First Presidency Christmas Devotional

From the homepage of www.lds.org:

Left to right: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Henry B. Eyring, and Thomas S. Monson make up the First Presidency, with Thomas S. Monson as Church President

The First Presidency invites all Church members and their friends to participate in this year’s First Presidency Christmas Devotional on December 4, 2011, whether in person or by viewing the broadcast.

The one-hour program will originate from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, at 6:00 p.m. mountain standard time.  The devotional will include a Christmas message from each member of the First Presidency and music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square.

Tickets are required for this event and have been distributed by random selection.  Those with tickets should be in their seats 30 minutes before the event start time.  Standby seating for those wishing to attend in person is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The standby line is formed at the north gate of Temple Square.

Those wishing to watch the broadcast from their homes may access it live on various broadcast, cable, satellite, and Internet television stations and broadcast, satellite, and Internet radio stations throughout the world, including Mormon Channel HD Radio.  Check local program listings for availability in your area or visit mormonchannel.org, byubroadcasting.org, or ksl.com for more information.

The devotional will also be available online at mormonchannel.org (audio only) and LDS.org (audio and video).  Audio and video archives in multiple languages will be available on LDS.org shortly after the broadcast.

The devotional will be broadcast to meetinghouses around the world through the Church satellite system in more than four dozen languages.   For those locations with significant time differences from the live broadcast, the devotional will be rebroadcast at various times over the following two weeks.

The devotional has been scheduled early in the Christmas season so that it may be recorded for use later.  Leaders may use all or portions of the devotional with local Christmas programs.

On this year's Christmas Wishlist: No more militant-Atheists

This billboard will be seen in Ohio, New Jersey, and Florida this December

It's that time of year again, folks!  During December for the last few years, The Mormon Eagle has noticed the not-so-subtle attempts by Atheist groups to bash our Savior Christ and Christmas this season (most recently the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers).  According to the Washington Post's On Faith blog, the aforementioned group has not "voiced any concern about the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new $80,000 taxpayer-funded worship center for pagans, Wiccans, druids, witches, and other 'Earth-based' religions. . . . No, their focuses remains on eradicating what they consider 'Christian' symbols from the military this holiday season." 

Therefore, The Mormon Eagle must proclaim (even before December is upon us) that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  As the Atheists claim He is a myth, they have nothing to stand on but their word only.  We Christians, as Alma saith, "have the testimony of all these thy brethren [of the Church], and also all the holy prophets[.]  The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44).

No matter what the Atheist says, Christ is real, His love is all-encompassing, and He mercy and justice fail not.  The Mormon Eagle bears witness to the Christ as an actual, personal Being of bodily form and substance, and as the Atoning One prophesied of by ancient Prophets and Apostles.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Why Prophets warn of evils of pornography

The evils of pornography have been spoken about over the pulpit at General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for at least the last thirty-five years.  As many do not recognize the evil that pornography is, nor its consequences, The Mormon Eagle posts the following essay.

In the Deseret News issued on Tuesday 29 November 2011 we read the words of Ken Wallentine, the chief of law enforcement with Utah's Attorney General's office: "I believe that cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine have nothing on pornography when it comes to destroying families and destroying lives.  You cannot overstate the dangers that are there. . ." ("Link between child porn, sex abuse 'frightening, powerful'", Deseret News, Tuesday 29 November 2011, A5).  Mr. Wallentine is right - so right, in fact, that a convicted felon agrees with him.  Samuel Seager was convicted in 2008 of felony-abuse which lasted almost four years; he is serving as many as 75 years in prison for his crimes.  Seager said, "Would I have done so much with [the victim] if it hadn't been what I'd seen on the Internet?  Got ideas and really started playing with the deviant part on my mind?  With these cases, you don't know what you would have done without that influence in your life" (Ibid., A1).

The Bane of the Church
True it is that pornography is the bane of the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Prophets and Apostles have constantly warned against pornography's deadly trap.  Of pornography, President Gordon B. Hinckley strongly stated that "sin it is.  It is devilish.  It is totally inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel, with personal testimony of the things of God, and with the life of one who has been ordained to the holy priesthood" ("A Tragic Evil Among Us", October 2004 General Conference).  Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated it thus, "Some involved in pornography apparently minimize its seriousness and continue to exercise the priesthood of God because they think no one will know of their involvement.  But the user knows, brethren, and so does the Lord" ("Pornography", April 2005 General Conference).  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland warned, "The first key reason for personal purity?  Our very souls are involved and at stake" ("Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments", BYU Devotional Address, 12 January 1988, speeches.byu.edu).

"The Hope which thou Desirest"
Those of whom feel tempted to look at pornography or are actually trapped within pornography's snare need not - and especially must not - loose hope, for Jesus Christ has taken Hell itself on before you, and come forth triumphant.  President Gordon B. Hinkcley testified,

Even though the Internet is saturated with sleazy material, you do not have to watch it.  You can retreat to the shelter of the gospel and its teaching of cleanliness and virtue and purity of life. . . . Let any who may be in the grip of this vise get upon their knees in the privacy of their closet and plead with the Lord for help to free them from this evil monster. . . . How wonderful are the ways of our Lord.  How glorious His promises.  When tempted we can substitute for thoughts of evil thoughts of Him and His teachings ("A Tragic Evil Among Us", October 2004 General Conference).

