Alma 1:23-25, 4:9-10 (thread)
"Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.
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"Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.
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"Nevertheless, there were many among them [members of the church] who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists... and it was the cause of much trial with the church.
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"For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them. Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith."
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Note the clear distinction Alma makes between three different groups: (1) those in the church who "contended warmly with their adversaries," (2) those in the church who "did stand fast in the faith," and (3) people outside of the church.
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Just a couple pages later, Alma continues:
"And thus... there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God.
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"And thus... there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God.
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"And the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress."
The events of this week make it clear to me that the church is in a similar position at the moment.
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The events of this week make it clear to me that the church is in a similar position at the moment.
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As Dallin H. Oaks said in 2017, "Our use of the family proclamation is one of [the] tests for this generation."
When it is used by so-called #deznat activists to attack, malign, and deride their brothers and sisters during a moment of silence for LGBTQ+ suicides, I worry.
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When it is used by so-called #deznat activists to attack, malign, and deride their brothers and sisters during a moment of silence for LGBTQ+ suicides, I worry.
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I love BYU. I love the church. Please, don't be among those members that create a stumbling block for those who aren't. Please, don't be among those members who contend warmly with their adversaries. Please, let's show some love, empathy, and inclusion.
#savebyu #byuhonorcode
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#savebyu #byuhonorcode
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