I believe in Tolerance

It is interesting to observe the speedy changing of societies compass of morality, which rushes ever faster towards 'moral ambivalence'. However as these principles of "anything goes" are shouted from the rooftops so to speak, the sharper undercurrent is the concurrent popular expectation that all must share this 'belief' (or 'anti-belief' so to speak) and shape their actions accordingly. It is now considered 'politically incorrect' to disagree with many new so-called 'social norms'; meaning that it is socially demanded that we accept them.
Democracy is founded on principles of free speech, and principles of freedom of religion, and I believe that as long as the system of democracy is acknowledged as our legitimate governing system, so must these rights.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle in my church teaches:
Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.


I join my voice with Michael Otterson who said "We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason.  Such actions simply have no place in our society."


Today, rather than focusing on what I don't believe, I want to write about what I do believe.

I fundamentally believe in families, as the basic unit of our society, and as the entire purpose of our existence, in this life and the life to come. I believe they are the source of all happiness, and I fully endorse every single word in The Family: A Proclamation to the World and accept its teachings as a core part of my identity. I believe that no success in life can compensate for failure in the home, and I believe that my identity as a woman comes with certain responsibilities and a divine role specific to woman. Wife and mother are eternal roles that should not be dismissed in any culture or society. Strong families serve as the fundamental institution for transmitting to future generations the moral strengths, traditions, and values that sustain civilization. I believe in the rights of children to be raised by a father and a mother.


I believe that temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are truly the House of the Lord. I believe that no where on earth are we closer to the Lord, and I believe and desire more than anything in the world to be sealed to my husband there. Nothing will bring my family and I more joy than eternal marriage in the Lord's temple, and I know that no loving father would have given us a plan without the opportunity for families to be made eternal. I believe the power of the priesthood is on the earth today, and I believe it is the power of God. I believe  in our divine gender identity, and in the ideal situation, every child can be raised by a mother and a father in a family setting.





I believe I am a daughter of God, and I have an eternal worth and a incomprehensible value, as does every single human who has ever, and will ever live on this earth. I believe in our right to eternal happiness, and that we all have the chance to obtain this, contingent on our obedience on principles of the gospel and obedience to the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe that we have a Saviour who died for us, so that we might be loosed from the bands of our own sins, upon faith and repentance. I believe that by losing our life in his service, we will find ourselves. I believe that it is because of his love for me individually that I can be made perfect, as I acknowledge that it is by his strength and grace alone, that I stand everyday.

I believe in every principle and guideline our church offers us. I see them as products of a loving Heavenly Father who cares so much about us, that he wants to help us find happiness in every way possible. Obedience to these principles in my own experience has brought unparalleled joy and peace into my life, as well as personal strength. I believe our Heavenly Father looks for reasons to bless us, and that Christ is constantly waiting by our doors, waiting for us to let him in.

I believe that we have prophets and apostles that are on the earth today. I believe they speak the word of God, and that by abiding by their words and council, we will be safe in this world, and in the life to come. I do believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet.

I believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that abiding by its principles will bring me closer to God than any other book on the face of the Earth. I challenge all who digress to read it with an open heart, and to complete Moroni's challenge to pray with real intent, and ask of its truthfulness. 

I believe in the right to uncompromising freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I believe in the Constitutional right to practice my beliefs, and support what I believe to be true, free of government intervention or political and social condemnation.


I believe in my right to have these beliefs, just as surely as I believe in others rights to have opposing beliefs. I do not have control over where society's moral compass will turn, or where those who have the elected charge will lead us, but as surely as I live, I will not change these beliefs, and I challenge anyone who questions my right to do so, or my right to one day teach my children what I believe.

I believe it is my responsibility, my obligation and my duty as a disciple of Christ, and as a fellow human being and child of God to express  love, kindness and humanity toward all people, regardless of their treatment of me. 

Just as I will tolerate the beliefs of others, I accept in return that my freedom to speak and believe what I choose to must be tolerated. I hope our society will always preserve this fundamental right.


I referenced these documents in this post; however everything I expressed today are my personal beliefs and not necessarily the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
http://lds.org/family/proclamation?lang=eng
http://lds.org/study/living-christ?lang=eng
mormon.org