The Book of Mormon and Continuing Cold-War Politics

Nixon predicted the current state of U.S.-Russian politics back in 1992. Say what you will about Nixon's involvement in the Watergate coverup, he was one smart guy and a heck of a statesman. Despite his shortcomings, when Nixon was right, he nailed it.

After the U.S. "won" the Cold War with Russia in 1991, the ideals of freedom (free-market capitalism and educated democracy) have stood trial on the world stage. The Cold War isn't over. The opponents of liberty and justice for all are lying in wait. As the Great Experiment of democracy has succumbed to the consequences of pride (e.g., a false sense of security) and constant subversive influences (e.g., Russian imperialism) over the years, free nations (including the U.S.) have begun to revert to (not communism, which has failed) but a new despotism or authoritarian demagogism.

The Book of Mormon demonstrates this same dynamic in the book of 3rd Nephi. In Chapter 1, we read that though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous if Christ does not reveal himself to them by a certain day. Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many.

The same can be said for our day. Systems of freedom are on trial, and it's not going well. Shootings at Football parades, "Stolen" U.S. Presidential elections, biased Supreme Court rulings, and blatant corruption among those elected and appointed to serve the people are commonplace. Those who defend the American Constitution and religious freedom are ridiculed and even threatened. The political din of loyalists to political figures is so loud that many even-minded citizens like myself are fearful of participating in honest political debate.

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