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. Then he delivers the gentle but clear rebuke. Two hypotheticals illustrate this principle: 1. We call this quality of life spirituality. That judgment is the Lords, not ours. BYU Speeches Are we our brothers keepers? (See D&C 20:77.) These include covenants and ordinances and repentance when our choices are wrong. Whats in the Relief Society General Board Minutes? Martha received Jesus into her house and worked to provide for him while her sister Mary sat at Jesus feet and heard his word. If a person you have trusted with your property has been indicted for embezzlement, would you continue to leave him in charge of your life savings? If you're aware of any talks available online that aren't listed here, please let me know. In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. Dallin H. Oaks discusses the parable of the sower and warns of attitudes that prevent the word of God from growing in our hearts and bearing "fruit." Video Collections; Broadcast and Live Event Recordings; General Conference; April 2015; Saturday Morning Session April 2015; 8, 11). This is beyond what Latter-day Saints do in callings, in member-to-member service and individually with innumerable charitable organizations. 2. . To help us develop the godly attributes and the change in nature necessary to realize our divine potential, the Lord has revealed doctrine and established commandments based on eternal law. We should be ruled by the demands of truth. He is the author or co-author of many books and articles on religious and legal subjects. I express them as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, but I believe that most of these ideas are shared by believers generally. As believers, we must always speak with love and show patience, understanding, and compassion toward our adversaries. We must also practice tolerance and respect toward others. Today and tomorrow would need to include two talks per day, then after that read one talk per day. April 2022. The change has come from inside memy attitude. My Savior knows what happened. The philosophy of moral relativism, which holds that each person is free to choose for himself what is right and wrong, is becoming the unofficial creed for many in America and other Western nations. First: Truth. 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 That is why we have commandments and ordinances. In our eternal journey, the resurrection is the mighty milepost that signifies the end of mortality and the beginning of immortality. that which is good and of God to be of the devil. Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. Last year, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was invited to participate in Indiana. But in such instances we can politely disagree without being disagreeable. There is a doctrine underlying the subject of gospel judging. 3740]. crucified for the sins of the world, and that it is given to others to believe on their words (D&C 46:13, 14). April 2022. . The opposite of joy is misery. We also need focus to avoid what is harmful. President Gordon B. Hinckley expressed this idea for Latter-day Saints: Each of us [from various religious denominations] believes in the fatherhood of God, although we may differ in our interpretations of Him. The Church Handbook of Instructions 32.0 states: as the daylight is from the dark night. During class discussion a member asked, What if you see an unworthy person partaking of the sacrament? We may not live by bread alone, but Ive never known anyone to live without it. For example, we must all deplore murder or other terrorist behavior, even when done by extremists in the name of religion. A fifth principle of a righteous intermediate judgment is that whenever possible we will refrain from judging people and only judge situations. We make better choices and decisions if we look at the alternatives and ponder where they will lead. This Christmas, as with every Christmas, we focus on loving one another just as our Savior loved us. . There may be situations, there will be situations, where, with serious moral issues involved, we cannot bend on matters of principle. 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. 1015]. There is no middle ground. 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. October 2022 conference featured 35 messages over the five sessions. to judge the world; if it were, we would ruin everything. 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. Whats Really in the Journal of Discourses? One who understands that principle will not look upon his or her calling as giving or presenting a lesson, because that definition views teaching from the standpoint of the teacher, not the student. We must work harder to build mutual respect, an attitude of forbearance, with tolerance one for another regardless of the doctrines and philosophies which we may espouse.8, Note that President Hinckley spoke of mutual respect as well as tolerance. May we grow in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom I testify, as our Redeemer, our Creator, and our Savior. Some of these intermediate judgments are surely among those the Savior referred to when he taught that the weightier matters of the law include judgment (Matthew 23:23). 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. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team to help you come unto Christ. As John Adams declared: Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. a watchman upon the tower, who will [see] the enemy while he [is] yet afar off and give warning to save the vineyard from the hands of the destroyer (D&C 101:45, 54). 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. Did you enjoy these Dallin H. Oaks quotes? 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. Even the Savior, during his mortal ministry, refrained from making final judgments. 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. 14. 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. 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. Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke in the October 2014 General Conference. The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse by John Gottman. For them, almost anything goes. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Tolerance, or respect, is on one side of the coin, but truth is always on the other. 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. We can set and act upon high standards for ourselves or our homes without condemning those who do otherwise. See Riots in Britain: Anarchy in the UK, Leaders,The Economist,400, no. 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. We should be strong in keeping the commandments and our covenants, and we should repent and improve when we fall short. In the intermediate judgments we must make, we should take care to judge righteously. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? For reasons we do not understand, we have different challenges in our mortal experiences. It is significant that when we partake of the sacrament we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. Sometimes urgent circumstances require us to make preliminary judgments before we can get all of the facts we desire for our decision making. Some personal decisions must be made before we have access to all of the facts. Purchase a 60+ page workbook which will help you read, study, and record insights from each General Conference talk from October 2022 while using the 8 learning styles. , 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. That's definitely what we want. He talked about "good, better and best " choices. . Here I remember a conversation with an LDS newspaperwoman who described what happened when she reported that the Prophet Joseph Smith received the golden plates in 1826a mistake of one year from the actual date of 1827. This is a vital matter on which we who believe in a Supreme Being who has established absolute right and wrong in human behavior must unite to insist on our time-honored constitutional rights to exercise our religion, to vote our consciences on public issues, and to participate in elections and debates in the public square and in the halls of justice. . We are to live in the world but not be of the world. The Lord did not go into the kitchen and tell Martha to stop cooking and come listen. . In the balance between truth and tolerance, tolerance can be dominant where the behavior does not involve us personally. We should limit our judgments to our own stewardships. Tony & Tacky: Campus Confidential, Taste,The Wall Street Journal,5 July 2002, W11. Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks Henry B. Eyring Also implicated due to his historic position as Presiding Bishop is Gary E. Stevenson. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. . Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. 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. First,all persons are brothers and sisters under God, taught within their various religions to love and do good to one another. First: Truth. Elder Dieter F. Ucthdorf back in 2017 said, Similarly, with our children and others we have a duty to teachsuch as in our Church callingsour duty to truth is paramount. 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. bid her therefore that she help me (v. 40). Because of a short-term memory loss, this elderly sister innocently answered no. He is a native of Provo, Utah (born in 1932). Pursuing that principle, the author of theEnsignarticle writes: Somewhere along the journey of healing comes the essential task of forgiving. Persons who dont believe in God or in absolute truth in moral matters can see themselves as the most tolerant of persons. . He will be just. 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. Cohabitation we know to be a serious sin in which Latter-day Saints must not engage, whatever the circumstances. He has an eye trained for the imperfections, the weaknesses. . In any event, as defenders of the faith, believers can and must seek laws that will preserve religious freedom. I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should . When I walk imperfectly? [We need]the courage to say, I dont know. 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. After the crowd who intended to stone her had departed, Jesus asked her about her accusers: Hath no man condemned thee? (John 8:10). Perfect love casteth out fear. And may we grow in the capacity to live his gospel, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. 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. I believe the United States Constitution contains at least five divinely inspired principles. We do not need to judge nearly so much as we think we do. 21 Oct 1975 . We know from these inspired words that even the most extreme acts of servicesuch as giving all of our goods to feed the poorprofit us nothing unless our service is motivated by the pure love of Christ. She said she received about 10 phone calls from outraged Latter-day Saints who would not accept her admission of error and sincere apology and berated her with abusive language. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil. When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. Introductory Message. After the class, one of them came to me and apologized that she hadnt explained to me before class that her friend was deaf. 91, 93). Yet we dare to judge our fellow man by single acts and words, misleading glimpses, and deceptive moments of special strain. I left last weekend's LDS General Conference inspired and uplifted. Opposition permits us to grow toward what our Heavenly Father would have us become. 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. But the rebuke would not have come had Martha not prompted it. 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. . The Relief Society has great significance for every member of the Church. As we draw farther from worldliness, we feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) 6. Surely Latter-day Saints do need to be more wise and skillful in explaining and pursuing our views and in exercising our influence when we have it. This wise author also treats the importance of forgiveness. We are cast as combatants in the war between truth and error. The frank rebuttal to partisanship in President Dallin H. Oaks' recent talk on the U.S. Constitution has been driving conversation since he gave it on April 4 in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the 191st Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 3 Apr 2016 Opposition in All Things General . 5. 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. We all remember how a prophet reacted from a hospital bed when an operating room attendant stumbled and cursed in his presence. Guided by heaven in this righteous cause, our words will be sweet and find place in the hearts of many. 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. 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. 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. Angels will stand with us, and He will send His Holy Spirit to guide us. Oh Say, What Is Truth?Hymns,2002, no. . 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. The protection promised to the faithful servants of God is a reality today as it was in Bible times. Elder Dallin H Oaks; sacrifice; sanity; self care; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; widow; March 2023 (1) February 2023 (2) . . The friend could read lips, but since I was discussingas I often dowith my back to the class, writing at the chalkboard and talking over my shoulder, my student had been translating for her friend, telling her what I was saying. 