Are All Cultures equally valid?

When answering this question it was very helpful to look up the definitions of these words. For culture the definition relevant is “family customs and traditions”. The definition of valid is “effective and lawful”.  Are all family traditions equally effective and lawful?  The answer is, of course not! Alcoholism could be an example of a family culture or tradition that is not effective for families. There are absolute rights and wrongs in this world, and as individuals we should do our utmost to follow the absolute truths of God. When we try to enter into the public square and affect laws Elder Oaks gives some principals to abide by in his CES devotional titled “Truth and Tolerance” The first principal is to seek revelation in deciding which principals to promote by law. He also explains that we should not seek to make laws that are distinctive to believers. The example he gave was forcing people to worship, even by implication.  The second principal in the public square was to be tolerant of other people and opinions who do not share our beliefs. The third principal was to not be deterred by the accusation that you are trying to legislate morality.  The fourth principal is to not to be afraid of laws that assist in living your religion because they could also help with public safety, public health, and morals. I like the quote by Thomas Jefferson when he stated, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principal, stand like a rock”.  I am grateful that I can be true to the principals I have been taught, and still be a force for good in the public square. All cultures are not equally valid, and in these principals of the Gospel it is necessary to stand like a rock.