GIFTS: "Beyond Politics" ---> is the Zion society.

On the last night of a play the whole cast and stage crew stay in the theater until the small or not-so-small hours of the morning, striking the old set. If there is to be a new opening soon, as the economy of the theater requires, it is important that the new set should be in place and ready for the opening night. All the while the old set was finishing its usefulness and then being taken down, the new set was rising in splendor to be ready for the drama that would immediately follow. So it is with this world. It is not our business to tear down the old set—the agencies that do that are already hard at work and very efficient; the set is coming down all around us with spectacular effect. Our business is to see to it that the new set is well on the way for what is to come—and that means a different kind of politics, beyond the scope of the tragedy that is now playing its closing night. We are preparing for the establishment of Zion.

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Our introductory paragraph here is from a classic talk first given nearly forty years ago. It is the final paragraph of "Beyond Politics" by Hugh Nibley.

It is a perfect summary of where we stand as Latter-day Saints in the social, civic, cultural, economic, and political turmoil that surrounds us. Our job, even in entering a critical election year in the political landscape of this nation of America, is to remember who we are and keep our eye on our true context and object --- the establishment of Zion.

Why did the Lord call His people ZION in ancient days? "Because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."

Three essential characteristics: oneness, or unity of purpose and of inspiration; abiding righteousness; and they were all equal economically.

We can say more about each one later, but for now, an illustration of the unity necessary among a Zion people:

Bob Matthews tells it of a missionary companion of his, James B. Allen --- or rather of Elder Allen's mother. This incident took place relatively recently, within the last couple of generations, and was described by Bob as the most recent example of the gift of the Adamic tongue among us.

Apparently, Sister Allen was in the Logan temple when she uttered some beautiful phrases in tongues, lilting and lyrical and lovely to hear. You probably are aware that the gift of tongues as described here is of no value unless someone is present who has the gift to interpret what is said. It was so on this occasion. Apparently Sister Allen said, in the language of Adam, that we must come together as a people, and be one in holiness and purpose, --- and this final phrase she repeated three times in a beautiful, melodic way --- "before it is too late, . . . before it is too late, . . . before it is too late."

Brother Matthews told this to us as a group of seminary teachers studying the Epistles of Paul, in particular the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians. "That does not happen these days," he said. "Can you imagine the reaction of discomfort and confusion if someone spoke in tongues in sacrament meeting today?"

There are several lessons, at many levels, in this account. Do you see them?

It is on the idea of unity, of being one --- with the Lord and with each other --- that is our purpose in relating this sacred event. It can only ever happen on His terms. We can't invent or pretend this Zion unity. It will be a gift from above . . . when, and not until, we are good and ready.

Consider this: what is a good definition of a true disciple of Christ? How would He Himself answer this? He already has:

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Do you see the "IF . . . THEN . . ." conditional again here? What does it mean to continue in His word? Listen to your own heart, you already know what it means. . . . And you know too that you don't do a very good job of it. If and when we all continue in His word, with all diligence and without excuse, we can expect to be His true disciples. Not until then.

And further, in this course of action we shall come to know Him --- to "know the truth", for He is the Truth (as He is the Word!), and the result will be that "the truth shall make you free."

Surely this has implications and power for our "Beyond Politics" theme, as we stop and recognize that our freedoms are being eroded by political cabals. The Lord has a different freedom in mind for His Zion.

Remember, " . . . for this is Zion --- THE PURE IN HEART" (D&C 97:21), and He has said, "Now ye are clean [pure . . . holy] through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:3--4). And also, "For I am able to make you holy" (D&C 60:7) --- you can't become holy by yourself. He does it.

We quoted Hugh Nibley a couple of weeks ago in answering the question: Who are the righteous? And we learned that "The righteous are whoever are repenting, and the wicked whoever are not repenting." Remember that the Zion people dwell in righteousness, that is, they are of a repentant mindset continually; it is a joy, a way of life with them to be constantly repenting.

So, is Zion a political entity? Is it a republic . . . a democracy . . . or what? It is a kingdom, even the kingdom --- of God. "For he saith---I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven" (Moses 7:53).

