America's Faith: A Call To Action By Harold B. Lee

Harold Bingham Lee (1899–1973) was an American religious leader and educator who served as the 11th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from July 1972 until his death in December 1973. In a 1973 speech titled 'Have Faith in America', Lee expressed his conviction that the United States of America is a divinely favoured nation that will overcome any challenges it may face.

America will be saved by people who possess faith in her

In 1973, President Harold B. Lee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a devotional at Ricks College in which he expressed his faith in America and encouraged others to do the same. He believed that America was a promised land and a chosen land, and that it had a divinely-appointed role in the world.

Lee's faith in America was rooted in his understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his belief that America was founded on principles laid down by God-raised men. He saw America as a cradle of humanity and the "place of the New Jerusalem", where "the Savior will come to His temple".

Lee acknowledged that America faced challenges, including natural disasters, social issues, and political disagreements. However, he was convinced that the nation would persevere and triumph over these trials. He urged others to have faith in America and to preach optimism, rather than pessimism.

Lee's devotion to America extended beyond his religious beliefs. He had also served in political office, holding a position on the Salt Lake City Commission from 1932 to 1935. In this role, he was responsible for the Department of Streets and Public Improvements, where he ran an efficient operation and saved taxpayers a substantial amount of money.

Lee's faith in America was not just about his love for his country but also about his belief in the potential of its people, especially the youth. He encouraged young people to build upon the foundations laid by their pioneer ancestors and to play an active role in preserving the ideals and institutions of the nation.

In conclusion, Harold B. Lee's statement, "America will be saved by people who possess faith in her", reflects his deep-rooted faith in America and its people. He believed that by having faith in America and its divinely-appointed role, and by actively working to uphold its ideals and institutions, Americans could ensure the nation's success and longevity.

The US Constitution was established by God-inspired men

In a devotional at Ricks College in October 1973, Lee expressed his faith in America and its divinely appointed role. He acknowledged the challenges facing the nation, including natural disasters, crime, political disagreements, and social issues. Despite these trials, he declared, "this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail."

Lee saw America as a chosen land, a "cradle of humanity" where life on Earth began in the Garden of Eden. He believed that it was destined to be the site of the New Jerusalem and that it was favoured above all other nations. In his view, the founding fathers of the United States were "inspired" and "wise men whom God raised up" specifically for the purpose of establishing the Constitution.

Lee's patriotism and loyalty to the Constitution were evident in his teachings. He urged Americans to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution and to defend it at all costs. He saw the Constitution as a divinely inspired document that guaranteed liberty and protected the rights of citizens. He believed that the elders of his Church would play a crucial role in preserving it if it were ever in danger of being overthrown.

Lee's faith in America extended beyond its founding principles. He had confidence in the youth of America to build upon the foundations laid by their pioneer ancestors. He encouraged them to gird themselves with the "armor of peace" and to be a force for good in the world.

In conclusion, Harold B. Lee's teachings reflect his deep conviction that the US Constitution was established by God-inspired men. He saw America as a nation favoured by God and believed that its founding documents and principles were divinely inspired. He encouraged Americans to have faith in their country and to defend the Constitution, which he saw as essential to preserving liberty and freedom.

America is the cradle of humanity

In his address, "Have Faith in America", President Harold B. Lee, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, makes a compelling case for America as a chosen land and a cradle of humanity. He asserts that America is a nation founded on divine principles and blessed by God. Lee's sentiments echo a deep-rooted belief in American exceptionalism, which has been espoused by many religious and political leaders throughout the nation's history.

America, according to Lee, occupies a unique place in the divine plan. He states, "This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world." This belief in America's divine favor is a recurring theme in his address.

Lee's characterization of America as the "cradle of humanity" is intriguing and merits further exploration. While it is important to acknowledge that Lee's views are shaped by his religious convictions, his words reflect a deep sense of patriotism and optimism about America's future.

Firstly, Lee's assertion that America is the "cradle of humanity" suggests that he believes America to be the birthplace of humankind. This idea aligns with certain interpretations of religious texts, particularly those that place the Garden of Eden in North America. By connecting America to the Garden of Eden, Lee emphasizes the country's spiritual significance and its role in humanity's origin story.

