"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."


This is the 13th article of faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We use this as a guide for our everyday lives. The only person who would tell us that something is not good and that is law is the President of the church and at this time his name is Thomas S Monson. We believe that all things should be sought out prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Ghost (also known as the Holy Spirit) We believe that things that encourage knowledge and learning are very important and that Stories of Good Triumphing over evil at all costs are very valuable. We have no problems with Sci-Fiction or Fantasy, We have no problems with books that have Magical elements, and we think that each person has the right to discover what is right for themselves. We teach that all should prayerfully search out the lord daily and that personal scripture study is very important to our spiritual wellbeing. We are encouraged to read our scriptures daily and that if we do that as well as seek the Lord in prayer we will find the guidance we need. We believe that things like Magic and other magical creatures are mythological, The religions that teach spells and magic are real are welcoming Satan in to their lives but that everything that is good is also twisted into evil by him. 


I personally have a rant and I have touched on it several times in the last few days. This happens and comes up every time a Harry Potter movie comes out. Harry Potter is not teaching your children Magic and Witchcraft. It is no more evil and demonic than Star Wars or any coming of age story that emphasizes that good conquers all. The story of Harry Potter shows Harry over coming all things that are evil through his diligence and moral values. He sticks to his values of Choosing the Right and not falling to evil when it is bombarding him from every angle. In today's society is not the means to overcome evil when you are surrounded by it at every turn a good value to teach your children. So many Christians close their minds and choose to judge when they refuse to look into it for themselves. Example my mom was unsure if Harry Potter was appropriate for my Baby Sister because she has delay issues and is scarred easily. So my mom got the books on tape and Listened to them first and she watches every movie first. So as a parent why would you not read something that your kids want to read before them. That is just common sense. More importantly why would you blindly burn a book you know nothing about?


I believe along with my Church that Families are the key to keeping faithful and pure in a changing society. We believe that the foundations for good moral choices are made in the home. If you just tell your kid no and never give a reason or you give a reason that is ludicrous and un-rational they will chose to defy you. If you take the time to seek out the truth for your self and share openly what you have learned with your kids they will follow what they are taught. It may take a while but they will always come back to the truths you helped them learn. 


So the summary today...Don't judge a book by it's cover. Whether it be a book a person or a religion. take the time to study out and prayerfully seek the lord in your study he will tell you the truth of all things. 




We Seek After These Things: Understanding the Young Women Values