Chapter 20 Fellowship with Those Who Are Not

Chapter 20: Fellowship with Those Who Are Not of Our Faith “Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. ”

From the Life of Gordon B. Hinckley “We are of various doctrinal persuasions. While recognizing our theological differences, I think we are of one mind in our awareness of the evils and problems of the world and the society in which we live, and of our great responsibility and opportunity to stand united for those qualities in public and private life which speak of virtue and morality, of respect for all men and women as children of God, of the need for civility and courtesy in our relationships, and of preservation of the family as the divinely ordained basic unit of society… President Hinckley encouraged us to join with those not of our faith “in good community causes. ”

When we remember that all people are children of God, we reach out more to lift and help those among us. We must never forget that we live in a world of great diversity. The people of the earth are all our Father’s children and are of many and varied religious persuasions. We must cultivate tolerance and appreciation and respect one another. 6 There is no need in any land for conflict between diverse groups of any kind. Let there be taught in the homes of people that we are all children of God, our Eternal Father, and that as surely as there is fatherhood, there can and must be brotherhood. 7 In our relationships with others, why is it helpful to remember that we are all children of God? How can we cultivate greater appreciation and respect for others? How can adults teach children to appreciate and respect others?

We should live with respect, appreciation, and friendship toward people who are not of our faith. “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1: 11). How very important that is—that while we believe in worshipping God according to our doctrine, we do not become arrogant or selfrighteous or prideful but that we extend to others the privilege of worshipping according to their desires. Much of the trouble in the world comes from conflict between religions. I am happy to be able to say that I can sit down with my Catholic friends and talk with them, that I can sit down with my Protestant friends and talk with them. I would stand in their defense, as this Church has done and will continue to do, in defending them in this world. 9 How can we recognize if we are manifesting arrogance or self-righteousness in these relationships? How can we show greater friendship and love toward those who have different beliefs?

Without compromising our doctrine, we can work with others in good causes. We can and do work with those of other religions in various undertakings in the everlasting fight against social evils which threaten the treasured values which are so important to all of us. These people are not of our faith, but they are our friends, neighbors, and co-workers in a variety of causes. We are pleased to lend our strength to their efforts. But in all of this there is no doctrinal compromise. There need not be and must not be on our part. But there is a degree of fellowship as we labor together. 14 “Our kindness may be the most persuasive argument for that which we believe. ” Why is it important that Church members work together with other people in good causes? How can we become a greater influence for good in our community?

When we treat others with love, respect, and kindness, we show that we are true disciples of Jesus Christ. As we carry forward our distinctive mission, we work under a mandate given us by the risen Lord, who has spoken in this last and final dispensation. This is His unique and wonderful cause. We bear testimony and witness of Him. But we need not do so with arrogance or self-righteousness. As Peter expressed it, we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people. ” Why? That we might “shew forth the praises of him who hath called [us] out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Pet. 2: 9). … … Let us be true disciples of the Christ, observing the Golden Rule, doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us strengthen our own faith and that of our children while being gracious to those who are not of our faith. Love and respect will overcome every element of animosity. Our kindness may be the most persuasive argument for that which we believe. 18 How have you seen love and respect overcome feelings of animosity? Why is our behavior toward others “the most persuasive argument for that which we believe”?