Stand Up for Freedom: Teachings on Liberty by Ezra Taft Benson
This work compiles teachings and speeches by Ezra Taft Benson, a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing the principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and the divine origin of the U.S. Constitution. It provides a comprehensive look at Benson’s unwavering commitment to defending freedom and inspiring others to do the same.
Core Themes and Teachings
1. The Divine Origin of the U.S. Constitution
- Inspired by God:
Benson taught that the Constitution was a divinely inspired document, created to ensure freedom and moral governance.- He often referenced the Founding Fathers as instruments in God’s hands, working to establish a government that protected individual rights.
- The Constitution was framed to safeguard life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while limiting the power of government.
- Sacred Duty to Defend the Constitution:
Benson believed that all citizens, particularly those of faith, have a moral obligation to uphold and defend the Constitution.- He warned against apathy and ignorance, emphasizing the need for education on constitutional principles.
2. The Threat of Government Overreach
- Encroaching Tyranny:
Benson frequently warned about the dangers of excessive government control, likening it to the creeping rise of socialism and communism.- He viewed these systems as antithetical to freedom, arguing that they undermine personal agency and responsibility.
- Self-Reliance vs. Dependency:
Benson taught that reliance on government programs fosters dependency and erodes personal freedom.- He advocated for self-reliance, hard work, and community support as alternatives to state welfare.
- The Proper Role of Government:
Government should exist to protect individual rights and not to control or micromanage citizens’ lives.- Benson argued that any government action outside of its constitutional bounds is an overreach that threatens liberty.
3. The Role of Religion in Liberty
- Faith as the Foundation of Freedom:
Benson believed that true freedom is inseparable from faith in God.- A moral and righteous society, he argued, is essential for sustaining liberty, as individuals who live by divine principles are less likely to abuse freedom.
- Religion as a Safeguard:
He emphasized the need for religious freedom, warning that the erosion of religious values leads to societal decay and tyranny.- Moral teachings from religion provide the ethical framework necessary for maintaining a just and free society.
4. The Responsibility of Individuals
- Education and Awareness:
Benson stressed the importance of educating oneself about history, the Constitution, and the principles of liberty.- He warned that ignorance is a tool of tyranny and that an uninformed populace is easily manipulated.
- Active Participation:
Citizens have a duty to participate in government, vote, and hold leaders accountable.- Benson called for vigilance in defending freedoms, encouraging individuals to speak out against injustice and unconstitutional actions.
- Moral Courage:
Standing up for freedom often requires moral courage and the willingness to face opposition.- Benson admired those who, like the Founding Fathers, risked everything to uphold liberty.
5. Opposition to Socialism and Communism
- Socialism as a Threat:
Benson viewed socialism as a precursor to communism, both of which he saw as destructive ideologies that strip individuals of their rights and freedoms.- He warned that policies promoting wealth redistribution and central planning undermine the free market and personal responsibility.
- Vigilance Against Deception:
He often stated that socialism is deceptively marketed as compassion but ultimately leads to oppression.- Benson urged citizens to recognize and resist policies and ideologies that threaten constitutional principles.
Call to Action
Ezra Taft Benson’s teachings in Stand Up for Freedom are a rallying cry for individuals to take an active role in preserving liberty:
- Educate Yourself:
Learn about the Constitution, the principles of freedom, and the dangers of tyranny. Knowledge is a powerful tool against oppression. - Defend Religious Freedom:
Stand firm in protecting the role of faith in public life, recognizing its critical role in sustaining a moral and free society. - Promote Self-Reliance:
Foster personal responsibility and self-reliance to reduce dependency on government programs and maintain individual freedom. - Speak Out Against Injustice:
Have the courage to stand up against policies and practices that undermine liberty, even when it is unpopular. - Trust in God:
Recognize that true freedom comes from obedience to God’s laws and reliance on His guidance.
Legacy and Relevance
Benson’s Stand Up for Freedom remains a timeless guide for those seeking to uphold liberty in an era of increasing governmental control and moral decay. His emphasis on education, faith, and active participation continues to inspire individuals to be vigilant stewards of freedom.
In his own words:
“We must be righteous and moral. We must educate ourselves and others about the Constitution. And above all, we must trust in God and His plan for liberty.”
