Final answer:
Those preparing to join the Church could have been charged with treason, a crime defined by the U.S. Constitution as levying war against the country or aiding its enemies.
Step-by-step explanation:
By proffering loyalty to God, those who were preparing to join the Church could have been charged with treason and sentenced to death. To be guilty of treason, individuals had to take a serious and tangible action, such as making war against the government or supporting enemies of the state. In the United States, the Constitution defines treason as levying war against the country, or adhering to its enemies by providing them aid and comfort. To convict someone of treason, there must be testimony from two witnesses to the same overt act or the individual must confess in open court. The penalty for treason can range from imprisonment and fines to the death penalty.
The historical context of this definition can be seen in the case of religious figures such as Joseph Smith, who faced charges of treason for actions perceived as a threat to the state, such as the destruction of a critical newspaper's printing press. The interpretation and enforcement of treason have often been influenced by political and religious tensions, as evidenced by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants during the Reformation period.