He can make the judgments and the punishments. Copyright 2017-2023 Kurt Manwaring, All Rights Reserved. 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. I love the words in Susan Evans McClouds familiar hymn: Who am I to judge another Like a sword, sharp and powerful, it uncovers what is hidden, divides truth from error, and goes to the heart of religious belief. The subject was the sacrament, and the class was being taught by the bishop. Jesus Christ has the power to prescribe the conditions we must fulfill to qualify for the blessings of His Atonement. A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. Learn more about the Dallin H. Oaks biography, In the Hands of the Lord. Our tolerance and respect forothersand theirbeliefsdoes not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. He is our Savior, and He reaches out to each of us with the timeless invitation to receive His peace by learning of Him and by walking in His way (see D&C 19:23): Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. After the class, one of them came to me and apologized that she hadnt explained to me before class that her friend was deaf. In revelation the Lord added this parable for modern Zion: Set . We must stand up for truth, even while we practice tolerance and respect for beliefs and ideas different from our own and for the people who hold them. There are important restraints upon our intermediate judgments, but the presumption of innocence is not one of them. The bishop answered, You do nothing. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. . The Savior also commanded individuals to be judges, both of circumstances and of other people. Dallin H. Oaks was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was given at BYU on 1 March 1998. . To them it has become something that must prove its legitimacy as a part of our public life. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. What does this scripture mean for our day and how can it be applied by Latter-day Saints? [Moroni 7:1214]. [JD19:78]. You will need to understand how our efforts in the public square are informed by the balance between truth and tolerance. He has an eye trained for the imperfections, the weaknesses. Misery is the ultimate state of disharmony with God and his laws. 3. In applying the sometimes competing demands of truth and tolerance in these three behaviors and many others, we should not be tolerant with ourselves. We are to beinthe world, but notofthe world. Elder Dallin H. Oaks Opposition in All Things. He will be just. In this circumstance, all of usand especially you of the rising generationhave a duty to stand up and speak up to affirm that God exists and that there are absolute truths His commandments establish. If there are more that I have missed, please let me know and I will add them to the list. . Satan says we are not. 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. See the full text of President Oaks talk: Helping the Poor and Distressed, 19th latter-day Apostle to reach the age of 90, evidence of Gods saving love for His children. . We believe in absolute truth, including the existence of God and the right and wrong established by His commandments. Someone has said that you cannot slice cheese so fine that it doesnt have two sides. I believe the United States Constitution contains at least five divinely inspired principles. 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. (Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the governing First Presidency, speaks at General Conference about the U.S . Forgiveness is a companion principle to the commandment that in final judgments we judge not and in intermediate judgments we judge righteously. It is a very unstable virtue.12. They were innocent of neglect and should not have been judged on the basis of an inadequate knowledge of the facts. Our duty to truth requires us to seek relief from some behavior that is wrong. He was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April 7, 1984. Our relationship to God and the purpose of earth life are explained in terms of the family. I have chosen to heal myself and pass on to my children what I have learned. Tolerance is often demanded but seldom returned. Then, to other believers, we might express appreciation for the fact that we share common ground on what is most vital because each of us believes in God and in the existence of absolute truth, even though we differ in our definitions of these fundamentals. We Latter-day Saints are sometimes accused of being self-righteous and intolerant of others, especially where we are in the majority or where others are in the majority and our beliefs cause us to oppose them. 4. In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. I will say no more about the tolerance or intolerance of nonbelievers. 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. 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). Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. As we draw farther from worldliness, we feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. I will not be judged for what happened to me, but I will be judged by how I let it affect my life. [Lord, I Would Follow Thee,Hymns,1985, no. Did the Kinderhook Plates Really Fool Joseph Smith? What Did the Founding Fathers Think about the Bible? . In this teaching Brigham Young was, typically, merely elaborating on a teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who said: While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard. I must hear both sides of the question. It is this suspended judgment that is the supreme form of charity. 1015]. We give thanks for commandments. Generally, they should refrain from seeking laws or administrative action to facilitate beliefs that are distinctive to believers, such as the enforcement of acts of worship, even by implication. And we must all oppose violence and thievery. Two hypotheticals illustrate this principle: 1. I just reread it and appreciate the good counsel he gave. 