Melissa's Blog: October 2009

This week I have been so busy, but I just wanted to share a wonderful experience that I had this week.

This past Tuesday in the Hart Auditorium, Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked for our University Devotional. I was of course SO EXCITED because he is one of my favorite apostles to hear from. Luckily I was able to get tickets for the bleachers in the Hart at the last minute (most students had to sit elsewhere, because tickets were only available through a lottery system when you registered for tickets) - my roommates and I got some of the very last tickets.

I settled down to listen, and loved the devotional. Elder Oaks talked about religious freedom under the United States Constitution. He quoted the first Amendment in the Bill of Rights under the Constitution stating that "the United States shall have no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion." He stated that religious freedom and the exercise thereof were the very origin and existence of America and its foundation. The most important topic of his talk was about conditions we will face in our lives. He stated that one of the most dangerous circumstances we will face is the "silencing [of] religious voices in the public square." He stated that our nation has become, and will continue to become more and more secular and antagonistic. He recognized that there are many forces that reject the authority and power of God. They favor laws that will grow to infringe on religion and its liberties.
Elder Oaks addressed the growing threat of atheism in our society - he stated statistics that recognized this idea that man does not have, and does not need, a God has become the "4th biggest 'religion' in the world." His words illustrated a growing, anti-religious movement in our nation that he described as "bigotrous."
He addressed conflicting issues encompassed by the First Amendment: marriage and adoption, religious universities available (such as BYU-Idaho), and the prohibiting of discrimination against those of certain religions. The biggest subject under this was the recent Proposition 8 conflict in California. He asserted that the biggest clash would be between the people's ideas of "equal rights" as opposed to "religious rights." He instructed us that religious freedom needs defending against "human rights" today; that we need to do everything in our power to legally take a stand as advocates for the values and standards and morals of our church and our lives.
He commanded that we not lose voice in the public square; he promised that if we did, we would also lose religious freedom. We all should have the protection and rights inalienable to all flesh.
He gave us five points of conduct to follow to enhance our religious freedom, and here I quote:

1) Speak with love, always showing patience, love, and compassion to all.
2) Don't be deterred or coerced into silence by those who are determined against you- protect your constitutional rights, especially when concerned with moral issues.
3)Insist on your freedom to preach the doctrine of our faith - the law of chastity has never been revoked or changed - the eternal relationship of marriage as only being between one man and one woman is the same today as in the past.
4) As advocates of truth, we must be wise in our political involvement - act legally and wisely; we can be most persuasive by framing arguments that are understandable by those who don't share our beliefs and understanding.
5) Be careful to NEVER support or subscribe to other beliefs in order to obtain a political office - religion should not be a political campaign.

His talk was marvelous. He had opened it saying that he would be careful in what he said, as he knew that the audience of the broadcasts of Devotional would be broad, and that their opinions would be many. I loved the devotional, but it turned out that Elder Oaks was right. Apparently news broadcasts of a "ridiculous Mormon sermon" were circulated almost immediately afterwards, and areas around here have admitted offense to Elder Oaks testimony of religious freedom. However, I felt the spirit of truth in his words, and want to add my testimony of the divinity of the message that he delivered to us this past Tuesday afternoon.

After he delivered his talk, I had the marvelous chance to meet Elder Oaks and his wife. Many, many students lined up in the auditorium for the chance to shake his hand. Though the line was long, the wait was a quick one. I almost cried to look into the smiling face of an apostle of the Lord, and see the strength and beauty of the spirit of God that he carried with him. It was an experience that I will never forget - that I hope won't ever leave me. I bear witness that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored church of Christ here upon the earth today, with the fullness of the gospel attendant in it. I bear witness of the truth of modern-day prophets and apostles who help to guide Christ's church, and direct His people in these latter days. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that we live under an inspired government lead by the Hand of God. I know these things are true, and I bear solemn witness of them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.