dallin h oaks conference talks dallin h oaks conference talks

What we get from a bookespecially a sacred textis mostly dependent on what we take to its readingin desire and readiness to learn, and in attunement to the light communicated by the Spirit of the Lord. 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. bid her therefore that she help me (v. 40). The Need for a Church. . Stephen L. Carter,The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivialize Religious Devotion(New York: BasicBooks, 1993), 225. Profanity is profoundly offensive to those who worship the God whose name is desecrated. Last year, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was invited to participate in Indiana. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2022 general conference. What believers should do about this introduces the second of my twin subjects: Tolerance. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things. , not according to what they have not, but according to what they have, those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law. He was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesin April 7,1984. The bishop answered, You do nothing. 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. . May 3: Dallin H. Oaks is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Iassure you that my message is true. A standard can be unrighteous because it is too harshthe consequences are too severe for the gravity of the wrong and the needs of the wrongdoer. For the goal of all human relationswhether they are religious, social, political, or economicought to be cooperation and mutual respect.9. 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. 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 As I have observed the judgments of presidents of the Church in matters of Church discipline, I have marveled at the care they have exercised to assure that justice is balanced with mercy, with loving concern for the consequences to innocent family membersborn and unbornas well as to the transgressors themselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that the Holy Ghost comes a little at a time as you merit it. In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. 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. [Luke 10:4042]. We also need focus to avoid what is harmful. We should not add to the extremism that divides our society. . President Thomas S. Monson has provided an excellent example of the practice of these twin virtues. 16. This inspired caution reminds us that for persons who believe in absolute truth, tolerance for behavior is like a two-sided coin. What Was Brigham Youngs Swift Pony Express? 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. Any content or opinions expressed, implied or included in or with the material are solely those of the owner and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Music courtesy of bensound.com, Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher. See, for example,John Paul II: The Encyclicals in Everyday Language,3rd ed., ed. As I face this audience of committed youngpeople, I know that some of you may be wondering why I am speaking about what is obvious to you and what, you might assume, is obvious to others. . President Oaks address can be read on the Church Newsroom website. Like a sword, sharp and powerful, it uncovers what is hidden, divides truth from error, and goes to the heart of religious belief. 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. Beyond that, we should remember the Saviors teaching that we should avoid contention (see 3 Nephi 11:2930) and that our example and our preaching should be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness (D&C 38:41). I begin with our personal conduct, including the teaching of our children. And in those intermediate judgments we are responsible to make, may we judge righteously and with love. Let us consider how to apply that example to some other behaviors. The fundamental scripture on the whole subject of not judging contains this warning: For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matthew 7:2; see also 3 Nephi 14:2). 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). Tolerance requires a similar refraining in our judgment of others. 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. The Lords way of final judgment will be to apply his perfect knowledge of the law a person has received and to judge on the basis of that persons circumstances, motives, and actions throughout his or her entire life (see Luke 12:4748, John 15:22, 2 Nephi 9:25). He loves us, and all that He does is for our eternal benefit. We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 13. 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. We should be strong in keeping the commandments and our covenants, and we should repent and improve when we fall short. As a student of the scriptures and as a former judge, I have had a special interest in the many scriptures that refer to judging. . But the rebuke would not have come had Martha not prompted it. Modern revelation shows that our first parents understood the necessity of the Fall. If the cohabitation does involve us personally, we should be governed by our duty to truth. From these we magnify a mood into a character and an episode into a life. 11819]. Second, a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest. President Oaks and his late wife, Sister June Dixon Oaks, are the parents of six children. 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. . What is tolerance, when does it apply, and when does it not apply? . Whats Really in the Journal of Discourses? Guided by heaven in this righteous cause, our words will be sweet and find place in the hearts of many. Today more than ever before, the blessings of the temple are avail- able to faithful Saints around the world. . As the Book of Mormon teaches: All things which are good cometh of God. I must hear both sides of the question. It is this suspended judgment that is the supreme form of charity. . 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. Library General Conference Speakers Dallin H. Oaks. 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. Content licensed under CC BY 4.0 unless otherwise noted. . 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. . Home. I testify of the power and blessings of the priesthood of God, available for His sons and daughters alike. Top credite nebancare. That is a wise judgment of a situation, not a person. 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. Elder Dallin H. Oaks Opposition in All Things. That is why we have commandments and ordinances. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. . 4. My Savior knows what happened. President Dallin H. Oaks speaks at the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 1-2, 2022.President . I have spoken to you as one of those watchmen on the subject the Spirit has assigned me. We are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may come; for truth will stand, truth will endure.2, The existence and nature of truth is one of the fundamental questions of mortal life. While we must practice tolerance and respect forothers and theirbeliefs,including their constitutional freedom to explain and advocate their positions, we are not required to respect and tolerate wrongbehavior. Along with the ascendancy of moral relativism, the United States is experiencing a disturbing reduction in overall public esteem for religion. . We are cast as combatants in the war between truth and error. Holders of the priesthood should also keep the commandments so they will have the power of the priesthood to give blessings to their family members. He can make the judgments and the punishments. 9. 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. . But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. The Savior taught, Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven (Luke 6:37). . crucified for the sins of the world, and that it is given to others to believe on their words (D&C 46:13, 14). 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. . In May 2013, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty awarded him the Canterbury Medal for courage in the defense of religious liberty (from the website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Your email address will not be published. Most of us do not face decisions of giant proportions, like leaving our homes to pioneer an unknown land. 