Love Is Better Than Tolerance

This world always needs more religious tolerance, but there is something even better than tolerance. If we sincerely love our neighbors, whether they worship with us or not, we will want them to be happy, safe and successful, just as we would want for ourselves.

I write about this because I just saw a fine article about the Interfaith Musical Tribute, a performance directed by the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, hosted in the Tabernacle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This happened two days ago, 26 February.
   

Pretty good, eh?

If it seems strange that I, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- someone dedicated to telling as many as I can about this Church and inviting them to come to Church, to read the Book  of Mormon, to be baptized- if it seems strange that I should like to see the success of interfaith activities and so on, let me explain.

Joseph Smith, the first Prophet of the Lord and leader of the Church in modern times, explained it well:

"If I esteem mankind to be in error [about creeds and doctrine], shall I bear them down? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way."

"We will … cultivate peace and friendship with all, mind our own business, and come off with flying colors, respected, because, in respecting others, we respect ourselves."               -Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, ch. 29 

That says it pretty well, I think. I believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is truly the Church that Jesus, the Son of God, has organized and leads today. But when others make good choices because of the teachings of their religion, I am glad!

I close this one with my testimony and a quote. I know by experience that the Book of Mormon is a true book. That Book teaches me that Jesus is the Son of God, that he is the only one who can redeem fallen man, and that I must do things His way to be saved. The Book of Mormon was brought to light by Joseph Smith, so I know he must be a prophet. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is led today by Joseph Smith's successor, Thomas S. Monson.

I am not unmindful that there are good and devout people among all sects, parties, and denominations, and they will be blessed and rewarded for all the good they do. But the fact remains that we alone have the fullness of those laws and ordinances which prepare men for the fullness of reward in the mansions above. And so we say to the good and noble, the upright and devout people everywhere: Keep all the good you have; cleave unto every true principle which is now yours; but come and partake of the further light and knowledge which that God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever is again pouring out upon his people.     -Joseph Fielding Smith, A Witness and a Blessing

In the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.