In a discussion in my Institute class yesterday about
detecting and avoiding the deceptions of the devil we discussed some current
political trends concerning the free exercise of religion. Well, as “luck”
would have it (if you believe in luck :-)) Elder Oaks just happened to give a
talk about this very subject this week at the BYU-Idaho Devotional! What luck,
eh? Anyway, here is the transcript of the talk: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/witnesses-of-god
I HIGHY recommend it to you as we all strive to appropriately
navigate these sensitive issues.
Here are a few highlights I pulled out that I think are very
apropos to our day and time:
- “We can neglect simple basic truths because we assume they are
understood by all, but they are not. We must stress the fundamental truths on which our beliefs are based.- Those who have used human reasoning to supersede divine influence in their lives have diminished themselves and cheapened civilization in the process.
- We should also assert ourselves against the current trend to refrain from religious references... As believers, we have a duty to preserve the name and influence of God and Christ in our conversations, our lives and our culture.
- A second thing believers can do to stand as witnesses of God is to support public recognition of the blessings of God.
- My third suggestion of what we can do to be better witnesses of God is to contend for the free exercise of religion.
- We should press officials in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of governments to honor the constitutionally guaranteed free exercise of religion.
- the guarantee of “free exercise” protects the right to come out of our private settings, including churches, synagogues and mosques, to act upon our beliefs, subject only to the legitimate government powers necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare. Free exercise surely protects religious citizens in acting upon their beliefs in public policy debates and in votes cast as citizens or as lawmakers.
- We need to support the coalitions of religious leaders and God-fearing people who are coming together to defend our nation’s traditional culture of belief in God and the acknowledgement of His blessings.
- we have a solemn religious duty to be witnesses of God. We must affirm our religious faiths, unite to insist upon our constitutional right to the free exercise of our religions and honor their vital roles in establishing and preserving and prospering this nation.
- The consequence of our failing to speak out as witnesses of God are evident in our Savior’s teaching about the salt that has “lost its savour.” Mixed with other substances — just as we can be diluted by the values of the world — it loses its unique influence on the mixture of the mass.
- We must retain our savour by living our religion and by asserting ourselves as witnesses of God. When we do so, we associate ourselves with those who will enjoy the ultimate victory of truth and righteousness, when “every knee shall bow . . . and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11) and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we worship and whose servants we are.”
Also, FYI - Last September, the Church released several materials that promote religious freedom, including a MormonNewsroom.org topic page with videos, as well as a Support Religious Freedom Facebook page. The Church believes religious freedom is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people, allowing them to think, express and act upon what they deeply believe.
