As America approaches its 250th birthday, the gospel motivates us to recognize our unity in purpose, promoting truth, moral courage, and strengthening societal fabric globally.
As our nation approaches America’s 250th birthday, I want to show that Jesus Christ’s pronouncement ignited a chain of providential preparation—creating Western civilization, enabling America’s founding, and making possible the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Across centuries that only God could orchestrate, this unfolding work arrested spiritual decline, expanded civil and religious liberties, and opened the path to exaltation (eternal life) for innumerable souls. Isaiah’s words fit it perfectly: “a marvelous work and a wonder.”
The gospel perspective compels us to see one another as we truly are—literal brothers and sisters, sharing the same heavenly origin and separated, in the eternal view, by only a brief span of instruction and ordinances. Our charge as members of the Restored Church is to learn truth and carry it to others. Yet that very perspective also demands humility: God continues to raise up and employ people outside his Church to accomplish his purposes.
All around us, organizations, churches, and individuals lift societies by teaching moral courage, practicing real compassion, and providing steadying influences for those reaching for a better life. The freedom, imagination, and creativity, encouraged—and protected—by our constitutional system do more than benefit a nation; they give the Lord’s work room to advance across the globe.
Even when the beauties and glories of the Restored Gospel are not fully recognized, honoring the good done by others does lessen our core beliefs or dilute our convictions—it strengthens our integrity. The doctrines and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are unparalleled: the most profound system of philosophy and spiritual truth the world has ever known. Foretold by Isaiah, Daniel, and a host of other Hebrew prophets, they will be established prominently and spread freely from one to another across the earth—incapable of confinement or exclusive appropriation—for the moral and mutual instruction of mankind. As this work gathers force, millions of God’s children will join with it, fulfilling his purposes: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
When the ancient Greeks traveled to India and other places, they found that rules, morals, and customs varied from region to region. This observation led to the development of philosophy, a field dedicated to the study of wisdom, moral inquiry, and introspection.
Socrates contributed to this development by emphasizing freedom. He recognized that different individuals have unique frameworks guiding their lives, which broadened his understanding of humanity. In response to conflicting moral codes, he chose to dedicate his life to seeking wisdom that could provide insight into these differences. He developed the method of asking probing questions.
Aristotle’s ideas significantly influenced Western civilization. He observed that specific rules, laws, and customs varied across regions. Instead of being discouraged by these differences, he argued that humans naturally develop governing attitudes. As their knowledge grows, they respond to reason, logic, and order.
Plato believed in the immortality of the soul and viewed philosophical inquiry as a means to test existing concepts. He asserted that learning is about rediscovering forgotten knowledge—latent within consciousness—rather than creating new information. Through priori reasoning, individuals recognize the eternal forms with which they were familiar before birth.
Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato have significantly influenced beliefs and lifestyles throughout history. Their teachings encourage individuals to achieve their potential, despite often confronting the realities of sin and self-criticism.
The concept of natural law emerged from the synthesis of biblical teachings on the inherent value of mankind and the Greek belief in human rationality. The combined wisdom of Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, and others led to the formulation of natural rights.
SUMMARY
Big Idea
The development of philosophy in ancient Greece, especially through the teachings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, fostered a new approach to understanding morality, wisdom, and the nature of law and human rights. Their insights laid the groundwork for the concept of natural law by blending Greek rationalism with biblical views of human value.
Key Points
Ancient Greeks noticed that moral codes and customs varied between regions, prompting deeper philosophical inquiry.
Socrates introduced the method of questioning and emphasized the importance of individual frameworks for understanding life.
Aristotle observed the diversity of laws and customs but saw them as a reflection of humans’ capacity for reason and governance.
Plato asserted that learning is the recollection of innate knowledge and believed in the immortality of the soul.
The philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle have had a lasting influence, encouraging self-discovery, moral inquiry, and the pursuit of potential despite human flaws.
The concept of natural law emerged from the integration of Greek philosophical thought and biblical teachings about human dignity and rationality.
The prophet Isaiah foretells the birth of Christ and the marvelous work and wonder.
Post No. 5 Read Time6 minutes.
These I will make my rulers. –Abraham
Although American society is more prosperous than ever, skepticism about God’s existence has grown. Christianity in the U.S. has declined over the past 15-20 years but now appears stable, with Christians making up about 60-63% of the population.
