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.
