Elder Quentin L. Cook: 'Our Father's Plan — big enough for all His children'
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During the past two years, there has been a dramatic increase in the worldwide discussion of the Church and its beliefs.
In his Saturday afternoon address, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve noted that there have been two contrasting reports with respect to the Church. On one hand, righteous members and the way they live their lives have generally been reported on favorably.
"Because of the uplifting doctrine of the Restoration, members rejoice in the gospel and find joy and satisfaction in the Church," said Elder Cook. "We are viewed favorably when we live the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. When members don't live the teachings, it can be a stumbling block to those who do not belong to the Church."
Descriptions of the Church doctrine, however, have often been untrue, unfair and harsh.
"Non-believers find it hard to accept the miracles of the Old and New Testaments and the Savior's virgin birth and resurrection. They view these events with the same skepticism as the appearance of God, the Father, and Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith. They are not open to the possibility of a heavenly plan presided over by a supreme being. They do not have faith."
Elder Cook said he was concerned for "honorable people" who are open to religious faith but have been discouraged or confused by incorrect doctrine. He used as an example the many people who believe the Church could not be true because they have been taught that the heavens have been closed and that there is no possibility of modern-day revelation.
"This widely-held belief is not scriptural, but it is a stumbling block to some."
Others open to religious faith wrestle with the "incorrect doctrine" that most of mankind would be doomed to eternal hell. At the time Joseph Smith received revelations and organized the Church, the vast majority of churches taught that Christ's atonement would not bring about the salvation of most of mankind, he noted.
"The marvelous doctrine revealed to the Prophet Joseph unveiled to us a plan of salvation that is applicable to all mankind, including those who do not hear of Christ in this life, children who die before the age of accountability and those who have no understanding," said Elder Cook.
The Church leader warned members to refrain from criticizing other Christian faiths despite differences in doctrine. "They do much good. They bless mankind. Many help their members learn of the Savior and His teachings."
It is equally important, he added, that members be loving and kind to fellow members who may not be fully active in the gospel. "The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up."
Elder Cook concluded his message saying the "desire of our hearts" should be not only to acquire salvation and immortality — "but also to attain eternal life with a loving Father in Heaven and our Savior in the Celestial Kingdom with our families. We can obtain eternal life only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."