President George Albert Smith taught, "If you will stay on the Lord’s side of the line, you will be under His influence and will have no desire to do wrong; but if you cross to the devil’s side of the line one inch, you are in the tempter’s power, and if he is successful, you will not be able to think or even reason properly, because you will have lost the Spirit of the Lord” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 232).  Lastly, President David O. McKay taught, "I implore you to think clean thoughts.  Every action is preceded by a thought.  If we want to control our actions, we must control our thinking" ("Preparation Brings Blessings", April 2010 General Conference).

To have clean thoughts, one must focus on the command of the Lord Jesus, which saith that we must always remember Him.  To do so, the Eagle suggests reading the Book of Mormon at least a chapter a day, but especially more if one is tempted.  The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on Earth for a reason - to receive and maintain the Spirit of the Lord.  I know the Book of Mormon is true, that it will bring the Holy Ghost as a buckler and defense against the wiles of the devil - but especially against the fiery darts of pornography.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things"

Doctrine and Covenants 59:7 reads, "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."  As today is our National Day of Thanksgiving, The Mormon Eagle feels disposed to list three things one should always be thankful to God for.

1. Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ
Neither the Bible nor the Book of Mormon ever take any effort to prove the existence of God or Jesus Christ; rather, they acknowledge Their existence as an absolute.  Thus it is so.  We should be ever grateful to God for His bountiful gifts to us: the gift of sight, that we might see the Word of the Lord on the pages of scripture; the gift to hear, that we might learn the word of the Lord from the mouths of His living Prophets and Apostles; the gift of touch, that we might hold the Bible and Book of Mormon in our hands and turn their pages as we learn of Him whose Church it is; the gift of taste, that we might taste with sweetness the many foods He has given us for nourishment; and the gift of smell, that we might with reverence bask in the fragrances of the flowers at the Houses of the Lord.  I know the Lord Jesus Christ is real, that His love is infinite and all-encompassing, and that He calls Prophets and Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ in this day, as He has in the past.

2. The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a supernal volume which, when read humbly, deliberately, and thoughtfully, opens the mind to the correct doctrines of Jesus Christ and His Gospel as found in His Church, both ancient and modern.  Well did President Joseph Smith say, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Book of Mormon Introduction).  No other volume has caused the author to weep as the Book of Mormon; no other volume will open one's eyes to how much the Lord loves him, and to how much the Lord has done for him, as the Book of Mormon.  I, Clark LeRay Herlin, know the Book of Mormon is true and that it truly brings the sincere reader closer to God than by any other book.

3. The Prophet Joseph Smith
Well did President John Taylor write,


Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.  In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain.  He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum.  In life they were not divided, and in death they were not ^fseparated (D&C 135:3)!

Joseph Smith the Prophet was the man, under the Lord Jesus Christ's direction, who restored the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth after the Great Apostasy spoken of by Paul and Amos (see 2 Thes. 2:3 and Amos 8:11-12 respectively).  He was a Prophet, and the Book of Mormon is the fruit of his labors.  As Jesus hath told us we shall know a false prophet from a true prophet by his fruits, it is to the Book of Mormon we must look to discern truth from error.  If, as Jesus saith, "every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit" (Matt. 7:17), then it stands to reason that if the Book of Mormon is what it purports to be (scripture in companion to the Bible), it will testify of Jesus Christ; if the Book is false, it will bring forth no good feelings to the soul.  Because the Book of Mormon is true, and is what the Lord commanded Joseph Smith the Prophet to bring forth by His power, President Smith is a Prophet of the Lord, and President Monson is God duly-ordained representative in our day.

I know what I have said is true.  If hearkened to, the Lord will bring peace to the heart, joy to the soul, and salvation to the body.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Ronald E. Poelman dies at 83

From the Deseret News:

By Joseph Walker and Tom Hatch, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Elder Ronald E. Poelman , an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former member of the church's First Quorum of the Seventy, died Saturday at his home in Salt Lake City of causes incident to aging.  He was 83.


Elder Poelman was called to the Seventy in April 1978.  He was first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency from October 1979 to July 1981 and second counselor from August 1992 onward. 

He was in the Presidency of the Seventy from October 1986 through October 1989.
 
He also was a counselor in the North America Southeast, North America Southwest, North America Central and Utah South area presidencies.  He received emeritus status at the October 1998 general conference.

Other church assignments included managing director in the Family History Department, chairman and chief executive officer of the Development Board, chairman of the Deseret Trust Co. board of directors and director of the Deseret Gym.

At the time of his call to the Seventy, he was vice president, corporate secretary and a director of Consolidated Freightways in San Francisco.  He spent 26 years with Consolidated.

When Elder Poelman was called to the Seventy, he was the gospel doctrine teacher in the Los Altos 3rd Ward in the Los Altos California Stake.
 
"It seemed unlikely to me that a Sunday School teacher would be called as a general authority," Elder Poelman said in a Church News interview after his sustaining to the Seventy. "But when President (Spencer W.) Kimball asked me, I had no hesitation whatsoever."

"I love to teach, and I particularly love to teach from the scriptures.  The gospel doctrine class has been ideal for my church service," he told the Ensign, a church magazine.

