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Religious Freedom Toolkit

Part IV | Select Quotes from Church Leaders

Category G | Extrinsic Benefits

Topic 34 | The good religion does

One way to promote religious freedom is to highlight and articulate the good things that religion does, both for individuals and for society. The list is long and robust (although sometimes contested).

Note: Many of the quotes in Part IV of Topic 34 and Topic 35 address both the good religion does and the good religious freedom does.

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President Dallin H. Oaks: Religion and religious organizations are valuable and deserve special legal protection.  

“I have made four major points:

1. Religious teachings and religious organizations are valuable and important to our free society and therefore deserving of their special legal protection.

2. Religious freedom undergirds the origin and existence of this country and is the dominating civil liberty.

3. The guarantee of free exercise of religion is weakening in its effects and in public esteem.

4. This weakening is attributable to the ascendancy of moral relativism.

In this circumstance, it is imperative that those of us who believe in God and in the reality of right and wrong unite more effectively to protect our religious freedom to preach and practice our faith in God and the principles of right and wrong He has established.

This proposal that we unite more effectively does not require any examination of the doctrinal differences among Christians, Jews, and Muslims, or even an identification of the many common elements of our beliefs. All that is necessary for unity and a broad coalition along the lines I am suggesting is a common belief that there is a right and wrong in human behavior that has been established by a Supreme Being. All who believe in that fundamental should unite more effectively to preserve and strengthen the freedom to advocate and practice our religious beliefs, whatever they are. We must walk together for a ways on the same path in order to secure our freedom to pursue our separate ways when that is necessary according to our own beliefs.”

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Religious organizations have a vital role to play in alleviating poverty and helping people live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.  

“Religious organizations and faith communities have a vital role to play in alleviating poverty and helping people live healthier, happier and more productive lives. For that and many other reasons, religious freedom remains essential to our efforts.

I’d like to speak for a few minutes on religious freedom and how critical it is for preserving and encouraging all the good religion does. In so doing, I don’t mean for a moment to detract from the enormous good that nonreligious persons and institutions provide to society. I only mean to emphasize that religion—and therefore religious freedom—remain essential to achieving our shared objectives. . . .

It may seem odd to us here, but it is becoming increasingly common for people to think that religion and religious freedom are some kind of burden on society. That is simply not true. Religion is fundamental to societal well-being, and freedom of religion benefits not only believers but all of society, whether they know it or not. Therefore, all have an interest in protecting this freedom, whether they are believers or not.”

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Elder Gerrit W. Gong: Seven ways religious inputs and values contribute to practical, principle-based policy that lifts communities and countries  

“Using the language of the international diplomatic and development community, I framed seven ways religious inputs and values contribute to practical, principle-based policy which lifts communities and countries.

First, religious communities help inspire and sustain human dignity and essential human freedoms, aspirations, and core values attendant to human dignity.

Second, religious communities offer important spiritual, philosophical, and moral capacities on which societies and communities can draw to achieve sustainable development.

Third, religious communities are an important practical source of volunteers, professional resources, motivation, training, and funding for international development.

Fourth, religious communities have surge capacity to respond to specific immediate needs such as natural disasters and also staying capacity to address long-term human needs.

Fifth, religious communities offer unique connection between international and local organizations.

Sixth, religious communities offer important diversity in interfaith expertise and capacity.

Finally, each religious and philosophical tradition offers its own, unique experiences to the rich human storehouse of practical, principle- based approaches to sustainable development and invite mutual respect for religious freedom and core moral values.”

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President Dallin H. Oaks: Ways churches, synagogues, and mosques make a unique and indispensable contribution to society  

“Here is a list—not complete but only illustrative—of the way churches, synagogues, mosques, and the organizations through which they work make a unique and indispensable contribution to society.

1. A ‘core value’ of Western civilization is the concept of inherent human dignity and worth. This concept—based on religious belief—is, of course, fundamental to the protection of human life and to the pursuit of all that is good for humanity.

