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(→There are many differences between the United Order and Marxist Communism) |
(→Question: Was the United Order simply a form of 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?== | ||
− | === | + | ===The starting point of modern socialism was well after Joseph Smith's implementation of the United Order=== |
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. | ||
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+ | ===There are some similarities, but some important differences between the United Order and Marxist Communism=== | ||
Similarities between communism and the United Order: | Similarities between communism and the United Order: | ||
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*The United Order is based upon the principle that "that 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, the right and control of property" (D&C 134:2), while communism requires that the government control all property. | *The United Order is based upon the principle that "that 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, the right and control of property" (D&C 134:2), while communism requires that the government control all property. | ||
− | ===What happened if one did not choose to | + | ===What happened if one did not choose to participate in the United Order?=== |
Elder Marion G. Romney notes, | Elder Marion G. Romney notes, |
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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