Freedom depends on personal responsibility, honesty, and moral character. Learn why the founders and modern prophets taught that liberty requires virtue.
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.
The founders of the United States believed freedom could survive only if citizens practiced virtue and self-government. They understood that laws and constitutions alone are not enough to preserve liberty. A free society depends heavily on the character of its people.
John Adams famously warned, “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) The founders believed that self-government begins with self-control. When citizens govern themselves wisely, government does not need to control every part of society. That principle still matters today.
Agency and Accountability
Latter-day Saints understand that agency and accountability always go together. Heavenly Father allows His children to choose, but He also holds them responsible for those choices. Freedom was never intended to mean the absence of consequences.
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 allows people to choose good or evil, service or selfishness, honesty or dishonesty. Because freedom involves moral choice, virtue becomes essential to liberty. Freedom is more than just a political concept. Freedom is a spiritual principle.
Strong Families Strengthen Society
Families play a major role in teaching virtue. Parents teach honesty, kindness, responsibility, work ethic, respect, and self-discipline. These qualities help individuals become responsible citizens as well as faithful disciples. Strong families also help reduce many social problems before government intervention becomes necessary.
“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches that parents have the sacred duty to teach children “to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.”
The founders recognized the importance of religion and morality in preserving liberty. George Washington stated in his Farewell Address, “Religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Faith communities help strengthen society by encouraging service, integrity, compassion, and accountability.
Freedom Without Virtue Becomes Dangerous
The founders worried that freedom without moral restraint could eventually destroy liberty itself. When dishonesty, corruption, selfishness, violence, or lawlessness spread widely, people often demand more control from government. Over time, excessive dependence on government can weaken personal responsibility and reduce freedom. The founders believed that liberty survives best when citizens voluntarily act with virtue.
President Dallin H. Oaks has taught that societies function best when citizens act with integrity and respect for law and moral principles. (See “Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution,” April 2021 General Conference.)
Virtue Protects Freedom
Virtue is not merely private goodness. It strengthens communities, protects trust, and helps preserve liberty. Citizens who practice honesty, responsibility, service, and self-control contribute to stable families and healthier societies.
What This Means for Us
Latter-day Saints can help strengthen freedom by:
- Teaching correct principles in the home
- Serving others
- Being honest in business and personal dealings
- Respecting laws and the rights of others
- Participating responsibly in civic life
- Living gospel standards consistently
Freedom survives when people use liberty wisely. The Constitution and the laws of the nation provide important protections, but no government can replace personal virtue. The long-term strength of a free society depends largely on the moral character of its citizens. For Latter-day Saints, freedom and virtue are deeply connected because agency and accountability are central parts of Heavenly Father’s plan.
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