In these examples I'm not contrasting the culture
or traditions of one part of the world with another.
I am contrasting the Lord's way with the world's way--
the culture of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the culture
or traditions of every nation or people.
No group has a monopoly on virtue
or an immunity from the commandment to change.
Jesus and His Apostles did not attempt
to make Gentiles into Jews.
They taught Gentiles and Jews, attempting to make each of them
into followers of Christ.
Similarly, the present-day servants of the Lord
do not attempt to make Filipinos or Asians or Africans
into Americans.
The Savior invites all to come unto him
and His servants seek to persuade all-- including
Americans-- to become Latter-day Saints.
We say to all, give up your traditions
and cultural practices that are contrary to the commandments
of God and the culture of His gospel,
and join with His people in building up the kingdom of God.
If we cease to walk in darkness, the Apostle John
taught, "we walk in the light, we
have fellowship, one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin."