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(→There are many differences between the United Order and Marxist Communism) |
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==Question: Was the United Order simply a form of communism?== | ==Question: Was the United Order simply a form of communism?== | ||
− | ===There are | + | ===There are some similarities, but some important differences between the United Order and Marxist Communism=== |
Some have asserted that the United Order was simply a form of "communism." Marion G. Romney notes that, "The 'Communist Manifesto' drafted by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels for the Communist League in 1848 is generally regarded as the starting point of modern socialism." <ref name="mgromney">Marion G. Romney, "Socialism and the United Order Compared," ''Conference Report'', April 1966.</ref> However, Joseph Smith's implementation of the United Order predated Marx and Engels, so it would be impossible for him to have drawn upon their ideas. | Some have asserted that the United Order was simply a form of "communism." Marion G. Romney notes that, "The 'Communist Manifesto' drafted by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels for the Communist League in 1848 is generally regarded as the starting point of modern socialism." <ref name="mgromney">Marion G. Romney, "Socialism and the United Order Compared," ''Conference Report'', April 1966.</ref> However, Joseph Smith's implementation of the United Order predated Marx and Engels, so it would be impossible for him to have drawn upon their ideas. |
Some have asserted that the United Order was simply a form of "communism." Marion G. Romney notes that, "The 'Communist Manifesto' drafted by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels for the Communist League in 1848 is generally regarded as the starting point of modern socialism." [1] However, Joseph Smith's implementation of the United Order predated Marx and Engels, so it would be impossible for him to have drawn upon their ideas.
Similarities between communism and the United Order:
Differences between the United Order and Marxist Communism include:
Elder Marion G. Romney notes,
One time the Prophet Joseph Smith asked a question by the brethren about the inventories they were taking. His answer was to the effect, "You don't need to be concerned about the inventories. Unless a man is willing to consecrate everything he has, he doesn't come into the United Order." (Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 7, pp. 412-13.) [1]
Notes
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