Clothed in a white robe, he descended out of heaven. Currently, he is the second most senior apostle by years of service and is . November 12, 2021 at University of Virginia. The scripture is familiar. 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. . . She died July 21, 1998. We may not live by bread alone, but Ive never known anyone to live without it. 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. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 1, 2022. I testify of Jesus Christ, whose light and Spirit guides all the children of God in helping the poor and distressed throughout the world.. The opposite of joy is misery. 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. We live in a world where more and more persons of influence are teaching and acting out a belief that there is no absolute right and wrong, that all authority and all rules of behavior are man-made choices that can prevail over the commandments of God. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. [Catherine Corman Parry, Simon, I Have Somewhat to Say unto Thee: Judgment and Condemnation in the Parables of Jesus,Brigham Young University 199091 Devotional and Fireside Speeches[Provo: BYU, 1991], p. 116]. The New York Times, Wikipedia, Patheos, USA Today, NPR, Church News, LDS Living, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Bustle, Heavy, Slate, and more. I testify of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the vineyard. How should we react toward and communicate with them? In revelation the Lord added this parable for modern Zion: Set . We give thanks for commandments. He has given 87 general conference talksincluding 18 addresses as a member of the First Presidency. that which is good and of God to be of the devil. Login . In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: . A leavenyeastis hidden away in the larger mass until the whole is leavened, which means raised by its influence. 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. So informed, her visitor and others spoke criticisms of her children for neglecting their mother. I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should . Please now consider the following sections of the Church Handbook of Instructions. For the goal of all human relationswhether they are religious, social, political, or economicought to be cooperation and mutual respect.9. On Aug. 25, 2000, he married Sister. Learn more about the Dallin H. Oaks biography, In the Hands of the Lord. October 2022. It really is the answer. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. October 2022 conference featured 35 messages over the five sessions. And furthermore, what about the value of our work in the world? It requires an object and a response to qualify it as a virtue. 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 would even apply the wrong standards. The change has come from inside memy attitude. Sign up to receive free emails each time we publish new content, like Russell M. Nelson quotes and links to Brad Wilcox talks. 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. The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us in the most important sense. . Talks by Dallin H. Oaks. I have spoken to you as one of those watchmen on the subject the Spirit has assigned me. 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. In applying the sometimes competing demands of truth and tolerance in these three behaviors and many others, we should not be tolerant with ourselves. As a Apostle with a unique legal background Elder Oaks has on occasion spoken both for the Church and to the Church. I testify of the power and blessings of the priesthood of God, available for His sons and daughters alike. 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. . That question is as penetrating today as when Jesus used it to confound the Pharisees almost two thousand years ago. We are to live in the world but not be of the world. . I believe this commandment was given because we presume to make final judgments whenever we proclaim that any particular person is going to hell (or to heaven) for a particular act or as of a particular time. They were innocent of neglect and should not have been judged on the basis of an inadequate knowledge of the facts. I used the principle of forgiveness to strengthen me.[Journey to Healing, p. 22]. Those of us with more of Martha than of Mary in us . That is how we qualify for the promised blessings. 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. What does it mean to always remember our Savior? . What is tolerance, when does it apply, and when does it not apply? Reverend Dr. Andrew Teal on Finding Christ Through Suffering, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Loving Others and Living with Differences, Priesthood Authority in the Family and the Church. In all our judgments we should apply righteous standards. 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. For this purpose we must walk together on the same path in order to secure our freedom to pursue our separate ways when that is necessary according to our separate beliefs. He is a native of Provo, Utah (born in 1932). But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. 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. Show Timeline. They all come through the mercy and grace of the Holy One of Israel, after all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23). 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. Ye shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:1516); and Go ye out from among the wicked (D&C 38:42). . From all of this we see that final judgment is the Lords and that mortals must refrain from judging any human being in the final sense of concluding or proclaiming that they are irretrievably bound for hell or have lost all hope of exaltation. 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 President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been an officer or member of the board of many business, educational, and charitable organizations. 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. