“Satan Did Stir Them Up to Do Iniquity Continually”

“This account of wickedness and contentions among the Nephites prior to the Lord’s birth in the meridian of time is duplicated in the wickedness, contentions, and deceptions of our day as we approach the second coming of our Lord… . Here is a partial list of areas where, in my judgment, the warning applies… . In the field of politics the party is so often first, regardless of candidate qualifications or record or party platform and legislative program. Decisions frequently based upon political expediency and not what is best for the people. Selfish ambitions of men in departments of government who also seek to perpetuate themselves in office. Harassing investigations, many of which are either publicity stunts or smoke screens to deceive the public from the underlying motives and purposes. Pressure groups seeking preferential treatment at the expense of the people as reflected in increased tax burdens… . The theatre and cinema which so frequently portray and encourage the indecent, immoral, lustful, and worldly imaginations and desires of mankind. Glamorizing the movie star, the entertainer, or the athlete and placing him or her upon a publicity pedestal when his or her personal life may not measure up… . Newspapers and other periodicals … frequently accept advertising which is false and misleading. Radio and television portray crime, sex, and the sensational… . Organizations with deceptive aims and purposes which operate under the cloak if humanitarian, social, or political guise to gain personal goals or preferred group benefits… . The narcotic racket which includes the promotion and use of harmful drugs is a constant menace to this and other countries… . The disgraceful abortion racket draws into its net young women pregnant out of wedlock who wish to cover up their sin. Married couples are also guilty of this heinous sin… . Scientists are human, and many channel their knowledge developing commercial products to realize increased personal wealth… . Although good ethics exist in the profession of law, nevertheless the profession is not without the unscrupulous, cunning, and designing fellow members. In the practice of medicine and surgery, quacks and non-professional practitioners are found… . Teachers in educational fields promoting wrong ideas and theories, also personal views which undermine the ethical, moral, and spiritual values which youth should freely receive in the classroom. In the field of philosophy are found the deceptive sophistries of men. Also the modern intellectual and free thinker who attempts to modify, change, or improve upon the glorious truths, principles, and standards revealed of God to his chosen prophets who speak authoritatively by his divine power and wisdom. Then there are always the insincere and unethical, as well as the deceiver and anti-Christ to deal with… . Will we heed the warning and not yield to Satan’s powers and stratagems to deceive and to destroy us? Our peace, our safety, our happiness is in listening to and following the teachings and instructions of the Lord’s anointed.” (Delbert L. Stapley, Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 69)