The uniqueness of Mormons...part 1

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/unique

Definitions of unique :

1: being the only one
2 being without a like or equal
3: unusual

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, certainly fall into the category of unique in numerous ways.

1. Prophets - We have a living prophet of God guiding us today just as there were prophets guiding the Lord’s people during the days and times of the Bible. ” Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a prophet and apostles leading and guiding it today just as prophets and apostles did in the past.

2.The Priesthood - The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. During the great apostasy, the priesthood of God was lost upon the earth. This great apostasy was foretold in the Bible ( see 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ) and ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ). The Everlasting Priesthood was restored on earth once again when Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were ordained by Heavenly messengers in 1829.

3. No professional clergy - With no professional clergy, the survival of the different wards (meeting places) is entirely dependent on lay participation. No one is paid to perform their services. In my ward, which is very typical of most wards in the church, we have about 40 members that have a leadership role, and at least that many that teach and perform other duties within the church. And no one gets reimbursed for their up to 20+ hours of dedicated service to others each and every week. A Bishop, who would be the equivalent of a pastor, minister, or priest in another church, watches over each ward, and is not compensated for his untiring service and devotion to others.

4. Missionary work - I am aware of a lot of good work being done by missionaries of other faiths, so what makes our missionaries unique? More than 50,000 missionaries are serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at any one time. Most are young people under the age of 25, serving in nearly 350 missions throughout the world. A large percentage of young men and young women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints give up part of their young lives to serve the Lord. The young men will serve a mission any where in the world for two years, while the young women serve for a year and a half. The men serve a little longer because they start out a little slower. ;-) Senior men and women also serve missions. I know of seniors who will come off one mission, and turn around and volunteer for another shortly thereafter. The missionaries, or their families, pay their own expenses. Imagine a 19 year old leaving college temporarily, then go to the missionary training center to learn how to speak Ukrainian, ( or whatever ) , and then leave their family and friends behind for two years…..and they pay their own way to do this? This just amazes me. I know of one young man who is leaving shortly to go to a foreign land as a missionary who has just started a blog. The plan is, as he writes home each week, his sister will put his letter on his blog for him. You see, the missionaries for the LDS Church cannot have lap tops, PC’s, or television for the time they are away. In fact, they are pretty well regimented as to what they can and cannot do. Like going to bed at a certain time and getting up at a certain time. Contacts with family and friends during this time of service are limited to letters and occasional phone calls to family at special times ( Christmas and Mothers Day). Missionaries avoid entertainment, parties or other activities common to this age-group as long as they are on their missions, so they can focus entirely on the work of serving and of teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amazing. It is said that the Salt Lake Valley in Utah has more spoken languages than anywhere else in the world due to all the returned missionaries from foreign lands. So in many ways, the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are unique.

5. Temples - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are a Temple building people. With 124 Temples currently in operation and another 12 announced or under construction, I think that this makes the Mormons unique in a very special way. Our Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places where the Lord may visit. The Temples are not secret in any way, but are sacred in many, many, ways.

6. Baptism for the dead - ” Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?” 1 - Corinthians 15:29
I know of no other church today who performs baptisms for the dead, yet we know from scripture that no man can enter into or see the kingdom of God without being born again. (John 3:1-5, 9-10 ) Paul indicated that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”. (Ephesians 4:5). Since baptism is so essential to our salvation, and the salvation of all those who preceded us in death, the Lord in His wisdom allows us to be baptized in proxy by those who hold the priesthood authority to do so.

7. Eternal Marraige - Marriages performed in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, performed by one who has the proper Priesthood authority, become husband and wife not only in this mortal life, but also in the life that will come. The basic unit of the LDS Church is indeed the family, and Mormons believe that families can be together forever.

