Sustainable Societies

Understanding Sustainable Societies

Elder Christofferson introduces the concept of sustainable societies, emphasizing the importance of virtues that promote happiness, progress, peace, and well-being. He cites examples from the scriptures of societies that flourished due to their devotion to God's commandments and their care for each other's welfare.

What are the fundamentals that sustain a flourishing society, one that promotes happiness, progress, peace, and well-being among its members?

The societies in these two examples were sustained by the blessings of heaven growing out of their exemplary devotion to the two great commandments.

• What are the key characteristics of a sustainable society according to Elder Christofferson?
• How did the societies mentioned in the scriptures exhibit these characteristics?
• How can you contribute to making your own society more sustainable?
• How can you apply the principles of a sustainable society in your personal life?

The Role of Religion and Family in Societies

Elder Christofferson discusses the crucial role of family and religion in instilling virtues that sustain societies. He highlights the importance of integrity, responsibility, compassion, respect for others, and the dignity of work, among others.

The institutions of family and religion have been crucial for endowing both individuals and communities with the virtues that sustain an enduring society.

These virtues, rooted in scripture, include integrity, responsibility and accountability, compassion, marriage and fidelity in marriage, respect for others and the property of others, service, and the necessity and dignity of work, among others.

• What are some of the virtues that Elder Christofferson identifies as crucial for a sustainable society?
• What roles do family and religion play in instilling these virtues?
• How can you promote these virtues within your own family and community?
• What actions can you take to strengthen the role of religion in your life and in your society?

Consequences of Secularization and Lack of Accountability to God

Elder Christofferson warns of the dangers of secularization and a lack of accountability to God. He explains that when societies separate virtue from accountability to God, they risk decay and moral decline.

When one has no higher god than himself and seeks no greater good than satisfying his own appetites and preferences, the effects will be manifest in due course.

A society, for example, in which individual consent is the only constraint on sexual activity is a society in decay.

• What are the consequences of secularization and lack of accountability to God according to Elder Christofferson?
• How does this affect the sustainability of societies?
• How can you promote accountability to God in your personal life and in your society?
• What steps can you take to counter the effects of secularization in your community?

The Importance of Teaching and Living by God's Truths

Elder Christofferson emphasizes the importance of teaching and living by the truths inherent in God’s great plan of redemption. He asserts that this is the most fundamental and enduring service we can provide to contribute to the sustainability and success of our societies.

There is much we can do as neighbors and fellow citizens to contribute to the sustainability and success of the societies we live in, and surely our most fundamental and enduring service will be to teach and live by the truths inherent in God’s great plan of redemption.

• What does Elder Christofferson mean by "teaching and living by the truths inherent in God’s great plan of redemption"?
• How does this contribute to the sustainability of societies?
• How can you better live by the truths inherent in God’s great plan of redemption?
• What actions can you take to teach these truths to others in your community?

The Light of Christ in Every Individual

Elder Christofferson acknowledges that individuals who profess no religious belief can still be good and moral, attributing this to the Light of Christ that is in every individual. He emphasizes that every person, regardless of belief, is imbued with a sense of right and wrong, often called conscience.

I think we would all agree that those who profess no religious belief can be, and often are, good, moral people. We would not agree, however, that this happens without divine influence. I am referring to the Light of Christ.

Whether aware of it or not, every man, woman, and child of every belief, place, and time is imbued with the Light of Christ and therefore possesses the sense of right and wrong we often call conscience.

• What is the Light of Christ according to Elder Christofferson?
• How does the Light of Christ influence individuals, regardless of their religious belief?
• How have you experienced the influence of the Light of Christ in your life?
• How can you help others recognize the Light of Christ within them?