Dallin H Oaks:
In my
recent devotional address at BYU, I spoke of elections, freedom, and hope.
The
divisions and meanness we are experiencing in this election, especially at the
presidential level, seem to be unusually wide and ugly. Partly this results
from modern technology, which expands the audience for conflicts and the speed
of dissemination.
Nevertheless,
as the First Presidency always reminds us, we have the responsibility to become
informed about the issues and candidates and to independently exercise our
right to vote. Voters, remember, this applies to candidates for the many
important local and state offices, as well as the contested presidential
election.
I
encourage you to remember not to be a part of the current meanness. Today, I
say that if the Church or its doctrines are attacked in blogs and other social
media, contentious responses are not helpful. They disappoint our friends and
provoke our adversaries.
On the
topic of religious freedom, I told students that the free exercise of religion
is also vital because it ensures citizens the rights of worship and action that
are fundamental to their being.
The
future is always clouded with uncertainties. When we trust in the Lord that all
will work out, this hope keeps us moving. While some abandon progress, you of
faith should hope on and press on with your education, your lives, and your families.
I am glad to practice hope and recommend it to counter all current despairs.