8. Genealogy - The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the largest genealogical library in the world and provides access to many collections of records, with more than two billion names of deceased people. Over 700 staff and volunteers assist patrons with family history work. Approximately 1,900 people visit the library each day. The Church also operates one of the most popular genealogical services on the Internet free of charge at http://www.familysearch.org/. The site contains a billion names from over 110 counties and territories including the 1880 United States Census, the 1881 Canadian Census, the 1881 British Census, the Ellis Island database and the Freedman’s Bank Records. However, most of the Church’s vast collection of genealogical resources is yet to come online. The Church is undertaking a massive digitization project to bring most of the additional collection of the Family History Library online over the next few years.

Why does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints go through the expense and time involved with genealogy? Family history is, in Latter-day Saint belief, the essential forerunner for temple work for the dead. In Latter-day Saint belief, the dead have the choice to accept or reject the services performed for them. Baptisms for the dead, eternal marriages, endowments, and other sacred ordinances are performed for our dead ancestors, and in many cases, we can do the necessary work personally if we are worthy enough to enter into The House of the Lord. All members of the Church are encouraged to become involved in genealogy work for their ancestors.

9. Known as Saints - In the Bible, the followers of Jesus Christ were called saints. See Ephesians 2:19, 2 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Corinthians 14:33. Today, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also known as saints.

10. Book of Mormon - In John 10:16 we read, “ And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus visited his “other sheep” on the American continent after He had been crucified and had ascended unto his Father. At this time, Jesus organized His church and chose 12 disciples on the American continent - just as He had done among the Jews. The Book of Mormon is written by and about these “other sheep”. The bringing forth of the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith through the Angel Moroni is one of the greatest events in the history of mankind. Here we now have another testament of Jesus Christ. Upon reading the Book of Mormon, one has to ask themselves how an obscure farm boy with little education could have written this book without divine revelation. Read the Book of Mormon. As quoted in “Mormon Doctrine” by Bruce R. McConkie : But the great an conclusive evidence of the divinity of the Book of Mormon is the testimony of the Spirit to the honest truth seeker. Moroni promised: “When ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, and with real intent, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Yes, read the Book of Mormon and judge for yourself if it is of man or if it is of God. I know of a certainty that it is of God, but it is up to you to pick up the Book of Mormon, read it, and come to your own conclusion.

The Uniqueness of Mormonism....Part ll

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/unique

Definition of unique :

1: being the only one
2 being without a like or equal
3: unusual

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, certainly fall into the category of unique in numerous ways.

11. The Godhead - The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in three separate Gods: the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. The Mormon Gods are not incomprehensible, unknowable, or an immaterial essence that fills space and is everywhere and nowhere in particular, without body, parts, or passions. If Jesus is one in spirit with his Father, without body or form, so large that He fills the universe and so small that He dwells in each heart, then what meaning has the resurrection which is commemorated each Easter in the Christian churches, and what did He do with His body after showing it to so many people? Personally, I believe that these are the false Gods that are spoken of in the Bible. The Mormon Gods are real, that we look like Them, and They us, for we believe that we were actually created in the image of God. The Mormon Gods has body parts just as we do…..just as Jesus Christ did as He ascended to His Heavenly Father with His resurrected body - with numerous witnesses looking on.

The following is taken from one of my previous posts entitled “False Gods”: If you believe that the Bible is the word of God, then turn to Exodus 33:11: And the Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend…. I think that verse is pretty clear and no explanation is necessary. Moses spoke to God face to face.
In Hebrews 1:3, we read about Christ sitting down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. How could that be if He had no form to have a right hand?
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about John the Baptist and what a great man he was. We read in Matthew 3:16 - 17: “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. From this I glean a couple of things. First, my God must have a mouth for He spoke, and second, this is evidence of three separate and distinct Beings; The voice of the Father, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Ghost descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove.

Yes, we Mormons are unique in our belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Three separate personages with a oneness of purpose.

