Defending Your Neighbors Freedom

Jesus Christ taught to avoid “bearing false witness”. Recently I have been very involved in inter-faith dialogue and came to find out a lot of disturbing misrepresentation of my religious views (along with some good misrepresentations).

One faith that I do not subscribe to that I really enjoy studying is the Islamic faith. I was intrigued by the story of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad and also by the Holy Book known as the Qur’an. Knowing about the many rude things you hear about on social media (such as burning Qur’ans) and mocking their faith I took the opportunity (and still do take the opportunity) to stand up for Muslims and telling people about the truth of their faith and what they believe.

When I stood up for these men and women and gave what they felt like “correct representation of Islam” they were very happy that someone who was not a Muslim would do such a courteous and kind deed. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ and avoiding “bearing false witness” has not only blessed my neighbor, but it has also blessed me and those of my faith. I found that they were more willing to accurately represent my faith as well and defend my faith and correct misrepresentations.

Which puts me in mind of the very famous comment from Pastor Martin Niemöller (d. 1984), who spent seven years in labor camps for his outspoken public opposition to Hitler and the Nazis:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—

And there was no one left to speak for me

In a world where religious freedom and privileges are being challenged we must be willing to defend our neighbor whether they be atheist or theist. Americans need to extend a courteous hand in defending everyone’s right to believe what they want and to follow whatever they desire so long as it does not harm or threaten one’s well being. Religious freedom is essential to human dignity. We must hold together and defend everyone’s right to practice their religion freely. As Benjamin Franklin once said “We must all hang together…or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Hang in there America. Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in loving your neighbor and do your best to accurately follow true and correct principals. We must all stand together in times of trials. We must all work together no matter what faiths we hold.

“And We have sent the Book down to you in truth, confirming what you already have of the Book and as a criterion for it. So judge between them by what God has sent down and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had God willed, He would have made you one faith-community, but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to the good. Your return, all together, is to God, and He will [then] inform you regarding that over which you used to differ.” (Qur’an 5:48) And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. (The Book of Mormon: Alma 46:12)