Benedict ArnoldA traitor is one who betrays the sacred trust of another, a cause, a faith, an employer, or a country. Traitors put avarice above charity, and reject the inner compass that helps one to distinguish right from wrong. Central characteristics of traitors are infidelity and selfishness. Traitors are motivated by greed, lust, and the hunger for power, praise, and social prominence.
General Benedict Arnold, the most infamous traitor in early American history, betrayed his country for wealth and power. Entrusted with military position and authority, he nonetheless prepared detailed plans to help the British capture the American garrison at West Point on the Hudson River. When his designs were uncovered, he deserted his rank in exchange for a general’s commission in the British army. Today, Arnold’s name is synonymous with treason, treachery, and sedition.
General Benedict Arnold, the most infamous traitor in early American history, betrayed his country for wealth and power. Entrusted with military position and authority, he nonetheless prepared detailed plans to help the British capture the American garrison at West Point on the Hudson River. When his designs were uncovered, he deserted his rank in exchange for a general’s commission in the British army. Today, Arnold’s name is synonymous with treason, treachery, and sedition.
Judas Iscariot
Though he belonged to an inner circle of trusted disciples, Judas Iscariot betrayed Our Savior with a pretended kiss for 30 pieces of silver.
Apostasy: Traitor’s next-of-kin
An apostate is someone who takes a vow or makes a covenant to follow and obey a religious affiliation, faith, or party, but who later vacates the same vows and covenants. Original promises, commitments, and contracts are not only violated, but the embittered apostate turns against his faith and realigns with its most acidic opponents.
The great American Prophet Joseph Smith was more concerned about traitors and apostates than his enemies. He said, “All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads” (History of the Church, 6:152).
Apostasy: Traitor’s next-of-kin
An apostate is someone who takes a vow or makes a covenant to follow and obey a religious affiliation, faith, or party, but who later vacates the same vows and covenants. Original promises, commitments, and contracts are not only violated, but the embittered apostate turns against his faith and realigns with its most acidic opponents.
The great American Prophet Joseph Smith was more concerned about traitors and apostates than his enemies. He said, “All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads” (History of the Church, 6:152).
George Hinkle, a convert to Mormonism from Kentucky and colonel in the Missouri Militia at Caldwell county, served in 1838 on the Missouri High Council of the Church. During the period of mob violence and armed conflict between Mormons and Missourians (Battle at Crooked River, Haun's Mill Massacre), Church leaders were anxious to end local hostilities. On October 31, 1838, Hinkle made a secret agreement with the Missouri mob and Militia leaders that would involve the surrender of Church leaders for trial and punishment, confiscation of Mormon private property, and eviction of Mormons from the State. Hinkle received $750 for delivering the Prophet Joseph Smith and his closest associates to 2,000 Missouri militiamen as "your prisoners" on the false pretense that only a peaceful discussion would take place. Later the same day, he went to the home of Joseph and Emma, took their possessions and horse, and forced Emma and the children to leave. After a hasty court marshall, Colonel Lucas ordered the execution of the Prophet, but General Alexander Doniphan refused to carry out the order. Joseph Smith and several followers were imprisoned without trial or justice--first at Richmand, and then at Liberty Jail, under cold and harsh conditions, until they escaped in April, 1839. Hinkle is remembered as the most treacherous traitor and apostate in Church history.
William Law, who had served as second counselor in the First Presidency with Joseph Smith, was removed for "unchristian-like conduct." Law dissented, apostatized from the Church, and then formed a conspiracy to kill the Prophet that indirectly led to the murders of Joseph and his brother Hyrum Smith at Carthage, Illinois, in June 1844. He was never tried for his crimes.
Today, many who openly attack the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaim former membership, pioneer heritage, or other relationships. Some may have served missions or entered into temple marriages. These are examples of promises and covenants once made but later discarded. For one reason or another, feelings may have been hurt. Temptation may have overcome, and behavior or conduct may have followed that is inconsistent with membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. The disenfranchised usually claim victimization; they often seek public affirmation by writing articles, books, by producing films or internet websites, or they participate in other forms of civil protest that are highly critical of the Church and its leadership. In common with the disreputable of times past, they too, have become apostates and traitors.
Marital Infidelity
A betrayal of marriage by one in whom the highest forms of love, intimacy, and trust have been confided, can be one of the most painful experiences in mortality. Infidelity disgraces and destroys the soul of the perpetrator, but lingering ramifications injure the innocent--especially if children are involved.
Traitors and apostates are many, because it is easier to turn against than to remain faithful, loyal, and committed to a faith, principle, benefactor, or partner.
William Law, who had served as second counselor in the First Presidency with Joseph Smith, was removed for "unchristian-like conduct." Law dissented, apostatized from the Church, and then formed a conspiracy to kill the Prophet that indirectly led to the murders of Joseph and his brother Hyrum Smith at Carthage, Illinois, in June 1844. He was never tried for his crimes.
Today, many who openly attack the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaim former membership, pioneer heritage, or other relationships. Some may have served missions or entered into temple marriages. These are examples of promises and covenants once made but later discarded. For one reason or another, feelings may have been hurt. Temptation may have overcome, and behavior or conduct may have followed that is inconsistent with membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. The disenfranchised usually claim victimization; they often seek public affirmation by writing articles, books, by producing films or internet websites, or they participate in other forms of civil protest that are highly critical of the Church and its leadership. In common with the disreputable of times past, they too, have become apostates and traitors.
Marital Infidelity
A betrayal of marriage by one in whom the highest forms of love, intimacy, and trust have been confided, can be one of the most painful experiences in mortality. Infidelity disgraces and destroys the soul of the perpetrator, but lingering ramifications injure the innocent--especially if children are involved.
Traitors and apostates are many, because it is easier to turn against than to remain faithful, loyal, and committed to a faith, principle, benefactor, or partner.