12. The Sabbath Day - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that the Sabbath day is a holy day, a day of worship, of renewing our covenants, partaking of the Sacrament, and the feeding of our souls upon the things of the Spirit. It is a day spent in worshiping and giving praise unto our God. It is a day to visit the sick, the widow, those in need, and to do the Lord’s work only on this day. Mormon’s do not typically shop, or do any unnecessary work or recreation on the Sabbath. Indeed, we are admonished to “do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with a singleness of heart.” D & C 59:13
Today, keeping the Sabbath day holy is one of the great tests which divides the righteous from the worldly and wicked. There was a time spoken of in the Bible where death was the penalty for violating the Sabbath. Ex. 31:12-17 One only has to observe all that is around him on the Sabbath to see how much the Lord’s Day has become just another day to satisfy natural mans’ greed and need.

13. The Law of Tithing - One tenth of the interest or increase of each member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is payable as tithing to the Church each year. There are several references to tithing in the Bible. In Hebrews 7: 1-2, 4 we learn of the great patriarch Abraham paying tithing to Melchizedek. In Leviticus 27:30 we read: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.”And in Deuteronomy 14:22-23: “….the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks….” There are many other scriptures in the Bible referring to the law of tithing. Tithing is not a new commandment. Many other churches have tried to adopt the law of tithing, but with little success.( See this article in the WSJ : http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119576921737201375.html ) To be a member in good standing in the Mormon church, and to be able to enter into the House of the Lord, one must be a tithe payer. Tithing becomes one of the great tests of personal righteousness of church members. In Malachi we read this: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

The blessings that come with keeping God’s commandments are many, and they have been many, many, testimonies given of the blessings that come when one keeps the law of tithing.

14.The Word of Wisdom - (Excerpt from LDS.org ) The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord revealed that the following substances are harmful:
Alcoholic drinks (see D&C 89:5–7).
Tobacco (see D&C 89:8).
Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets have taught that the term “hot drinks,” as written in this verse, refers to tea and coffee).
When people purposefully take anything harmful into their bodies, they are not living in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. Mormons are unique in that they abstain from all alcohol, all tobacco products, and the drinking of coffee and tea. To be able to enter into The House of the Lord, one must be adhearing to the principles of the Word of Wisdom.

15. Fasting - ( Excerpt from LDS.org) Church members are encouraged to fast two consecutive meals, refraining from food and drink, usually on the first Sunday of each month. The money which would have been used to purchase those meals is donated to help the poor—a practice referred to as fast offerings.“Every dollar given to the local leaders as a fast offering goes to assist the poor,” explained Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve. “When donations exceed local needs, they are passed along to fulfill the needs elsewhere.”

Concern for others becomes another reason for fasting. Individuals with serious illnesses often become the focus of a fasting period. Mormons seek help with personal decisions or health problems by applying the principle of fasting coupled with prayer.This I also found on LDS .org under “newsroom” : A study presented to the American Heart Association indicates that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who regularly fast are less likely to have coronary heart disease.The Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study seeks to explain why research from the 1970s showed that Mormons generally have lower rates of heart disease compared to the United States national average.

16. Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching - Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are visited each month by both the Priesthood and the Relief Society. Both the Priesthood and the Relief Society members go out in pairs to visit, teach, and help when needed. This method of visiting with both active and inactive members allows the Church to keep aware of each member and offer assistance when needed.

17. Emergency Awareness - Mormons are encouraged to have at least a three month supply of food and water on hand for emergencies. Of course, other supplies are also needed, such as clothing, first aid kits, prescription medications, radios, etc. As witnessed by the natural disasters that occur frequently around the world, there is a definite need to provide for your self and your family in time of emergencies. I know of no other religion that counsels their members in emergency awareness as does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

18. Family Home Evening - Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spend Monday together as a family. Families either study and read the scriptures together, play games together, watch movies together, and in general, just spend time together as a family. In the fast paced world that we live in today, LDS members believe that it is paramount that families spend at least one night together. No success in the world can compensate for failure in the world is one of the more favorite quotes of LDS members.

19. Revelation - Mormons believe that revelation has not ceased in this day. Mormons believe that they have a living prophet today who can and does receive revelation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established and founded upon revelation. But Mormons also believe that every obedient, devoted, and righteous person on earth can also receive revelation from our Heavenly Father.

