On Protection – Sunday, March 10, 1946
There are some words that take on cherished meaning for us, some words the very sound of which is sweet to recall—so much so, that we are often inclined to accept them at face value, without questioning whether or not they have other meanings, other implications. And one such word is the word “protection.” From our first remembrance of being encircled safely within the loving arms of a loving mother—safely away from the world and all its cares—the word has been of cherished memory. To lie down at night, secure in the feeling that there are those who watch, adds sweetness to our sleep.
To be protected from the blasts of winter by the warm walls of a solid home adds yet greater meaning to the word. To be protected in our rights, our privileges, our property, is a blessing beyond price. But there was never anything good or desirable in this world but what someone tried to overdo it, or misuse it, or exploit it—and protection is no exception. For example, something of the sweetness of the word is lost when protection of a kind that isn’t wanted is offered at a price that no one wants to pay, at a time when little or no choice is given—protection such as that offered by the gangster or the racketeer— protection against a danger that doesn’t exist, but which will be made to order if necessary. For another example, we have the reminder of recent history in which perhaps no country was invaded, no domain violated, except for the alleged protection of those who were being overrun—and the world has had cause to weep for those who were so protected.
Often with the best of motives, and sometimes with ulterior motives, there are would-be protectors who become too protective. And sometimes men have become so enamored of the idea of protection that they have in fact lost their freedom, have lost their right to bargain, have stripped themselves of the power of decision where their own interests are concerned. In such cases their protectors have, in fact, become their masters, and the question often follows: Who then will protect them against their protectors? Even the protection of heaven would not be desirable if men were enslaved there. And such considerations we would do well ever to keep in mind, lest we permit ourselves to be misled by good words that have had false meanings thrust upon them.
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station K S L and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, Mar. 10, 1946. Copyright 1946.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
March 10, 1946
Broadcast Number 0,864