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2022 general conference. As one of our Apostles observed: God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. . When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. 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. . Isalute you for your righteous actions and your righteous desires. You cannot possess or use the coin of tolerance without being conscious of both sides. 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). cannot be judged as dress-goodsby a yard or so of sample unrolled from a bolt on the counter. I will not be judged for what happened to me, but I will be judged by how I let it affect my life. I will leave it in his hands. Letter to Dallin H. Oaks, 22 December 1987. May we have his love. When she answered no, Jesus declared, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (v. 11). Speaking to an audience of institute students three years ago, he said: The wordtolerancedoes not stand alone. 5. My dear young brothers and sisters, Kristen and I feel privileged to be with you on this significant occasion. We frequently update our Latter-day Saint history content related to Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, the Book of Mormon, and Come Follow Me 2023. Angels will stand with us, and He will send His Holy Spirit to guide us. . 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. October 2021. We should be ruled by the demands of truth. 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. Tolerance is often demanded but seldom returned. We are enriched by associations with different peoples, which remind us of the wonderful diversity of the children of God. . . Alwi Shihab, Building Bridges to Harmony Through Understanding, BYU forum address, 10 October 2006); http://speeches-dev.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=11324. . . . S2:E2 "Jesus Christ is the Strengt. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2022 general conference. When we understand our relationship to God, we also understand our relationship to one another. What Have Scholars Learned about Joseph Smith? There are important restraints upon our intermediate judgments, but the presumption of innocence is not one of them. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, waves while holding his wife Sister Kristen Oaks' hand inside the Conference Center during the Saturday evening session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. . In our eternal journey, the resurrection is the mighty milepost that signifies the end of mortality and the beginning of immortality. 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. What do you do?. 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). Those who seek out and use pornography forfeit the power of their priesthood. Elder Dallin H Oaks; sacrifice; sanity; self care; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; widow; March 2023 (1) February 2023 (2) 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. In fact, one of her children visited her at least daily, and all of them helped her in many ways. These include covenants and ordinances and repentance when our choices are wrong. We must also stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers to preserve and strengthen the freedom to advocate and practice our religious beliefs, whatever they are. . But our obligation to truth has its own set of requirements and its own set of blessings. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people. As members of the restored Church, we need to be more aware and more appreciative of the service of others.Quote #2: Modern revelation teaches that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. By this, all the children of God are enlightened to serve Him and one another to the best of their knowledge and ability. 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. Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual survival. Our relationship to God and the purpose of earth life are explained in terms of the family. Did you enjoy these Dallin H. Oaks quotes? The effect of one mortals attempting to pass final judgment on another mortal is analogous to the effect on athletes and observers if we could proclaim the outcome of an athletic contest with certainty while it was still underway. 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. 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. What does this scripture mean for our day and how can it be applied by Latter-day Saints? President Oaks said religious liberty faces serious challenges around the world, such as secularism, authoritarianism, political correctness and deteriorating attitudes toward religion. I am listing below all President Dallin H. Oaks talks, not just those that he gave when he was as a General Authority of the Church, but also those given by him before, with the links to the text, video, or audio available. Howeverand here I express asecond absolute truththis living with differences is what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us we must do. . 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. Even He refrained from a final mortal judgment of the woman taken in adultery. 1. , I do not need to condemn or judge my abusers nor be part of the punishment. He knows the truth. 9. 220]. This is a harder question for those who affirm the existence of God and absolute truth than for those who believe in moral relativism. If the cohabitation does involve us personally, we should be governed by our duty to truth. 320.). 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. You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that. [Matthew 11:2830]. Enigma Books Also published by Enigma Books Hitler's Table Talk: 1941-1944 In Stalin's Secret Service Hitler and Mussolini: The Secret Meetings The Jews in Fascist Italy: A History The Man Behind the Rosenbergs Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History Diary 1937-1943 (Galeazzo Ciano) Secret Affairs: FDR, Cordell Hull, and Sumner Welles Hitler and His Generals: Military Conferences . The Law of Timing (#19) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Top 40 Quotes from The Coddling of the American Mind, Best 70 Quotes from Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson, The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek: Videos and 10 Great Quotes. 