20. There are many, many, other ways in which Mormons are truly unique from other Christian religions. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored church of Jesus Christ, patterned after the church during His day. If you read the Articles of Faith, many of those articles also make the Mormons unique, but I especially like the last article of faith: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

To be LDS is a special blessing……..for we know this gospel message is true, and we know that this church will not be destroyed but will continue to grow until Christ comes again to rule and reign at the head of His Church. It is good to be unique. IMHO

JFK on Mormonism...........

A very interesting YouTube video on JFK's perspective on Mormons........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CHSVC2nAl8

Which church is correct? Try logic.......

The following is taken from A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by Legrand Richards.....the highlights are my own. This accurately sums up which church is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today......it has to be either the Catholic Church or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons. Here's why in a simple language that should be understood by all.

The Christian churches of today may be generally classified as follows:

1. The Catholic Church, which contends that it has had an uninterrupted existence upon the earth since it was originally founded by Jesus Christ.

2. Protestant churches founded by reformers who contend that the original church fell into apostasy, and who, therefore, through a study of the Bible, have attempted to return to the original teachings and practices of the church. The number of these churches is evidence of how impossible it is to agree upon the teachings of the Bible when left to the wisdom of man to interpret and understand them. Because of this lack of unity, churches have continued to multiply in a further effort to return to what they consider the original teachings of the Christ.

3. Those who believe that the church established by Jesus Christ while he was upon the earth fell into an apostate condition as predicted by the apostles, and that the church could not be reestablished upon the earth merely through a reformation, but only through a restoration.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands alone in this latter classification.

In considering these claims, it is obvious that if the first is true, there is no excuse for the existence of any other Christian church. If the original church had gone astray, could a reformation restore its power? Can a living branch be taken from a dead tree? Or must there be a new planting, a restoration?

The issue is really between the Catholics and the Mormons. If the Catholics are right, then Mormonism is wrong. If Mormons are right, then Catholicism is wrong. The Protestants don't have a leg to stand on, because if the Catholics are wrong, so are they, for they were originally a part of the Catholic Church. Today, the Catholics consider Protestants as apostates whom they cut off a long time ago.

Based on this logic, it is either the perpetuation of the gospel from ancient times by the Catholic Church, or the restoration of the gospel in these latter days by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nothing less. Nothing more. IMHO

Are Mormons Christians?

This well written and excellent article was taken from here :

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2007/12/are_mormons_christians.html

By Michael Otterson

In the 177 years since its founding, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown to become the fourth or fifth largest church in the United States. Yet poll after poll has shown that a sizable minority of Americans still acknowledges some discomfort about the “Mormon” faith, and many more who readily admit knowing little about its teachings.

Last week, the intensity of the national debate about Mormons reached a new high in this country, but I suspect the average American hasn’t been enlightened much about what Latter-day Saints believe and practice. In particular, the most commonly discussed question still being asked is whether “Mormons” are Christian, or whether their views are sufficiently unorthodox to warrant the pejorative term “cult.”

Because of its long-declared position of neutrality in matters of party politics, the Church has kept clear of the political debate but shown itself willing to engage in discussion about its beliefs.

Swedish theologian Krister Stendahl, Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm and the former dean of Harvard Divinity School, offers three rules of engagement when trying to understand faiths other than your own. Space in this column allows reference to only the first: When trying to understand a religion, first ask its adherents.

The question, “Are Mormons Christian?” is a good starting point for this discussion. When some conservative Protestants say Mormons aren’t Christian, it is deeply offensive to Latter-day Saints. Yet when Latter-day Saints assert their Christianity, some of those same Christians bitterly resent it. Why? Because both sides are using the same terms to describe different things.

