Prophets, Principles & National Survival Second Edition

by Jerreld L. Newquist

This is a hard-hitting book that is crucial for our times. It is well foot-noted throughout by knowledgeable and distinguished civic and national leaders who corroborate the words of the prophets. It represents the statements of LDS Church leaders on such subjects as: Morality - Spirituality - Religion; Church and State; Free Enterprise and Capitalism; The American Republic; Communism - An International Criminal Conspiracy; The Welfare State - Creeping Socialism; American Foreign Policy; War and Peace; Capital Punishment; Birth Control; and many others. All of the material has appeared in official Church publications, in published books or pamphlets, or in reprints of speeches or articles distributed with the permission of the individual quoted. The Prophets, including members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, have only been quoted after they were ordained to their prophetic office.

Genres: Religion, Politics, Nonfiction, Lds

560 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1964

About the author

Jerreld L. Newquist was born in 1919 and died in 1976. Mr. Newquist was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving on the Seattle Stake High Council and coordinator of the Seattle Stake Seminaries. Converted to the Church in 1940, he served in Bishoprics in Oregon and Washington. Also in the Portland Stake High Priests Presidency.
Over the years he did considerable study and research in Political Science. He developed extensive files containing thousands of references to the words of the Prophets on hundreds of Gospel subjects. His first book, Gospel Truth, was a compilation of the words of President George Q. Cannon.
A Major in the Air Force, he flew forty-five combat missions during World War II. As a Captain for United Air Lines, he piloted their planes for over 20 years. He and his wife Marie are the parents of six children.

Reviews

[goddess]

This book leaves little doubt as to what the prophets think about socialism, welfare, communism, and politics in general. Not sure how anyone can claim to be a faithful Latter-Day Saint and a progressive at the same time. The two don't mix. The message is clear. Sad thing is, this is even more poignant today. It's interesting to read how some of these men were worried about encroaching big government and socialism back in the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. If they were alive today I think they'd have heart attacks.

This is not something that can or should be read in one sitting (500+ pages). There's plenty to mull over and think about. I had my pencil out and was starring and underlining like crazy. Some of it is repetitive, but there's lots of good material to ponder. It's clear that The Brethren favored a free-market system that fosters agency and self-reliance. Communism is to be shunned at all costs, and it's younger brother Socialism is to be eschewed as well. The ideas and doctrines of either are contrary to the gospel.

Great read and will make an excellent addition to my personal library.

[Brad]

This is a must-read for anyone, but especially for the LDS to review and remember what prophets have warned and foretold about the fate of America and how she can and must be saved.

It's available free online at a number of sites, including http://www.inspiredconstitution.org/p...

Note that some of the material is obviously dated as it was written in the sixties.

[Ernie Dawson]

A tough read. A must read for the LDS patriot.

[Ryan]

A compilation of quotations from latter-day prophets regarding politics, economics, liberty, etc. Endorsed by Ezra Taft Benson in General Conference.

[Mike]

Excellent Book. A collection of long quotes from the prophets and apostles on various questions and issues of the day.

[Thara Tenney]

Very good resource for insight into what proper governance should look like.

[Eddie]

The author has done an incredible job of stitching together the teachings of the modern day prophets and apostles and giving the reader a complete picture of what they have to say about many political principles. Mr. Newquist has done such a great job of stitching together the quotes that I often didn't notice when one quote ended and another by a different person started. The time and effort that went into compiling this must have been significant, and it shows. In addition, the author took pains to make sure that the material was all from prophets and apostles who were acting in their capacity and not just comments they made in passing. A worthwhile read, and a great reference on political issues.

[Lance]

Using qoutations from LDS GAs and other authors and US Founding Fathers, this book touches on important points about where the country is headed. Another influential book in decisions I made earlier in life.

[Becky]

good book. It's a compilation of quotes, so it's a little hard to just sit down and read, but is a great reference book. Lots of interesting info.

[Jodi Z]

A book that every latter-day saint should look closely at, especially considering our current national political situation.

[Annaleah Faith Woodard]

Gave a WHOLE LOT of quotes. Many were interesting, many were redundant. A few were contradictory. Its worth reading, but I enjoy reading Benson and Clark's books more.