How Does God Accomplish His Work on Earth?

The prophet Isaiah foretells the birth of Christ and the marvelous work and wonder.

Post No. 5 Read Time 6 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.

Waving the Flags of America and the Restoration

Post No. 1 Read Time: 7 minutes.

Painting and comments by Al Rounds: “I was going through all of the old photographs of downtown Salt Lake, and I came across one particular photograph of the Salt Lake Temple with an American flag that hung on the south side of the temple. There was no explanation on the photograph as to why the flag was there. Nor why the flag was seemingly backwards . . .

“The flag was hung in 1896 to celebrate Utah’s statehood, and it was not hung backwards as I had thought. There was just no protocol on how to hang the United States flag until after the turn of the century . . .

“I was very fortunate to interview a woman whose mother helped sew that very special American flag. She told me that the stripes were 6 feet tall and the stars were each about a foot tall. She also said the flag was sewn on only one side such that it could be hung in only the one direction. The flag hung on the temple for the entire year in ‘Celebration’ . . .

“Larry and Gail Miller purchased this painting because of their love of pioneer heritage. And they enjoyed telling the story of why the flag was hung seemingly backwards.”

The American Experiment is Foreordained

In a recent talk, Elder Gary Stevenson invited us, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to wave the flag of the Restoration. Because the events are so deeply and beautifully intertwined, I am setting out, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, to wave the flags of both America and the Restoration. To tell the story, I have developed a series of 120 posts, set to be released at a pace of two or three per week until July 2026.

These posts explore the backstory of mankind’s creation, God’s unfolding work on behalf of his children, the discovery of the Western Hemisphere, the founding of America, and many of the key events that followed, all under the dual themes of “History is Prophecy Unveiled” and “How and Why Judeo-Christian Influences Came to America.” The content is tailored to resonate with three specific audience groups.

Group one comprises those who share the view of America as a nation founded under divine guidance; a nation where wise men were raised up to establish a government to be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles. With its distinctive democracy and representative government, America serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to the world.

Group two consists of those who generally hold a favorable view of America, believing that Providence may have played a role in its founding, but often lack strong spiritual or patriotic sentiments. They see the colonists as motivated primarily by economic opportunities rather than religious or spiritual influences. Many are easily convinced that America’s founding was rooted in greed, conquest, and mistreatment of others, at times making its legitimacy questionable in their eyes.

Group three consists of deceiving intellectuals and sophists. Openly hostile to America, they comprise a disparate group of individuals who write history and commentary, serve in politics and leadership, and advocate from positions of trust in academia, media, entertainment, and think tanks that there was nothing foreordained about the American experiment. To this group, American history was not an inevitable chain of events leading to a sure conclusion, rather it was a movement founded on selfishness and greed. Individually and collectively, they dismiss the Declaration of Independence, consider the Constitution outdated, and pursue a strategy of tearing down the structure of democratic capitalism and representative government, with a twisted desire to rebuild it based on Marxist ideology.

Based on my experience, people are generally engaged in attempts to persuade others through conversations, actions, and the written word. As a missionary for my Church, I aim for my research and writing to address questions, to spark interest, and introduce ideas that may have been dismissed or never considered.

History provides a wider view of life, acting as a source of inspiration and resilience. The story of America defines us as individuals and as a nation, offering plenty to be proud of. Core values like liberty, justice, and personal responsibility play a vital role. Much like music, poetry, and art, history expands the mind and opens the heart to new possibilities.

I want people to understand how members of the LDS faith view life before birth, the purposes of mortality, and life after death; to explore how and why our perspective on the Trinity differs from the biblical view as interpreted by traditional Christianity; to gain insight into how we balance faith, works, and grace; to consider our approach to personal prayer, institutional revelation, and our willingness to follow modern day apostles and prophets; and to reflect on how we see the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I also want the general populace to understand our unique beliefs on the fulfillment of prophecy and how and why America was founded in keeping with God’s grand design.

When looking at history, it is important to remember the respect owed to those who laid the foundation of Western civilization and America’s creation. Together, we stand on the shoulders of Hebrew prophets, the sages of Greece and Rome, the Founders, philosophers, and religious leaders of far-reaching civilizations, and the multitude of key figures of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment. Culminating with the vision and work of the Founding Fathers and those who continued their efforts, we are the beneficiaries of those who have gone before. The evidence is compelling that the American experiment unfolded by Intelligent Design. At the very least, let’s resist and stop the mindless destruction of Western civilization and the American nation.

SUMMARY

Big Idea

America’s founding and history are not accidental but are guided by a divine plan, particularly as understood within the context of the LDS faith. The narrative aims to highlight how America’s origins and development are deeply intertwined with spiritual principles and why understanding this perspective matters in current discussions about the nation’s identity and values.

Key Points

Series Purpose: A collection of 120 posts is being launched in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, focusing on the discovery, founding, and significant historical moments of the nation, especially through the lens of Christianity’s arrival in America.

Audience Groups:

Group one: Believes that America was divinely inspired and founded on holy principles.

Group two: Generally positive about America but views its founding as more pragmatic and less providential.

Group three: Hostile toward America’s founding, seeing it as selfish and illegitimate, and advocating for fundamental changes to its governance.

Purpose of Writing: To offer historical context, inspire thought, and share the LDS perspective on faith, America’s founding, and related theological principles.

Importance of History: History is presented as a source of inspiration and identity, shaping individuals and the nation while promoting values like liberty, justice, and responsibility.

LDS Beliefs Highlighted: The text seeks to explain LDS views on the nature and character of God, mankind’s pre-mortal existence, the roles of noble and great souls in advancing God’s work on Earth, the vital importance of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice, the divine role in America’s creation, and its aftermath.

Call to Respect Foundations: Emphasizes honoring the figures, philosophies, and events that contributed to the founding of Western civilization, America’s formation, and the spread of truth; further arguing that these events are a product of Intelligent Design rather than random chance.