When someone says Mormons aren’t Christian – and I’m trying not to break Stendahl’s first rule here by interpreting conservative Christian thought incorrectly – he or she usually means that Mormons don’t embrace the traditional interpretation of the Bible that includes the Trinity. “Our Jesus” is somehow different from “their Jesus.” Further, they mean that some Mormon teachings are so far outside Christian orthodoxy of past centuries that they constitute almost a new religion.

The irony is that most Latter-day Saints wouldn’t argue with those statements. When a Mormon says he or she is Christian, they are not trying to minimize differences or fudge the issues. Mormons are well aware of the many deep doctrinal differences with other Christians. For instance, Mormons reject the Trinity as non-biblical, and believe the concept to be the product of the creeds that emerged from the 4th and 5th centuries. Further, while embracing the Bible (the King James version is preferred), they don’t interpret it the same way as some Protestants – for instance, that the earth was literally created in six days of 24 hours. Neither do they believe that the scriptural canon was closed with a period and an exclamation mark after the death of the apostles, but that God is perfectly able to talk to prophets today as He did in ancient times.

But for Mormons, these belief differences have nothing to do with whether or not they are Christian in the true meaning of the word. Mormons believe in the Jesus of the Bible, the same that was born at Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, preached His gospel in Galilee and Judea, healed the sick, raised the dead, and finally offered Himself as a sinless ransom for the sins of the world. They believe that Jesus Christ was literally resurrected, that He lives today, and that He is the only name under heaven by which mankind can be saved. This is the Jesus whose name is depicted on the front of every Mormon place of worship. This is the Jesus in whose name every Mormon prays and every sermon is preached. This is the Jesus whose body and blood are commemorated in weekly worship services by Latter-day Saints from Nigeria to New Zealand, from Michigan to Mongolia. For Latter-day Saints who try to live their lives as they believe Jesus taught, assertions that they aren’t Christian are as bewildering as they are wounding.

Mormons have no argument with assertions that they are not “creedal Christians,” or not “orthodox” Christians or “Trinitarian Christians.” Frankly, the whole point of Mormonism is that it is different. Just how different is best explained not by pastors of other faiths, or by secular journalists or by those whose self-interest lies in marginalizing a growing religion, but by Mormons themselves. For those interested in the basics of Mormon belief, two good starting points are:

• Core beliefs and practices
• Mormons speaking for themselves

In their 177 years of history, Mormons have felt the sting of persecution. Even today, extremists emerge occasionally who would seemingly wish to turn the clock back to the 19th century. But for the most part, Mormons are now seen simply as part of the religious mosaic that makes up the United States. Senator John Kennedy made a speech in 1960 that bears quoting at some length – and I’m not talking about the speech about his Catholicism that has been much quoted of late. Less than two weeks after delivering the famous address in Houston, Kennedy spoke from the pulpit of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.

“Tonight I speak for all Americans,” he said, “in expressing our gratitude to the Mormon people – for their pioneer spirit, their devotion to culture and learning, their example of industry and self-reliance. But I am particularly in their debt tonight for their battle to make religious liberty a living reality – for having proven to the world that people of different faiths of different views could flourish harmoniously in our midst…”

Kennedy added: “They suffered persecution and exile, at the hands of Americans whose own ancestors, ironically enough, had fled here to escape the curse of intolerance. But they never faltered in their devotion to the principle of religious liberty - not for themselves alone, but for all mankind. And in the 11th article of faith, Prophet Joseph Smith not only declared in ringing tones: ‘We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience" - he also set forth the belief that all men should be allowed "the same privilege. Let them worship how, where, or what they may.’

“And what has been true of the Mormons has been true of countless other religious faiths - Jews, Quakers, Catholics, Baptists, Unitarians, Christian Scientists, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and many, many others. All encountered resistance and oppression. All stuck by both their rights and their country. And in time the fruits of liberty were theirs to share as well; and the very diversity of their beliefs enriched our Nation's spiritual strength… Many a great nation has been torn by religious feuds and holy wars - but never the United States of America. For here diversity has led to unity - liberty has led to strength. And today that strength - that spiritual, moral strength - is needed as never before.” 

