Study Guide for "To Heal the World"

In his talk, "To Heal the World", Elder Ronald A. Rasband discusses the importance of religious freedom in the face of growing opposition and societal challenges. He emphasizes the role of religious freedom in fostering expressions of belief, inspiring service, and shaping values and morality. He also highlights the challenges faced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout its history and the steadfastness of its members.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is religious freedom according to Elder Rasband?
How does religious freedom benefit society and individuals?
What challenges has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced in relation to religious freedom?
What role does service play in the exercise of religious freedom?
How can religious freedom act as a unifying force?

Topics

Understanding the Concept of Religious Freedom

Elder Rasband defines religious freedom as the freedom to worship in all its forms, including freedom of assembly, speech, and action based on personal beliefs. He emphasizes that religious freedom allows each individual to decide what they believe and how they live according to their faith.

What is religious freedom? It is freedom of worship in all its configurations: freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom to act on personal beliefs, and freedom for others to do the same.

Religious freedom allows each of us to decide for ourselves what we believe, how we live and act according to our faith, and what God expects of us.

What is Elder Rasband's definition of religious freedom?
Why is religious freedom important for individual faith?
How can you exercise your religious freedom in your daily life?
How can you support others in exercising their religious freedom?

Facing Challenges to Religious Freedom

Elder Rasband discusses the challenges faced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its history, including persecution and violence. He also highlights the current global trend of attacks on religious freedom, including efforts to remove religion from public spaces and discourse.

There is another scourge sweeping the globe: attacks on your and my religious freedom.

Opposition, persecution, and violence plagued our first latter-day prophet, Joseph Smith, and his followers.

What challenges has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced in relation to religious freedom?
What are some current threats to religious freedom?
How can you stand up for religious freedom in the face of opposition?
What can you do to educate others about the importance of religious freedom?

Religious Freedom Fosters Expressions of Belief and Hope

Elder Rasband explains that religious freedom allows individuals to express their beliefs and hope. He shares his personal experience at the G20 Interfaith Forum in Italy, where he was able to express his faith freely.

Religious freedom fosters expressions of belief, hope, and peace.

I remembered who I was, and I knew the Lord would have me say His name to conclude my message.

How does religious freedom foster expressions of belief and hope?
What was Elder Rasband's experience at the G20 Interfaith Forum?
How do you express your beliefs and hope through your religious freedom?
Can you recall a time when you were able to express your faith freely?

Religious Freedom Inspires Service

Elder Rasband emphasizes that religious freedom inspires individuals to help others. He provides examples of service performed by various religious organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Religion inspires people to help others.

No question, people of faith, working together, can make significant interventions.

How does religious freedom inspire service?
What are some examples of service performed by people of faith?
How has your religious freedom inspired you to serve others?
What service can you provide to others as an expression of your religious freedom?

Religious Freedom as a Unifying Force

Elder Rasband discusses the role of religious freedom as a unifying force that shapes values and morality. He emphasizes the importance of religion in shaping character and providing guidance during hard times.

Freedom of religion acts as a unifying and rallying force for shaping values and morality.

Who will teach honesty, gratitude, forgiveness, and patience? Who will exhibit charity, compassion, and kindness for the forgotten and the downtrodden?

How can religious freedom act as a unifying force?
What role does religion play in shaping values and morality?
How has your religious freedom shaped your values and morality?
How can you use your religious freedom to unify and uplift others?