EZRA TAFT BENSON
The quotation about the relationship of the government and the people is from a famous veto message of Grover Cleveland—see {563567}. Unlike some other religious organizations which seek and sometimes pressure government for funds with which they can administer welfare and other needed social services, the Mormons are strong advocates of the separation of church and state. They fund their own extensive set of social services and as this quote illustrates even discourages their members from participating in Government social programs.
The issue of women working or homemaking has been in controversy for the last century. This quotation illustrates the classic view that was held not only by Mormons but other denominations and even some secular advocates of the importance of a full time homemaker for the upbringing of children. Nonetheless, the economic pressure, together with changing notions of gender equality, have a larger and larger proportion of women working outside the home. Historically, this has been more common in poorer families but currently is common in middle and upper class families.
Ezra Taft Benson was an American farmer, government official, and religious leader who served as the 15th United States Secretary of Agriculture during both presidential terms of Dwight D. Eisenhower and as the 13th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1985 until his death in 1994.
