooted in the secrecy of the temple ceremony. Similarly, you have cited to secretive organizations to support your “shadow government” theory. But it’s hysteria.
Are you aware that nine signers of the Declaration of Independence, 14 presidents and 42 Supreme Court justices were members of the Freemason secret society? Does this mean the “shadow government” you profess existed since the founding? After all, freemasonry is an appropriate analogy to modern day secretive think tanks etc.
Comment # 12 left by Wade on August 16th, 2006
Wade:
This invisible or “hidden hand” government you speak of is how government has always worked. The quotations you cite convey the perception that a very select few individuals literally run our government. This is not accurate.
I never intended to imply that those seeking to subvert our sovereignty and destroy our government were a “select few individuals”. Rather, there are corporations, organizations, and societies that do so. Lobbyists from big business, influential members of “think tank” organizations, and others all have an influence on governmental policy. Yes, it’s always how it has worked. Does that make it right? No. I elect a leader based on how I think they will act of their own accord—not acting with influence and money from people who seek to advance their own cause by using that leader’s authority and position. Consider this quote from J. Reuben Clark:
Interestingly, the people you quote above are/were either those who wanted to influence government, or those who actually did through their legitimate political actions. But that’s all. There is absolutely no evidence that anyone other than those who are elected or appointed have any actual authority to do anything.
I quoted one judge, one mayor, one president, one secretary of labor, a Rothschild (large, powerful banking family), and a Rockefeller. The first four, government officials, recognized an external threat to the normal governmental process of elected leaders. They recognized that there were men outside of the sphere of government who exerted strong influence over policy and legislatoin. The last two were men outside of government who have exerted large amounts of influence on policy. Just read that last quote by Rockefeller and you’ll see he openly admits to using his position to draft a “plan for the world”, of a one-world government. Here is another quote by him, in his autobiography:
When you review the list of members of these organizations (CFR, TC, PNAC, BB), it’s frightening how many are current government leaders. Those who are “tapped” by the President for various positions are often like-minded individuals from these “think tanks”, who often have policies that are against the constitution and sovereignty of the U.S. It reminds me all too much of Helaman 2:5:
I am very interested to see any evidence, beyond benign quotations, that shows those in government actually don’t have a choice in their political actions because they are unwillingly coerced! But I really don’t think you’ll find any such evidence.
I never said that they don’t have a choice. Nor did I say they were unwillingly coerced. All too often, it is through complicit behavior. Whether they are being bribed, bought out, threatened, or just happen to be in agreement with the policy and principle, that is dependent upon each case. I can’t speak for them. It is unmistakeably evident that in order to get ahead in politics these days, you need money. And large, influential corporations and organizations will donate heartily to those who they think will support their goals and desires.
The belief in a real “shadow government” fringes on hysteria. You cite to private organizations and think tanks to show that these people are the real actors. But that is just not true. Although they have influence over policital actors, the amount of influence is in the control of the real political actor.
Exactly - but when the vast majority of Bush’s cabinet are members of these organizations, that shows that the “real political actor” is already affected by the policies promoted by them. Take, for example, the Security and Prosperity Partnership. Members of the Council on Foreign Relations have written numerous papers and given lectures for years on a “North American Union”, and have increasingly recommended and favored erasing our borders with Mexico and Canada. And now, with President Bush’s help, it has happened. With no Congressional oversight, Pres. Bush has signed “documents of understanding” with these countries, in an effort to do exactly what CFR has been recommending all along. Hopefully Rep. Mike Rogers will be successful in requesting detailed disclosure on what exactly Bush has been up to.
Additionally, I get a bit nervous when our “real political actors” are paying homage to a 45 foot wood owl.
There are many anti-mormons who believe we are a “cult” and there are conspiracy theories about Mormons. These theories are rooted in the secrecy of the temple ceremony. Similarly, you have cited to secretive organizations to support your “shadow government” theory. But it’s hysteria.
Bensons referred to “conspiracy theory” in the Book of Mormon as “conspiracy fact”. You appeal to other people’s views of cults and conspiracies to invalidate those of myself and others who believe in conspiracies within the government today. I don’t think that disproves much of anything. Similarly, we believe our religion is right, as might people of other faiths. But who is right? One of the differences between our religion and government, is that we don’t have anything secret; it is sacred. Anybody can read church literature which discusses what we do in the temple, and why we do it. Also, anybody is welcome to join the church, find out more, and take part in these things themselves. Can you go inside a meeting of the “federal” reserve? No. Can you attend a Bilderberg meeting? No. Can you sit in on a meeting with the President to see what he is up to? No.
I really recommend reading, for more info, some of Ken Bowers’ stuff. Either “Beneath the Tide: Who Really Runs the World” or “Hiding in Plain Sight”. I’m reading the latter right now, though I’ll hopefully get to the former sometime soon.
Does this mean the “shadow government” you profess existed since the founding?
