In response to persecutions and accusations about the Church’s beliefs, Church leaders wrote a document to clarify the Church’s stance on government and religion. This lesson is intended to help students understand the importance of religious freedom and of obeying government laws where they live.
Possible Learning Activities
President Nelson’s experience with a king
In 1986, President Russell M. Nelson was a guest speaker at a university in Accra, Ghana. After President Nelson’s remarks, a tribal king approached him and asked questions about Jesus Christ. President Nelson shared insights from 3 Nephi that greatly impressed the king.
After experiencing the power of the Savior’s words in 3 Nephi, the king proclaimed, “If I am converted and join the Church, I will bring my whole tribe with me.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 61)
What do you know about Heavenly Father’s plan that could help explain President Nelson’s response?
Although the king may have had good intentions, why is it essential that people’s conversion to the Savior’s gospel be an individual choice?
The importance of government and religion
In the 1830s, Church members were facing persecution, in part for the false perception that they would disregard government laws in the name of religion. To help clarify the Saints’ commitment to follow the laws of the land along with exercising freedom of religion, Church leaders wrote a declaration of belief now known as Doctrine and Covenants 134.
What impressed you from what you read?
What questions might someone have after reading these verses?
We Believe in Freedom of Religion and Conscience
Answer the following questions.
When have you discussed religion or spiritual beliefs with someone whose beliefs are different than yours?
How did they respond to your beliefs? How did you respond to theirs?
Consider the following scenario.
Liam is part of his school’s soccer team. One of the members of his team, Zain, has a personal religious ritual that he does before each game. Zain is the only person of his religion on the team. Other members of the team have noticed what Zain does and have started to give him a hard time about it. Liam knows that Zain’s religion is sometimes seen negatively by people in their community.
Study the following materials, thinking about how they might apply to Liam’s situation and to your interactions with those who believe differently than you.
If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a “Mormon,” I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights … of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.
It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 345)
What could you share with Liam that might help him respond to the situation he is in?
What did you learn about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would have you treat those who believe differently than you?
After groups have had the chance to learn from both handouts, consider giving them the opportunity to discuss what they learned or to ask questions about what they studied.
If it feels like it would be helpful to further discuss what students learned about the two truths, consider using the following questions.
How can a person stand up for his or her beliefs while also respecting others’ differing beliefs?
How can obedience to laws increase our ability to follow Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation?
What do you feel are appropriate ways to encourage religious freedom within the laws where you live?
You could conclude the lesson by inviting students to answer the following question in their study journals. A few students could share what they wrote.
What do you feel Heavenly Father would have you do with what you learned today?