One is to believe what is not true, the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” We need to be careful what we incorporate into our belief system. Soren Kierkegaail wisely wrote, “There are two ways to be fooled. Let them worship how, where, or what they may.” The prophet Joseph Smith wrote in his “Thirteen Articles of Faith” the following 11 article: “We claim the privilege of worshipping The Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege. It is a personal choice, and one that should be cherished, as life itself. He did not then, nor will he ever, force anyone to obey his commandments. Jesus Christ looked past people’s ethnicity, rank, and circumstances, to heal, bless, and teach eternal truths that can secure eternal happiness. When the rights of one group collides with the rights of another we must follow the principle of being as fair as possible. Protecting conscience is about safeguarding the way someone thinks and feels, protecting that person’s right to act on his/her beliefs. We must take the responsibility to let our government and civic leaders know that we cherish this principle and will be active in defending it. It is very important to understand that the faithful use of our beliefs depends on having religious freedom. And we should be the first in line to help defend others and their rights to live as they believe, as long as it doesn’t harm someone else. We are created equal, and all have the privilege of thinking for ourselves in matters of conscience. We all need to help each other through this mortal journey. I was brought up in the South (Florida), and was taught to love and respect people of all colors. Already some religious schools have been questioned, because they require faculty and students to adhere to an honor code that requires fidelity and chastity. Our society has become so blinded by its quest to redress wrongful discrimination against a few classes of people that it is now in danger of creating another victimized class, people of faith.
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