LDS Church Economic Philosophy: Self-Reliance Principles

LDS Perspective

The economic philosophy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding self-reliance is rooted in the doctrine of agency and the principle that individuals are stewards over earthly blessings. The Church teaches that God has given each person the agency to act for themselves and has made them accountable as stewards over the resources He has provided (D&C 104:13, 17). As President Marion G. Romney explained, the earth is full with "enough and to spare," and the Lord has given unto the children of men "to be agents unto themselves." This stewardship requires individuals to use their intelligence, ingenuity, and labor to improve their temporal circumstances, living by the divine mandate that "in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread" (Genesis 3:19). Self-reliance is not me

Historical Perspective

The LDS Church's economic philosophy regarding self-reliance is rooted in a theological framework that integrates temporal and eternal welfare as inseparable components of salvation. As LDS historian Leonard J. Arrington documented, "Among the Mormons, things temporal have always been important along with things eternal, for salvation in this world and the next is seen as one and the same continuing process of endless growth." This theological foundation establishes that "Building Zion, a literal Kingdom of God on earth, has therefore meant an identity of religious and economic values," wherein Latter-day Saint scriptures explicitly call for "unity, welfare, and economic independence" in the daily affairs of the Kingdom. This doctrine positions economic self-reliance not merely as practica