Everyday Example: When Beliefs Are Questioned

When someone disagrees with your core beliefs, it can quickly turn to conflict rather than friendly conversation. See how a student might respond to this type of religious-based conflict in a classroom.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

I love our Church media. This could be re-written though, to be more brief, and give specific helps: • Real humility is powerful • Use humor to deflect attacks • Be calm on your insides • Listen: “One of the best ways to persuade others is with your ears-by listening to them,” _(Dean Rusk)_ • Never ‘return railing for railing’

[@SilvanaDPT]

Excellent points!!!

[@janellebird3771]

This got me alittle teary eyed. If only people could learn that not all people are judgemental toward others actions or way of life. It says in the scriptures love your neighbor as thy loves thy self. The world is conterversal, but hate is spread like peanut butter on bread, thick and messy. It's just so sad that alot of people lack the knowledge so they decide to hate and judge. Praying for all the world .

[@insanedragongirl]

I love when he said “ask yourself why would she, a reasonable individual feel this way?” It’s crucial to not let ourselves fall into the trap of assuming that people who believe differently than us are inherently unreasonable.

[@alanbourbeau24]

In today’s modern society, Where devout and sincere practicing Christians like myself are being challenged and tested by people of no religious beliefs and when we Christians are being tested and challenged by non believers. There’s two things to keep in mind. 1. Don’t apologize for what we believe in and what we stand up for. 2. Don’t be completely gullible and fall for what other people believe in. Stand up for what you believe in. And another thing, don’t give up easily.

[@paulqreynolds]

The video feels a little sugar coated. But the end conclusion is excellent - we can do better than just respecting each other's differences, we can stand up for each other's rights to disagree.

[@donna-marie1936]

Good for samantha! You stood up for what's right! This Baptist lady applauds u

[@churchnewsroom]

Thank you for your comment!

[@donna-marie1936]

@@churchnewsroom your welcome, im very impressed with these videos!

[@mollyj6286]

I don't know how I ended up here since I am in no way religious, but I watched the whole thing. I think the world would probably be a better place to live if the fictional Samantha were the norm, but sadly she's not. I grew up in a community where religion was used to incite hatred and violence towards gays, blacks, women, or anyone who looked or acted differently. I'm not just talking about name calling (though hearing random strangers scream swear words at you from a pickup truck was not pleasant). I'm talking about real violence here. My sin? I had short, purple hair so naturally I was a dyke and a pervert, etc. I actually got off easy because I'm white. TBH, I'm a bit phobic of religion bc of the way I grew up...I really wish people would stop screaming at each other to believe this thing or that thing. I've learned that people usually change their minds through experience - not being told that they must think a certain way. I do hate sitting across from someone who thinks I'm going to hell, though. I'm not going to hell. I'm a good person - it just doesn't make sense to me.

[@andrewfrancis6865]

It is indeed sad that that's the way people who are different are treated. It's not right

[@loveandlight9408]

Its good to be tolerant of differences in the world. Variety is from God. It helps us progress, evolve. Every invention came from a need caused by variety. Its a good thing. God gave choice.

[@haroldscalf7127]

I appreciate this post about how to talk about important issues others agree or disagree with. How todo crucial conversation. In the critical moment

[@alanbourbeau24]

When you’re sincere practicing Christian. Roman Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox. You always have to stand up for what you believe in. And if anyone who doesn’t believe in what you believe in. Well keep in mind on a number of things. 1. Stand firm for what you believe in as a Christian. 2. If the person doesn’t believe in what you believe in, don’t go into a heated argument because that could lead to physical violence. 3. Calmly explain your Christian views and beliefs to the non believer. 4. If you’re alone at your home or church, privately pray for the non believer.

[@SoyYoBel]

I love this video but where can I find it in Spanish? I want to show it in my seminary class.

[@omar90s91]

- Did you ever find it ?