2. Our robust private sector of charitable works in the United States originated with and is still sponsored most significantly by religious organizations and religious impulses. This includes education, hospitals, care for the poor, and countless other charities of great value to our country.

3. Many of the most significant moral advances in Western society have been motivated by religious principles and persuaded to official adoption by pulpit-preaching and persons who had a clear religious vision of what was morally right. Examples include the abolition of the slave trade in England and the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil Rights movement in this country.

4. Our society is not held together primarily by law and its enforcement, but most importantly by those who voluntarily obey the unenforceable because of their internalized norms of righteous or correct behavior. For a large number of our citizens, religious belief in right and wrong is a vital influence to produce such voluntary compliance. There is, therefore, a strong public interest in the teachings of right and wrong in churches, synagogues, and mosques. It is sincere faith in God—however defined—that translates religious teachings into the moral behavior that benefits a nation. Thus, the New York Times columnist Ross Douthat wisely observed that ‘the social goods associated with faith flow almost exclusively from religious participation, not from affiliation or nominal belief.’

5. Along with their private counterparts, religious organizations serve as mediating institutions to shape and temper the encroaching power of government on individuals and private organizations.

6. Religion inspires many believers to service to others, which, in total, confers enormous benefit on communities and countries. (Remember the Mormon Helping Hands?)

7. Religion strengthens the social fabric of society. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has taught: ‘[Religion] remains the most powerful community builder the world has known. . . . Religion is the best antidote to the individualism of the consumer age. The idea that society can do without it flies in the face of history.’

8. Finally, Clayton M. Christensen, who is hailed as a worldwide thought leader on business management and innovation, has written that ‘religion is the foundation of democracy and prosperity.’ Much more could be said about the positive role of religion in economic development.

In conclusion, we maintain that political realities and the religious values and actions of believers are so interlinked in the perpetuation of our society that we cannot lose the influence of religion in our public life without seriously jeopardizing our freedoms and our prosperity. We must help nonbelievers understand this reality, because the preservation of religious freedom depends upon public understanding and support for this vital freedom.”

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Elder Clark G. Gilbert: Religious engagement correlates with overall societal well-being.  

“For example, multiple large-sample studies demonstrate how religious engagement correlates with overall societal well-being. In their study of religious restrictions in 198 countries, Brian Grim and Roger Finke show the positive relationship between religious freedom and social stability, socioeconomic progress, and freedom of the press. Of course, the social science literature shows the robust benefits of religious practice for overall human flourishing, ranging from marital stability to increased happiness to decreased risk of suicide and other deaths of despair to reduced recidivism after incarceration and increased educational attainment. . . . Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reminds us of the public virtue religion brings to society, declaring, ‘The good of religion, its reach, and the daily acts of love which religion inspires only multiply when we protect the freedom to express and act on core beliefs.’ As President Oaks has affirmed, ‘Most religions exhort their believers to give to the poor. Most also teach their believers that they are accountable to God for this duty.’ In other words, yes—religious freedom is a constitutional right, but it is also a compelling public good. It deserves protection on both counts.”

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Elder Quentin L. Cook: Those who feel accountable to God have a responsibility to live upright lives of service to God and our fellowmen, to obey the law, and to be good citizens, neighbors, and friends in all we do.  

