Agency is central to God’s plan. Learn why freedom matters, how the Constitution protects agency, and why Latter-day Saints should value liberty and responsibility.

This article is one in a series about principles of freedom and religious liberty. It is based on principles from the book American Principles of Freedom: A Latter-day Saint Perspective, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Read other articles in the series #America250

One of the greatest gifts Heavenly Father has given us is moral agency, the ability to choose between right and wrong. Agency is central to the plan of salvation. Without the freedom to choose, we could not grow spiritually, develop faith, repent, serve others, or become more like Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon teaches, “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh… they are free to choose liberty and eternal life.” (2 Nephi 2:27)

Agency requires more than private thought. It also requires freedom. People must be free to worship, speak, work, raise families, and live according to their beliefs. When freedom is restricted, the exercise of agency becomes more difficult. That is one reason freedom matters so much to Latter-day Saints.

Agency Was Defended Before Mortality

The battle over agency began before this life. Satan “sought to destroy the agency of man.” (Moses 4:3) Satan’s plan involved compulsion. Heavenly Father’s plan preserved moral choice and accountability. Because agency is essential to God’s eternal plan, freedom has spiritual importance as well as political importance.

Throughout history, societies that protect liberty generally provide greater opportunity for worship, family life, service, education, and the spread of truth. Societies that suppress liberty often weaken those same blessings.

The Constitution Helps Protect Agency

Latter-day Saints believe the United States Constitution was inspired by God to help preserve freedom. The Lord declared, “I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose…” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:80)

The Constitution does not create agency. Agency comes from God. But constitutional freedoms help protect people as they exercise agency responsibly. The Bill of Rights protects freedoms closely connected to moral agency, including, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and due process under the law. These protections allow individuals to seek truth, worship according to conscience, and participate in society without excessive government control.

The Constitution of the United States has served as a model for many nations and is an inspired document.

Freedom and Responsibility Belong Together

Agency does not mean doing anything we want without consequences. Freedom and accountability always go together. The founders of the United States understood this principle. They believed self-government succeeds only when citizens govern themselves morally.

John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (Address to the Massachusetts Militia, 1798)

Strong families, churches, and communities help teach honesty, responsibility, kindness, and self-control. These virtues strengthen both society and liberty. Church leaders encourage us to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to our communities and nations.

Freedom Creates Opportunities for Good

The Restoration of the gospel benefited greatly from constitutional freedoms in early America. Joseph Smith was able to organize the Church, publish scripture, preach openly, and gather believers because religious liberty existed.

Today, freedom still helps the gospel spread throughout the world. It allows missionaries to preach, families to worship, and individuals to choose faith voluntarily. God does not force righteousness. He invites it.

What This Means for Us

Latter-day Saints can help preserve freedom by:

• Studying the scriptures and the Constitution
• Respecting the rights of others
• Participating responsibly in civic life
• Defending religious liberty
• Teaching correct principles in the home

Freedom survives when people value it and use it wisely. For Latter-day Saints, liberty is more than a political idea. It helps protect moral agency, one of the most sacred gifts Heavenly Father has given His children.

Learn more:

• Articles about about religious freedom and moral agency.
• Read the book American Principles of Freedom: A Latter-day Saint Perspective.

How to access the book

• Read or download a free PDF.
• Purchase on Amazon as a paperback for only $8.95 or get as Kindle or audiobook free with your membership
• Purchase on Lulu as a paperback for only $8.95