Improvement Era, 1929 by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Religion

Our Practical Religion By Ernest Smith, Student At the B. Y. U.

Are we interested most in the present, future, or past? Are we interested in the mysteries and obscure things of life, or in the plain things applicable in the daily routine of the common man? Is our religion for the mass of people or for the learned few?

Certainly, we are interested in the past, not for the past itself, but for the added light gained to help us in enjoying the present. The past fully analyzed is a most complete set of experiments on the most interesting and most vital problem-life-what it is, and how to use it.

Are we interested in the future? Yes, in our individual future and in the future of the race. But we do not think of the future as being more important than the present only in the quantitative side. We do not think that we should sacrifice the present for the future, but that future happiness and joy varies with present true happiness. We look upon this life as a stepping stone to greater progress; not as a necessary evil.

We are interested in the mysteries and obscure things of life, because we believe that all things can be explained by natural laws, although those laws may not be known as yet to man. We believe that it is desirable to understand life. An axiom of the Church is "The Glory of God is Intelligence." True, it is good to be able to understand those deep things, but one should not bother oneself with such matters and forget the plain, simple doctrine that is directly applicable in the life of man.

Religion is not alone for a learned few, but it is for all men-a means of leading them, in a more highly developed state, back into the presence and glory of God.

"Mormonism" is a practical religion. What economist has worked out as good a plan for economic equality of man as the plan "The Law of Consecration" provides? And what would be as good a test to see if one would be able to live under such conditions without infringing upon the rights of others as an attempt to live according to the Gospel of Christ?

Could a student of sociology, without the help of God, state in such simple and comprehensive terms what the ideals of man should be, as are stated in the thirteenth Article of Faith? Barring only the "Fruits of Mormonism," it offers the best proof that "Mormonism" is a practical religion.

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul,-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

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