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. Commandments mark the path and show us the way to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. 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. 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. Come, Follow Me 2023: New Testament Resources. But rather, a plea for unity and cooperation on strategy and advocacy toward our common goal of religious liberty for all.. 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. Common Misunderstandings about Brigham Young. Jesus Christ has the power to prescribe the conditions we must fulfill to qualify for the blessings of His Atonement. In the quiet heart is hidden Is Jim Bridger Responsible for What Happened to the Donner Party? We should all be edified and strengthened by this example of speaking both tolerance and truth: kindness in the communication, but firmness in the truth. 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. (See John 18:3738.). On one occasion the Savior chided the people, Judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:57). . He was called as a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. A fifth principle of a righteous intermediate judgment is that whenever possible we will refrain from judging people and only judge situations. 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 . Now we experience such differences in television and the Internet, through travel, and often in personal interactions in our neighborhoods and the marketplace. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 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. Fourth,believers should not shrink from seeking laws to maintain public conditions or policies that assist them in practicing the requirements of their faith where those conditions or policies are also favorable to the public health, safety, or morals. King Benjamin taught: Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just. 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. Let us be involved in good community causes. I am responsible for my actions and what I do with my knowledge. Conquer fear through Charity. 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. Tolerance is defined as a friendly and fair attitude toward unfamiliar opinions and practices or toward the persons who hold or practice them. Lord, I would follow thee. . The Book of Mormon teaches: For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain . Faith is essential for healing by the powers of heaven. I may need to do something. That wise answer illustrates my point about stewardship in judging. 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. [The Journey to Healing,Ensign,September 1997, p. 19]. There are many kinds of priesthood blessings. 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. In other words, are we responsible to look after the well-being of our neighbors as we seek to earn our daily bread? Provo, Utah 84602, Simon, I Have Somewhat to Say unto Thee: Judgment and Condemnation in the Parables of Jesus. . That is why we have commandments and ordinances. How can I keep my covenant to stand as a witness and not offend these people?13. Because of His atoning experience in mortality, our Savior is able to comfort, heal, and strengthen all men and women everywhere, but I believe He does so only for those who seek Him and ask for His help. Our duty to truth requires us to seek relief from some behavior that is wrong. The kingdom of God is like a leaven, Jesus taught (see Matthew 13:33). Each of us is part of a great family, the human family, sons and daughters of God, and therefore brothers and sisters. In a BYU devotional address, Professor Catherine Corman Parry gave a memorable scriptural illustration of the consequences of judging by the wrong standards. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unfortunately, some who believe in moral relativism seem to have difficulty tolerating those who insist that there is a God who should be respected and certain moral absolutes that should be observed. See Heidi S. Swinton,To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010), especially chapters 25 and 28 and pages 46263. The bishop answered, You do nothing. Our decisions are mostly in the daily routines of life, but as the Lord has told us, Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. He can make the judgments and the punishments. see other collected talk by Church Leaders, from the website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 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, Going Forward with Religious Freedom and Nondiscrimination, Elder Dallin H. Oaks at BYU: Racism and Other Challenges | Giuseppe Martinengo, President Oaks: avoid being unduly influenced by extreme voices | Giuseppe Martinengo, President Oaks Tells Students in Rome Why Religious Freedom Matters | Giuseppe Martinengo, Top 25 Best Quotes From Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. BachArranged by: Michel Rondeau (trumpet)Performers: Marthe Jobidon (trumpets), Eric Vaillancourt . Who am I to judge another? . . We witness that we are willing to do so. Last months widespread rioting and pillaging in Britain and the scandalous, widespread cheating by teachers on state-mandated tests in elementary and middle schools in Atlanta, Georgia, have caused many to wonder whether we are losing the moral foundation Western countries have received from their Judeo-Christian heritage.3. In the balance between truth and tolerance, tolerance can be dominant where the behavior does not involve us personally. 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. Modern revelation shows that our first parents understood the necessity of the Fall. 10. We also know that evil exists and that some things are simply, seriously, and everlastingly wrong. 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.