Learn how the American founding and constitutional freedoms helped prepare the way for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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.
Latter-day Saints believe that the American founding helped prepare the way for the Restoration of the gospel. The freedoms established through the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights created conditions that allowed the restored Church to be organized and grow.
The Restoration did not happen by accident or in isolation. It occurred during a unique period in history when religious liberty and constitutional government were expanding. 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)
Religious Freedom Changed History
Before the American founding, many nations tightly controlled religion. Governments often supported official state churches and restricted other beliefs. In some places, citizens could face persecution, imprisonment, or death for worshipping differently from government-approved religion.
The First Amendment changed that pattern in America by protecting the free exercise of religion. That freedom became critically important for Joseph Smith and the early Saints. That allowed Joseph Smith to pray openly, talk with others about the First Vision, translate and publish the Book of Mormon, organize the Church, and preach restored doctrine publicly. Without constitutional protections, many of those actions could have been prohibited by government authority.
President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “The United States Constitution is unique because God revealed that He ‘established’ it ‘for the rights and protection of all flesh’ (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77; see also verse 80).” (“Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, April 2021 General Conference)
Agency Requires Freedom
Agency is central to Heavenly Father’s plan. People must be free to seek truth, worship according to their conscience, and choose whether to follow 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)
The Constitution did not create agency, but it helped protect the freedoms necessary for agency to be exercised more fully. The founders believed rights come from God, not from government. That principle closely aligns with restored gospel teachings about divine worth and moral responsibility.
Because of expanding liberty in America, the restored gospel could be preached openly and eventually spread throughout the world.
The Founders Were Not Perfect
Latter-day Saints do not believe the founders were flawless. Like all people, they had weaknesses, disagreements, and limitations. But members of the Church recognize inspired principles within the founding documents, including religious liberty, rule of law, limited government, protection of individual rights, and consent of the governed. These principles helped create stability and freedom during a critical period in history.
The Constitution of the United States has served as a model for many nations and is an inspired document.
Freedom Helped the Gospel Spread
The influence of constitutional freedoms eventually reached far beyond the United States. As ideas about liberty spread, missionaries gained greater opportunities to preach throughout the world. Members could gather openly, publish scripture, build temples, and worship according to conscience in many nations.
Where freedom expands, the work of the gospel often expands as well. That is one reason Church leaders continue to encourage members to defend religious liberty and participate responsibly in civic life.
What This Means for Us
Latter-day Saints can honor these blessings by:
- Studying the scriptures and founding documents
- Defending religious freedom
- Respecting the rights of others
- Participating responsibly in society
- Teaching correct principles in the home
- Using freedom wisely
The American founding was not the Restoration itself, but it helped prepare the way for it. For Latter-day Saints, constitutional freedoms are important because they help protect moral agency and allow the gospel to be taught, shared, and lived openly.
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