Elder Poelman spoke in general conference six times.  In his last conference address, given at the April 1998 general conference, he said living the law of tithing is a sacred privilege.

He was born on May 10, 1928, in Salt Lake City, the eldest of six children of Hendrik Poelman and Ella May Perkins Poelman, and graduated from East High in 1945.  He received a bachelor of science in history from the University of Utah in 1953, his juris doctorate from the U. in 1955 and in 1965 graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration's Advanced Management Program.

He was a member of the Utah Bar Association.

He served a mission to the Netherlands from 1947 to 1949 and was a district president in Rotterdam.  He joined Consolidated in September 1955, serving as a salesman, then an assistant to the vice president and director of commerce before becoming a vice president.

On March 30, 1950, he married Clair Howell Stoddard in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were the parents of three daughters and a son. Clair died May 5, 1979.  He married Dr. Anne G. Osborn on June 29, 1982.

The Poelmans began their married life in Long Beach, Calif., where Elder Poelman attended Long Beach State College and was an early morning seminary teacher and Sister Poelman taught school.

In other church service, he was a bishopric counselor in the Palo Alto Ward, a high councilor in the Palo Alto Stake, bishop of the Stanford Ward and a counselor in the Palo Alto Stake presidency.

In civic life, he was a rehabilitation counselor for the American Cancer Society, active in the Boy Scouts of America and a director of Junior Achievement of Bay Area Inc.  He also has been director of the United Way of the Great Salt Lake Area and on the board of governors of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 22, at noon at the Salt Lake Emigration Stake center, 589 E. 18th Avenue, Salt Lake City.  A public viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and Tuesday morning at the stake center from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Elder Poelman and his wife, Anne, have asked that donations be made to the LDS Church's Perpetual Education Fund.

It is Better to Represent Ourselves Than to be Represented By Others

In The New York Times of Friday 18 November 2011 we read,

Top Mormon leaders had hired two big-name advertising agencies in 2009, Ogilvy & Mather and Hall & Partners, to find out what Americans think of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Using focus groups and surveys, they found that Americans who had any opinion at all used adjectives that were downright negative: "secretive," "cultish," "sexist," "controlling," . . .  "anti-gay". . . . the biggest stigma . . . is the belief that Mormons are not Christian (Laurie Goodstein, "Mormons Use Big Ad Campaign to Counter 'Cultish' Perceptions", The New York Times, A1, A 20).

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ, we seek to represent ourselves rather than be represented by others. Therefore, The Mormon Eagle takes the liberty here to put to silence the ignorant and misinformed.

"Secretive" and "Cultish"
The word "secretive" has to do with the misconception that LDS temple rites and ceremonies are secret, and that Mormons are exclusionary.  The word "cultish" also might coincide with "secretive" in speaking of the House of the Lord and sectarianism's misconceptions arising thereform.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  The prophet Nephi wrote,

Wherefore, [the Lord] commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.  Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me?  Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price.  Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship?  Behold, I say unto you, Nay.  Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.  Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden (2 Nephi 26:24-28).

Elder Russell M. Nelson explained, "Because a temple is sacred, the Lord asks that it be protected from desecration.  Anyone may enter who is willing to prepare well for that privilege. . . . we must qualify for admission to the temple. We prepare physically, intellectually, and spiritually" (“Prepare for Blessings of the Temple,” Ensign, Mar. 2002, p. 18–19).  Thus, although the world may say the Latter-day Saints are exclusionary, we have seen from Scripture and the words of an Apostle of the Lord that they are not.

"Sexist" and "Controlling"
Many uninformed feminists complain that the Church is controlling of women because of their misinterpretation of how the Priesthood of God functions.  The Priesthood is not the men of the Church, but rather the Authority God gives to mankind to act in His name - specifically the Authority to govern.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained succinctly how the Priesthood is supposed to work.  Said he, "The blessings of the priesthood, such as baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, the temple endowment, and eternal marriage, are available to men and women alike.  The authority of the priesthood functions in the family and in the Church, according to the principles the Lord has established" ("Priesthood Authority in the Family and the Church", October 2005 General Conference).  In our Sacred Houses, we learn that both the woman and the man govern the family together in righteousness - through the Authority of the Priesthood - which the man and the woman covenant to honor in both the Endowment ceremony as well as in the Sealing ceremony.  Husband and wife are equal partners is raising a family up unto the Lord; none is above the other.

"Anti-Gay"
As of late, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been vehemently attacked in the national press by certain unscrupulous characters who do not understand our theology.  The LDS Church is not anti-gay, but pro-family.  The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."  This should be enough for any literate person to understand our theology upon the subject.  In order to explain this further, we read the words of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the marriage covenant.  The following revelation was given 12 July 1843 in Nauvoo, Illinois.  A paragraph from it reads, 

And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever (D&C 132:19).

The above quotation answers the question as to why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fights against the homosexual agenda - namely that exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom of God can only be given to a man and a woman married within the House of the Lord, thus preserving the sanctity of the family to the fullest.

I know the words written herein are strong words, but I know they are true.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living Church upon the earth.  I know if the doctrine of the Church is heeded by the world, all troubles, wars, and contentions would cease.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sex-spread disease and the Law of Chastity

In Provo, Utah's Daily Herald of Friday 18 November 2011, we read on page A6 in full:

Cases of some common sexually spread diseases continue to increase in the United States, but the syphilis rate dropped last year for the first time in a decade.

