Liberty v. Equality; i.e., God v. Satan

Egalitarianism: a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people.

Social egalitarianism is a popular philosophy espoused by secularists who are, in my opinion, influenced by evil ideas. Egalitarianism is in direct conflict with the concept of liberty. As such, it is evil; an evil that continues to grow in popularity.

Dictionaries generally define liberty as “the power to do as one pleases”. With liberty, we are free to make our own choices. In the Restored Gospel this same concept is refered to as “free agencey”, or just “agency“. The Gospel also teaches us that those who seek to deprive individuals of the freedom to choose are evil. Indeed, this is Satan’s central mission, it has been from the beginning.

This is why I believe egalitarianism is evil: the coerced removal of social inequalities (in terms of outcomes, not opportunity) among people strangles liberty. If all people are equal no matter what their choices produce, liberty is robbed–agency is destroyed.

Everyone has intrinsic liberty–or fundamental agency. When they exercise their liberty there is an unavoidable outcome or consequence to their choice. In other words, eternal law exists, and based upon how we choose to deal with the law, the outcome is different, i.e. resulting consequences. Governments form laws to govern their people. Hopefully their laws reflect natural law–or eternal truth. If a person decides to steal, she is sent to jail (hopefully) for a period of time depending on the level of theft. Her fundamental liberty has not been infringed, rather the use of her liberty has determined the quality of her life (the outcome or consequence). Conversly, if a person decides not to steal, but rather to work really hard for an extended period of time, she will obtain wealth (at least in most “free” countries). Again, the choice determines the outcome. Thus, social inequality (for the most part–assuming basic equal opportunity) is the fundamental and unavoidable result of liberty.

God explains the reality of inequality based on liberty thusly: “These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.” (See Abr. 3:18-19)

But in an egalitarian society things are different: consequences, or social inequalities are non-existent. This at least is the idea. And it is born of evil–or what James E. Faust and Elder Maxwell call Secularism.

President Faust recentaly had this to say about the chief characteristic of secularism: “Secularism is expanding in much of the world today. Secularism is defined as ‘indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations.’ Secularism does not accept many things as absolutes. Its principal objectives are pleasure and self-interest.” (See Ensign, Nov. 2005, p.21, bold mine). There are no absolutes. Because nothing is absolute, there can be no right or wrong–everything is relative. Therefore, to discriminate between right and wrong is seen as “evil”. Secularists call good evil and evil good. When this occurs, the next step secularists take is into egalitarianism. Because there is no right or wrong, people should no longer be held accountable for their choices. Indeed, all consequences should be the same. It’s only “fair” that way. Thus, egalitarians are not tough on crime. Those who commit crime should be equal with those who obey the law. This is what Elder Maxwell, quoting Senator Moynihan, called “defining deviancy down“. But egalitarians are hard on many who have made good choices. Those who have worked to sustain themselves should be coerced to provide for those who have not. It’s all backwards.

Egalitarianism is a growing belief among Americans. It is soon to overtake all three National mottos: “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and “E Pluribus Unum”. And unfortunately, it is a concern for leaders of the Church because it seems to be creeping in among our members. Speaking of homosexuals, feminists, and scholars, Elder Packer has said: “Only when they have some knowledge of the plan of redemption will they understand the supposed inequities of life. Only then will they understand the commandments God has given us. If we do not teach the plan of redemption, whatever else we do by way of programs and activities and instructions will not be enough.” (Bold mine)