There are many incorrect stereotypes of Latter-day Saints. One of the most irritating is that we Latter-day Saints all think alike. We don't. On the other hand, we do try very hard to work with each other in peace and harmony. (However, one can read the comments at the end of many LDS blog postings to get a sense that we sometimes fall short of these goals).
True, there are some basic principles that tie Latter-day Saints together, which are nicely summarized in the Articles of Faith. Further, Latter-day Saints work hard in trying to distinguish opinions from doctrines. Big doctrinal ideas largely are agreed upon, and yet there is a massive space among all those ideas for independent thinking. Indeed, one might argue that gospel truths are designed to help everyone reach their full capacities as thinkers and doers.
My words above are inadequate compared to those of Joseph Smith's, the founder of the Mormon movement. Consider the following quotations that come from the Priesthood/Relief Society manual under current use: Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith.
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 29, “Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” p. 344-345.
“We deem it a just principle, and it is one the force of which we believe ought to be duly considered by every individual, that all men are created equal, and that all have the privilege of thinking for themselves upon all matters relative to conscience. Consequently, then, we are not disposed, had we the power, to deprive any one of exercising that free independence of mind which heaven has so graciously bestowed upon the human family as one of its choicest gifts.”
“I have the most liberal sentiments, and feelings of charity towards all sects, parties, and denominations; and the rights and liberties of conscience, I hold most sacred and dear, and despise no man for differing with me in matters of opinion.”
Opinions matter. People must learn to think for themselves. True, we should listen to the Prophets and study our scriptures, but ultimately we must choose for ourselves.
Mormons love liberty, NOT coercion. We believe in being able to choose right over wrong. Further, we believe that everyone will sometimes be wrong, even when they think they are right. We live in a fallen world where imperfections are pervasive.
In a real sense, Joseph Smith laid down his life for the Church. The year was 1844. Many opponents of the Church at the time thought the Latter-day Saint movement would die with Joseph Smith’s death. Yet, the Latter-day movement thrived because the people understood liberty and self-reliance. Latter-day Saints of the time fought for liberty, even when they were denied it – even when their leaders were killed. Consider these words from Joseph Smith:
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 29, “Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” p. 345.
“It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race. Love of liberty was diffused into my soul by my grandfathers … .
“If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way.”
Latter-day Saints are NOT free to mislead members of the Church in the name of the Church. We are NOT free to promote false forms of worship or to advocate immorality. We are free to express opinions in good faith. For this reason, I stress that this entire blog ("Mormon Insights") is merely a record of my opinions and experiences in the Church. I can speak for myself, NOT the Church. How often have I been wrong? Well, I am sure that error follows me wherever I go. Yet, if I write in good faith, then I am free to do so. This blog site is a product of my OWN initiative.
Consider Joseph Smith's words:
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 29, “Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” p. 345-346.
“When we see virtuous qualities in men, we should always acknowledge them, let their understanding be what it may in relation to creeds and doctrine; for all men are, or ought to be free, possessing unalienable rights, and the high and noble qualifications of the laws of nature and of self-preservation, to think and act and say as they please, while they maintain a due respect to the rights and privileges of all other creatures, infringing upon none. This doctrine I do most heartily subscribe to and practice.” …
“It is one of the first principles of my life, and one that I have cultivated from my childhood, having been taught it by my father, to allow every one the liberty of conscience. … In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights.”
We must have liberty of conscience in order to progress. I appreciate such liberty because I am an independent thinker and proud of it.
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3 comments:
Interesting, I recently learned that Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs)frown upon independent thinking, so much that they encourage members to not go to college.
I'm not trying to rag on JWs, I just find the contast interesting.
Son #1
Son #1:
Just remember that Dwight Eisenhower's family was strongly associated with the Jehovah Witnesses, even though he was not. Latter-day Saints respect the rights of others to worship as they please.
Anonymous:
Concerning Jehovah's Witnesses, it seems to me that it doesn't do much good to know others' beliefs unless we also learn the reasons and principles behind it.
You have said that you have learned that Jehovah's Witnesses frown on independent thinking and encourage their members not to go to college. Do they do this because they value their orthodoxy over independent thinking, or do they fear independent thinking? Do they worry about the prevalent secularism in higher education or do they devalue education itself?
Also, how sympathetic to Jehovah's Witnesses was your source?
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