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SpencerMarsh (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{{FairMormon}} <onlyinclude> ==Question: What is the difference between agency and freedom?== ===Introduction to Question=== Many confuse the difference between agency and fre...") |
SpencerMarsh (talk | contribs) (→Question: What is the difference between agency and freedom?) |
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===Response to Question=== | ===Response to Question=== | ||
====Definition of Freedom==== | ====Definition of Freedom==== | ||
− | The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary (contemporary to Joseph Smith) defines freedom as “[a] state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. freedom is personal, civil, political, and religious.”<ref>”Freedom,” Webster’s Dictionary 1828, accessed August 31, 2021, http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/freedom.</ref> | + | The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary (contemporary to Joseph Smith) defines freedom as “[a] state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. freedom is personal, civil, political, and religious.”<ref>”Freedom,” ''Webster’s Dictionary 1828'', accessed August 31, 2021, http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/freedom.</ref> |
====Definition of Agency==== | ====Definition of Agency==== | ||
− | The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary teaches that agency is “The quality of moving or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.”<ref>”Agency,” Webster’s Dictionary 1828, accessed August 31, 2021, http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/agency.</ref> | + | The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary teaches that agency is “The quality of moving or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.”<ref>”Agency,” ''Webster’s Dictionary 1828'', accessed August 31, 2021, http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/agency.</ref> |
====Explanation==== | ====Explanation==== |
Many confuse the difference between agency and freedom from a Gospel perspective. For instance, some complain against the Church’s strong discouragement of its members getting tattoos by saying that such “takes away a person’s agency” and that taking away agency was “Satan’s plan."[1] This article seeks to outline the true meaning of agency and freedom.
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary (contemporary to Joseph Smith) defines freedom as “[a] state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. freedom is personal, civil, political, and religious.”[2]
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary teaches that agency is “The quality of moving or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.”[3]
Thus agency is the capacity to make an undetermined decision whether or not a particular freedom is given to you. Freedoms can and are stripped rightfully at times. The freedom to kill an innocent person is not one that is granted by basically anyone. Religious organizations have a right just like anyone else does to take away and give certain freedoms that define the parameters within which one must remain in order to be counted as members/full participants in those organizations.
Hopefully this will serve as a point of clarity for those that are wishing to gain added insight into this vital concept. Additional reflection may yield more insight.
Notes
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