Yes, ever since the founding of this country there have been those who have wished to accumulate the power and wealth to dominate control of others. This page on the Federal Reserve, while being hideously ugly to look at, has several quotes from Founding Fathers and early political leaders about the control being exerted on the nation by bankers. Again, this falls in line with the quote previously by Mayer Rothschild (an extremely wealthy banker), about the power of controlling a nation’s money.
Sorry this response was so long, but I tried to be thorough. We may disagree, and that is fine, but hopefully you can understand a little bit more of my views. Peace.
Comment # 13 left by Connor Boyack on August 17th, 2006
Connor:
Yes, it’s always how it has worked. Does that make it right?
Your response was great; not too long. You’re right, we do disagree. But our disagreement does not concern the fact of corruption in government–it’s obvious to everyone with two cents worth of intellect. Rather, our difference arises when it comes to placing blame. You seem to be blaming lobbyists and politicians for the corruption. However, I blame those who vote in politicians who are bought off.
Another sign of the hysteria is that conspiracy theorists like yourself first claim that the government is run by unknown secretive meetings and groups, and then in the same breath rattle off details of who these people are and what they are doing and what their plans are.
So, what’s your solution to this timeless problem? Personally, I have become so jaded that I no longer vote and am actually hoping leftists take over the government and the nation nose-dives; I’m interested to see the coming of the end.
Comment # 14 left by Wade on August 18th, 2006
Wade,
Another sign of the hysteria is that conspiracy theorists like yourself first claim that the government is run by unknown secretive meetings and groups, and then in the same breath rattle off details of who these people are and what they are doing and what their plans are.
They are not entirely unknown. Most often, usually in retrospect, their intents, actions, and membership rosters are known. But for future predictions, I look to the scriptures to show what they will do and how they will do it. I don’t think that’s a sign of hysteria, I think that’s a belief in prophecy and scripture.
So, what’s your solution to this timeless problem? Personally, I have become so jaded that I no longer vote and am actually hoping leftists take over the government and the nation nose-dives; I’m interested to see the coming of the end.
This may come off as a bit harsh, but I say it with love and respect: Captain Moroni would be sorely disappointed in you. Giving up, not voting, and not exerting your influence and control to better the situation is saddening, to say the least. Consider this quote from John Taylor:
The Elders of Israel should “understand that they have something to do with the world politically as well as religiously, that it is as much their duty to study correct political principles as well as religious.”
One may argue: “well, Pres. Taylor only said we should study political principles, not act on them, or vote, or anything like that”. To that I would say that the point of studying and gaining knowledge is to use and act on said knowledge. “…and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.”
I, too, am interested to see the coming of the end. I am scared by it, terrified by how it will impact the saints and the church as a whole, and nervous that I am not fully prepared. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t do my part to delay it, prepare for it, and spread forth the cause of truth and righteousness.
We are at war. Becoming jaded and giving up is tantamount to surrender. We must never surrender.
Comment # 15 left by Connor Boyack on August 18th, 2006
Connor:
First off, sorry about the long delay in responding; I was out of town celebrating my 6th wedding anniversary with my wife all weekend.
Captain Moroni would be sorely disappointed in you. Giving up, not voting, and not exerting your influence and control to better the situation is saddening, to say the least. Becoming jaded and giving up is tantamount to surrender.
Ah yes, you are right, Captain Moroni would be highly disappointed in me–to say the least. However, I’m pretty sure that to some extent you misread my comment. I said I no longer vote; I never said I have given up trying to influence politics, government, or those around me! In terms of voting, I still vote in local and some state elections. However, national elections and politics is no more than a joke!! I have much to say about this; for starters, you can read my previous post here.
Instead of explaining in detail why I don’t vote anymore, I’ll post on this issue soon. But I do want to make sure you understand I have not “given up”. Rather, I have come to my senses about national politics: it has gone far to long down a road of disrepair and cannot be saved in this world. I’m not worried about this. In fact, President Hinckley and others have acknowledged that things will only get worse before they get better. However, there is safety and security in the gospel truth.
When the earth begins to tremble,
Bid our fearful thoughts be still;
When thy judgments spread destruction,
Keep us safe on Zion’s hill. (“Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,†Hymns, no. 83)
In sum, I guess our views are closer than what I initially thought. However, I still am not convinced in a collaborative and deceptive scheme by a select few non-governmental power players to take over the world.
My skepticism comes from the universal truth that politicians on the national scale are interested in only one thing: their own self-interests. They can be bribed and bought off. It is my personal belief that every single one of them is. However, they are not bought off in the same manner. That is, their personal interests take them in wholly different directions. Consequently, those who buy them off do so only to serve their own interests as well. It would be impossible for a cohesive scheme to be effective on such a broad scale!
This is why every conspiracy theory is so silly! The theory about 9/11 being a government inside job is such a joke. It would be impossible to keep so many inside people quite for so long! Plus, it takes the blame away from the real perpetrators–the terrorists. Frankly, those who buy into these conspiracy theories are tthe ones being deceived!
Comment # 16 left by Wade on August 19th, 2006