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). One of Martin Harriss greatest contributions to the Church, for which he should be honored for all time, was his financing the publication of the Book of Mormon. . [Mosiah 4:1718, 22]. Persuaded by this philosophy, many of the rising generationyouth and young adultsare caught up in self-serving pleasures, pagan painting and piercing of body parts, foul language, revealing attire, pornography, dishonesty, and degrading sexual indulgence. I testify of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the vineyard. Today I will speak about gospel judging. Show Timeline. What he did say is difficult to bear, but perhaps somewhat less difficult if we examine its context. Collection: Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer, BYU Speeches We all remember how a prophet reacted from a hospital bed when an operating room attendant stumbled and cursed in his presence. 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. 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). Lord, I would follow thee. First: Truth. Our Master, whom we seek to serve, is, as the scriptures say, a God of love (2 Corinthians 13:11). They should cultivate loving family relationships so that family members will want to ask them for blessings. President Oaks and his late wife, Sister June Dixon Oaks, are the parents of six children. Our own sins, no matter how few or seemingly insignificant, disqualify us as judges of other peoples sins. [The Supreme Charity of the World,The Kingship of Self-Control(Old Tappan, New Jersey: Revell, n.d.), pp. . President Oaks talks cover topics like desire, repentance, and trust in the Lord. My treatment of truth and tolerance will invite you to consider and to teach these twin subjects because they are vital to the rising generation, in which you are the senior members. I begin with our personal conduct, including the teaching of our children. Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke in the October 2014 General Conference. Elder Dieter F. Ucthdorf back in 2017 said, This Christmas, as with every Christmas, we focus on loving one another just as our Savior loved us. Because of Gods plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed by the process of repentance. Letter to Dallin H. Oaks, 14 May 1998. But I can change the future. . When believers enter the public square to try to influence the making or the administration of laws motivated by their beliefs, they should apply some different principles. "Brother's Keeper". 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. I close with this assurance and this testimony: The Bible teaches that one of the functions of a prophet is to be a watchman to warn Israel (see Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7). 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. We are to live in the world but not be of the world. . All rights reserved. . [Mosiah 26:29, 32]. We would even apply the wrong standards. As part of this, we will sometimes need to challenge laws that would impair our freedom to practice our faiths, doing so in reliance on our constitutional rights to the free exercise of religion. . He also said religious freedom is the DNA of The Church of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. During class discussion a member asked, What if you see an unworthy person partaking of the sacrament? Last year, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was invited to participate in Indiana. In one of the monthly General Authority fast and testimony meetings, I heard President James E. Faust say, The older I get, the less judgmental I become. That wise observation gives us a standard to live by in the matter of judgments. BYU Speeches . But we do know that God will help each of us overcome these challenges if we sincerely seek His help. Because of a short-term memory loss, this elderly sister innocently answered no. In fact, one of her children visited her at least daily, and all of them helped her in many ways. Elder Dallin H Oaks; sacrifice; sanity; self care; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; widow; March 2023 (1) February 2023 (2) He is a native of Provo, Utah (born . Our obligation to tolerance means that none of these behaviorsor others we consider deviations from the truthshould ever cause us to react with hateful communications or unkind actions. 2022. 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. It was taught when a lawyer asked the Savior, Which is the great commandment in the law? (Matthew 22:36). Our scriptural accounts of the Saviors mortal life provide the pattern. Conference on-the Go: Dallin H. Oaks, Helping the Poor and Distressed, One Minute Scripture Study: A Come Follow Me Podcast. Thus, our Saviors teachings contain many commandments we cannot keep without making intermediate judgments of people: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6); Beware of false prophets. Provo, Utah 84602. 2. Includes a page for each General Conference talk with reflection questions, a place for notes, and a learning style study idea (unique for each talk). When she answered no, Jesus declared, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (v. 11). 8, 11). Last update: May 2022. . Iassure you that my message is true. Throughout his life he has been exemplary in reaching out and working with the members and leaders of other faiths in cooperative efforts on matters of common interest and in the Christian fellowship and concern that have no denominational boundaries.16. I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should judge and even tell us how to do it. Second, a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest. . First: Truth. Consequently, we should be alert to honor the good we should see in all people and in many opinions and practices that differ from our own. 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. She died July 21, 1998. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. If a particular person has been arrested for child sexual abuse and is free on bail awaiting trial on his guilt or innocence, will you trust him to tend your children while you take a weekend trip? If it werent for us Marthas cleaning whatever we see and fussing over meals, there would be a lot of dirty, hungry people in this world. Finally, the spirit of our balance of truth and tolerance is applied in these words of President Gordon B. Hinckley: Let us reach out to those in our community who are not of our faith. In the balance between truth and tolerance, tolerance can be dominant where the behavior does not involve us personally. With the increased understanding we have received from the Restoration, Latter-day Saints understand the final judgment as the time when all mankind will receive their personal dominions in the mansions prepared for them in the various kingdoms of glory (see D&C 76:111, John 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:4044). (See John 18:3738.). When we understand our relationship to God, we also understand our relationship to one another. Our civilization is based on morality and cannot exist without it. But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. . When we speak every man truth with his neighbour (Ephesians 4:25), and when we [speak] the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) as the Apostle Paul taught, we are acting as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, doing His work. . I am very t`hankful that it is not our province . The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming. . That approach to differences will yield tolerance and also respect. I am speaking to an audience of Latter-day Saints who believe in God and in absolute truth. Common Misunderstandings about Brigham Young. crucified for the sins of the world, and that it is given to others to believe on their words (D&C 46:13, 14). President Oaks said religious liberty faces serious challenges around the world, such as secularism, authoritarianism, political correctness and deteriorating attitudes toward religion. As believers, we should also frame our arguments and positions in ways that contribute to the reasoned discussion and accommodation that are essential to democratic government in a pluralistic society. First of all, a righteous judgment must, by definition, be intermediate. Later, in the sublime teachings the Savior gave his apostles on the eve of his suffering and the Atonement, he said: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. April 1986, Sunday morning session. It is significant that when we partake of the sacrament we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. By this means we will contribute to the civility that is essential topreserve our civilization. He was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesin April 7,1984. The Lord obviously did not justify the womans sin. Angels will stand with us, and He will send His Holy Spirit to guide us. Login . But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. PresidentDallin H. Oakswassustained andset apartas first counselor in the First Presidencyandpresident of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesof The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints onSunday, January 14, 2018. President Thomas S. Monson has provided an excellent example of the practice of these twin virtues. . We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. How should we react toward and communicate with them? . Some say, I didnt learn anything today or No one was friendly to me or I was offended. Personal disappointments should never keep us from the doctrine of Christ, who taught us to serve, not to be served. Knowing that we are all children of God gives us a vision of the worth of others and the ability to rise above prejudice. We witness that we are willing to do so. 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. 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. 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. That is why we have commandments and ordinances. For example, even though religious beliefs are behind many criminal laws, and some family laws, such laws have a long-standing history of appropriateness in democratic societies. Wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. . My Savior knows what happened. [The Journey to Healing,Ensign,September 1997, p. 19]. He has given 87 general conference talksincluding 18 addresses as a member of the First Presidency. As President Thomas S. Monson taught us in the conference where he was sustained as our prophet: My young friends, be strong. There is one qualification to this principle that we should not judge people without an adequate knowledge of the facts. Several times during the hour, I was tempted to ask them to take their conversation outside if they felt it was so urgentbut fortunately something kept me from giving vent to my feelings. For the goal of all human relationswhether they are religious, social, political, or economicought to be cooperation and mutual respect.9. The scriptures give a specific caution against judging where we cannot know all the facts. . 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. 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 . Elder Dallin H. Oaks speaks on Sunday, April 3, 2022, during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Annual General Conference at the church Conference Center in Salt Lake City. President Oaks gives a powerful talk about service, and all of the amazing good works going on around the world. In a time when sovereign power was universally assumed to come from the divine right of kings or from military power, attributing sovereign power to the people was revolutionary. For example, we must all deplore murder or other terrorist behavior, even when done by extremists in the name of religion. Living together with mutual respect for one anothers differences is a challenge in todays world. At the extreme level, evil acts that used to be localized and covered up like a boil are now legalized and paraded like a banner. As the Book of Mormon teaches: All things which are good cometh of God. Some influential voices even question the extent to which our constitution should protect the free exercise of religion, including the right to practice and preach religious principles. Dallin H. Oaks was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this CES devotional address was given on 11 September 2011. Learn more about his general conference talks in this compilation. He was called as a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. He holds the reins of judgment in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men . Also see, GamblingMorally Wrong and Politically Unwise (, Priesthood Authority in the Family and the Church, Loving Others and Living with Differences, Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, Prophetic Announcements of Christs Birth, Stand Fast with Love in Proclaiming Truth, Going Forward with Religious Freedom and Nondiscrimination.

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