Elder Dallin H. Oaks Speaks on Religious Freedom at University of Oxford

“None of us can ignore the importance of religion globally - in politics, conflict resolution, economic development, humanitarian relief, and more,” said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a lecture Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Johns College at the University of Oxford. www.mormonnewsroom.org//articl...

[@Yunginspirit]

Excellent speaker! Those Mormons are something else when it comes to helping their fellowmen.

[@manyayitshiaba5027]

I've always joy when I understand the prophet's messages, I get strength and I see the blessings of God in my life.

[@drkyledpt]

One of my favorite lines in this speech: Religious values and political realities are so interlinked in the origin and perpetuation of western nations that we cannot lose the influence of religion in our public life without seriously jeopardizing our freedoms. Thanks Elder Oaks!

[@Ammondude]

Thanks for the video! I love hearing from the Apostles. We love you Elder Oaks!!!

[@nariter]

After seeing something on yahoo that greatly caused me to feel unsettled, this video helped me to re-see the amazing side of religion and helped me to no longer feel unsettled. I am truly grateful for what our church leaders do. God bless.

[@bessiebraveheart]

this apostle of the Lord speaks the truth.

[@jennteam]

I like this quote: "Western societies are not held together primarily by the overall enforcement of laws...but most importantly by citizens who voluntarily obey the unenforceable, because of their internal norms of correct behavior. For many, it is the religious belief in right and wrong...that produces such voluntary self-regulation."

[@richardnsalvador]

Wow! This is the first I've heard of the LDS Church helping to build mosques, distribute the Holy Quran and prayer rugs to Muslims in Banda Aceh! The LDS Church has just become my hero! I am inspired to learn of such unselfish genuine Christian service. Thank you Elder Oaks.

[@jonbystrom9410]

It is the job of CIA apostles to uphold the Deep State policies of immigration. rockfordfraud.wordpress.com.

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

❤❤❤❤

[@heidih.treharne4952]

I'd like to see the full address. Can I download it on a site not uploaded by mormon.org?

[@rayannespottedbull8578]

Without the United Order we cannot become one; without the United Order, angels cannot hold communion with us as a people. The dead cannot be raised nor Jesus come to dwell with his people.” I said, “It is enough; I am prepared to give my name as a member of the United Order tonight.” (Autobiog. of Joseph Orton, p. 22) Joseph Smith, quoting John the Revelator, indicated this gift is so important that every “man who has the testimony of Jesus,” is a prophet, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. -Revelation 29:l0th verse” (TPJS, p. 119) In ancient times it was thought that only a few people could be prophets. In fact, they often declared that they wanted only a certain person to be a prophet for all the people. Joseph Smith said this was a wrong concept and declared: . . . the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church-that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls-applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall-that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, . . . (TPJS, pp. 237-238) And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And [91] Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them! (Num. 11:25-29)

[@madisonsmith8502]

Christianity were also extremely big reasons for the call for people to still hold slaves here in USA. This was completely downplayed in his speech, but I understand why as he is entirely talking about the good that religion has to offer.Many Christians in the usa thought terrible of MLK Jr. and what he was doing. White Christians in their predominantly segregated churches were not kind to the civil rights movement. And yes, of course white Christians did help. Religion has been a deterrent for progress for some time. It still is in terms of LGBTQ rights, although of course many religious people don't want to see any rights and protection granted to LGBTQ people. WITH ALL THIS BEING SAID, I appreciate his comments on the need for inclusiveness and the rights for people to practice their religion.

[@williambott1230]

Religions and the belief in a god through out the history of human kind have and always will divide humanity. Religious freedom is just another word for those that want to have power over others through the use of fear, prejudice, ignorance and hate. I firmly believe that had it not been for religion mankind would be 1,000 years more advanced then it is right now. The facts are, there has never been a prophet of god at anytime in human history . Christ may have existed but was not the son of god. Christ was a human he died, get over it. There is no evidence that God exist and without question so far all indications are that when we die that is the end of us. Religion is regressive it all it's forms. Because we die and because we have no knowledge of any after life, this then gives fertile ground for exploitation of the fear of the unknown. It also has lined the pockets of con-men with money and power, power that has done far too much harm to men, women, and children all over the world everyday. This madness needs to end.

[@stardustgirl2904]

The very best way for you to find out if God exists, is for you to read the Bible, and see and pray about it. Another strong testimony of Christ, is the Book of Mormon, it's a very amazing book! Back in Biblical times it was very hard for them to get papyrus to write on it was very expensive at that time, and would of been very foolish to sit and write lies upon it. And ask yourself this where did we come from then? Why is it that not all the apes have evolved into humans? Satan is very crafty , he distorted truth upon the earth. God is real , you just need to know it for yourself ! :-)

[@stevensirman6375]

I think the very evils you describe, such as fear, prejudice, ignorance and hate are the antithesis of true religion and I too wish such things would end. We are all children of God and as such should desire the best for each other. Ironically the bible relates the difficulty the prophets had getting people to behave toward others in the same way as you say they should. Maybe your vision is closer to God's goodness and farther from man's inhumanity to man. The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics states the universe is increasing in disorder. However, if you look around, the ecosystems, planetary systems, human systems, and all of nature have a definite order. They are all decreasing in order. This leaves the mind to ponder the possibility of a creator of higher order. I'm sure everyone is important and that they are alive for a reason and one day they will die for a reason. I know that God is a loving Father and get a bad rap sometimes because of the examples of those who profess to be his followers, but fail. If you want to consider another type of evidence, consider asking God if he really exists to manifest himself in some unique and personal way to you. It might be difficult unless you are open-minded and ask with sincerity. Good luck to you in whatever you do in life.

[@stardustgirl2904]

Most people in this world choose not to believe in God because of there own faults and selfishness, they don't want to be told that their lifestyle is wrong. Weather you believe in God or not is your own free agency, and one day you and everyone else will be judged for the choices we have made here upon the earth. I believe in God, and I have seen miracles in my life, and in the lives of others. The earth didn't just happen , and neither did you! I'm sorry that you will go through this life never knowing just how special you are to your Father in Heaven, never knowing how loved you truly are! The Lord created all of us , and he gave us a home called earth that we could come here and learn from life's many trials. I can't help but feel God's love for me each day,I go to church, I read the scriptures, and I'm thankful that I don't live in darkness . But most importantly I pray, and I'm thankful for all the blessings I have received in life. Religion pushes us a long each day to become better people , that we can learn from our saviors life and follow his example. When I look at the beauty in the mountains and the world I know God lives. So stop and ask yourself, where did you come from then?Know in your heart God created you, and you are special! :-) Have a great day, and may the Lord bless you in your life!

[@stevensirman6375]

I don't mean to sound offensive, but I think that statements like "Most people in this world choose not to believe in God because of there own faults and selfishness" sort of misrepresents the love that Christ has for us and is the point of William's message. It is a highly judgmental statement and the scriptures warn us of judging others. How do we know what most people in the world experience? Do we think we are better than they are? Do we have the love and perspective that God has? Maybe there are people our there that have been abused and only know hate, not from their own fault, but maybe someone never took the time to love them. Maybe others have been taught false traditions or other things that might lead them to false conclusions. Those things are not their faults either. I believe in God and his prophets and they are here to show us love by example. I know that I have done many things I am ashamed of and sorry for. I have not only asked for Christ to forgive me,but to heal me of the root problem. I know better than to try to hold judgment upon another soul. Christ died for us not to lift us up so we can condemn others, but so we can lift them as he does. We all have a long way to go to be perfect, so let us support one another in our efforts to do our best, whatever our beliefs.