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. . As to less extreme behaviors, where even believers disagree on whether or not they are wrong, the nature and extent of what we should tolerate is much more difficult to define. Tony & Tacky: Campus Confidential, Taste,The Wall Street Journal,5 July 2002, W11. Each of us is part of a great family, the human family, sons and daughters of God, and therefore brothers and sisters. A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. Speaking at BYU a decade later, a Muslim scholar, Dr. Alwi Shihab, an Indonesian, elaborated that idea in these words: To tolerate something is to learn to live with it, even when you think it is wrong and downright evil. The law of tithing is not a remote Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from the Savior to the people of our day. Required fields are marked *. On one occasion the Savior chided the people, Judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:57). . 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). Learn more about his general conference talks in this compilation. . As Latter-day Saints use the words saved and salvation, there are at least six different meanings. A fourth principle of a righteous intermediate judgment of a person is that we should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts. 272. The Holy Ghost will protect us against being deceived, but to realize that wonderful blessing we must always do the things necessary to retain that Spirit. . As President Thomas S. Monson taught us in the conference where he was sustained as our prophet: My young friends, be strong. Cox announces free period products in all state buildings, Bill to remove state food tax also removes constitutional earmark for education, Jordin Sparks kicks off first in-person RootsTech since 2020. 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). I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should . That question is as penetrating today as when Jesus used it to confound the Pharisees almost two thousand years ago. Currently, he is the second most senior apostle by years of service and is . He also said religious freedom is the DNA of The Church of Jesus Christ. Our own sins, no matter how few or seemingly insignificant, disqualify us as judges of other peoples sins. 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. For example, an atheist has no need to decide what kinds and occasions of profanity or blasphemy can be tolerated and what kinds should be confronted. Another such circumstance was described in anEnsignarticle by BYU professor Arthur R. Bassett: I was troubled when one person whispered to another all through the opening prayer. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Jesus Christ has the power to prescribe the conditions we must fulfill to qualify for the blessings of His Atonement. You cannot possess or use the coin of tolerance without being conscious of both sides. 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. Dallin H. Oaks quotes cover more than 30 years. And may we grow in the capacity to live his gospel, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. As modern transportation and communication have brought all of us into closer proximity to different peoples and different ideas, we have greater need for tolerance. In any event, as defenders of the faith, believers can and must seek laws that will preserve religious freedom. How should we react toward and communicate with them? It is forever associated with the Twin Towers. 2022. On Sabbath observance, Latter-day Saints know that we are taught to observe the Sabbath day in a different way than many other Christians. Remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. When we understand our relationship to God, we also understand our relationship to one another. Most of us are troubled by packed shopping centers and other commercial activities on the Sabbath. Satan says we are not. October 1986, Saturday afternoon session. For reasons we do not understand, we have different challenges in our mortal experiences. 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. Martha received Jesus into her house and worked to provide for him while her sister Mary sat at Jesus feet and heard his word. . Even He refrained from a final mortal judgment of the woman taken in adultery. 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. He simply told her that he did not condemn herthat is, he would not pass final judgment on her at that time. First: Truth. Today were diving into Helping the Poor and Distressed by Dallin H. Oaks.In case you want to follow along, here are the quotes were discussing today:Quote #1: Despite all that our Church does directly, most humanitarian service to the children of God worldwide is carried out by persons and organizations having no formal connection with our Church. How can I keep my covenant to stand as a witness and not offend these people?13. 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). 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. 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). . . Similarly, with our children and others we have a duty to teachsuch as in our Church callingsour duty to truth is paramount. I know that the gospel is true because my Father in heaven has answered my prayers and borne witness to me by the power of the Holy Ghost. 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. 3 Apr 2016 Opposition in All Things General . A final ingredient or principle of a righteous judgment is that it will apply righteous standards. Did the Kinderhook Plates Really Fool Joseph Smith? Apostles have the calling and ordination to be special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world (see D&C 107:23), but the duty to witness and testify of Christ at all times and in all places applies to every member of the Church who has received the testimony of the Holy Ghost. The following is a summary of what he said. I am loyal to the chosen servants of the Lord, whom I sustain with all my heart. By falling short of righteous standards, we place ourselves in jeopardy of being judged by incorrect or unrighteous standards ourselves. What does this scripture mean for our day and how can it be applied by Latter-day Saints? We do not need to judge nearly so much as we think we do. 218 University Press Building . 35 (25 July 2011): 2021; csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2011/0719/Is-US-a-nation-of-liars-Casey-Anthony-isn-t-the-only-one. When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. What Have Scholars Learned about Joseph Smith? Boyd K. Packer, Be Not Afraid (address at the Ogden Institute of Religion, 16 November 2008), 5; see also Bruce D. Porter, Defending the Family in a Troubled World,Ensign,June 2011, 1218. 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. May we have his love. 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. I may need to do something. That wise answer illustrates my point about stewardship in judging. 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). A Relief Society worker visiting a sister in her ward asked whether the womans married children ever visited her. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33). [The Supreme Charity of the World,The Kingship of Self-Control(Old Tappan, New Jersey: Revell, n.d.), pp. We are called to live with other children of God who do not share our faith or our values and who do not have the covenant obligations we have assumed. 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.. 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). Second Annual Sacramento Court/Clergy Conference. Our relationship to God and the purpose of earth life are explained in terms of the family. by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. While we are powerless to alter the fact of the Second Coming and unable to know its exact time, we can accelerate our own preparation and try to influence the preparation of those around us. . I just reread it and appreciate the good counsel he gave. A Conversation with Dallin H. Oaks, President of Brigham Young University Ensign. Marthas self-importance, expressed through her judgment of her sister, occasioned the Lords rebuke, not her busyness with the meal. Those of us with more of Martha than of Mary in us . 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. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil.