“Lesson 20 Class Preparation Material: The Blessings of Religious Freedom,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 20 Class Preparation Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 20 Class Preparation Material
The Blessings of Religious Freedom
How important is religious freedom to you? As noted on the Church Newsroom site, “Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people. It allows us to think, express and act upon what we deeply believe. … [It] protects the rights of all groups and individuals, including the most vulnerable, whether religious or not” (“Religious Freedom,” newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Speaking of our day, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warned, “[Satan] is fiercely undermining, opposing, and spreading confusion about religious freedom—what it is and why it is essential to our spiritual life and our very salvation” (“Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 112). As you study in preparation for class, ponder what the Book of Mormon can teach us about the importance of religious freedom and consider what you can do to promote, preserve, and protect it.
Section 1
How does religious freedom protect my beliefs and how I choose to live them?
Watch the video “Preserving Religious Freedom” (3:59).
Preserving Religious Freedom
Preserving Religious Freedom video.
Throughout history, the basic human right to act on our beliefs has often been challenged and even suppressed. For example, during the reign of King Mosiah, the persecution of Church members by nonbelievers became severe (see Mosiah 27:1).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read the account in Mosiah 27:1–4, looking for how church and government leaders worked together to create peace among the people.
Not only does religious freedom protect the expression of those who are religious, but it also upholds the rights of those who are not religious or who hold different beliefs. One example of this is in the story of Korihor. Korihor lived during the reign of the judges, a system of government that was designed to preserve and protect people’s freedom from unrighteous kings (see Mosiah 29). Korihor preached “that there should be no Christ” (Alma 30:12). He claimed that there was no sin and that each person prospered according to his or her own intelligence. Korihor’s teachings led many people away from the Lord. (See Alma 30:6, 12–18.)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Alma 30:7–9, 11, and identify why Korihor had a right to express his beliefs.
In Alma 30:29–58 we read that Korihor was brought to the prophet Alma and the chief judge in Zarahemla, and Alma countered Korihor’s teachings by bearing testimony of Christ. Just as Korihor had the right to express his disbelief in God, Alma was free to testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ exist. Choosing not to believe Alma, Korihor demanded a sign from God and was struck dumb. After this event was publicized, those who had believed in Korihor were convinced he was wrong and “were all converted again unto the Lord” (verse 58).
Addressing the importance of defending religious freedom for all people, the Prophet Joseph Smith said:
I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination [as those of a member of the Church]; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 345)
Joseph Smith also emphasized religious freedom as a fundamental teaching of the Church: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published the following statement about working peaceably for religious freedom:
Where the law constrains religious freedom, Latter-day Saints believe in obeying the law while seeking protection for their fundamental rights through such lawful means as may be available in each jurisdiction or country. (“Religious Freedom: The Basics,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Discuss in Preparation for Class
Consider having a conversation with one or more people of another faith, and ask them why their religion is important to them and if they have ever experienced religious persecution. Come to class ready to share what you learn.
Section 2
What can I do to help promote or preserve religious freedom?
It might be helpful to consider some examples of what life might be like without freedom of religion. Imagine facing one or more of the following scenarios in which religious freedom is restricted:
You could lose your job or leadership positions for expressing religious beliefs—even outside of work. …
You might be required to hide your religion or perform tasks at work that go against your beliefs. …
You may be required to work on the Sabbath or religious holidays even when others are willing to take your shift. …
Your children in public schools may be required to learn about sexual and gender theories that contradict basic Church teachings. …
You may not be able to adopt children or become a foster parent because of your religious beliefs or views on the family.
As a business owner or professional, you might lose your license or be fined if you refuse to perform services that are contrary to your religious beliefs. (“Religious Freedom Matters: What’s at Risk,” Ensign, July 2017, 37)
The Book of Mormon records that in the 19th year of the reign of the judges, a wicked man named Amalickiah conspired to be king over the Nephites. He cunningly sought to destroy the Lord’s Church and “the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them” (Alma 46:10). Amalickiah flattered many of the Nephites, and these Nephites left the Church to follow him. (See Alma 46:1–10.)
When Moroni, the chief captain of the Nephite armies, learned of Amalickiah’s plan, he was angry and rallied the people to defend their rights, including their freedom of religion (see Alma 46:11–13, 19–20).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Alma 46:11–13, 19–20, and look for what Captain Moroni did to defend the people against the threats to their freedoms.
The people rallied with Moroni and covenanted to stand against the threats to their freedoms (see Alma 46:21–22). Speaking of our obligation to support religious freedom, Elder Hales taught:
As disciples of Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to work together with like-minded believers, to raise our voices for what is right. …
… We are responsible to safeguard these sacred freedoms and rights for ourselves and our posterity. What can you and I do?
First, we can become informed. Be aware of issues in your community that could have an impact on religious liberty.
Second, in your individual capacity, join with others who share our commitment to religious freedom. Work side by side to protect religious freedom.
Third, live your life to be a good example of what you believe—in word and deed. How we live our religion is far more important than what we may say about our religion.
Our Savior’s Second Coming is drawing nearer. Let us not delay in this great cause. Remember Captain Moroni, who hoisted the title of liberty [see Alma 46:12]. … Let us remember the people’s response: exercising their agency, they “came running together” with a covenant to act [Alma 46:21]. (“Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom,” 112, 113)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What can you do to promote and preserve religious freedom where you live?