Health officials on Thursday released their annual report on sexually transmitted disease, and found chlamydia and gonorrhea rates continued to grow last year.

More than 1.3 million cases of chlamydia were reported last year - the largest number ever reported in one year for any condition.  The number of new gonorrhea cases surpassed 300,000.

Bluntly Stated

When will the people learn that the Law of Chastity is put in force by God for a reason?  Thus saith the Lord, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).  I like the words of President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  He bluntly stated, "We are free to ignore the counsels and commandments of the scriptures, but when the revelations speak in such blunt terms, such as 'thou shalt not,' we had better pay attention" (Boyd K. Packer, "The Fountain of Life", Eternal Marriage Student Manual).  The Savior stated succinctly, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5:27-28).  How can it be stated more plainly than that?

Lastly, the Prophet Alma stated, 

Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost? . . . But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.  Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God (Alma 39:5, 8-9).

"Hope Which Thou Desirest"

For those who have fallen into the snare of premarital or extramarital relations, there is hope.  The Redeemer saith, "Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me" (3 Nephi 9:14).  Also in another place He urgeth, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).

I know the Son of God's mercy covereth the whole Earth, and he who cries out to God in sincerity will be answered by a most benevolent God.  I know the Savior is real, and the laws He proclaims through His servant the Prophets - whether ancient or modern - are immutable.  I know if they are followed happiness will also, and in no other way.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Broken homes, children, and the family

The second annual "Index of Family Belonging and Rejection" was released Thursday 17 November 2011 by the Family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute (MARRI).  The group which released the study says that family structure influences all aspects of a child's future.  Patrick Fagan, who is the director of MARRI, reports that only 45.8% of kids at age 17 are in intact married families.  The report shows Minnesota's percentage of 57%, along with Utah's 56.5%, being the two strongest States in the nation for percentage of intact married families.  Washington D.C. ranked lowest, at only 18.6%.*

If only the world hearkened more to the voice of the modern Prophets and Apostles the Lord has placed upon the earth.  The above findings are telling as to the dismal state of things.  Think-tanks like MARRI wonder how they can protect the future of the children of the United States of America, and The Mormon Eagle answers: hearken unto the word of the Lord as given by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and all the world's problems would be solved.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World states,  

The family is ordained of God.  Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.  Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.   Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.  By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.  Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.  In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.  Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation.  Extended families should lend support when needed.

I know the family is ordained of God, and that its nurture is ever so important if our future generations are to succeed.  I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true Church, and if man would heed her doctrine, all ills would be wasted away.  I know this is true.  I pray that America will wake up to their awful situation and turn herself around.  If the people of this nation ask God for help in rearing families correctly and wisely, He will answer.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

*For a full review, please see "Broken homes harm the futures of children", Deseret News, Friday 18 November 2011, A1, A7.

Prop 8 supporters win California court ruling - Deseret News

The Eagle takes the following from the Friday 18 November 2011 issue of the Deseret News, found on pages A1 and A13:

SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that supporters of Prop 8 have the right to defend the ban on same-sex marriage in court.  The decision sends the case back to the federal appeals court to resolve the broader questions at the heart of the constitutional showdown.

Voters approved Proposition 8 in 2008, but California Gov. Jerry Brown and the state attorney general have declined to defend it in court.  Without anyone to defend it, both sides believed same-sex marriage activists would win their case and overturn Prop 8 by default.

Prop 8 supporters cheered the decision.

William Duncan, director of the Marriage Law Foundation, told the Deseret News it is important to understand that Thursday's decision is not about the constitutionality of gay marriage.  Rather it asserts government officials do not have the right to effectively veto laws they don't like.

"The Supreme Court of California has made what seems to be a simple decision...," he said, "that it is not fair to voters not to allow them to defend a law they approved."

The 2008 ballot initiative banned same-sex marriage in California, but was overturned in 2010 as unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker.  Walker imposed a moratorium on same-sex marriages in the state while Prop 8 supporters appealed his ruling.

A panel of judges in the 9th Circuit Court requested a clarification from the state supreme court about whether proponents of a ballot have the legal standing to defend their proposition in court.   Thursday's decision established they do and clears the way for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court, to rule on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage.

In her opinion for the court, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said, "It is essential to the integrity of the initiative process … that there be someone to assert the state's interest in an initiative's validity on behalf of the people when the public officials who normally assert that interest decline to do so,"

In the 61-page opinion, the seven justices said denying ballot proposition backers a seat at the table would effectively grant the governor and attorney general veto power over initiatives with which they disagreed, a situation the justices said would undermine the law-making powers California gave voters in 1911.

"We are delighted that the Supreme Court has clearly reaffirmed our right, as the official proponents of Prop 8, to defend over seven million Californians who amended their own State Constitution to restore traditional marriage," Protect Marriage General Counsel Andy Pugno told the Associated Press.  "This victory is an enormous boost for Proposition 8 as well as the integrity of the initiative process itself."

But lawyers for the same-sex couples said they're ready for the 9th Circuit to rule on the legality of California's gay marriage ban.

"This frees up the 9th Circuit to go ahead and decide the constitutional issues on the merits," said Theodore Olson, former U.S. solicitor general during the George W. Bush administration, in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News.  "We're anxious to get to a decision on the merits that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."

The 9th Circuit must still resolve the legal question of whether Proposition 8 sponsors have standing under federal court rules to press the appeal, but legal experts have generally predicted the court would allow the case to proceed if gay marriage opponents secured a favorable ruling from the California Supreme Court, particularly because the federal judges themselves said they would follow the state Supreme Court's guidance.  In fact, the lawyers for same-sex couples conceded Thursday the issue is probably dead in the 9th Circuit.

Fortaleza Brazil and Paris France Temples

Ground was broken Tuesday 15 November 2011 on the Fortaleza Brazil Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The groundbreaking was presided over by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Rendering of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple

Elder Bednar said that "this city will always be better and different because of the temple to be built here" ("Ground broken for 7th temple in Brazil", Deseret News, Wednesday 16 November 2011, B3).  

Also worthy of note, it has been officially announced that the Paris France Temple is underway.  According to Le Parisien, "It's now a done deal.  The city council has just given its green light by validating the building permit filed by La Fonciere des Regions on behalf of the Mormon Church" (Ibid.).

Elder Strong, Elder Walker, and their Ministry beyond the Veil

At the funeral service for Elder Strong, who was killed last week in a hit-and-run accident in Texas, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles comforted the family of the slain Missionary by saying, "To get through this we need to couple forgiveness with faith . . . be faithful . . . live our religion . . . and one day you will see Trevor as he is: a brother, a saint and a son of the living God" ("'He is still a missionary'", Deseret News, Tuesday 15 November 2011, B5).  Also, during the funeral services for Elder Walker up in Idaho, Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy remarked, "[Elder Walker] loves his family, but he wants them to know he is happy, engaged in the work on the other side" (Ibid.).

Location of the Spirit World
Many have wondered where the spirits of the disembodied go after death.  President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "Sometimes the veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 18; or Ensign, June 1971, p. 33).  President Brigham Young taught, "How frequently the question arises in the minds of the people—‘I wish I knew where I was going!’  Can you find out?  Well, you will go into the spirit world" (Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, 28 July 1874, p. 1).  He further taught, "Where is the spirit world?  It is right here. . . . Do [spirits of the departed] go beyond the boundaries of the organized earth?  No, they do not. . . . Can you see it with your natural eyes?  No.  Can you see spirits in this room?  No.  Suppose the Lord should touch your eyes that you might see, could you then see the spirits?  Yes, as plainly as you now see bodies" (DBY, p. 577).

Duties of the Righteous Dead
President Young was a masterful preacher on things of the Spirit.  He taught concerning the righteous in the Spirit World, "What are they doing there?  They are preaching, preaching all the time, and preparing the way for us to hasten our work in building temples here and elsewhere" (DBY, p. 378).  President Wilford Woodruff taught, "The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. . . . Every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry” (Deseret News, Jan. 25, 1882 p. 818).  This is exactly what Elders Strong and Walker are doing - preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who desire to hear them.  Their success will be far more than they ever had in Texas, because the only Church in the Spirit World is The Church of Jesus Christ.

The revealed word has come to the Latter-day Saints upon this subject, and to no other religion.  Only The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the Authority to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Elders Strong and Walker knew this, and are continuing their missionary labors diligently in the Spirit World, eager to serve Him who so loved them unto death.  I know this is true.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Repeal of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act bad news for USA

On Thursday 10 November 2011, CNN wrote, "Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to repeal the federal law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman."  For those non-Jurists, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is the body of eighteen members through which all issues to be voted upon by both the House and the Senate must first pass.  Therefore, since the majority (ten Democrats) on the Committee voted "yes" to the repeal of DOMA, it is now able to pass onto the floor of the 100-member Senate, then in to the House of Representatives.  The repeal would need a two-third majority vote in both the House and the Senate for DOMA to be repealed.

Since The Mormon Eagle exists to help promulgate and defend correct doctrine, I quote Mr. Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council.  He pointedly states why defending marriage is so important.  Since the Latter-day Saints assimilate all truth, the Eagle puts Perkins' statement in because it is true.  Said he, "Marriage is not some prize that liberals can award to a small, vocal and already well-off special interest group.  Marriage between one man and one woman was created prior to the formation of any governments and is given benefits by governments because it uniquely contributes to a productive society."

The Way of Sodom and Gomorrah
If the Federal Defense of Marriage act is repealed, its repeal effectively legalized gay-marriage nationwide, and no State's rights arguments can be used against it.  CNN writes, "Democrats said the repeal would not require states to legalize same-sex marriage or otherwise impede on a state's rights on the matter.  Republicans said the repeal would alter the institution of marriage between a man and woman, and also would increase the cost burden on the federal government by expanding the number of eligible beneficiaries."  Remember, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the evils of homosexual relations.  The United States of America has a Divinely inspired Constitution, and has received Divine protection in the past, but only because the majority of people living within her borders kept the commandments of God.  If this nation accepts as normal, right, and proper certain things condemned in both the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon, God will no longer hold His protective hand over her, but will destroy her.