“[In his New York Times essay ‘The Big University,’ David Brooks] emphasized four moral traditions that have blessed civilization: the Greek tradition, the Jewish tradition, the Christian tradition, and the scientific tradition. He believes these traditions should be taught as options for people to find meaning in their individual lives. . . .
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The recognition that individual rights are part of the design of a loving Creator is part of the theology of my faith and many other faiths. It is not government which has the disposition and power to grant these protections and rights—they are derived from our Creator. . . .
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Religious freedom and public morality require constant vigilance. The contributions from people of faith have benefited and blessed society in so many ways. They represent a “moral tradition that [has] blessed civilization. . . .
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In conclusion, those who feel accountable to God have a responsibility to live upright lives of service to God and our fellowmen, to obey the law, and to be good citizens, neighbors, and friends in all we do. As we do so, ordinary citizens and governmental officials alike will be more inclined to see the value of religion and to respect the basic principles that allow us to freely live it. There is no better demonstration of the great benefits associated with religious liberty than for devoted members of various faiths who feel accountable to God to model principles of integrity, morality, service, and love. As others see the goodness of individuals and families—goodness that is founded in strong faith and character—they will be much more likely to speak up in defense of the religious freedoms that allow us to be who we are.”

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband: When religion is given the space and freedom to flourish, believers perform simple and sometimes heroic acts of service “to repair or heal the world.”  

“Religion inspires people to help others.

When religion is given the space and freedom to flourish, believers perform simple and sometimes heroic acts of service. The ancient Jewish phrase ‘tikkun olam,’ meaning ‘to repair or heal the world,’ is being reflected today in the efforts of so many. We have partnered with Catholic Charities, known as Caritas Internationalis; Islamic Relief; and any number of Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian organizations like the Salvation Army and the National Christian Foundation. Together we serve millions in need, most recently by aiding refugees of war with tents, sleeping bags, and food supplies, and providing vaccinations, including polio and COVID. The list of what is being done is long, but so are the needs.

No question, people of faith, working together, can make significant interventions. At the same time, one-on-one service is often unheralded but quietly changes lives.”

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President Dallin H. Oaks: Religious liberty enables faith communities to provide humanitarian aid to society’s neediest members.

“Religious teachings and the religiously motivated actions of believers benefit society and deserve legal protection.

For example, there are many needs for humanitarian assistance—hunger, disease, and lack of education to mention only a few. Religious liberty enables believers and faith communities to provide this aid to society’s neediest members. Most religions exhort their believers to give to the poor. Most also teach their believers that they are accountable to God for this duty.”

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Elder Gerrit W. Gong: Religiously based viewpoints and religious people often have much to contribute to social and policy discourse.  

“Rights of expression and Freedom of Religion or Belief can be collectively trampled when ideas based on moral or religious conviction are excluded from the public square. Distinguished international groups remind us “religious or belief convictions are a source for the protection of the whole spectrum of inalienable human entitlements—from the preservation of the gift of life, the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, belief, opinion and expression to the freedoms from want and fear, including from violence in all its forms. . . .
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Religiously based viewpoints and religious people often have much to contribute to social and policy discourse. While the origins of these viewpoints may be religious in nature, secular implications are often profound. Therefore, in weighing even secular implications, much is missed if religiously based viewpoints are not considered, together with other viewpoints, solely because they stem from a religious perspective.

For example, from a secular standpoint, the implications of the weakening of the family as a basic unit of society are extensive and serious. If, in policy discussions pertaining to family-related laws and regulations, religious voices are excluded altogether, policy decisions are likely to be taken that may not give adequate weight to the importance of the family within society, from a secular perspective. . . .
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Religious virtues and values benefit society. They have intrinsic value and provide meaning and purpose. They foster positive social norms that anchor society and promote social stability. Religious organizations inspire community, civil engagement, social cohesion, service, and volunteerism. Religious virtues and values help individuals and society to foster justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness.”

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Elder Gerrit W. Gong (quoting President Dallin H. Oaks): Freedom of religion and belief is an essential condition for a free society.  

“President Oaks notes, first, freedom of religion and belief is an essential condition for a free society, protected as a fundamental international human right, including in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and elsewhere.

Second, freedom of religion and belief are historically, philosophically, institutionally, and empirically foundational for other important rights. To buttress these points, President Oaks points us to speeches on religious liberty given by Elders Quentin L. Cook at the Religious Liberty Summit at Notre Dame University and Elder D. Todd Christofferson at an Argentina religious liberty symposium.

Further practical societal benefits of religious liberty include the promotion of pluralism and peace, respect and unity; the proper separation of church and state; and the generous provision by faith communities of “critical services to society and its most disadvantaged members.”

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Religious liberty allows diverse faith communities to continue providing critical services to society and its most disadvantaged members.  

“Religious liberty allows diverse faith communities to continue providing critical services to society and its most disadvantaged members. Motivated by their faith, religious people and religious organizations feed and clothe the poor, shelter the homeless, protect and comfort the abused, care for the sick and disabled, find homes for orphaned and abandoned children, strengthen families in distress, educate children, and perform numerous other vital social services. Religious people and institutions are not alone in these endeavors, of course, but their contributions are essential to the lives of millions of people across Latin America.

These acts of kindness and charity are an integral part of our faith. In the Christian tradition, the ancient Apostle James wrote that ‘pure religion’ is ‘[t]o visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.’ (James 1:27.) It is much the same with other faith traditions. Our service to others flows out of our love for God and our fellowman. Religious liberty allows us to serve in ways that are consistent with the faith that motivated us to serve in the first place. Without freedom of religion, many could not serve as they do.”

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Elder Neil L. Andersen: Religious freedom is the soil that makes the flower of civilization possible.

“Religious freedom is the soil that makes the flower of civilization possible. It frees up room for people to live life, do good works, explore meaning and purpose, raise families according to one’s beliefs, serve their communities, and share hearts with neighbors. The human good is inextricably linked to a spiritual good. We all, in one way or another, strive for freedom of the soul.”

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Sister Ruth L. Renlund: Religion and religious freedom contribute to the moral compass individuals bring with them as they come together in groups.  

“Some of the benefits of religion to society are just as obvious and are found in religious charity, education, and humanitarian aid. These contributions are quantifiable and may, in and of themselves, justify religion in society. Other societal benefits, however, may be overlooked or minimized. For example, religion and religious freedom contribute to the moral compass individuals bring with them as they come together in groups. The moral compass brings civility and trust to society.”

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Sister Ruth L. Renlund: Religion brings needed medicine to society.  

“Religious beliefs, teachings, and practices bring needed medicine to a society that would otherwise be aggressive and sick. Consider three medicines that religion offers societies, three ways to control the unrestrained, self-interest based, natural response. The three medicines are first, the concept of an authority higher than self; second, a code of moral conduct; and third, that aspects of the moral code can change the hearts of individuals so that they act with selflessness.”

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President Dallin H. Oaks: Importance of religion for the overall good  

“Another recent book by a respected author elaborates the importance of religion for the overall good. With abundant background and scholarly citations, it lists these contributions:

  • Believers give more to charity.
  • Believers live longer and are healthier.
  • Believers are more likely to be happy.
  • Believers are less likely to commit crime.
  • Believers contribute to ‘social capital’ (service and other contributions to society).”
  • Dallin H. Oaks, Remarks, J. Reuben Clark Law Society National Meeting, San Lazaro, Mexico (Jan. 13, 2017), https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/documents/jrcls-national-meeting (citation omitted).

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Elder Quentin L. Cook: No better demonstration of benefits of religious liberty than for devoted members of various faiths who feel accountable to God to model principles of integrity  

“Those who feel accountable to God have a responsibility to live upright lives of service to God and our fellowman, to obey the law, and to be good citizens, neighbors, and friends in all we do. As we do so, ordinary citizens and government officials alike will be more inclined to see the value of religion and to respect the basic principles that allow us to freely live it. There is no better demonstration of the great benefits associated with religious liberty than for devoted members of various faiths who feel accountable to God to model principles of integrity, morality, service, and love. As others see the goodness of individuals and families—goodness that is founded in strong faith and character—they will be much more likely to speak up in defense of the religious freedoms that allow us to be who we are.”

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See also Religious Freedom Library
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