[@Rights7]

wow..... Samantha didn't do anything wrong, at all! she really didn't have anything to apologize for, she could have reopened the conversation with out it

[@eldnah09]

I think it wasn't so much that she felt that she had done wrong, but that she was looking to validate the hurt/upset feelings of the woman she had gotten into the argument with. I have seen in my own life, that when initial feelings are validated, and can move out of the way, and both parties are on the same page -- that's when real learning and understanding can start to take place. If those feelings were not seen as real and valid to the other party involved, it might have turned into another "who's winning" type of argument.

[@Rights7]

she isn't responsible for other ppls feelings, so she should not apologize because they have them. ppl need to take responsibility for themselves. I don't believe ppl should be guilt tripped into apologizing for having an opinion. I have seen it go the other way too. Once you trip into their guilt trip trap they start blaming you for even more. They feel validated for having attacked you in the first place as though you were agreeing that you deserved it. ppl who do this are just manipulative and there was nothing she needed to feel sorry for, she committed no sin or broke any societal norm.

[@sapphirem.5106]

I agree that it can go that way. As you said she isn't responsible for the other persons feelings. However I think by apologizing she was respecting what the other person was feeling. She was also trying to show the other woman that she wasn't out for another confrontation or another argument. People never want to listen if they feel they are being attacked or judged in anyway. By approaching the conversation in that manner she was letting the other one know she didn't want a replay of what had happened in class.

[@Rights7]

can't she do all of that without apologizing? By simply saying I have respect for you as a person and don't want to argue, perhaps we can discuss this again and try to understand each other.

[@BensSpirit88]

I think It's still better to appologize even though the other is (more) in the wrong... Sadly enough though I have to admit that some individuals will indeed use it as a reason to attack you even more and or even with the intention to hurt your feeligs Prayer can help to feel comforted but what do you do next? Do you then avoid him/her or do you keep on trying?

[@musicmomism]

These are excellent videos. Thank you!

[@jeanbaptistetuyishime648]

ı am proud to be a Mormon and God thanks that I love everyone and I do all my best to be exampler to them and makes them feel free to me as well as I do.

[@canderssonswedican7486]

CHAPTER 2 { The Book of Mormon 19,20,1957,1981 } ----Converted Lamanites become white and are called Nephites. 3 Nephi 2:12,14-16 Therefore, all the Lamanites [ dark skinned ] who had become converted unto the Lord did unite with their brethren. And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had united with the Nephites [ white skinned ] were numbered among the Nephites. And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites; And their young men and their daughters became exceedingly fair, CHAPTER 5 { The Book of Mormon 1981 } ----Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites are cursed, receive a skin of blackness, and become a scourge unto the Nephites. 2 Nephi 30:6,6 And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers. And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a [ pure ] {this has been changed, was white instead of pure } and a delightsome people. { your skin will change to white when you accept the correct teaching } 2 Nephi 5:20-21 Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence. And he had caused the cursing to come upon them,yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them. CHAPTER 12 { The Book of Mormon 1981 } ---the loathsome and filthy state of those who dwindle in unbelief. { dark skin is bad } 1 Nephi 12:23 And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations. { white skin is good } Jacob 3:8 O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God. You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, un comely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind......Cain slew his brother......and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race--that they should be the " servant of servants "; Journal of Discourses 7:290 Brigham Young We will first inquire into the results of the approbation or dis-pleasure of God upon a people, starting with the belief that a black skin is a mark of the curse of Heaven placed upon some portions of mankind. Some, however, will argue that a black skin is not a curse, nor a white skin a blessing. In fact, some have been so foolish as to believe and say that a black skin is a blessing, and that the negro is the finest type of a perfect man that exists on the earth: but to us such teachings are foolishness. We understand that when God made man in his own image and pronounced him very good, that he made him him white. We have no record of any of God's favored servants being of a black race......every angel who ever brought a message of God's mercy to man was beautiful to look upon, clad in the purest white. Juvenile Instructor vol 3:157 The Devil has black skin …but let them apostatize, and they will become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like the Devil." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 332) “Had I anything to do with the Negro, I would confine them by strict law to their own species, and put them on a national equalization.” History of the Church 5:217-18 Brigham Young And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham’s wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representative upon the earth as well as God. Journal of Discourses 22:304 John Taylor The Negro represents The Devil on earth Why is, in fact, that we should have a devil? Why did the Lord not kill him long ago? Because he could not do without him. He needed the devil and a great many of those who do his bidding to keep men straight, that we may learn to place our dependence upon God, and trust in Him, andto observe his laws and keep his commandments. When he destroyed the inhabitants of the antediluvian world, he suffered a descendent of Cain to come through the flood in order that he might be properly represented upon the earth. Journal of Discourses 23:336 John Taylor Are you still proud ?

[@AD-ju7ct]

God bless you brother!

[@thurbs123]

I'm blessed to be a member Of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! I know that my Redeemer lives.

[@sistr_cuzzacuzza812]

This is the way

[@peggybogar3059]

Really helpful.

[@adampatam]

Luv those bangs!!!

[@patricklititiyo3749]

I was in the deep mist of darkness to this world but the Lamb of God called me and put me out from darkness and showed me the way. And now I'm blessed I can see the light through the holy Ghost. I thank God to be member of the church of JESUS CHRIST of the latter-day saints and into my innermost I bear witness to all Jesus's church preaching is true so is the Book of Mormon! I will serve my Jesus Christ everywhere. I know that we have the living apostles and I know again that the Prophet Russell M. Nelson was been called by himself the almighty God. Amen. from Kisangani DRCongo

[@kayeshackelford943]

I am sorry it has come to this about prayer. . In the history I was taught about America, the Founding Fathers were more than clear that the Constitution was for a people who believed in God. I also thought it was made clear to us in school; whereas today that information has all been removed. It couldn't be a good idea to remove it from school but I see that is already done. The more we work at this, the more difficult it seems to become. It looks like our lawmakers are moving away from the use of the Constitution whereas the majority of citizens have no say or are not represented my those who hold office. I hope we can find a solution without excluding prayers to God in our schools.

[@kayeshackelford943]

What I have noticed specifically is that the Constitution is no longer taught in schools with a solid curriculum. It is hard to make an informed opinion without that knowledge base.

[@R.E.A.P]

Kaye Shackelford well said

[@ethanschneider2422]

Why do we accept all beliefs with out examining bliefs for ourself? Why do children believe without questioning? Why are we not taught how beliefs and social conditioning actually works? Are beliefs like social programs? Why dont people do self-reflection and look within for answers? Why dont people ask questions?

[@haroldscalf7127]

Very good

[@kokostillwell4034]

I am a Mormon and I love it. I don't understand why people keep attacking Mormonism. I grew up in a Protestant church and I know the difference.

[@candersander4263]

Perhaps because the Mormon religion attacks what we know to be the Church Jesus established...

[@tikalamaynyo3213]

@@candersander4263 who attack first?

[@MarielaArayakoowoiii]

The church of Jesus Christ of the Later day Saints doesn't attack any church or beliefs.

[@richardholmes7199]

@@candersander4263 ?

[@jeremydavidmarshall]

The conversation with the bishop was excellent.

[@melinaquiroga2203]

Alguien tiene este video subtitulado?

[@juanmunoz6930]

En español se agradecería.

[@makehetutu2472]

I like this video in a way to learn from each other.Anyway in the first place the question shouldn’t be ask directly to a person involvement in any community organisation. The reaction is wild and end up into something that cannot be uplifted or both understand. The facilitator is not helpful as well, he should stop the throwing back and forth commotion or argument and allow the whole class to get involved. Anyway at the of the day, we or you stand up for your right and answer in a way that the oppose learn. I am glad that Samantha asked the Bishop for further discussion of the question and how to respond to this kind of challenge . I am also thankful that Samantha act upon on a positive way how to resolved and learn from each other point of view and accept each other’s right to choose for themselves. Agency was given long before the creation of Heaven and earth. Thank you

[@jeremyrobinson9660]

I'll start with the positive. I like how the video shows how people of differing opinions should talk about their differences. Too many of these discussions end up being confrontational... though its not always the left that does this. I've seen both sides "start it". Now for the negative: This video is essentially a strawman argument. Nobody is denying people's right to believe that gays can't get married or the church's right to discriminate against same sex couples by not allowing them to participate in the church. Many people are critical of this stance but there is not a serious movement to legally force the church's hand on the issue. The church however wants to deny the rights of gay people to get married in the legal square by actively campaigning against it. The Mormon girl (representing the church) is trying to create a false equivalency in the argument that does not exist.

