LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 83
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Independence, Missouri, April 30, 1832. This revelation was received as
the Prophet sat in council with his brethren.
1–4, Women and children have claim upon their husbands and fathers for
their support; 5–6, Widows and orphans have claim upon the Church for
their support.
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, in addition to the laws of the church
concerning women and children, those who belong to the church, who have
lost their husbands or fathers: 2 Women have claim on their husbands
for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken; and if they are
not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the church.
Note: Believing husbands will provide for their families.
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of
his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8
3 And if they are not faithful they shall not have fellowship in the
church; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the
laws of the land.
Note: LDS church superseded private ownership with communism that failed.
In the 1830s, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints (LDS) deeded property to the church under a system known as the
Law of Consecration and Stewardship.
4 All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance
until they are of age. 5 And after that, they have claim upon the
church, or in other words upon the Lord’s storehouse, if their parents
have not wherewith to give them inheritances. 6 And the storehouse
shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and widows and
orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor. Amen.
Note: Believers will be discerning when providing for the poor.
Honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or
grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay
their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. Now she who
is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in
supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives in pleasure
is dead while she lives. And these things command that they may be
blameless. 1 Timothy 5:3-7