Alleged Secret Combinations in The Modern World
During the Cold War, LDS Apostle Ezra Taft Benson repeatedly described communism as a secret combination. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie claimed that "eliable modern reports describe their existence among gangsters, as part of the governments of communist countries, in some labor organizations, and even in some religious groups." LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard described secret combinations as including "gangs, drug cartels, and organized crime families. ... They have secret signs and code words. They participate in secret rites and initiation ceremonies. Among their purposes are to 'murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God.'" LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley compared modern terrorists to the "Gadianton robbers, a vicious, oath-bound, and secret organization bent on evil and destruction."
Ezra Taft Benson also stated in the November 1988 edition of the Ensign) in an article entitled "I Testify", that "A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world."
Read more about this topic: Secret Combination (Latter Day Saints)
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