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Temporal Concerns and Current Issues

Latter-day Saints regard their religion as embracing a total way of life. They accept the President of the Church as prophet not only to the Saints but to the whole world. Hence there is no hard line between that which is spiritual and that which is temporal, or between that which is religious and that which is secular. In an early revelation, the Lord had stated that "all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal" (D&C 29:34). Furthermore, as President Joseph F. Smith had declared: "It is the purpose of God in restoring the Gospel and the holy priesthood, not only to benefit mankind spiritually, but also to benefit them temporally." 1

It is no wonder, then, to find the Church involved in what may be regarded as temporal or secular matters. During President Heber J. Grant's administration, for example, the Church launched several programs for the temporal benefit of the Saints, and its leaders found it necessary to speak out on a variety of current issues including gambling, prohibition of liquor, and communism.

Three new Church agencies were particularly interested in seeking remedies for some rather diverse social problems. In 1916 the First Presidency had appointed the Social-Advisory Committee to coordinate the work of the auxiliary general boards in supporting higher community standards. This committee, plus Social-Advisory committees at the stake and ward levels, promoted "moral retrenchment," including more wholesome conditions at dances, sought to curb immorality, advocated professional standards in social work, and led anti-tobacco campaigns. 2 In 1919 the Relief Society organized its Social Service Department to promote maternal health and child welfare, working in cooperation with public social welfare agencies. This department would play a key role in supervising the adoption of children The Relief Society's general board conducted a special summer course at Brigham Young University in 1920 followed by 126 local institutes to teach "scientific methods in family welfare work." Then, in 1922, the Primary Association opened its children's hospital in Salt Lake City. The Church remodeled and equipped a large home on North Temple Street across from Temple Square for this purpose. The hospital resulted from the desire to help crippled children on the part of Primary President Louie B. Felt and her counselor May Anderson.

Government and Politics

Throughout the twentieth century, Church leaders have urged the Saints to fulfill their responsibilities as good citizens by prayerfully considering and supporting worthy candidates and issues, and by getting involved in the political party of their choice. Over the years Church authorities have suggested guidelines for members' political involvement, explaining that the Church as such also has a responsibility to let its voice be heard on some, but not all, issues. "While strictly political matters should properly be left in the field of politics where they rightfully belong," the First Presidency has affirmed, "on moral issues the Church and its members should take a positive stand·" 3 The Presidency has given this admonition and caution concerning Church members' responsibility: