Authority Quote by J. Reuben Clark
“We may first observe that communism and socialism--which we shall hereafter group together and dub Statism--cannot live with Christianity nor with any religion that postulates a Creator such as the Declaration of Independence recognizes. The slaves of Statism must know no power, no authority, no source of blessing, no God, but the State…”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1955
Communism and socialism reject divine authority, making them incompatible with Christianity and any belief in a Creator.
In simple terms: Statism opposes religion and God.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the conflict between state ideologies and faith.
Themes
religion
politics
ideology
freedom
authority
Mood
thoughtful
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
religious
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- religious education
- public policy
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
theism
secularism
state power
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies balance religious freedom with secular governance?
- Can moral values exist without reference to a higher power?
A Different Perspective
Statism may claim moral neutrality, but it still imposes its own worldview.
![“Communism and socialism is [sic] seductive. It promises us that people will contribute according to ability and receive according to needs. Everybody is equal. Everybody has a right to decent housing, decent food and affordable medical care. History should have taught us that when we hear people…” quote by Walter E. Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7cb/walter-e-williams-2709_ability_communism-and-socialism-is-sic-seductive_1855022.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)