The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth, So Help You God
The Mormon Eagle must declare the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help it God.  Therefore, as an unofficial source for correct doctrine, the Eagle declares what Prophets and Apostles have always declared.  Modern Prophets and Apostles have warned,  

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . . We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. . . . The family is ordained of God.  Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. . . . We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.  We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World", General Relief Society Meeting, 23 September 1995).

 

The Prophet Moroni warned what would happen if the United States rejects the commandments of God in favor of the evils of the world.  Said he,

And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them.  And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity.  For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God.  And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off. . . . Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written (Ether 2:9-10, 12).

Isaiah taught, "For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory.  The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not.  Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves" (Isaiah 3:8-9).  Isaiah here declares the reason Israel as a nation would be taken into captivity nearly one hundred years after Isaiah's time (around 588 BC's Babylonian captivity).  The reason was because the people as a whole rejected the words of the Prophets, and fell into homosexuality.  

The Bible declares the consequences of the evils of homosexuality, the Book of Mormon declares what will occur if America does not think straight (pun intended), and living Prophets and Apostles warn us anew today.  I know what I have said is true, and that the Divine institution of marriage is the glue that will hold the American society together.  If it goes, so does America.  Let us heed the words of the Prophets and Apostles and all Holy Writ, both ancient and modern, so that the anger of God is not incurred upon our heads.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Two LDS Missionaries killed in Texas

Today's Deseret News reads, "Two LDS Church missionaries were killed while riding their bikes in this southeast Texas town [of Donna] Tuesday, and a third was critically injured in the same apparent hit-and-run accident" ("Two LDS missionaries killed in Texas", Deseret News, Wednesday 9 November 2011, A1").  The Elders who were killed were Elder Trevor Reinhold Strong of Taylorsville, Utah, and Elder Derek Jason Walker of Fairfield, Idaho.  The third Elder in the group, Elder ZacharyTodd Harris of Huntsville, Alabama, was taken to a nearby hospital where he is expected to have a full recovery.

The families of the slain Elders Trevor Strong and Derek Walker need not mourn, for as the Prophet hath said, "If you are called to lay down your lives, die like men . . . Should you have to walk right into danger and the jaws of death, fear no evil; Jesus Christ has died before you" ("Declaration of the Twelve, circa 1844", LDS Archives, www.josephsmith.net).  Even the Lord stated the most important things anyone could ever be doing in this life.  Saith He, "And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.  Amen" (D&C 15:6).

The Mormon Eagle expresses its condolences to the family of the slain Elders, and declares that all will be made well.  President Joseph Smith, Jun. taught, "Those who have died in Jesus Christ may expect to enter into all that fruition of joy when they come forth, which they possessed or anticipated here. . . . All your losses will be made up to you in the resurrection, provided you continue faithful.  By the vision of the Almighty I have seen it" (History of the Church, 5:361–62).

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and through Him all things consist, have a meaning, and the true purposes and missions of the children of men are fulfilled.  Search the scriptures, the words of the Prophets and Apostles, and pray unto God continually for comfort at the time of mourning.  The Spirit of the Lord will whisper and answer those strained prayers, questions, and desires the body has not power to express.  May the families of the slain Elders find consolation through this essay.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormonism and the Christ no. 5 - Christ the Mediator

 On Sunday 8 November 2011, President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke in a Church Educational System fireside about truth, but specifically about the most valuable truths. 

The depths of the wisdom spoken by President Packer shall not be elucidated upon within this post, but I shall quote the Apostle and Prophet as to what the most important truth is.

Jesus Christ as Mediator
The most important truth anyone can ever know is that Jesus Christ lives and is the Savior of the world, the Mediator of all men's sins, and the Advocate with the Father.  President Packer spoke Sunday of how all have fallen into sin, and therefore need a Mediator and Creditor to fully pay the debt justice demands, while also giving mercy its chance.  The Apostolic sage said, "Unless there is a mediator, unless we have a friend, the full wieght of justice, untempered and unsympathetic, must, positively must fall on us.  The full penalty for every transgression, however minor or however deep, will be exacted from us to the uttermost farthing.  There is a Mediator, a Redeemer who stands both willing and able to appease the demands of justice and extend mercy to those who are penitent" ("Some truths are 'most worth knowing,' Pres. Packer tells students", Deseret News, Monday 7 November 2011, B3).

The statement above squares with Scripture.  The Savior in 3 Nephi 9:15, 21-22 saith,

Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God.  I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning.  I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. . . . Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.  Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me bas a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God.  Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5 reads, "Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."

Thus it is shown, through the words of a true Apostle of the Lord, as well as through modern revelation, that Christ is indeed the Savior and Redeemer of the World, and our Mediator if we repent.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Reaffirm Nation's Motto "In God We Trust"

Flag of the United States of America

With the atheists clamoring to remove God from the public square, the House of Representatives of the United States of America recently voted to reaffirm the nation's motto of "In God We Trust", according to a New York Times article published on it's website on 1 November 2011.  This motto appears on all paper money and coinage. 

This is a good move by our proud and noble Government, whom we have duly elected to represent us, the people of these United States.  Truly it is indeed God in whom we must put our trust, and never shut Him out from the public square.  As Jesus Christ hath said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36), and as He has given us the glorious banner of the Constitution of the United States of America "which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh" (D&C 101:77), saith the Lord, then it is true that we should put God at the forefront of the public debate, especially in matters of a moral issue, such as gay-marriage.

