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. Elder Dallin H. Oaks Opposition in All Things Conference talk by President Oaks cheers Latter-day Saints backing I may need to do something. That wise answer illustrates my point about stewardship in judging. 2022. Perhaps we should explain our belief that our observance of the Sabbath, including our partaking of the sacrament, restores us spiritually and makes us better people for the rest of the week. The singing of hymns is one of the best ways to put ourselves in tune with the Spirit. On another occasion he said, Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). 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 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). Did you enjoy these Dallin H. Oaks quotes? . Persons who dont believe in God or in absolute truth in moral matters can see themselves as the most tolerant of persons. There are important restraints upon our intermediate judgments, but the presumption of innocence is not one of them. Even half-conscious, Elder [Spencer W.] Kimball recoiled and implored: Please! The theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family. We are enriched by associations with different peoples, which remind us of the wonderful diversity of the children of God. Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers. The New York Times, Wikipedia, Patheos, USA Today, NPR, Church News, LDS Living, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Bustle, Heavy, Slate, and more. I have chosen to heal myself and pass on to my children what I have learned. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. . From these we magnify a mood into a character and an episode into a life. 11. Like a sword, sharp and powerful, it uncovers what is hidden, divides truth from error, and goes to the heart of religious belief. Then, to other believers, we might express appreciation for the fact that we share common ground on what is most vital because each of us believes in God and in the existence of absolute truth, even though we differ in our definitions of these fundamentals. Why, oh, why couldnt the Lord have said, Youre absolutely right, Martha. . When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. I will, therefore, limit myself to describing four paramount principles that should govern such an effort. 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. Sometimes it even takes a tragedy to teach us that there's more to our lives than what's going on . Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. Two experiences illustrate the importance of caution in judging. Well all help, and by the way, that centerpiece looks lovely? Jesus Christ has the power to prescribe the conditions we must fulfill to qualify for the blessings of His Atonement. Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. April 1985, Sunday afternoon session. 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. 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. It is not a sermon. The weaker ones belief in God and the fewer ones moral absolutes, the fewer the occasions when the ideas or practices of others will confront one with the challenge to be tolerant. There is no middle ground. In such circumstances we do the best we can, relying ultimately on the teaching in modern scripture that we should put our trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do goodyea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously (D&C 11:12). Dallin Harris Oaks (born August 12, 1932) is an American religious leader and former jurist and academic who since 2018 has been the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. John Adams, from an address to officers of the militia of Massachusetts, 11 October 1798, inThe Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States,ed. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 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. We can all pray for desire to help with this vital part of the work of salvation. The Need for a Church. In case you want to follow along, here are the quotes we're 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 I leave all that to the Lord. What does it mean to always remember our Savior? The scriptures give a specific caution against judging where we cannot know all the facts. I no longer view myself as a victim. Is Jim Bridger Responsible for What Happened to the Donner Party? Dallin H. Oaks - Wikipedia President Oaks gives a powerful talk about service, and all of the amazing good works going on around the world. Today I will speak about gospel judging. 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. The change has come from inside memy attitude. BYU Speeches Stephen L. Carter,The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivialize Religious Devotion(New York: BasicBooks, 1993), 225. 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. 272. 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. For example, it is one thing to ignore serious sins when they are private; it is quite another thing to be asked to sponsor or impliedly endorse them, such as by housing them in our own homes. In this troubled circumstance, we who believe in God and the corollary truth of absolute right and wrong have the challenge of living in a godless and increasingly amoral world. We can set and act upon high standards for ourselves or our homes without condemning those who do otherwise. This belief system can tolerate almost any behavior and almost any persons. . Today we're diving into "Helping the Poor and Distressed" by Dallin H. Oaks. April 1986, Sunday morning session. It will refrain from declaring that a person has forfeited all opportunity for exaltation or even all opportunity for a useful role in the work of the Lord. 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. Lee had another teaching about magnifying the priesthood: If anybody magnifies their priesthoodthat is, makes it bigger than they first thought it was and more important than anyone else thought it wasthat is the way you magnify your priesthood.. 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. . He practiced law and taught law in Chicago. Who am I to judge another? Divine Love in the Father's Plan (Dallin H. Oaks talk) Part 2 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. 