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In our opinion: The importance of faith in the community

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Deseret News editorial

Published: Sunday, Dec. 19 2010 12:00 a.m. MST

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Summary

In the 1830s, the young French nobleman Alexis de Tocqueville travelled throughout the United States carefully observing its people and its institutions. When explaining the success of America's democratic republic to his countrymen, he commented at length about the critical role played by America's lasting religious devotion. He observed that religion was essential to forming America's democratic "habits of the heart."

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  • The role of faith in the community

He continued, "all voices need to be heard in the public square. Neither religious nor secular voices should be silenced. Furthermore, we should not expect that because some of our views emanate from religious principles, they will automatically be accepted or given preferential status. But it is also clear such views and values are entitled to be reviewed on their merits."

An editorial emphasis at the Deseret News is the importance of faith in the community. We believe that active faith not only tutors the habits of self-governance required for a successful democracy, but that it strengthens civil society and improves human flourishing. Accordingly, in the coming months, you can expect to see on our pages more in-depth coverage and commentary on the vital role played by faith in our community.

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Featured Comments

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Gus Talwynd
Salt Lake City, UT

Does this mean that everyone should be actively engaged is some faith-based organization for a community to be complete? Cannot people of faith co-exist with those who do not choose their path in dealing with the world? Particularly, should those More..

  • 3:16 a.m. Dec. 19, 2010
  • Top comment
louie
Cottonwood Heights, UT

I must agree that people are happy as they adhere to certain values and morals and religion can be an effective tool in this regard. On the other hand being obedient to authority can lead to blind obedience. The religious fanatics of today we know More..

  • 10:34 p.m. Dec. 19, 2010
  • Top comment
Pagan
Salt Lake City, UT

Your belief should only affect yourself.

  • 7:01 a.m. Dec. 19, 2010
  • Top comment
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