Skeptics often struggle to reconcile faith with science, seeking evidence before belief. While many acknowledge the historical Jesus and value his teachings, they reject claims of his divinity and supernatural events like the resurrection. Most skeptics also lack a personal experience with prayer, seeing it as going unheard.
Both believers and non-believers make compelling points. Mill noted that understanding all sides is essential. Atheists argue for restricting religion in government and society, while believers highlight the value of religious morals and accountability to God.
In his Farewell Address (1796), George Washington argued that morality and religion are key to national prosperity. James Madison noted that political institutions rely on self-governance guided by religious principles such as the Ten Commandments. While to some degree ethics can exist apart from religion, dismissing religious belief as unimportant is unfounded.
To broaden our perspective, we need influential thinkers who will revive moral philosophy and reintroduce timeless truths for every generation. Drawing on historic wisdom, they help us balance introspection with life’s challenges and guide us toward ethical ideals rooted in respect for others.
During periods of uncertainty, increasing complexity, and prevailing pride, a close examination of the world reveals that, despite perceptions of divine absence, it is ultimately God who is deserving of the most steadfast loyalty and reverence. As Emerson observed, “Nature is too thin a screen; the glory of God bursts through everywhere.”
Throughout history, prophets, philosophers, and religious leaders have conveyed moral principles which contribute to evolving concepts of human values. Promoting moral truths that broaden human understanding, the belief that all individuals have inherent value, rooted in the idea that “God created man in his image,” emerged early on. Later, the Greeks were inspired with the concept that men and women are naturally meant to use their reason.
Plato argued that the immortal soul recalls knowledge through inquiry, viewing philosophy as rediscovering what was once known. Using priori reasoning, we access truths understood before birth, a view echoed by Joseph Smith who defined such knowledge as “that which was from the beginning.” Plato’s concept of divine ontology included reason, will, and natural law. The integration of Greek rationalism with Judeo-Christian beliefs about human value contributed to natural law theory.
Many influential figures throughout history, such as Cicero, Augustine, Da Vinci, Gutenberg, Columbus, Luther, Newton, Handel, Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, Wilberforce, Lincoln, and King Jr., played key roles in human progress across various fields. Collectively, their contributions and those of many others significantly advanced society.
Furthermore, artists, scholars, scientists, and prominent individuals from the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment eras were motivated by the advancement and improvement of mankind. Their contributions, alongside those of parents and committed leaders, facilitated the expansion of individual liberty and the dissemination of knowledge.
Samuel F.B. Morse invented the Morse Code
Enlightenment thinkers, though separated by time and distance, explored the foundations of morality and education, shaping ethical principles that drove intellectual and societal progress. Most believed mankind could understand its purpose through adherence to higher laws, influenced by social contracts, moral agency, religious teachings, classical education, cultural values, universal truths, natural law, popular consent, the combination of Judeo-Christian principles, and common sense. Adherence to these ideals meant that nations would foster progress and virtue.
Using Enlightenment language, Thomas Jefferson stated: “We are not in a world ungoverned by the laws and the power of a superior agent. Our efforts are in his hands, and directed by it; and he will give them their effect in his own time.”
Affirming that we are not left alone in our mortal journey, Jefferson further grounded his ethics in a universal, innate “moral sense” that he believed was given to all human beings by their Creator as the true foundation of morality. Described in scripture as the Light of Christ, the gift of conscience has also been defined as “the spark of divinity.” It is given to every person that comes into the world to help us judge good from evil.
The Founding Fathers initiated revolution and constitutional government, leading to expanded civil and religious liberties, a free-market economy, and pluralism. A participant in the Federalist with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, and America’s first Chief Justice, John Jay, declared, that God works for our good in every circumstance—testing our gratitude in prosperity, our contentment in mediocrity, our submission during misfortune, our faith in darkness, and our steadfastness under temptation. We are called upon to act wisely and trust him with the outcome.
Author John A. O’Brien argues that belief in God’s existence is based not on conscience as a mystical or infallible faculty, but on the moral order of the universe reflected in our conscience’s directive to do right and avoid wrong. Alfred North Whitehead described God as a figure who guides the world through an emphasis on truth, beauty, and goodness, while Francis Bacon believed that denying God diminishes human dignity.
In summary, our founding documents, with the advances of liberty, religious freedom, and economic prosperity, are based on Judeo-Christian and free market principles. The aim of these principles is to foster the development of the individual through liberty and justice founded in righteousness-affirming mutual respect.