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). It requires an object and a response to qualify it as a virtue. The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort. I am loyal to the chosen servants of the Lord, whom I sustain with all my heart. In the intermediate judgments we must make, we should take care to judge righteously. It will refrain from declaring that a person has been assured of exaltation or from dismissing a person as being irrevocably bound for hellfire. 21 Oct 1975 . We misinterpret motives, do not know facts, and judge from wrong standards. 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. He loves us, and all that He does is for our eternal benefit. 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 . Once an accepted part of American life, religion is now suspect in the minds of many. We should trust in the Lord and be positive about this nations future. A recentEnsignarticle by an anonymous victim of childhood sexual abuse illustrates the contrast between judging situations and judging persons. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Legal experts, including a former federal judge and a former Utah Supreme Court justice, examine the General Conference talk by Latter-day Saint apostle Dallin H. Oaks on the U.S. Constituiton. The best known of these is Judge not, that ye be not judged (3 Nephi 14:1, Matthew 7:1). 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 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. I have spoken to you as one of those watchmen on the subject the Spirit has assigned me. BachArranged by: Michel Rondeau (trumpet)Performers: Marthe Jobidon (trumpets), Eric Vaillancourt . The Savior taught that one of the missions of the Comforter he would send would be to assist in judgment of the world by guiding the faithful into all truth (John 16:13; see also vv. 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; 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 was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesin April 7,1984. . The most fundamental principle is contained in the Saviors commandment that we judge not unrighteously . 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. Are we our brothers keepers? 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. 46:19. The woman taken in adultery was granted time to repent, time that would have been denied by those who wanted to stone her. October 2022 conference featured 35 messages over the five sessions. Our own sins, no matter how few or seemingly insignificant, disqualify us as judges of other peoples sins. Page last updated 30 Sep 2021. 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. [Matthew 11:2830]. Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks Henry B. Eyring Also implicated due to his historic position as Presiding Bishop is Gary E. Stevenson. With the love and mutual respect taught by divine commandments, President Oaks said. For the goal of all human relationswhether they are religious, social, political, or economicought to be cooperation and mutual respect.9. by Giuseppe Martinengo | Sep 11, 2019 | All Talks | 0 comments. Satan says we are not. We need to find ways to learn from one another and to reinforce the common commitments that hold us together and promote stable pluralistic societies.. Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution - The Church of Jesus Josephs candor about his shortcomings is evident in the fact that one of the first revelations he recorded in writing and published to the world was a crushing rebuke he received from the Lord. . 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. 13. 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 . And out of small things proceedeth that which is great (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33). First: Truth. 3740]. 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 . Conference on-the Go: Dallin H. Oaks, Helping the Poor and Distressed, One Minute Scripture Study: A Come Follow Me Podcast. 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. Today and tomorrow would need to include two talks per day, then after that read one talk per day. Collection: Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer, BYU Speeches Oh Say, What Is Truth?Hymns,2002, no. That is athirdabsolute truth: We do not abandon the truth and our covenants. 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. Mormonism in the 20th century - Wikipedia President Dallin H. Oaks: 'Helping the Poor and Distressed' See, for example,John Paul II: The Encyclicals in Everyday Language,3rd ed., ed. Yet we dare to judge our fellow man by single acts and words, misleading glimpses, and deceptive moments of special strain. And in those intermediate judgments we are responsible to make, may we judge righteously and with love. In any event, as defenders of the faith, believers can and must seek laws that will preserve religious freedom. While there are many things we must make judgments about, the sins of another or the state of our own souls in comparison to others seems not to be among them. The key is to understand that there are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make; and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles. If given in the right way and for the right reasons, that service will reward us beyond anything we have given. The Savior also commanded individuals to be judges, both of circumstances and of other people. . 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. A gospel teacher, like the Master we serve, will concentrate entirely on those being taught. Some personal decisions must be made before we have access to all of the facts. They are directions away from pitfalls, and they are invitations to blessings. 1015]. But where believers are in the majority, they should always be sensitive to the views of the minority. As one of our Apostles observed: God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Relief Society has great significance for every member of the Church. If someone wanted to prepare by re-reading the talks from October 2022 conference in order, he or she should start today, Feb. 27, to finish by Friday, March 30. 272. What future event or events could this covenant contemplate? . Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places. 1. In the quiet heart is hidden Elder Dallin H Oaks; sacrifice; sanity; self care; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; widow; March 2023 (1) February 2023 (2) 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. There are many kinds of priesthood blessings. A talk a day: How to prepare for April 2023 general conference 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. 