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Taken in isolation, these statements would seem to support the Positive Law Theory. Q: Are we then to teach our families to believe (as the Positivists) that whatever role the government plays, it is the obligation of all faithful Latter-day Saints to dutifully obey? Q: Wouldn't this Positivist interpretation conflict with numerous other gospel teachings and scriptural rebellions in the Book of Mormon where they rebelled against wicked Kings (such as King Noah)? A misunderstanding of the 12th Article of Faith may lead many faithful Latter-day Saints to suppose that we are under an absolute duty to uphold all laws or governments no matter how brutal, ruthless or totalitarian they might be. Obviously Alma and his followers were not adherents of the Positive Law Theory of justice when they rebelled against a wicked and tyrannical king.

⁠— Armon Eaton