Joining the Conversation

I'd set aside this time to study my scriptures. Instead, I got caught up reading my email. Of course. But I get a google news daily update of the news articles involving "mitt romney" and today's came with a torturous Reuters article, in which one of Romney's former roommates at BYU (someone named Moody; probably a blood relative of mine) reveals that Mitt and other Mormons have sworn to obey the prophet, who is directly directed by Jesus Christ, and that this oath is unreconcilable with what Mitt promises: to be a president not directed by his religious leaders.

Though I certainly wouldn't use words like "swear" ("covenant" is more my style, with its different level of thoughtfulness and wholeheartedness) and while I would clarify that our covenants are not with the prophet but are, in fact, with God, I more specifically want to say this: if criticizers are concerned (even inasmuch as it's false or unnuanced) that Mitt says that he will obey the prophet and that that saying (the swearing, the covenanting) grows out of a Mormon doctrine, then they should also be reassured that LDS church leaders, the prophet included, have said (which, for them, also rises to the level of promise) that they will not interfere with political leaders who are LDS, which thing is supported by the also doctrinal Mormon tenent that God's true church does not use anything but persuasion of the general citizenry to affect government.

Yes? See?

And now, more importantly, to my scripture study.

We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. [...]

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--

Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.

D&C 121: 39, 41-43