Introduction
Gene Sharp’s ideas on political defiance have influenced many. But what if we could expand his ideas to include a spiritual dimension? Imagine a combination of Libertarian Socialism, what we added to Sharp’s political defiance theory in our last blog post, Participatory Democracy, and spirituality. For the spiritual components, we’ll look at a 19th Century discontinued practice of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints called the United Order[1]. Let’s delve into what this combination might look like.
Voluntary Participation
The United Order was always meant to be a voluntary system based on cooperation and mutual respect. This principle is emphasized in Doctrine and Covenants section 104:1, stating that everyone should “be united according to the laws” of the Order. This voluntary participation fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Collective Ownership and Stewardship
The United Order promotes the principle of collective ownership or consecration. This concept, discussed in detail in various sections of Doctrine and Covenants, encourages shared stewardship of resources. It’s a principle that fosters equality and mutual support, as reflected in numerous stories and speeches from early Church leaders.
Localized Decision-Making
The United Order was established in specific communities, led by bishops or other leaders. This localization principle, as discussed in Doctrine and Covenants, encourages decision-making at the community level. It’s a principle that fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.
Self-Sufficiency
Early Latter-day Saints were encouraged to be self-sufficient, producing goods and services within their communities. This principle of self-sufficiency, as reflected in speeches by leaders like Brigham Young and Doctrine and Covenants, fosters independence and resilience.
Helping People in Need
The United Order aimed to eliminate poverty and provide for all needs. This principle of caring for those in need is discussed extensively in Doctrine and Covenants. It’s a principle that fosters compassion and solidarity.
Spiritual and Moral Foundation
The United Order is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, providing a solid spiritual and moral foundation. This spiritual foundation fosters a sense of purpose and moral integrity. This can be found in Doctrine and Covenants and general teachings on charity and unity in the scriptures.
Conclusion: A New Vision for the United Order
In conclusion, an expanded version of the United Order, based on the principles of Revolutionary Nonviolence, would emphasize voluntary participation, collective ownership, localized decision-making, self-sufficiency, care for people in need, and strong spiritual and moral foundations. By promoting egalitarianism and focusing on shared stewardship of resources, we could significantly reduce the hierarchical structures found in other economic systems. This vision for the United Order offers a hopeful and practical model for building more equitable and compassionate communities.
Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on enriching political defiance with spiritual dimensions, which will form the foundation of our upcoming discussion and evolution of Sharp’s concept of political defiance we will call Defiant Egalitarian Communalism. Let’s continue to learn and grow together in our quest for a more equitable and compassionate world.
[1] The United Order, according to the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, was a system of cooperative living and economic organization practiced by early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established by Joseph Smith, Jr., it aimed to promote social and economic equality among the members by having them consecrate their property to the Church and share resources. The Order was based on principles of self-sufficiency and stewardship, with participants taking responsibility for their and their community’s needs. The United Order was practiced in several Latter-day Saint communities in the 19th century. Still, it was gradually discontinued due to legal and economic challenges, as well as the evolving needs of the Church.
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