This is an analysis of a general conference talk given by Elder Oaks titled Opposition in All Things, where he warned against taking opposition against the church. There are important restraints upon our intermediate judgments, but the presumption of innocence is not one of them. 50 of The Best Talks of All Times From The General Conference of First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ Calls 164 New Mission Leaders 95 Best Quotes From The Laws of Human Nature, Top 45 Best Quotes from Grit by Angela Lee Duckworth, 34 Best Quotes From Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, Top 30 Quotes From Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Our own sins, no matter how few or seemingly insignificant, disqualify us as judges of other peoples sins. As described by an attorney supporting a Lutheran school in a case now before the United States Supreme Court, the big concern is the ability of people of all faiths to work out their relationship with God and one another without the government looking over their shoulder.10That is why we need understanding and supportincludingyourunderstanding and supportwhen we must contend for religious freedom. For example, we must all deplore murder or other terrorist behavior, even when done by extremists in the name of religion. 8, 11). We frequently update our Latter-day Saint history content related to Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, the Book of Mormon, and Come Follow Me 2023. I will speak first of the final judgment. Conference on-the Go: Dallin H. Oaks, Helping the Poor and Distressed, One Minute Scripture Study: A Come Follow Me Podcast. It will refrain from declaring that a person has forfeited all opportunity for exaltation or even all opportunity for a useful role in the work of the Lord. Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers. Opposition permits us to grow toward what our Heavenly Father would have us become. First,when believers in Jesus Christ take their views of truth into the public square, they must seek the inspiration of the Lord to be selective and wise in choosing which true principles they seek to promote by law or executive action. Clothed in a white robe, he descended out of heaven. . As the Apostle Paul taught, Christians should follow after the things which make for peace (Romans 14:19) and, as much as possible, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Helping the Poor and Distressed. This is essential whenever we attempt to act upon different standards than those of others with whom we must associateat home, at work, or in the community. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even half-conscious, Elder [Spencer W.] Kimball recoiled and implored: Please! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not attempt to isolate its members from alternate voices. Tolerance requires a similar refraining in our judgment of others. I turn now to the obligations of truth and tolerance in our personal relations with associates who use profanity in our presence, who live with a partner out of wedlock, or who do not observe the Sabbath day appropriately. Recently, the Church of Jesus Christ reported for the first time the extent of its humanitarian work worldwide; 2021 expenditures for those in need in 188 countries totaled $906 million, with members also volunteering over 6 million hours of labor. If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong,yoube the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone.14. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that the Holy Ghost comes a little at a time as you merit it. May God bless us that we may have that love and that we may show it in refraining from making final judgments of our fellowman. Faith is essential for healing by the powers of heaven. I testify to the sweetness of the marriage and family life that the family proclamation describes as founded upon a husband and wifes solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children and upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.. April 2022. Wherefore, take heed . The scripture is familiar. These include covenants and ordinances and repentance when our choices are wrong. I used the principle of forgiveness to strengthen me.[Journey to Healing, p. 22]. [Moroni 7:18]. For them, almost anything goes. Many even question whether there is a God. Oh Say, What Is Truth?Hymns,2002, no. The scriptures give a specific caution against judging where we cannot know all the facts. How can I keep my covenant to stand as a witness and not offend these people?13. I am responsible for my actions and what I do with my knowledge. All of the humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seek to follow the example of a righteous people described in the Book of Mormon: And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, and they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church (Alma 1:30). As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I seek to help you make right choices in a world that is increasingly polarized between belief and disbelief, between good and evil. The Lord obviously did not justify the womans sin. He is the author or co-author of many books and articles on religious and legal subjects. The parents have insisted that he not smoke in their home or in front of his younger siblings. 15. We all make judgments in choosing our friends, in choosing how we will spend our time and our money, and, of course, in choosing an eternal companion. Remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. We need to find ways to learn from one another and to reinforce the common commitments that hold us together and promote stable pluralistic societies.. There is no middle ground. Giving to those in need the poor and distressed is a principle in all Abrahamic religions, and in others as well. This is beyond what Latter-day Saints do in callings, in member-to-member service and individually with innumerable charitable organizations. We sing: Tho the heavens depart and the earth's fountains burst,Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst,Eternal, unchanged, evermore.1. . We also know that evil exists and that some things are simply, seriously, and everlastingly wrong. We call this quality of life spirituality. According to survey data of two decades ago, 