Dear Editor:

I truly appreciate what Janita Krayniak witnessed in her recent article about the teachings of the savior, Jesus Christ.

And as we focus on what the son of God would say or do in our times, I know he would help us learn the true purpose of mortal life. And out of respect for my friends with their own sacred traditions, I would endorse loving principles taught by their love-centered religious faiths as well.

God would certainly want our dear youth to learn moral standards from their parents and that the institutions with sacred responsibility for teaching children would echo the same wisdom telling everyone how to find true joy; not as the secular world teaches, but as the all-wise father in Heaven would teach them. Our children searching for answers should know that joy in this life truly centers on finding every opportunity to serve and show genuine love for our neighbors so that we love our fellow beings like he loves them.

Now the question comes around about what doctrine our children might discover is true and in concert with the two greatest commandments from Heaven — to love God with all our strength, life, and soul — and love our neighbors as ourselves.

So, can it be said that the main issue expressed by Janita might revolve around how we respect ourselves and respect the lives of others who lead different lives than we do? Could it also be said that mankind faces their own challenges based on their own personal choices?

As the savior, Jesus Christ, pointed out on occasions, it is not up to us mortals to condemn others for their life choices.

We can certainly disagree with unacceptable practices around us like those originated by media sources that often have their own ideas about what is widely accepted, a faddish direction with which they guide their creations. We can also choose to filter what our own children see in their entertainment. Yet would we always be justified in jumping to conclusions and condemning our neighbors, even when they appear to hold dissimilar beliefs?

For example, I have had occasion to hear some of the very best citizens in my associations even condemn a youth movement, based on some recent changes that provided our youth additional freedoms and liberties under strict moral guidelines that still endorse decent behavior. And this came about even though this longstanding youth organization continues to support their oath to uphold “duty to God and country” plus an array of other loving practices.

Therefore, if parents teach their children and even choose to make spiritual development part of their family traditions, do we have any fears about what right and wrong choices are made by others around them? I would venture to say that by their own moral convictions, adults will ideally insist that there be higher moral standards in our society at-large that promote good will towards all people. After all, who else is there that is better equipped to upgrade the quality of our culture?

Parents can show a good example and teach their own families how to live joyful, moral lives. That would include being benevolent, caring citizens as well.

As all of us seek happiness, would we choose to join many others in praying that every individual around us strives to exercise faith in others as we all walk this road in our mortal lives; and by doing so, spread peace and harmony. Like Janita, may we always consider even better ways for all of us to concentrate on creating a much more godfearing, loving atmosphere in our own homes and in our communities.

Edward Morrow

Powell