Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.
In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to KNOW something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to BECOME something...The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of god are supposed to become...Charity is something one becomes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of the teachings of Jesus Christ, urging us to become better individuals rather than just acquiring knowledge.
Dallin H. Oaks highlights the distinction between mere knowledge and personal transformation through the teachings of Jesus Christ. He argues that while worldly institutions often focus on teaching static information, the gospel encourages individuals to actively develop their character and virtues, particularly the importance of charity. This perspective suggests that becoming a better person and embodying divine qualities is an essential part of spiritual growth and fulfillment as children of God.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a sermon to emphasize the importance of personal transformation in faith.
More from Dallin H. Oaks
All quotes →I testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose teachings and example we seek to follow. He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls.
The most powerful teaching of children is by the example of their parents.
We should refrain from anything that seems to be a final judgment of any person...the Lord alone has the capacity to judge...And, in all of this we must remember the command to forgive.
Man unquestionably has impressive powers... But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effects of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ... Man cannot earn his own salvation.
In order to ask with real intent or to act with full purpose of heart, we must always make an accompanying commitment.
Similar quotes
If there is one word that you find coming out like a bomb from the Upanishads, bursting like a bombshell upon masses of ignorance, it is the word "fearlessness."
Thank God I am deemed worthy to be hated by the world.
Men are rather reasoning than reasonable animals for the most part governed by the impulse of passion. This is a truth well understood by our adversaries who have practised upon it with no small benefit to their cause. For at the very moment they are eulogizing the reason of men & professing to appeal only to that faculty, they are courting the strongest & most active passion of the human heart - VANITY!
The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.
The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. The God's name is Abraxas.
I am one of billions. I am stardust gathered fleetingly into form. I will be ungathered. The stardust will go on to be other things someday and I will be free.