Mormon Apostle speaks on healing from abuse

In the context of the FLDS suffering in Texas, much has been said on this blog and elsewhere about legal happenings, issues, rules and strategies that might be used to right what seem to be obvious wrongs. But — as demonstrated so eloquently by the FLDS case — the law is a blunt and blind instrument for such delicate work. No matter how well-intentioned the players, it often leaves victims more traumatized than before.

Physical, psychological or emotional trauma — whether inflicted by rogue States, school teachers, family members, or others — leaves scars that must be dealt with somehow. When it comes to healing the effects of abuse, I have found that God, almost any god, is far superior to the State. Marx, Lenin and Stalin either never knew this principle or deliberately ran from it. Most of us in the United States are fortunate to have free access to the religion of our choice. Yet, I wonder how many of us take full advantage of religion to help in the healing process.

On this compelling topic, Mormon Apostle Richard G. Scott (pictured above) recently gave a moving sermon on how the atonement of Jesus Christ can heal victims and abusers within the shadow of the law. Whatever your religious views, it is an insightful sermon. Excerpt:

Moral agency is a vital element in our Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness. He understood that some of His spirit children would use that agency improperly, causing serious problems to others. Some would even violate sacred trust, such as a father or family member abusing an innocent child. Since our Heavenly Father is completely just, there has to be a way of overcoming the tragic consequences of such damaging use of agency for both the victim and the perpetrator. That secure healing comes through the power of the Atonement of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to rectify that which is unjust.

The entire sermon can be read or viewed in Windows Media Player 9 format. Other video and audio formats are accessible here.