Nibley again:---

The news of the world today reminds me of nothing so much as those bulletins which a short while ago were being issued by the doctors attending the late King Gustave of Sweden and by those treating Pablo Casals. The king was in his nineties, Casals, ninety-six; and both were very ill—what really good news could come out of the sickroom? That the patient had rested well? That he had had some lucid moments? That he had taken nourishment? Could any of that be called good news, hopeful news—in view of the inevitable news the world was waiting for? What is your own idea of an encouraging and cheering item in the news today? That the next Middle Eastern war has been postponed? That a new oil field has been discovered? "This physic but prolongs thy sickly days."⁵⁸ We shall achieve lasting peace when we achieve eternal life. Politics has the same goal as the gospel: complete happiness. But to achieve that requires eternal life. The most painful thing in the world, says Joseph Smith, is the thought of annihilation;⁵⁹ until that gnawing pain is relieved, all the rest is a forlorn and wistful game of make-believe. The solution of all our problems is the resurrection: only God knows the solution. Why not follow his advice? And only the gospel can remove that pain. The final relief of all our woes lies beyond all worldly politics. So when Joseph Smith says, "My feelings revolt at the idea of having anything to do with politics," he is not being high and mighty but putting his priorities in order. "I wish to be let alone," he says, "that I may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the church."⁶⁰ Specifically, "The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do."⁶¹ "For one truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in existence."⁶² And so he pursues his way: "It matters not to me if all hell boils over; I regard it only as I would the crackling of the thorns under a pot. . . . I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world. . . . It will not be by sword or gun that this kingdom will roll on." 63

. . . "As for politics, we care nothing about them one way or the other, although we are a political people. . . . It is the Kingdom of God or nothing with us."⁶⁶ The kingdom is beyond politics—one way or the other—that is, it is beyond partisan party politics.

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Think of what the Prophet Joseph, and Brigham, and John Taylor are all describing in these quotes. Zion---our true context as Latter-day Saints--- is Beyond Politics. Bear all of these marvelous truths in mind as we conclude with the introduction to Nibley's chapter on "Beyond Politics" from nearly forty years ago:---

For many years a stock cartoon in sophisticated magazines has poked fun at the barefoot, bearded character in the long nightshirt carrying a placard calling all to "Repent, for the End Is at Hand." But where is the joke? Ask the smart people who thought up the funny pictures and captions: Where are they now?

For all of us as individuals, the fashion of this world passeth away; but the Big Bang is something else. How near is that? Should we be concerned at all? The problem may be stated in the form of a little dialogue:

We: Dear Father, whenever the end is scheduled to be, can't you give us an extension of time?

He: Willingly. But tell me first, what will you do with it?

We: Well . . . ah . . . we will go on doing pretty much what we have been doing; after all, isn't that why we are asking for an extension?

He: And isn't that exactly why I want to end it soon—because you show no inclination to change? Why should I reverse the order of nature so that you can go on doing the very things I want to put an end to?

We: But is what we are doing so terribly wrong? The economy seems sound enough. [This was nearly forty years ago, remember!!] Why shouldn't we go on doing the things which have made this country great?

He: Haven't I made it clear enough to you what kind of greatness I expect of my offspring? Forget the statistics; you are capable of better things—your stirring commercials don't impress me in the least.

We: But why should we repent when all we are doing is what each considers to be for the best good of himself and the nation?

He: Because it is not you but I who decide what that shall be, and I have told you a hundred times what is best for you individually and collectively—and that is repentance, no matter who you are.

We: We find your inference objectionable, Sir, quite unacceptable.

He: I know.
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We must come together in unity of mind and heart and purpose "before it is too late" and trust our safety to the King of Zion. That is our true context: He calls us to repent. Elder Packer said there is no geographical safety for what is ahead. "The only safety," he said, "is in the scriptures." That is our true home, safe harbor, shelter from the coming storm (see Alma 34:16).

God bless.

Steve

P.S. As always, feel free to share. Sources and references available on request. I plan to send a link to Brother Nibley's full address on "Beyond Politics" in a couple of days.