Secondly, Lee's words convey a strong sense of American exceptionalism. He describes America as "the greatest country in all the world" and "the favored land." This sentiment is not unique to Lee; many American leaders have espoused similar beliefs throughout history, often invoking religious imagery and language to support their claims.

Lastly, Lee's address highlights the role of America's founding fathers and the Constitution in shaping the nation's destiny. He states, "God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution." By attributing divine inspiration to the nation's founding documents and leaders, Lee reinforces the idea that America is exceptional and favored by God.

In conclusion, while the phrase "cradle of humanity" may evoke images of ancient civilizations and traditional birthplaces of humankind, Lee's usage of this phrase reflects his religious beliefs and his interpretation of America's role in the divine plan. His address, "Have Faith in America," serves as a testament to his unwavering patriotism and optimism about America's future, rooted in his faith and belief in American exceptionalism.

It is worth noting that the concept of a "cradle of humanity" is typically associated with regions like East Africa, where significant fossil discoveries provide insights into human evolution and our ancient ancestors. However, Lee's religious perspective offers a different interpretation, emphasizing America's spiritual significance within the context of his faith.

America is the land of Zion

The idea of America as the "new Zion" has been a significant part of the nation's history and self-image. Following the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson attempted to tie the new nation to the biblical story of Exodus and the idea of redemption and freedom. This notion of America as a "blessed nation on a divine mission" has been a recurring theme in American politics and culture.

The concept of "restoration theology", which advocates for the return of Jews to their biblical lands as a precursor to the Second Coming of Christ, has also played a role in shaping American attitudes towards Zion and the Holy Land. This belief inspired the first American missionary activity in the Middle East and influenced early American support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

The Church of Latter-Day Saints, or Mormons, have also contributed to the idea of America as the land of Zion. They view Salt Lake City as the "new Jerusalem" and adopt much of the "Temple" literature and imagery in their practices.

In addition to its religious significance, the idea of Zion has also been linked to American patriotism and loyalty to the Constitution. President Harold B. Lee, who served as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1972 until his death in 1973, was a strong advocate of the Constitution and its attendant freedoms. He believed that America would be saved by the people who possessed faith in her and that the Constitution was established by wise men raised up by God.

The devotion of Americans of all faiths to the Holy Land extends beyond politics and religion into the spiritual realm. It has influenced American culture, patterns of faith, and education, and has left an indelible mark on the American landscape through the use of biblical place names.

The idea of America as the land of Zion is thus deeply embedded in the nation's history, culture, and self-image, shaping its political and diplomatic relationships with the State of Israel and influencing the beliefs and actions of its citizens.

America's youth must build on the foundations laid by their pioneer fathers

In his address at Ricks College in 1973, President Harold B. Lee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed his faith in America and its future. He urged Americans not to preach pessimism but to recognise their country as the greatest in the world, favoured by God, and destined to stand despite the trials and crises it may face.

Lee's words were a call to action for the youth of America, who he believed had a crucial role to play in preserving the nation's ideals and building upon the foundations laid by their pioneer forefathers. He saw the youth as being equipped with strong bodies, educated minds, and unshakeable faith—tools that would enable them to build a successful future for their country.

Lee's message emphasised the importance of faith in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness. He believed that faith in God and in America's destiny was essential for its citizens, especially the youth, to inspire them to action and guide them in their endeavours.

Lee's own life story exemplifies the power of faith and hard work. Born into a rural family in Idaho, he nearly died several times during his childhood but was saved by his mother's quick thinking and devotion. He received a good education, becoming a teacher at the age of eighteen and a principal at nineteen. Lee went on to serve in various leadership roles within the Church and in local politics before becoming the 11th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1972.

Lee's address at Ricks College was a rallying cry for America's youth, encouraging them to have faith in their country and themselves, and to strive to build a brighter future by emulating the dedication and sacrifice of their pioneer ancestors.

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