Doctrine of Belonging
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“Doctrine of Belonging”
Elder Christofferson teaches that the doctrine of belonging includes welcoming diversity, being willing to serve and sacrifice, and knowing the Savior's role.
“Being one with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is without doubt the ultimate in belonging.”
The doctrine of belonging has three parts:
The role of belonging in gathering the Lord’s covenant people,
The importance of service and sacrifice in belonging, and
The centrality of Jesus Christ to belonging.
“Having been given this privilege, we cannot permit any racism, tribal prejudice or other divisions to exist in the latter-day Church of Christ. As our Church grows ever more diverse, our welcome must grow ever more spontaneous and warm. We need one another.”
Rooting prejudice and discrimination out of the Church, out of our homes and most of all out of our hearts.
Each of us might feel that we don’t fit in. We may unwittingly impose expectations on ourselves or others that are not the Saviors’.
Trials and suffering are a normal part of life – even a very good life.
View society as a collection of autonomous individuals seeks to enjoy life. Loses a sense of community/belonging.