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. . Iassure you that my message is true. For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives. . With the love and mutual respect taught by divine commandments, President Oaks said. May 3: Dallin H. Oaks is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. 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. 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. He was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April 7, 1984. . . 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. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. . He was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesin April 7,1984. Perfect love is charity. That is the spirit of the two-sided coin of truth and tolerance. Letter to Dallin H. Oaks, 22 December 1987. A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. [Moroni 7:1516]. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. . Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. She died July 21, 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. The Lord obviously did not justify the womans sin. 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. . President Oaks address can be read on the Church Newsroom website. [vv. . 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. As a Apostle with a unique legal background Elder Oaks has on occasion spoken both for the Church and to the Church. The question posed by the second commandment is What is our ultimate priority?. 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). S2:E1 "Helping the Poor an. We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness. 11. How should we react toward and communicate with them? He spoke of helping the poor and distressed not just what the Church is doing but what is being done worldwide. 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 Oaks teaches that God inspires many organizations and individuals to help those in need and that the Church is committed to work with others in that effort.The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort.https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/18oaks . As one who knows, I invite you to believe on my words. N. T. Wright on the New Testament in Its World, Ann Madsen Reflects on Isaiah, Jehovah, and the Temple. That is my Lord whose names you revile. (Improvement Era, May 1953, p. My young brothers and sisters, we know that the existence of God and the existence of absolute truth are fundamental to life on this earth, whether they are believed or not. by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 . Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual survival. 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. There was a conference talk by Elder Dallin H Oaks a few years back about making good choices. 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. The ripples in my pond will spread through future generations. I have chosen to heal myself and pass on to my children what I have learned. . I testify of Jesus Christ, whose light and Spirit guides all the children of God in helping the poor and distressed throughout the world.. One judges a painting by the full view of the whole canvas; separate isolated square inches of colour are meaningless. The Saviors Golden Rule says we are. On one occasion the Savior chided the people, Judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:57). That is how we qualify for the promised blessings. 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. 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. Along with the ascendancy of moral relativism, the United States is experiencing a disturbing reduction in overall public esteem for religion. But we do know that God will help each of us overcome these challenges if we sincerely seek His help. My dear young brothers and sisters, Kristen and I feel privileged to be with you on this significant occasion. . Once an accepted part of American life, religion is now suspect in the minds of many. To them it has become something that must prove its legitimacy as a part of our public life. April 1986, Sunday morning session. 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. This interpretation is confirmed by what he then said to the Pharisees: Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man (John 8:15). Those who seek out and use pornography forfeit the power of their priesthood. 12. 16. Your email address will not be published. They are directions away from pitfalls, and they are invitations to blessings. The parents have insisted that he not smoke in their home or in front of his younger siblings. Believers can be less cautious in seeking government action that would serve principles broader than merely facilitating the practice of their beliefs, such as laws concerning public health, safety, and morals. He practiced law and taught law in Chicago. 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. . Today I will speak about gospel judging. 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. Faith is essential for healing by the powers of heaven. Some time ago I attended an adult Sunday School class in a small town in Utah. 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. Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers. How Did Freemasons Influence the Temple Ceremony? 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 . 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. . April 1985, Sunday afternoon session. We should not add to the extremism that divides our society. . What Was Brigham Youngs Swift Pony Express? But diversities in cultures and values also challenge us to identify what can be embraced as consistent with our gospel culture and values and what cannot. We should refrain from anything that seems to be a final judgment of any personmanifesting our determination to leave final judgments to the Lord, who alone has the capacity to judge. The guilty parties were not hard to spot because they continued whispering all through the class. In doing so we stand with angels. 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. . President Dallin H. Oaks was sustained and set apart as first counselor in the First Presidency and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, January 14, 2018. 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. Standing in the midst of a multitude, he stretched forth his hand and said: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. I may need to do something. That wise answer illustrates my point about stewardship in judging. Beware of the wordtolerance. Helping the Poor and Distressed. . Common Misunderstandings about Brigham Young. 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. Alsosee other collected talk by Church Leaders. When practiced by those around us, it can be private behavior or something we are asked to condone, sponsor, or facilitate. The Savior also commanded individuals to be judges, both of circumstances and of other people. One about the role of the Book of Mormon in sharing the gospel and the other in knowing the l