Religion ties individuals and communities together in a turbulent and trying world, said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Speaking at the BYU Education Week Devotional, Elder Holland made a case for why religion is the most enduring force in human history and why it matters so much to society.
“Yes, in more modern times individuals can certainly be ‘spiritual’ in isolation but we don’t live in isolation; we live as families, friends, neighbors and nations,” Elder Holland said. “That calls for ties that bind us together and bind us to the good. That is what religion does for our society, leading the way for other respected civic and charitable organizations that do the same.”
The influence of religion and faith does more than connect a society, Elder Holland said. It can bring peace, whereas the world provides only chaos.
“The indisputable power of faith. The most powerful and enduring force in human history. The influence for good in the world. The link between the highest in us and our highest hopes for others. That is why religion matters,” he said. “Voices of religious faith have elevated our vision, deepened our human conversation, and strengthened both our personal and collective aspiration since time began.”
“May we think upon the religious heritage that has been handed down to us, at an incalculable price in many instances, and in so remembering not only cherish that heritage more fervently but live the religious principles we say we want to preserve,” Elder Holland said. “Only in the living of our religion will the preservation of it have true meaning.”
Elder Holland’s devotional can be streamed on BYUtv.org and will be archived on speeches.byu.edu.
Photo of Elder Holland courtesy of BYU Photo.