Review

Title: How to Save the Constitution – Restoring the Principles of Liberty
Author: Paul B. Skousen and W. Cleon Skousen
Publisher: Izzard Ink Publishing
Genre: Nonfiction
Year Published: 2019
Number of Pages: 241
Binding: Paperback
ISBN10: n/a
ISBN13: 978-1-64228-051-7
Price: $22.95

Reviewed by Tristi Pinkston for the Association for Mormon Letters

Growing up, I heard my parents talking about a certain prophecy by Joseph Smith—one where he said, and I paraphrase, that the Constitution would hang by a thread, and that the elders of Israel would step forward and save it at the last day. This was known as the White Horse prophecy, and I accepted it along with the other Smith prophecies without questioning it. It wasn’t commonly taught—in fact, I don’t recall ever hearing it referenced at church—but friends and family would sometimes bring it up at gatherings, and over time, I began to hear the veracity of this prophesy challenged. Had Joseph Smith really made that claim? What if he’d been misquoted, and we had believed something false all these years?

One day, a friend said to me, “What do you think, Tristi? Was that a real prophecy? Did Joseph Smith really say the Constitution would hang by a thread?”

I replied, “Does it matter so much if he did or didn’t say it? Either way, it’s coming true—the Constitution is hanging by a thread right at this moment, and we’d better get ready for whatever happens next.” I didn’t say this to downplay the importance of a prophecy, but rather, to point out that the time for speculation is over. It’s time to gear up for whatever we’re called upon to do next.

When the opportunity to review How to Save the Constitution was presented to me, I happily volunteered. I’ve indicated before that the Skousens held a special place in my father’s heart, and now in mine. I was eager to see their perspectives on this curious revelation.

And I came away surprised.

This book doesn’t mention Joseph Smith or white horses. Instead, it breaks down the actual process of what will need to happen in order to save the Constitution, steps that can and should be taken by every patriotic American regardless of their gender or religion. The book is written from a clear Christian standpoint, but without limiting that Christianity to just one denomination. It takes a clear and logical approach to understanding our country’s founding documents (which are included in the back of the book, so we have no excuse not to read them) and the principles upon which they were written. It goes on to discuss how a solid moral foundation is absolutely critical to maintaining those principles and how that foundation has been eroded over time. It then concludes by calling us to action—what have we done and what will we do in our own lives and communities in defense of these principles?

That was the part that surprised me, but pleasantly so. It’s all very well and good to educate ourselves on a topic—and this book does that. No question—but the real litmus test is how the reader takes that information and turns it into action. Step by step, Skousen and Skousen show us what we must do as individuals to play our own part in the saving of the Constitution because truly, it’s not something that could be accomplished without many, many voices being lifted and many hands being raised. We will each have an important part to play.

The book is broken down into parts, or “steps,” as the authors call them.

Step 1 – Who, What, When, Where, Why, How? This step explains exactly what we’re fighting to protect and who will do that saving.

Step 2 – Learn the Basic Principles of Liberty. Here we discuss people’s law and the importance of having a strong local government to support its pillars. As I read this segment, I felt this was information often misrepresented in school—there are elements and principles to the proper functioning of a system of law that don’t seem to be generally understood. I was grateful for the chance to read it all presented in this easy-to-digest way.

Step 3 – Restore the Moral Code. This was probably my favorite part. In order for anything of lasting value to be created, there is a moral code involved in its creation, whether it be based in a specific religion or not. When the Constitution was framed, the Founding Fathers relied on their own strong Christian moral code to give them their foundation. In this segment, we identify that code, see how it relates to our topic, and then discuss how we must return to those principles if we are to succeed in saving the document.

As I read this segment, I was struck by the realization that yes, these morals come from the Bible and are religious in nature. However, they are equally applicable to those who don’t adhere to one religion because these are morals that apply to being a good human being—honesty, integrity, fairness, and so forth. These principles bring us together and create a common ground for us all, a starting point for our unity in our fight to preserve our freedom. In fact, if we do not come together as persons of different religions to fight for our freedoms, we could see those rights be taken away and thereby lose our diversity of religion.

Step 4 – Restore the Written Law. We are encouraged to read the original documents for ourselves (included at the end of the text) and see for ourselves what they contain. I have to say, I don’t know a great many people who have actually done this. We’re taught about the different amendments and so forth in school, but how many of us have taken the time to read each line and analyze it for ourselves? Or have we relied on summaries for our knowledge of the contents? I admit, I’m guilty of being a slothful scholar in this regard, but this book has shaken me awake. We can’t defend something if we only believe it in theory but don’t have personal knowledge of what it actually is.

The remainder of this segment discusses restoring the authority of the written law. I appreciated the use of “authority.” Our laws should carry weight. They should be respected. We must give them that governing authority or what good could they possibly do us?

Step 5 – Restore Economic Liberty. This was another favorite segment. I know that debt is a crushing burden—I’ve experienced it on a personal level and I know the tremendous load the country carries. However, it took reading this book for me to draw the direct correlation between our nation’s debt and the fact that we aren’t really a free nation until that debt is paid. It should have been more obvious to me before—I know how shackled I feel when I have an unmet obligation. I know how liberated I feel when I pay off a bill that has been hovering over me. When we owe someone else money, they have a certain amount of control over us, and as long as we as a nation are in debt, we are not autonomous, as our Founding Fathers desired for us. We’re taught in this segment some important keys for attaining personal financial independence and what the nation must do to achieve it as well.

Step 6 – Restoring Virtue. This segment takes the discussion of the moral code up a notch and makes it very personal for each of us. As I read, I began to think, Where do I really stand on these values? Where would I rate myself, and how can I improve? Am I all in when it comes to defending our freedoms, or am I content to say a few pretty words and consider that my contribution? My personal introspection was my greatest takeaway from this part. Of course a discussion about liberty has global implications, but every conviction must come from deep within or it’s not really a conviction. I was impressed by how the responsibility for this fight was brought back to us as individuals.

Step 7 – Just Start Here we are—taking action, just as I mentioned to my friend years ago. The time for speculation is over. We’ve educated ourselves, we’ve determined where we stand, and now it’s time to do something about it. In this segment, we read quotes from people living in communities all over the nation who share what they are doing to further the cause of freedom and stand for the Constitution. Some of these people have written books or started radio shows. Others have taken quieter approaches by joining the PTA and helping choose education formats for students. A list of suggestions is provided of things you can do based on your ability and circumstance. The truth is, every effort you make is valuable. Every bit of knowledge you share, every bit of education you spread.

It’s no secret that we’re living in politically tumultuous times. The ship we’re on is rocking back and forth, and we’re getting tossed from side to side. We must plant our feet and hang on to something solid if we’re to avoid going overboard, and the Constitution is that solid support. With the help of this easy-to-understand book, I feel better equipped to hang on and endure the crashing waves.