[@phyllisbunnell7848]

If only we lived in a perfect world or even close to who perfect world.

[@patrickjohnson3671]

This is an awesome video. For me it drives home the point that people need to be tolerant and respectful of other beliefs especially, when believes are in conflict with each other.

[@ashlibradford1821]

This is the purpose of America. Freedom for all to worship and believe according to their own conscience. This is a land literally protected and reserved by God for true freedom for all men and women who live here. Most religious people who are hateful and bigots, do not understand the scriptures. They have not read them to realize this is literally God's plan. Free agency. To choose what you want and reap whatever the rewards or consequences may be. But choice is one of the greatest gifts given to men by God. The knowledge of good and evil and freedom to choose is the purpose of why we are here in the first place. I am tired of hearing people assuming The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaches hate towards others for their different beliefs. There is not a Christian religion I am aware of outside of this one that teaches these things. It is doctrine. And remember, just because someone is "Christian" does not mean they have been converted and constantly are seeking the Lord's will for themselves and those they have charge over. The people of any church are not true or perfect. But the doctrine's and teachings are true and perfect. There has never been a more perfect plan laid out that is supposed to give all the agency to chose who they are and what they want while here. What a great video, and pretty dang good acting as well!

[@alanbourbeau24]

I can relate myself to this video. I have a friend who happens to be my assistant and she happens to a lesbian. At first I was deeply appalled 😮 by her gay lifestyle and tried to tell her that being a homosexual is morally wrong. But then I realized I should respect her for who she is.

[@geronimo3752]

Yes, it is morally wrong and yes you should still respect her😊

[@bob1952x]

And just how long did it take you to figure out that you need to respect her for who she is? You are lucky she didn't sue you, or at least resign, for telling her that her lifestyle is morally wrong.

[@michalnowacki9252]

I think she standing up for gay rights would inherently mean she's not a devout Mormon, as homosexuality is clearly condemned in pretty much all denominations. Religions are slowly starting to make concessions to seem more liberal and open to debate, but that really isn't the case in religions' pure form, and this means they will slowly fade away into irrelevancy, due to people realising it's not all literal "word of god", but rather choose what you like. If one church doesn't fit you, go search for another. Once you find your ideal church that matches your personal convictions, preach it as "word of the real god".

[@kendalhunter]

When Samantha was called a bigot, this crossed over into defamation of character, and became actionable.

[@mariae321]

Most religious people reject other gods, not from some deep analysis of the likelihood they might exist, but rather because they aren’t the god they grew up with. Obviously I am painting religious people with a very broad brush, but it seems to me that most of them choose a particular god because it was the one their parents and family taught them was real, or perhaps because it better reflects the world as they want it to be (in the case of conversions).

[@insanedragongirl]

bonnie mae while I think that’s often how it begins the hope (at least in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) is that even children raised in the church will seek to know for themselves.

[@metaldave08096]

What’s up with the bishop’s haircut?

[@patrickrose567]

The right. And your rights be two different subject matters. We believe contention is not of me sayeth the lord. We believe O lord let it be their will and not ours. We believe the Articles of Faith. We believe , to esteem thoes better than us. We need to grow up.

[@loiniko1787]

Being called a bigot crosses the line for me. Being gay by birth, or by choice doesn't take away the "human right" from anyone. The value of the human being is important when each is treated with respect to live and the pursuit of happiness as neighbors or strangers. God know us as people and individuals with needs, concerns and hopes. I hope all may look close to this issue and find peace in coexistence. We are to judge yes, but need to judge righteously and choose with wisdom our partners, employment, and how we treat others as well.

[@unknownunkown4440]

No way to ask and have a discussion within the church. You can only before you get baptized.

[@imdustinaskmeaboutmychurch7099]

Sometimes I feel like samantha but the family proclamation to the world came out in 1995 the church will not change for mans wants.

