Communism vs. United Order

Introduction

Communism and the United Order are often compared due to their shared emphasis on collective welfare and the elimination of poverty. However, these systems differ fundamentally in principles, implementation, and outcomes. Understanding these differences is crucial for those interested in aligning economic practices with spiritual and moral values.

Key Aspects/Points

Foundation and Motivation

Communism: Rooted in Marxist ideology, communism is a political and economic system advocating for the abolition of private property and the redistribution of wealth by the state. Its primary motivation is class struggle and economic equality.

United Order: Originating from divine revelation, the United Order is a religious and covenant-based system designed to promote consecration and stewardship. It emphasizes voluntary participation and personal accountability under the direction of God.

Ownership of Property

Communism: Private property is abolished, and all means of production are owned collectively by the state.

United Order: Private property remains intact, but participants voluntarily consecrate surplus resources to benefit the community, with stewardship responsibilities assigned to individuals.

Agency and Freedom

Communism: Often implemented through coercion, communism restricts individual freedoms to enforce equality.

United Order: Participation is entirely voluntary, respecting individual agency and moral accountability.

Role of Religion and Morality

Communism: Typically atheistic, communism seeks to replace religious influence with state ideology.

United Order: Deeply rooted in religious principles, the United Order seeks to elevate individuals spiritually while addressing temporal needs.

Outcomes

Communism: Historical implementations have often led to economic inefficiencies, loss of freedoms, and widespread poverty.

United Order: While not widely practised, the system aims for unity, self-reliance, and spiritual growth within a community.

Refuting Common Misunderstandings

"Both systems are the same." While both aim to reduce inequality, communism relies on state control and compulsion, whereas the United Order is based on voluntary consecration and stewardship.

"The United Order is impractical." The United Order is not meant to be a secular economic model but a divinely inspired system requiring faith, commitment, and spiritual maturity.

"Communism is inherently moral because it seeks equality." True morality respects agency and accountability, which are typically suppressed in communist regimes. The United Order achieves equality through love and sacrifice, not force.

The Spiritual Benefits

• Encourages selflessness and charity.
• Strengthens community bonds through mutual support.
• Promotes spiritual growth by aligning temporal practices with divine will.
• Teaches principles of stewardship and accountability before God.

Practical Steps

• Study the Principles: Learn about the United Order and its scriptural basis in Doctrine and Covenants.
• Practice Stewardship: Manage personal resources responsibly and seek ways to help others.
• Develop Charity: Cultivate a spirit of love and generosity in daily life.
• Strengthen Faith: Deepen your relationship with God to prepare for covenant-based living.
• Build Community: Foster unity and cooperation in your local congregation or neighbourhood.

Considerations

Communism and the United Order may appear similar on the surface, but they diverge significantly in philosophy, implementation, and outcomes. The United Order, grounded in divine principles, offers a system that respects agency, promotes spiritual growth, and fosters lasting equality through voluntary consecration.

Anarcho-Communism vs Communism vs United Order

Recently it was brought to my attention that there is a movement called "Anarcho-Communism" that has some of our younger generation swooning. This is another brand of evil that is masquerading as a viable form of "governance" that might rival the United Order.

Anarcho-Communism

Philosophy: Advocates for a stateless, classless society with voluntary cooperation and communal ownership of resources.

Key Principle: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

Implementation: Rejects all hierarchical structures, including the state and organized religion, emphasizing direct democracy and mutual aid.

Communism (Marxist)

Philosophy: Envisions a classless society achieved through the abolition of private property and the establishment of a state-controlled economy during a transitional socialist phase.

Implementation: Initially relies on a centralized state to oversee the transition to communism, eventually dissolving the state in the ideal phase.

The United Order

Philosophy: A religiously motivated system implemented by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to promote unity and eliminate poverty.

Key Principle: Voluntary consecration of resources under divine guidance, with stewardship over individual properties.

Thoughts on the Evils of Both Forms of Communism

The "true evil" critics see in Communism and Anarcho-Communism lies in their potential to suppress individual freedoms, distort human nature, and lead to widespread suffering under the guise of equality and justice. These systems often prioritize ideology over practical realities, resulting in outcomes that betray their noble intentions.