Elder L. Edward Brown, a former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to Brigham Young University-Idaho students and employees about dealing with anti-Mormon biases in a devotional address given Tuesday, June 5.

Brown began by saying this is a very timely issue, given the current situation of a prominent Mormon in the presidential campaign.  Because it is an issue in many aspects of life, including government and political affairs, we must learn how to handle anti-Mormon biases.

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become so used to the anti-Mormon biases that we have been exposed to throughout our lives, that we hardly take notice of the gross injustice and unfairness of it all," said Elder Brown.  This injustice can be seen in politics, the media and even in other institutions of higher learning.

Elder Brown emphasized that there has been considerable progress, and "We do not take issue with those who, having honestly investigated our beliefs, still honestly disagree with them."

He then discussed an experience that Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith's mother, encountered. A pastor from a local church spoke to Lucy Mack Smith, telling her that Joseph Smith was a silly boy who pretended to translate the Book of Mormon. She defended Joseph and the Book of Mormon, saying that "it was written for the salvation of your soul..."

The pastor's prejudice is typical, in that it was not justified by sincere investigation. He had never read the Book of Mormon, but he still openly criticized it. Lucky Mack Smith told him that before three years, more than one-third of his church would convert. In fact, 70 of his best members became Latter-day Saints.

Next, Elder Brown discussed an address given by President Boyd K. Packer in the April 1974 General Conference. President Packer said that many question where the revelations for the Book of Mormon came from. They are just strange stories, and the processes of revelation cannot operate today.

President Packer said, "We have, nonetheless, these scriptures. We got them from somewhere. We say, handle them; read them; test them. See for yourself. Unfortunately, most men are reluctant even to examine them."

Over the years, many people have created theories as to where revelations came from without even reading the Book of Mormon. Many just conclude Joseph Smith doctored them himself. However, the revelations truthfully did not come from him; they came through him.

Elder Brown then discussed a personal experience as a member of the Idaho Legislature, where he served on the State of Idaho Human Rights Commission. After hate graffiti appeared on a wall in front of the LDS Institute of Religion, there was minimal response from both the academic and political crowd. The impression was that the attacks were justified. The chair person of the Human Rights Commission asked, "Why is it that otherwise very fair-minded, intelligent people seem to brush aside that fair-mindedness when it comes to issues concerning the Latter-day Saints?"

Next, Elder Brown discussed "six principles of effective public involvement for Latter-day Saints." First, we cannot justify ourselves in committing a little sin. It is dangerously easy to rationalize a cause while also compromising ethical and moral principles.

Second, we cannot lie a little. "Exaggerations, misquotations, passing on of rumors about our opposition without proper investigation, are not becoming of, and, in fact, are alien to the Christian life," Elder Brown said. We must be careful to not perpetuate prejudices by characterizing a whole group of people with one label.

Third, we should not take advantage of one because of his words. "Many are taken advantage of because of words spoken, even though it is clear that there was no intention of maligning the political cause, the race, or religious group which was perhaps referred to," Elder Brown said. "If we are to have the power of the Spirit and the blessings of Diety in our midst, as Latter-day Saints, we cannot sink to this level in defense of any cause, and especially that of the gospel."

Fourth, we must not be guilty of "digging a pit for our neighbor." "Deal with the issues," Elder Brown said. "Do not disparage the character of your opponent."

Fifth, we must not allow the adversary to rage in our hearts and stir us up to anger. When contention comes, it drives out the spirit of the Lord. "In our zeal, even for good causes, we can sometimes go beyond the mark, and then become angry when others cannot see the rightness of the cause, the political party or the issue in which we are so deeply immersed," Elder Brown said.

Sixth, we must not fall victim to the thought: "All is well in Zion...all is well" (2 Nephi 28:21). "There is sometimes the feeling that if one stays active in the Church, does his best with his family and stays clear of that other uncomfortable and sometimes formidable world of politics, that all will be well," Elder Brown said. "I certainly do not disparage at all the desire to serve well in the Church and to raise good families... [But] if we won't serve, who will?"

The First Presidency has counseled, "Therefore, as in the past, we urge members of the Church to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs. Members of the Church are under special obligations to seek out and then uphold those leaders who are wise, good, and honest (Doctrine and Covenants 98:10).

Lastly, Elder Brown urged students and employees to be involved in politics and to follow the six guidelines he discussed. "Do not fall victim to pride, unhealthy aspiration, a desire to win at all costs or become vicious and sharp-tongued in attacking your opponent," he said. "Become informed and deal with the issues at hand." 

"Take every advantage of your educational experience here at BYU-Idaho.  Don't settle for mediocrity.  The greater the expertise, knowledge, understanding and performance you have in your selected field of endeavor, the more people are likely to listen to what you have to say about the issues of the day," Elder Brown said.