79 percent of American adults [believed] that there are clear guidelines about whats good and evil that apply to everyone regardless of the situation.4In contrast, a more recent poll of college seniors suggests that three-quarters of [them] believe that the difference between right and wrong is relative.5. I am a survivor of childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team to help you come unto Christ. In another essay, William George Jordan wrote: There is but one quality necessary for the perfect understanding of character, one quality that, if[a]man have it, he maydare to judgethat is, omniscience. We meet on 9/11, the tenth anniversary of an event that has profoundly influenced our lives and thinking and will do so for many years to come. If you're aware of any talks available online that aren't listed here, please let me know. Oh Say, What Is Truth?Hymns,2002, no. Now we experience such differences in television and the Internet, through travel, and often in personal interactions in our neighborhoods and the marketplace. A gospel teacher, like the Master we serve, will concentrate entirely on those being taught. It is important to remember that the illumination and revelation that come to an individual as a result of the gift of the Holy Ghost do not come suddenly or without seeking. May we grow in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom I testify, as our Redeemer, our Creator, and our Savior. In an essay titled Sitting in the Seat of Judgment, the great essayist William George Jordan reminded us that character. We are to beinthe world, but notofthe world. Shocking reports of large-scale thievery and lying in civilized societies in the last two months suggest a moral vacuum in which many have little sense of right and wrong. While there are many things we must make judgments about, the sins of another or the state of our own souls in comparison to others seems not to be among them. The woman taken in adultery was granted time to repent, time that would have been denied by those who wanted to stone her. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. President Oaks shared four suggestions for shouldering religious freedom: (1) recognize that all need each other and are subject to law, (2) urge religious tolerance, (3) let the world know the good that religion does and (4) unite and find common ground to defend and promote religious liberty. [Moroni 7:1214]. But at the same time, the ancient language of symbolism and storytelling used within the temple has been outpaced by our reliance on fast-paced technology and instant Internet answers. First,all persons are brothers and sisters under God, taught within their various religions to love and do good to one another. To lighten the load of the bishopric, auxiliary presidencies and Melchizedek Priesthood quorum presidencies and group leaders need to exercise initiative and fully function in the great responsibilities of their callings. The Savior taught that one of the missions of the Comforter he would send would be to assist in judgment of the world by guiding the faithful into all truth (John 16:13; see also vv. All efforts begin with desire. That is why we make covenants. We should seek the guidance of the Spirit in our decisions. . I cannot change the past. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2022 general conference. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming. Along with the ascendancy of moral relativism, the United States is experiencing a disturbing reduction in overall public esteem for religion. Today we're diving into "Helping the Poor and Distressed" by Dallin H. Oaks. . We must, of course, make judgments every day in the exercise of our moral agency, but we must be careful that our judgments of people are intermediate and not final. You will need to understand how our efforts in the public square are informed by the balance between truth and tolerance. S2:E1 "Helping the Poor an. Elder Dallin H Oaks; sacrifice; sanity; self care; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; widow; March 2023 (1) February 2023 (2) Eric Rassbach, quoted in William McGurn, Religion and the Cult of Tolerance,The Wall Street Journal,16 August 2011, A11. . . As was wisely taught in a BYU devotional, The Lord does not grade on a curve. He will judge us in terms of qualities, not quotas (in Janet G. Lee, The Lord Doesnt Grade on a Curve,BYU 199495 Devotional and Fireside Speeches[Provo: Brigham Young University, 1995], pp. Whether or how we might seek to obtain laws that would compel or influence behavior that we deem desirable because of our belief in God and His commandments is too large a subject for adequate treatment in the concluding few minutes of my talk. November 04, 2022. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.15. Similar reasoning forbids our presuming to make final judgments on the outcome of any persons lifelong mortal contest. So it was that, at the conclusion of His ministry, Jesus prayed to the Father, Not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (John 17:15). In earlier times the Savior had declared, I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). For reasons we do not understand, we have different challenges in our mortal experiences. . As young adults, you may wonder why I am speaking to you about the principles we should follow when we seek government action, such as by the legislature. Since followers of Jesus Christ are commanded to be a leavennot to be taken out of the world, but to remain in itwe must seek tolerance from those who hate us for not being of the world. When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. In contrast to forbidding mortals to make final judgments, the scriptures require mortals to make what I will call intermediate judgments. These judgments are essential to the exercise of personal moral agency. Even He refrained from a final mortal judgment of the woman taken in adultery. Our relationship to God and the purpose of earth life are explained in terms of the family. On one occasion the Savior chided the people, Judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:57). . Second,when believers seek to promote their positions in the public square, their methods and their advocacy should always be tolerant of the opinions and positions of others who do not share their beliefs. It is forever associated with the Twin Towers. . Last update: May 2022. Then, even as the parents take protective measures pertaining to a regrettable situation, they need to maintain loving relations and encourage improved conduct by the precious person. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Oct. 2, 2021. . Many religious leaders teach the existence of God as the Ultimate Lawgiver, by whose action certain behavior is absolutely right and true and certain other behavior is absolutely wrong and untrue.6Bible and Book of Mormon prophets foresaw this time, when men would be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4) and, indeed, when men would deny God (see Jude 1:4; 2 Nephi 28:5; Moroni 7:17; D&C 29:22). But our obligation to truth has its own set of requirements and its own set of blessings. [Mosiah 4:1718, 22]. Perfect love is charity. The Need for a Church. . Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke in the October 2014 General Conference. Dallin H. Oaks quotes cover more than 30 years. . The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. I dont need to entertain thoughts of revenge. The Savior gave this same teaching on another occasion, when he said to the Pharisees, And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world (John 12:47). Howeverand here I express asecond absolute truththis living with differences is what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us we must do. They all come through the mercy and grace of the Holy One of Israel, after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23). Its approach, as counseled by the Prophet Joseph Smith, is to teach correct principles and then leave its members to govern themselves by personal choices. . What believers should do about this introduces the second of my twin subjects: Tolerance. . These 32 new mission presidents and companions were recently called to serve in Top 42 Quotes from Think Again by Adam Grant, Top 32 Best Quotes From Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, 20 Best Quotes From Melinda Gates New Book The Moment of Lift. They should always remember the Saviors teaching that we bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us] (Matthew 5:44). President Oaks talks cover topics like desire, repentance, and trust in the Lord. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency delivers the 2021 Joseph Smith Lecture in the Dome Room of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on Nov. 12, 2021. The bishop answered, You do nothing. Stephen L. Carter,The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivialize Religious Devotion(New York: BasicBooks, 1993), 225. We have a right to our preferences, our likes and dislikes, our impressions, our opinions, but we should withhold final judgmentas an honest unprejudiced juryman keeps his verdict in suspense until he has heard and tested all of the evidence. [vv. He loves us, and all that He does is for our eternal benefit. If you have doubts about this, or if you have questions about how to apply these principles in your own life, I urge you to seek guidance from the same source. In the process of what we call the Apostasy, the tangible, personal God described in the Old and New Testaments was replaced by the abstract, incomprehensible deity defined by compromise with the speculative principles of Greek philosophy. The Lord did not go into the kitchen and tell Martha to stop cooking and come listen. Divine Love in the Father's Plan. I express them as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, but I believe that most of these ideas are shared by believers generally. First: Truth. . Learn more about the Dallin H. Oaks biography, In the Hands of the Lord. The Book of Mormon tells of the resurrected Lord visiting some of the people of the Americas. Professor Parry observed: Quite literally, they were measured by their own standards and found wanting. The Book of Mormon teaches that every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil;Links:Our General Conference talk schedule: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/conference-on-the-go-episode-list/The Conference Talk checklist: https://bit.ly/3eHJGEIThis weeks phone wallpaper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9cJGCePDNy9ccHnDzVrzkxkf4UXnJ4_/view?usp=sharingHelping the Poor and Distressed by Dallin H. Oaks By Intellectual Reserve, Inc.This material is neither made, provided, approved, nor endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe that the scriptural command to judge not refers most clearly to this final judgment, as in the Book of Mormon declaration that man shall not . . . From our love of God and our fellowmen, we acquire our desire to share that great gift with everyone. Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ. He simply told her that he did not condemn herthat is, he would not pass final judgment on her at that time. kristen meredith mcmain oaks agered gomphrena globosa magical properties 27 februari, 2023 . We grow and mature spiritually by choosing to obey Gods commandments in a succession of right choices. Why, oh, why couldnt the Lord have said, Youre absolutely right, Martha. He declared, I have many things to say and to judge of you (John 8:26) and For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see (John 9:39). The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change. Thus, we must refrain from making final judgments on people, because we lack the knowledge and the wisdom to do so. Reverent and Clean. We should be strong in keeping the commandments and our covenants, and we should repent and improve when we fall short. . As Latter-day Saints use the words saved and salvation, there are at least six different meanings. That is the spirit of the two-sided coin of truth and tolerance. All of this is part of Gods work for His children., Jesus Christ is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world(John 1:9). Modern revelation shows that our first parents understood the necessity of the Fall. Our Savior also taught that His followers will have tribulation in the world, that their numbers and dominions will be small (see 1 Nephi 14:12), and that they will be hated because they are not of the world (John 17:14). The talk was timely, according to political and legal sources, because while politicians, pundits and social media . It will refrain from declaring that a person has been assured of exaltation or from dismissing a person as being irrevocably bound for hellfire. 