When Zion's Walls Become Barriers: Navigating Church Influence & Freedom

Brothers and Sisters, Builders, fellow travelers on this path of gathering – are you feeling it? That quiet tension, that subtle dissonance between the divine mandate to build Zion and the realities of earthly institutions? Too often, we find ourselves navigating a landscape where the very structures meant to guide us can, inadvertently or otherwise, become barriers to righteousness.

Connor Boyack, in his recent Sunday Musings, has shone a light on a critical issue within Utah: the intersection of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and political power. As Latter-day Saints, we’ve all heard the whispers, felt the pressure, experienced the moments where the line between gospel and governance blurs. For those of us who’ve felt that tug, that sense that something isn’t quite right, Connor's observations resonate deeply.

He speaks of being a “transplant” to Utah, arriving from California with a fresh perspective. That outsider's view, sometimes, is necessary to see what those entrenched within a system can’t. He recounts encountering the Church as an obstacle to restoring freedom and protecting personal rights – a stark contrast to the promise of liberty and justice that should be hallmarks of any righteous society. Think of Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, facing down the might of the Lamanites to defend the rights of his people. The spirit of courage and defiance is needed now, not against flesh and blood, but against the subtle entanglements of power.

Connor doesn't condemn the Church; he seeks to separate the pure doctrine of Christ from the sometimes-flawed institutions of man. He reminds us that even within the body of Christ, there are those who may wield authority unwisely, pursuing agendas that deviate from the path laid out in scripture. This is not a novel concept. As David O. McKay’s biography reveals, even in the upper echelons of the Church, power struggles and human failings have always existed. We must remember the words of Abinadi, standing alone against the priests of Noah, proclaiming truth regardless of the consequences.

He shares examples – the nullification of federal gun control laws, the influence on legislation – demonstrating how the Church’s lobbying efforts can create friction and division, especially for those who hold differing political views. These examples aren't meant to be accusations; they are a call to discernment, a plea for us to examine the motivations behind institutional actions and to hold all leaders – both temporal and spiritual – accountable to the highest standards.

This isn't about dismantling the Church. It's about safeguarding the purity of the gospel. It’s about recognizing that the Stone cut without hands—the truth—can sometimes be obscured by the dust and noise of political maneuvering. It’s a challenge to remember Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem to warn a complacent people. Are we heeding the warnings? Are we willing to speak truth, even when it’s uncomfortable?

The Charity Flywheel – your engagement here, supporting gospel advertising in places like Ghana – directly fuels this effort, reaching those who are seeking the truth. The Missionary Fund sends forth internet missionaries, digital striplings armed with the power of the internet to share the message of Christ. And the Map of Churches, the denominational marker, is a tool for identifying and connecting with those who are also building, who share this vision of a restored Zion. Like the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath, these resources are the tools we need to overcome the giants of complacency and corruption.

Outback Jack reminds us that the Lord provides, even in the wilderness. He calls us to courage, to faith, and to unwavering commitment to building His kingdom, regardless of the obstacles. Let us be Builders, not Destroyers. Let us strive to keep the light of Zion shining brightly, untarnished by the shadows of earthly power.

Claim your church. Let your voice be heard. Build Zion.