As Mormons, we have an importantly held belief that we have “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.” All around us we see an increasingly toxic world where important beliefs, religious or otherwise, are being suppressed, ridiculed, and mocked. This has prompted us to think more about this statement of our belief and how it both applies to us and to others. Now, we are not trying to sound preachy or shove our beliefs down your throat, but we want to address the misunderstanding of how we treat others' beliefs and how we hope others will treat us. The following are three vignettes from members of the church about events, whether from national news or from our their own personal lives, which have made an impact on them about the importance of respecting the beliefs of others. We hope to explain why this is so important to us, and how we respect others' agency (ability to choose).
#1: Unconditional Respect and Love
Earlier this year, a man was mercilessly attacked because he did not share the same viewpoint as others. This man was Brendan Eich, the man who helped invent the programming language JavaScript that drives internet pages. He is a very smart and respected individual. He was made CEO of the Mozilla Corporation, creators of the popular web browser Firefox. Immediately after, it surfaced that he did not support gay marriage and had even donated money to the Proposition 8 battle in California. As a result, he was attacked with petitions, hate mail, and slander from individuals all over the world, and was forced to step down from his position. His service as CEO lasted for a mere ten days. Although he did not support gay marriage, he never said anything against gays as individuals or that they were not welcome at the company.
This story significantly impacted me. It was unsettling to realize that someone very important lost their job merely because their beliefs were different than another's. Clearly, we live in a world where people’s opinions and beliefs are severely disrespected. As Mormons, we try to love others regardless of differing beliefs. We don’t have to accept every action others take as good or right, but we believe in showing love by understanding and respecting others’ opinions and ideas. I have friends and family who I disagree with or do not believe the same things I do; however, this does not change the fact that I try to always love and respect them. Most Mormons try to follow this same principle. We are far from perfect, but we really do try to love others and let them choose to do as they wish—even if we don’t agree with them.
Likewise, we hope to receive the same consideration. I know that for many people, what Mormons believe is often at odds with now commonly accepted behaviors and ideas, and that we may appear “out of touch” with the times. All we hope to receive is the same respect for our beliefs as we try to extend to others. We may not agree, but I know that we have the same goal in mind. We want to make life better for ourselves and others.
#2: The Gift of Religious Freedom
Growing up in the Seattle area, I was surrounded by various cultural and religious traditions during my years in public schools. For the most part, my peers displayed tolerance and respect. Discrimination and prejudice against race or beliefs existed, but were mild in degree of severity. Difference of opinion was celebrated. I felt comfortable sharing my religious background and the sacred beliefs I hold as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was even a little naive to the hatred and persecution that endures in other parts of the world—until I met Nima.
Nima is from Iran and a Muslim by birth. He grew up in a devout Islamic family, and followed all religious practices. While a young man in Iran however, he came in contact with Christianity. He felt himself drawn to this religion, and desired to follow Christ. Despite the absolute consequences he would incur if ever discovered, Nima converted to Christianity and abandoned his childhood faith. He hid as best he could the changes that had taken place in his heart. But as suspicions began to arise, it was no longer safe for him to remain in Iran. He fled to the United States, where he studied tirelessly to earn the degree in school which will grant him the right to remain in this country of religious freedom. Should he be sent back to Iran, he would be put to death because family and neighbors have all been made aware of his conversion to Christianity.
I was awed by Nima’s bravery. Even with his life on the line, he remains loyal to the beliefs he holds to be true. Just as I was impressed by his character, I was horrified to witness the ugly persecution and close-mindedness being fostered on the earth. It’s sad that people can be so blinded by difference that they close the door to getting to know someone’s heart. I appreciate the belief held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in that religious freedom is supported and celebrated, and that the worth of every individual is infinite!
#3: Overcoming Differences
I lived in the Midwestern United States during my high school years. At my high school I was a member of the drumline in the marching band and consequently spent a lot of time with people who were not members of my faith. We had very clear differences in standards, and I put up with a profanity, vulgar speech, and other inappropriate behavior from the other students. I believe I was very humble and accepting in this situation—they all knew I didn’t agree with their behavior, but I wasn’t judgmental towards them about it.
It wasn’t long in to my freshman year of high school before their talk and behavior turned towards me being “Mormon”. The jokes spread like wildfire. I was laughed at, I was given vulgar nicknames, I had things stolen from me, and the ridicule slowly got worse and worse. I continued to take it for a long time. I never recoiled or fought back. Sometimes I would even laugh with them. But regardless, it got to a point where it began to hurt. Despite the pain, I realized that the other students probably had no idea what they were doing. I don’t think they meant to cause harm—it was all done in the name of fun. But it had gotten out of hand so one day I determined to put my foot down and put an end to all of it. I stopped allowing the jokes, I stopped laughing, and I stopped giving in to pressure. I starting opening my mouth and asking students kindly not to say or do the things they were. It really didn’t take long for things to turn around. The jokes, the ridicule, and mocking all stopped, and the students I was surrounded by began to respect me and my beliefs.
So many of us would never think to mock or ridicule another person because of differences in beliefs or opinions, but we still have a subconscious tendency to be afraid of anything or anyone that is different from us. Many times we don’t even realize it. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we try to respect others’ beliefs and allow them to worship how they may. We also hope to receive the same respect for our religious views and ideals. Overcoming differences leads to greater understanding. Greater understanding leads to greater love for our fellow men.
