22 And
also they had peace in the seventy and eighth year, save it were a few
contentions concerning the points of doctrine which had been laid down by the
prophets.
23 And in
the seventy and ninth year there began to be much strife. But it came to pass
that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true
points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore they did preach
unto the people, insomuch that they did put an end to their strife in that same
year. (Helaman 11:22-23)
There are several neat things in these verses. First, true
doctrine preached puts an end to religious strife. We’ve seen elsewhere that it
has more effect on the minds of the people than the sword or anything else. It dispels
doubt and ignorance and can become a shield against deceptions of the devil.
(Of course, when people are more determined to carry their point than to learn
the truth, it is another story.)
Another neat thing is that Nephi and Lehi and many others
who knew the true points of doctrine still had many revelations daily. Their
strong foundational knowledge did not prevent them from learning more, and they
were able to perform a great service with their knowledge by helping end strife
over doctrine. I also suppose some of their revelations helped them settle the strife
as well.
So a good question for us is, when there is religious
controversy do we remember important applicable points of doctrine that can
help us settle it? Can we think of verses of scripture on the topic? Can we
find applicable scriptures? Are there words of the modern-day prophets on the
matter? I suspect that if we haven’t consulted the scriptures or the prophets
on the question then we haven’t yet done all we can do, whether we have
questions or whether we’re trying to help someone else with questions.
2 comments:
I found this article on the Huffington Post dated 4/8/2013
"Boyd K Packer, Top Mormon, Warns of immorality Tolerance Trap.
Just because the nation may change its laws to "tolerate legalized acts of immorality" does not make those acts any less spiritually damaging, senior Mormon apostle Boyd K. Packer said Saturday (April 6) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 183rd Annual General Conference.
"The permissiveness afforded by the weakening of the laws of the land to tolerate legalized acts of immorality," Packer said, "does not reduce the serious spiritual consequences that result from the violation of God's law of chastity."
I remember this and the uproar it seemed to cause, mainly with those in the church and those not of the church who disagreed. Some wanted to attach this only to the "Same Sex" agenda. But I think and know that chastity involves more than abstaining from.... premarital sex; consuming of alcohol, smoking tobacco or marijuana (which is legal in some state); violence and anger; pornography, etc
I am coming to the understanding that the doctrine of chastity is a "pillar" in the foundation of families, not only in the Church but also in the world.
As far as I know ( and my sphere is limited), I have only heard of one other Church supporting Mormons on this issue, the Catholic Church. I do know for a fact, that in my hometown (DC), many churches of various faith's opposed the same sex law, and the legalization of Marijuana. But in the end, they all were swayed to turn a blind eye and give their support.
This is religious strife.
Case in point. That strife could be ended if people were willing to listen to the doctrine, but when they are not, the strife continues.
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