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. By this, all the children of God are enlightened to serve Him and one another to the best of their knowledge and ability.. He and his late wife, June Dixon Oaks, are the parents of six children. 5. 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. That judgment is the Lords, not ours. bid her therefore that she help me (v. 40). I cannot change the past. 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). Iassure you that my message is true. What Have Scholars Learned about Joseph Smith? We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things. Tolerance requires a similar refraining in our judgment of others. If a particular person has been arrested for child sexual abuse and is free on bail awaiting trial on his guilt or innocence, will you trust him to tend your children while you take a weekend trip? 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. 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. One about the role of the Book of Mormon in sharing the gospel and the other in knowing the l For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives. [Moroni 7:1214]. . President Oaks asks BYU: How are we measuring up to President Kimballs 1975 call to be unique, special? November 12, 2021 at University of Virginia. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. How can we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide our choices? Our tolerance and respect forothersand theirbeliefsdoes not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. . Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke in the October 2014 General Conference. There may be situations, there will be situations, where, with serious moral issues involved, we cannot bend on matters of principle. 218 University Press Building First Presidency: 193rd Annual General Conference to be April 1-2 Church leaders are specifically commanded to judge. (Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the governing First Presidency, speaks at General Conference about the U.S . [Teachings,p. 218]. His creations witness His existence, and His servants hear and proclaim His voice. Learn more about his general conference talks in this compilation. 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. 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. S2:E2 "Jesus Christ is the Strengt. In doing so, we Latter-day Saints rely on the truth we sing in the hymn I quoted earlier: The pillar of truth will endure to the last, And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast, And the wreck of the fell tyrants hopes.7. Let us consider some principles or ingredients that lead to a righteous judgment.. 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. . . . We give thanks for commandments. to judge the world; if it were, we would ruin everything. 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. We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness. Whenever possible we should refrain from judging people until we have an adequate knowledge of the facts. He is the way and He is the light because His teachings light our path in mortal life and show us the way back to the Father. This is the second time in two years that a leader of the Church was invited to speak at the summit. [Luke 10:4042]. . When I was a young adult, about sixty years ago, it was only in books and magazines that most Americans were exposed to great differences in cultures, values, and peoples. He was called as a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. (See John 18:3738.). 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. He has an eye trained for the imperfections, the weaknesses. kristen meredith mcmain oaks age - imprumutrapid-online.com 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. 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. He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. The Book of Mormon teaches that every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil;Links:Our General Conference talk schedule: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/conference-on-the-go-episode-list/The Conference Talk checklist: https://bit.ly/3eHJGEIThis weeks phone wallpaper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9cJGCePDNy9ccHnDzVrzkxkf4UXnJ4_/view?usp=sharingHelping the Poor and Distressed by Dallin H. Oaks By Intellectual Reserve, Inc.This material is neither made, provided, approved, nor endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dallin H. Oaks opened the Sunday afternoon session of the April 3, 2022 general conference by giving a talk titled "Divine Love in the Father's Plan." This is the topic for the rest of the week. . Edward L. Kimball [1982], 114). In applying the sometimes competing demands of truth and tolerance in these three behaviors and many others, we should not be tolerant with ourselves. Learn how your comment data is processed. An apostle's responsibility is to be a special witness of Jesus Christ . Professor Parry observed: Quite literally, they were measured by their own standards and found wanting. Forgiveness is a companion principle to the commandment that in final judgments we judge not and in intermediate judgments we judge righteously. 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. Ye shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:1516); and Go ye out from among the wicked (D&C 38:42). Opposition permits us to grow toward what our Heavenly Father would have us become. We call this quality of life spirituality. We should seek the guidance of the Spirit in our decisions. He has given 87 general conference talksincluding 18 addresses as a member of the First Presidency. We grow and mature spiritually by choosing to obey Gods commandments in a succession of right choices. 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. , 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. [The Supreme Charity of the World,The Kingship of Self-Control(Old Tappan, New Jersey: Revell, n.d.), pp. I begin with three absolute truths. In this teaching Brigham Young was, typically, merely elaborating on a teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who said: While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard. Her 1986 memoir, Goodbye, I Love You, is considered a landmark in discussions of homosexuality and Mormonism. You might say, That is a matter for senior Church authorities to handle. I describe these principles to you young adults because you are current members and future leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ, and you will need to decide these kinds of questions sooner than you think.