Key historical moments, from ancient eras through the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the Second Great Awakening in America, set the stage for religious liberty and the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith’s birth in 1805 marked a pivotal step in establishing God’s kingdom on the Earth, with many dedicated individuals significantly advancing this work.
Referencing Francis Bacon’s view that deep study removes doubt, I witness that our Father in Heaven is real; that he loves mankind; and that he desires our happiness and return to his presence. Historically, he has chosen key individuals and sent them to this world to help set moral standards, encourage freedom, protect people, and advance human potential.
Finally, in his greatest work of all in behalf of the human family, God sent his Son to bring us immortality through his atonement and resurrection. Thus, our great hope is to be raised in immortality unto eternal life through devotion and dedication to keeping his commandments. This is God’s ultimate work on behalf of mankind.
SUMMARY
Big Idea
Throughout history, the achievements of influential individuals have been woven into a greater divine plan. Directed by God, this plan encourages human progress, the expansion of freedom, and guides mankind toward eternal life. The advancement of liberty, religious freedom, and economic prosperity rests on enduring principles that foster the development of individuals through liberty, justice, and mutual respect.
Key Points
God’s plan unfolds through the actions and contributions of key historical figures, including prophets, religious leaders, philosophers, and innovators, each engaged in his work.
Prominent personalities—such as Adam, Moses, Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Buddha, Socrates, Columbus, Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Wilberforce, Lincoln, King, and many others—have played pivotal roles in promoting freedom, truth, and the well-being of mankind.
Artists, scientists, and thinkers from the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment inspired progress and helped spread knowledge, while everyday individuals—including parents and dedicated leaders—also contributed to positive change.
The founding documents and principles of democracy in America are rooted in Judeo-Christian values and a free-market economy, aiming to cultivate liberty, righteousness, and individual development.
Major historical events, from ancient civilizations to the Constitutional Convention and religious awakenings, have enabled greater religious freedom and the restoration of spiritual truths.
Many folks I know have children or grandchildren in the Gen Z age range. When I read the Deseret News account of Bishop Gerald Causse and thePiano Guys (August 31) I wanted to share a few things I have learned about that generation. This past weekend there were thousands of YSAs meeting in Salt Lake.
Gen Z Turning to Spirituality
An Invitation
The improvement of understanding serves two purposes: to expand our knowledge and to share it with others. –John Locke
A Pew Research Center report highlights that Christianity’s decline has stabilized, with Gen Z attending church more than previous generations. This trend is seen in both the US and Western Europe, with fewer people identifying as atheists.
Gen Z is turning to spirituality to cope with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, seeking stable structures amid social disconnect and institutional mistrust. Religion helps address identity, purpose, and belonging.
For those seeking new perspectives, I invite you to explore “How and Why Christianity Came to America” which will be presented in a series of posts beginning in August 2025 in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.
As you learn the true story behind America’s creation, the falsehoods you may have been fed will disappear. Discovering and learning about how this nation came into existence will not only be rewarding, it will fill your mind with the realization that it is wonderful to have a country to love.
In an environment where anxiety and depression are rampant, understanding God’s love and his purposes helps people of all ages build stronger futures.
LDS Chapel
Emphasizing democracy, religion, family, and relationships supports stability.
Faith in God and in his Son Jesus Christ and believing in immortality are vital for a strong, free society.
Human progress is founded on freedom, accountability, and following the Golden Rule. Enlightenment about America’s founding provides purpose and meaning, which this series aims to deliver.
SUMMARY
Big Idea
The flourishing of human progress depends on the harmonious integration of freedom, accountability, and a democracy grounded in religious values. Faith plays a vital role in shaping stable societies by fostering strong families, moral responsibility, and a sense of purpose.
Key Points
Generational Shift: Christianity’s decline in the West has plateaued, with an increase in church attendance among Gen Z, who are less likely than Millennials to identify as atheists.
Social Drivers: Rising anxiety, depression, loneliness, and weakened social trust are motivating young people to seek the structure, identity, and belonging that religion can offer.
Series Invitation: The series “How and Why Christianity Came to America” aims to clarify misconceptions about America’s origins and foster renewed appreciation for the nation’s heritage.
Core Values: Faith in God and in Jesus Christ, the belief in immortality, robust family life, and practicing the Golden Rule are foundational to a stable and free society.
Renewed Understanding: Learning about America’s founding principles can inspire gratitude and offer meaning, especially during times of widespread uncertainty and disconnection.
