Morality & Religious Freedom

I liked this article in the Sept. Ensign this year.  Of course with the election and so much campaigning, it has me thinking about all the issues and discord we see.  Not that I would have a great answer if someone asked me how do we restore morality or preserve religious freedom in our society but Elder Quentin L. Cook's succinct answers were a little surprising, but helpful and even more so the explanations and expansions he offered.  

We can help restore morality and preserve religious freedom by

• •Being a righteous example.

• •Being civil in our discourse.

• •Being an advocate for morality and religious freedom.

A little before that he had this sound advice:

Be Civil in Your Discourse

We need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. We live in a world where there is much turmoil. Many people are both angry and afraid. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies (see Matthew 5:44). This is especially true when we disagree. The moral basis of civility is the Golden Rule. It is taught in most religions and particularly by the Savior. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Our faith requires that we treat our neighbors with respect.

In a general conference address I pointed out that “there are some who feel that venting their personal anger or deeply held opinions is more important than conducting themselves as Jesus Christ lived and taught. … How we disagree is a real measure of who we are and whether we truly follow the Savior. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable. … If we show love and respect even in adverse circumstances, we become more like Christ.”¹⁴

This "Be Civil in Your Discourse" section reminded of a recent CES talk given by Elder Holland about not checking your religion at the door.  So in this case, not checking your religion at the door when discussing or posting about politics.  ;)

Anyway, he had some great ideas about religious freedom as well.  Read the article if you haven't yet! 

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/09/restoring-morality-and-religious-freedom?lang=eng

So grateful to live in the country that we do and that we can go to the polls in November to vote in fair and uncorrupt elections, for whom we would choose our leaders to be.  In far too many countries, they don't have this right or this procedure in place, especially for women.  How blessed we are.