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Conspiracy Nation -- Vol. 8 Num. 14
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("Quid coniuratio est?")
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SECRET COMBINATIONS -- II
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- The Book of Mormon* contains many references to what it calls
"secret combinations". Here is an article on secret
combinations, taken from the *Encyclopedia of Mormonism* (vol.
3) by Editor Daniel H. Ludlow. (New York: Macmillan, 1992, pp.
1290-1291). Note that I am not a Mormon and that I neither
necessarily agree nor disagree with either all or parts of their
religious and other beliefs. I will say, however, that viewed as
an historical text, describing events reaching far back in time,
- The Book of Mormon* is worth looking into.
- = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = -
In latter-day scriptures, secret combinations are groups of
conspirators who plot and initiate "works of darkness" for evil
and selfish purposes. Secret combinations have existed since the
days of Cain (Moses: 5:51). Satan is their author (2 Ne.
26:22), power and gain are their motives (Ether 8:15, 25), and
conspiracy is their method of operation (Hel. 6:22-24). Secret
combinations may be brotherhoods, groups, societies, or
governments. They operate in secrecy to perform evil acts for
the purpose of gaining power over the minds and actions of
people.
As the enemies of honest men and women governed by the rule of
law, such secret combinations seek to subvert public virtue and
legally constituted authority. They defile, defraud, murder,
deceive, and destroy the elements of good government, religious
or secular. Their goal is to seize power and to rule over all
the people (3 Ne. 6:27-30), which results in the destruction of
human freedom and agency and the paralysis of peaceful and just
communities.
Secret combinations and their practices have a scriptural and
historic tradition that extends from the days of Cain's secret
covenant with Satan to modern times. Members of these Satanic
combinations are bound by secret oaths and covenants. The Devil
proclaims, initiates, and sustains these combinations and their
conspiratorial practices (Moses 5:29-33, 47-52).
In the Book of Mormon, several secret combinations challenged
governments ruled by the "voice of the people" or by righteous
kings. They were a continuing threat to the Jaredites, who
succumbed eventually to their power. Later, they were a threat
to the Nephite and Lamanite nations when the Gadianton
combinations, over a period of many years, challenged the
constitutional authorities and eventually seized power. The
concerted effort of the whole populace later defeated the
Gadiantons, but others rose in their place. The Book of Mormon
details the tactics and strategies of the Gadiantons, mentions a
variety of counter-measures, and shows that a secret combination
was responsible for the final downfall of the Nephites (Hel.
2:13-14, Ether 8:21; see also Book of Mormon: Helaman and Book
of Mormon: 3 Nephi).
In the contemporary world, secret combinations take various forms
and operate at different levels of society. They are expressed
in organized crime and in religious, economic, and political
conspiracies. The Lord has warned that secret combinations will
be present in modern society (D&C 38:29; Ether 8:20-25). They
threaten freedom everywhere. However, Latter-day Saints believe
that secret combinations and their practices can be overcome, but
only through righteous living and full support of honest
government.
Secret combinations are often referred to in latter-day
scripture, particularly in the book of Moses and the Book of
Mormon. In the Doctrine and Covenants [D&C], this term describes
those who have conspired against the Saints (D&C 42:64). It does
not appear in the Bible, but the equivalent "conspiracy" is used
at least ten times.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hillam, Ray C. "The Gadianton Robbers and Protracted War." BYU
Studies 15 (Winter 1975):215-24.
Meservy, Keith H. "Gadiantonism and the Destruction of
Jerusalem." In *The Pearl of Great Price: Revelations from
God*, ed. H.D. Peterson and C. Tate, pp. 171-95. Provo, Utah,
1989.
Peterson, Daniel C. "The Gadianton Robbers as Guerrilla
Warriors." In *Warfare in the Book of Mormon*, ed. S. Ricks and
W. Hamblin, pp. 146-73. Salt Lake City, 1990.
"Secret Combinations." F.A.R.M.S. Update (Oct. 1989).
Ray C. Hillam
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