“On Faith” panelist Michael Otterson has served as director of media relations for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1997.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ......

"This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are Christians. We know additional details about the Saviors role in the premortal existence before we came here: we have new information about His part in the creation of the world under the direction of our Father; we can identify Him as Jehovah of the Old Testament, communicating with the prophets of Israel. We have the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ, which has great illuminating doctrines and information about the Savior. Our modern prophets have given revealed explanations, doctrines, light, and knowledge on the Christ as the Redeemer to whom we look for the remission of our sins. We have a wealth of information of tremendous value to all Christian churches. We do not diminish or tear down the faith others have in Christ, but seek only to share with them our additional knowledge of the Lamb, the Shepherd, the Holy One of Israel (see Ps. 71:22)—for their benefit and salvation." - Robert E. Wells, "Be a Friend, a Servant, a Son of the Savior," Ensign (CR), November 1982, p.69

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All Men — Not Just Those Who Share My Beliefs

The following was taken from LDS.org (the highlights are my own doing) :

SALT LAKE CITY 21 December 2007 There is a spiritual maturity demonstrated by those who can accept religious common ground with others and also respectfully acknowledge differences. This comes from spending time with each other and by taking an approach that puts a desire to seek mutual understanding and goodwill above pride and self-interest.

Currently, many media and other discussions in the United States and elsewhere are raising questions about what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how Mormons fit into neighborhood and national social mosaics. Some of these questions and comments are dispassionate, dignified and thoughtful. However, many others come across either as misguided utterances or as deliberate attacks. The latter type of comment is often underpinned by a tone of expertise and authority that baffles those who know Latter-day Saint beliefs best — Mormons themselves.

Ill-informed comments can be easily forgiven, and chances to engage in discussion to develop mutual, accurate understanding and respect are often seized upon — as they should be. But when a person starts excluding someone of a different faith as a legitimate participant in society because there are theological differences — then a line has been crossed.

It is bewildering to a Mormon to hear or read that some others feel that she or he is not a Christian. To a Mormon, any person who worships, loves and honestly tries to live by the teachings of Jesus Christ, as the Son of God and Savior of Mankind, is a fellow Christian. Theological differences unquestionably exist, but genuine, reverent love for and sincere striving to emulate the Savior qualify any person to call her- or himself a Christian.

Joseph Smith, the Mormons’ first prophet, said: “I want the liberty of thinking and believing as I please. It feels so good not to be trammeled.”

Speaking more recently, Latter-day Saint Apostle, Elder M. Russell Ballard said: “Just as we claim the right to worship as we choose, we believe [others] have the right to worship—or to not worship—as [they] see fit. All of our interpersonal relationships should be built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and appreciation. But that shouldn’t prevent us from sharing deeply held religious feelings with each other. Indeed, we may find that our [religious and] philosophical differences add flavor and perspective to our relationships, especially if those relationships are built on true values, openness, respect, trust, and understanding.”

Cynicism and distrust are tainting much of the discussion about faith and values, and their influence on social systems. And this is causing us to miss the opportunity to engage with each other, through media and face to face, on more important issues — such as how we can get along so we can work together to do good in our homes, communities and nations.

Truly effective collaboration, for the good of our families and societies, is not possible until we have the will and the maturity to listen to, understand and respect each other. When the intolerance hurdle has been successfully jumped, all sorts of wonderful things can happen, as individuals rub shoulders while working toward common community objectives.

Muslims, Catholics, Evangelicals, Mormons and many others, working side by side to help rebuild parts of Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami, provided a powerful example of what is possible. Political, ethnic and faith lines were washed away by the flooding as individuals temporarily put aside differences to focus on more pressing, shared imperatives.

During this Christmas season and at all times, a true showing of our depth of devotion and faith will be how we talk about and engage with others — others of our own faith and, even more significant, those who may have some differing religious beliefs. The way we talk and write about others says a lot more about ourselves than it does about those we seek to describe.