Dear Gramps,

One brother in our High Priest group always wants to contend with others when they use the term ‘Free Agency’ in a lesson or discussion. I know that the term is not used scripturally, but it has been use in talks and writings by many General Authorities, even over the pulpit. When used is the term wrong? Where did it generate from? If the term is incorrect why do General Authorities and others use it? I have not looked for the term in any of your categories. You don’t have a category for Agency or Free Agency. Please help.

Blaine, from Kaysville, Utah

Dear Blaine,

It’s true that we don’t’ have a category for free agency on the Ask Gramps site, but if you will access the site, there is a box on the right titled “Search Ask Gramps.” If you will write in the words, free agency and click on ‘Search’, you will pull up a dozen articles treating the subject. But nevertheless, let’s take a look at your specific questions.

In the first place, what does free agency mean? What is a free agent? In the sports world a free agent is an athlete who may act as his own representative in negotiating such things as salary and affiliation. Free agency used in the spiritual sense connotes individual responsibility for one’s actions, as a free agent in the sports world represents himself and is therefore responsible for the actions taken and decisions made.

The term is certainly not wrong when used by a General Authority of the Mormon Church, and it is currently and frequently used by many of them. The term free agency in the Mormon Church generally refers to moral agency, which term is indeed used in the scriptures—

And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you–According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. (D&C 101:76-78)

Gramps