Mosque and State in Iran

Joseph Smith, the first modern prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was once asked how he was able to govern such a large people as the Mormons had become in Illinois before they were driven out. He said, "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves." Too bad the Ayatollahs in Iran don't have that confidence in their own followers.

It's a basic tenet of Mormon belief, as well as a logical conclusion, that freedom, including freedom to worship or not, is an essential part of the justice of God. How could he judge us for things we had no choice in? That's about as fundamental a concept as there is, it seems to me. Why then do so many religions seem to slip into totalitarian mode?

Could it be, . . . hmmmm . . . SATAN!? Probably yes, but I think it has a lot to do with human greed and hunger for power, as well. The only power any church or religion should have is to disfellowship or excommunicate its members, which is the same power any association has. If religious leaders think they need the power to chop off hands, noses, ears and heads to enforce morality, I'd say they've failed as teachers and preachers, and that God is not with them.