Even as Captain Moroni wrote on the Title of Liberty the words, "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children" (Alma 46:12), let us make both the Constitution of the United States and the Flag of the United States of America our Title of Liberty, and always remember that God has given us our freedoms, and He must therefore be held inviolate at the forefront of Liberty.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

To Follow Jesus

The following was published on 3 November 2011 on newsroom.lds.org:

Anyone familiar with the history of Christianity knows that it has been quite a complicated matter. The word “Christian” was first used during New Testament times (see Acts 11:26) to describe the disciples who accepted the message and redemption of Jesus Christ.  Now after two millennia, Christianity has weathered centuries of change and experienced periods of growth, persecution, reformation, schism, globalization and more.  While inspiring believers of every race and nationality, Christianity has taken a multitude of forms and advanced a diversity of doctrines.  As a result, questions about who should be called a Christian and who should not continue to be discussed by some within the religious world.

Religious beliefs are no light matter, and it’s only right that they are taken seriously.  Yet, earnest and well-meaning interlocutors have sometimes, in the words of the president of Fuller Seminary, Richard J. Mouw, “talked past each other,” due to their differing doctrinal lenses.

For some in the Christian tradition, an individual’s Christianity is defined primarily by theological boundaries.  Accordingly, one must adhere to a theological tradition stemming from formalized creeds or statements of belief (such as the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian formulation) composed several centuries after Jesus Christ died and the New Testament was written.

There are differences between the post-biblical creeds and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most notably, Latter-day Saints believe God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are one in will and purpose, but are not literarily one being, as the creedal conceptions of the Holy Trinity suggest.  Also, members of the Church believe in living “apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20) and a more open canon of scripture, which includes both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ.

To describe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a non-Christian church to any audience spreads a misconception that there is something other than Jesus Christ at the heart of the Mormon faith.
For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is the Savior of all people, the divine Son of God. He is the same Jesus Christ of the New Testament, who taught about faith and about love for God and mankind.  Jesus Christ — not Moses, Paul or Joseph Smith — is the object of Mormons’ devotion and worship.  As the Prophet Joseph Smith himself taught, “The fundamental principles of our religion are … concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

This is indeed the daily reality for Latter-day Saints.  Jesus Christ is perpetually front and center in the lives of practicing members of the faith.  Whenever Mormons pray to God, for instance, they do so in the name of Jesus Christ.  Baptism by immersion, according to the symbolism of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, marks a person’s entrance into the faith.  The sacrament (what other Christian traditions call communion) is administered weekly in Sunday services for members to reflect on the mercy of Jesus Christ.  When Latter-day Saints seek forgiveness, they do so through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice.  They serve the poor and needy and give of their time and money to numerous humanitarian aid efforts in order to follow Christ’s teachings.  Images of Christ adorn the faith’s meetinghouses and temples.  Church leaders and members testify of Jesus Christ’s reality and divinity.  The Son of God appears in the Church’s official name: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”  While some outsiders know Latter-day Saints as Mormons, members know themselves as part of Christ’s Church.

At their best, Latter-day Saints’ behavior, speech, thoughts and identity all reflect Christ and His teachings.  If you ask a member what it means to belong to the Church, he or she will tell you that most fundamentally it means to believe in Jesus as the Savior of the world and to follow Him.

For Latter-day Saints, being a Christian means being a disciple of Jesus Christ, loving and worshiping Him above all.  It means prizing Christ and centering one’s life on His teachings from the New Testament.  It means striving to live the kind of life that Christ commanded, honoring Him in word and deed. This is the meaning of a Christian, and there is no doubt that Latter-day Saints — who pattern their lives after all of these things — belong to Christ’s fold.

Be an example, "keep lights aflame", President Monsons says

President Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke at BYU's Marriott Center on Tuesday 1 November 2011.  Among the many things he said, he encouraged all to be better examples.  He said, speaking of a personal testimony of the Gospel, "Such knowledge, such a personal testimony, is essential if we are to safely navigate the sometimes treacherous paths through life, with the adversary attempting to deceive us at every turn. . . . As you keep the flame of testimony burning brightly, you will become a beacon of righteousness - even a light - for all to see" ("Pres. Monson says 'Keep lights aflame'", Deseret News, Wednesday 2 November 2011, B3).  Speaking of Jesus Christ, the President said, "He is our Savior and our Redeemer, our Advocate with the Father.  He is our Exemplar and our strength.  He is the light that shineth in darkness.  That each of us here today may pledge to follow Him and to be His lights among men is my prayer" (Ibid.)