[@pandabear7177]

Except it has. The LDS church changed it's stance on polygamy when it wanted to become a part of the union, and it changed it's stance on race after it almost lost it's tax exemption in the 70s. They claimed it was because they recieved revelation, right around the time they got in hot water.

[@benanderson3041]

Everyone is entitled to there own beliefs it's about longevity timeless is God's teachings

[@mariae321]

brilliant that you have the comments section open. id love to see a real debate from a atheist and Mormon. this is one sided.

[@TheAAnne123]

bonnie may because this is a church website! Of course it is one sided. Go to an open forum site if you want to have an argument.

[@chischilisnez7811]

Many of the other churches believe that the LDS church "imposes" its beliefs on others. Not true. Neither does God impose his commandments on everyone. He still gives them agency, the right to choose. Additionally, people should be seriously well-read in the gospel and its doctrine. Why this? Why that? We should probably know the answers to these questions non-LDS people might ask us. "Why do Mormons believe they'll become gods?" "Well, read this scripture in Psalms, and read that scripture in the New Testament by Jesus, and this other scripture by Paul." If members don't know the doctrine and the WHY of it, it's time to begin a serious study of the gospel.

[@AgrippaTheMighty]

People have the right to choose to marry according to their own conscience but it is wrong to impose that choice onto others. My freedom stops where the next person's freedom starts.

[@102wingnut]

Agrippa The Mighty I agree and the LDS church doesn't force their values on anbody. We may try to express our viewpoint, share it, and promote it but we try to respect others rights to use their agency. The hard thing to deal with is when those who claim to promote tolerance and acceptance of everyone won't tolerate or accept someone with a different perspective.

[@fishmrinc]

The church publishing this doesn't necessarily help them tbh.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

Wow, the girl in the dark red shirt is spot on! The best thing to do when your beliefs are questioned by others is to question them yourselves. If your beliefs don't withstand self-scrutiny, then the best thing to do is to reject them. I rejected mormonism 7 years ago and I have been infinitely happier since.

[@102wingnut]

Richard Atkinson so the person who starts out with name-calling, derision, stereotyping, and won't let anyone else finish a sentence is spot on? Not a great model to follow if you're interested in a civil discourse and tolerance of other people's ideas.

[@geronimo3752]

Growing up in ELA then finding the church has made me infinatley happier. No talk about who was next to be jumped, stabbed, or killed. Christ's church saved me physically, spiritually and now I'm a rich man 😊 good luck to you brother!

[@jalapenochomper]

We watched this video during family home evening a few weeks ago and honestly I find it confusing. Watched it twice since and still no idea what they are trying to say. Accept everyone? Stand up for your beliefs? Throw away $5000 in tuition because a professor probably wont back you up? Bishops wear 'cool' haircuts and suits now? I just don't get the point.

[@Nadine9ymp]

I love the way the Mormon is dressed in pink (innocence) and the atheist is dressed is red (devilish)

[@rascal1122]

Nadine9ymp lol and the bald teacher is wearing black (confused) hahaha

[@MichaelMike]

I would love to find an open minded progressive willing to listen.

[@wynnrichards]

Right here - plus I am an active member. I was not always this way, but as I get older I have become left of center. Having said this, I find that those expressing the desire for more tolerance, often show the most intolerance towards those that do not share the same views. This can be found on both sides. Bottom line, I think extremes are both ends of the spectrum are not good - the world is not either/or, I think one of the major dilemmas facing organized religion, and in particular The Church, is this Black and white approach, which is why there are so many shattered testimonies. I am just tired of war and long for peace - would love to see more open dialog within the Church. I also think all of us need to stop taking ourselves so seriously. Sorry, I will just speak for myself, I cannot imagine a world where I could not find humor in all the silly stuff I do.

[@bob1952x]

I would love to find an open-minded conservative willing to listen.

[@JAMaddict]

Huh. When missionaries come to my door and tell me I'm lost and don't know the real truth about God I don't really find that to be loving. It's condescending and rude. Admit it- Mormons believe only THEY have the truth.

[@potatogrower]

8:39 so........ a Democrat?

[@jonjahr3403]

This video is so Cliché in so many ways.