3 Apr 2016 Opposition in All Things General . Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. . Profanity is profoundly offensive to those who worship the God whose name is desecrated. In our eternal journey, the resurrection is the mighty milepost that signifies the end of mortality and the beginning of immortality. He is the way and He is the light because His teachings light our path in mortal life and show us the way back to the Father. I begin with our personal conduct, including the teaching of our children. Whats in the Relief Society General Board Minutes? On Sabbath observance, Latter-day Saints know that we are taught to observe the Sabbath day in a different way than many other Christians. But I can change the future. The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort., With partners worldwide, the Church shares the common goal of relieving suffering. The following is a summary of what he said. Did you enjoy these Dallin H. Oaks quotes? October 1985, Sunday morning session. Last year, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was invited to participate in Indiana. . I wonder if persons who cannot handle an honest mistake without abusing the actor can stand up to having their own mistakes judged by so severe a standard. The doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Law of Reproduction: (#13) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by Top 50 Quotes From The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Top 23 Best Quotes from Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance. Learn how your comment data is processed. Church leaders are specifically commanded to judge. His creations witness His existence, and His servants hear and proclaim His voice. I love that truth that although I need to evaluate situations . I will, therefore, limit myself to describing four paramount principles that should govern such an effort. Sorrow that the eye cant see. Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels. The Law of The Big Mo (#16) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Coronavirus: la Chiesa di Ges Cristo dei Santi degli Ultimi Giorni Sta Aiutando Top 40 Best Quotes from The Gift of Imperfection by Bren Brown. We should be ruled by the demands of truth. 2022. President Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was invited to speak at the Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit on July 20. The theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family. Ye shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:1516); and Go ye out from among the wicked (D&C 38:42). I love the words in Susan Evans McClouds familiar hymn: Who am I to judge another What Did the Founding Fathers Think about the Bible? to judge the world; if it were, we would ruin everything. I will not be judged for what happened to me, but I will be judged by how I let it affect my life. Another thoughtful LDS member wrote: In Mosiah 18:9 Alma tells us that when we are baptized we covenant to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in. . Currently, he is the second most senior apostle by years of service and is . BachArranged by: Michel Rondeau (trumpet)Performers: Marthe Jobidon (trumpets), Eric Vaillancourt . Many of our challenges are different from those faced by former pioneers but perhaps just as dangerous and surely as significant to our own salvation and the salvation of those who follow us. How should we react toward and communicate with them? Third, to be righteous, an intermediate judgment must be within our stewardship. Provo, Utah 84602, Simon, I Have Somewhat to Say unto Thee: Judgment and Condemnation in the Parables of Jesus. It is significant that when we partake of the sacrament we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. I leave all that to the Lord. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives. You cannot possess or use the coin of tolerance without being conscious of both sides. In such circumstances we do the best we can, relying ultimately on the teaching in modern scripture that we should put our trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do goodyea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously (D&C 11:12). Many good, religious-minded . In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. This is shaping the attitudes of many young Americans who are taking their places as the teachers of our children and the shapers of public attitudes through the media and popular entertainment. A loving Heavenly Father gives us those feelings to impel us to help His children. I am very t`hankful that it is not our province . April 1985, Sunday afternoon session. To this day I am thankful that both of us were spared the embarrassment that might have occurred had I given vent to a judgment made without knowing the facts. President Oaks address can be read on the Church Newsroom website. We must go, I believe, beyond tolerance if we are to achieve harmony in our world., Relying on the teachings of the Quran, Dr. Shihab continued: We must respect this God-given dignity in every human being, even in our enemies. as the daylight is from the dark night. cannot be judged as dress-goodsby a yard or so of sample unrolled from a bolt on the counter. Christian believers are under command to love their neighbors (see Luke 10:27), to forgive (see Matthew 18:2135), and to do good to those who despitefully use them (see Matthew 5:44). [The Journey to Healing,Ensign,September 1997, p. 19]. We can acknowledge the sincerity of those whose positions we cannot accept. Those of us with more of Martha than of Mary in us . [William George Jordan, Sitting in the Seat of Judgment,The Crown of Individuality(New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1909), pp. Ensign, Nov. 1998, 70-72 Dallin H. Oaks, "Priesthood Authority in the Family and the Church," Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 24-27 Richard G. Scott, "To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse," Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 40-43 LDS Family Services courses Strengthening Marriage and Strengthening the Family