I know also that Jesus Christ is the Lord God of Israel and my Savior.  I know President Monson is a true Prophet and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true Church acknowledged of God.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Utah Hospitality Association seeks to silence LDS Church

The Utah Hospitality Association asked the US District Court in Salt Lake City last week to ignore all statements by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding Utah's liquor laws.  Ken Wynn, a member of UHA's board, said, "The LDS Church carries a big foot in this state and influences legislation.  We are suggesting the LDS Church butt out of legislation regarding liquor.  I doubt that will even happen, but at least we are bringing that to the attention of the people" ("Liquor suit seeks to silence LDS Church", Deseret News, Wednesday 2 November 2011, A7).  What!  Make the Church stop speaking its own views, when the Constitution says all have freedom of speech?!  The Mormon Eagle proffers the only reason the Utah Hospitality Association want the LDS Church to shut its mouth: "the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center" (1 Nephi 16:2).  UHA won't say that this is the reason, however; every right-thinking, Constitution-upholding American will agree with The Mormon Eagle, because under that Divine sheet, all have a right to be heard, no matter what.  It is clear the UHA does not understand law at all.  They have no right to attempt to quash any religion from speaking its mind, for the LDS Church has the same right as the UHA to do so.

This issue the UHA has against the LDS Church can be settled by an appeal to the scriptures, as to what they have to say about law, and what the UHA cannot do.  The Lord has said that the Consitution is a "constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles" (D&C 101:77).  The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "No government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience" (D&C 134:2).  If the Utah Hospitality Association feels to complain more so of the LDS Church, then let them; they are only fighting against the God of Heaven and Earth, and will perish.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Athiests militate against religion, and adendum thereto

In the Tuesday 1 November 2011 edition of the Deseret News, we read, "Large white corosses honoring fallen UHP [Utah Highway Patrol] troopers are no longer allowed on public land.  The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear Utah's appeal of a lower court decision banning the roadside memorials. . . . America Atheists Inc. sued the UHP and the UHP association in 2005, claiming that 14 large white crosses, . . . are an unconstitutional government endorsement of religion" ("High court won't hear crosses case", Deseret News, Tuesday 1 November 2011, A1, A3).  Once again, Satan's designs are upheld because atheists from New Jersey (where American Atheists, Inc. is headquartered) can't abide the fact that God exists, and that Christian memorials rest upwards of two thousand miles away.

This is no matter, for God, righteousness, and Christ will win in the end, and the atheists which fight against God will be sent to Hell by Him.  These unfortunate turn of events is just the routine fulfillment of prophecy.  Nephi prophesieth, "Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth!  For the day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth; and in that day that they are fullyripe in iniquity they shall perish" (1 Nephi 28:16).  Is it truly such a bad thing that Utah cops are memorialized in their own way?  If a cop was Hindu, and was memorialized with a symbol of Hinduism, the issue would never be complained against, because Hindus are a minority.  Atheists are a minority, and it seems anything they quibble about which offends them (which is just the Devil working in them to remove God from this great nation) is swiftly dealt with and removed by the highest court in the land.

The Mormon Eagle ventures to prophesy that doom will come upon the United States of America if the day comes that God is completely removed from the public square.  Thus saith the Moroni,

And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them.  And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. . . . Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ (Ether 2:9,12).

The Latter-day Saints, as well as all God-fearing people of the United States, must defend the Constitution and serve the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ the Son of God, lest His wrath come upon us and we are swept off and destroyed.  I know this is true, for the Prophets and Apostles have spoken it.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

ADENDUM: Thursday 17 November 2011
An article in the Deseret News of the above date states the Atheists of the state of Utah and of America are not done, unfortunately.  The UHP stickers that were on the crosses to memorialize the victims are no longer there.  Instead, there are disclaimers stating, "Private memorial - not a state endorsement of any religion" ("Disclaimers now on crosses", Deseret News, Thursday 17 November 2011, B1).  Concerning the disclaimers, civil rights attorney Brian Barnard, who also represents American Atheists Inc., stated that even with the logos removed and the disclaimers added, there is still a problem with some of the crosses still standing on government land.  Barnard stated that "a reasonable observer seeing the Roman corss on the front lawn of a UHP office will see an improper connection between the state of Utah and Christianity" (Ibid.).  Yes, Mr. Barnard, but only to the stupid observer.  Everyone knows a cross is a universal symbol of mourning, and niether a state nor national endorsement of religion.  What of the crosses which are the gravestones of all the slain soldiers at the Arlington National Cemetary (which is government property)?  Are they to be taken down because you, an angry atheist, is offended?

The Mormon Eagle has this to say about those who get angry because of memorials which happen to be shaped like Christian crosses because of the universality the symbol: This derangement of your minds, known as atheistm, comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.  Because of atheism ye have so much bigotry towards religion, lest ye be lead away after the manner of differing beliefs which others have (the which religious beliefs, in this case, matter not, because the cross is a universal symbol of mourning, and not of a so-called government endorsement of religion).  Ye are paranoid of a government which you say (suposedly, yet falsly) endorses a religion.  Ye say others cannot put up a universal symbol of mourning (the cross), because it is a symbol of a God in Whom you know nothing about.  Thus we see your main problem here is your inner-most fear the God just might exists, and just might hurl you to Hell because of your fighting against Him. 

To prove my point and close this argument to the foolish atheists, I quote the words of Moroni.  Saith he,

And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in Christ.  Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation—behold, when the Lord shall come, yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God—then will ye say that there is no God?  Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of God?  Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt?  Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws?  Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell.  For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you.  O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps ye may be found spotless, pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day (Mormon 9:1-6).

Thus we can behold the foolish ramblings of the offended atheists will only get them into trouble in the end.  Quarrel no more about memorial symbols which mean nothing more than a memorial.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.