“Talking about Different Beliefs,” Ensign, December 2018
Digital Only: Friend Connection
Talking about Different Beliefs
Use the Friend magazine to help your family understand a different sensitive topic each month.
As Latter-day Saints we are blessed to have the fulness of the gospel, although we are not the only people with truth or goodness. We teach that everyone is born with the Light of Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:46). We also believe that God has given a portion of His word to all His children (see 2 Nephi 29:7, 11). As Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “[Jesus Christ] lives today, mercifully granting unto all nations as much light as they can bear and messengers of their own to teach them. (See Alma 29:8.)” (“O, Divine Redeemer,” Ensign, Nov. 1981, 9.)
In teaching our children to follow God, let us also teach them to respect others, “let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).
“Praying with Paul” (Oct. 2018, page 4)
Hunter visits Paul’s house and sees that they pray differently from him. Use the family home evening activity on page 6 and talk about how God can hear and answer every prayer.
“Liam’s Friends” (Oct. 2018, page 24)
One way to show respect for other beliefs is to learn about them. Use this page to start a conversation about other religions.
“All Children of God” (Sept. 2017, page 4)
Iren visits a Buddhist temple with his family to learn how his grandpa worships. He learns that God loves all His children and loves to see them help each other.
“Prayers and Cathedrals” (Nov. 2014, page 4)
When Dani visits a cathedral, she learns that some people light candles as a special part of prayer. She is grateful when a boy she meets lights a candle for President Monson.