There are probably thousands of different definitions of the word “Christian.” We have chosen the same inclusive definition as is used by public opinion pollsters and government census offices: A “Christian” includes any group or individual who seriously, devoutly, prayerfully describes themselves as Christian. Under this definition, Christianity includes: Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, United Church members, even a small minority of Unitarian Universalists, etc. (www.religioustolerance.org)
According to this definition there shouldn’t be a divide between the various Christian faiths and Mormonism (LDS). However, those who follow the LDS faith know they are not included and perhaps do not want to be included in the mainstream Christian faiths. Recently there has been a push from the LDS leaders to emphasize their belief in Jesus Christ and embrace Christianity and Christians (from my experience) are not eager to welcome Mormonism to their fold. This is due to some major theological differences and attitudes that I have observed, some of which I will address.
Theological Differences and Attitudes
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Christians believe in Creeds (that include the Trinity theology and more) Mormons do not believe in Creeds, rather they believe in revelation from modern Prophets and apostles.
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Christians may or may not believe in baptism as being necessary for salvation. Mormons believe in ordinances such as baptism, the sacrament, marriage, etc.
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Christians believe the “church of Christ” or the body of Christ are all the Christian sects who believe in Jesus. Mormons believe the “one true Church of Christ” is the LDS faith.
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Christians do not believe in a pre-existance and Jesus being our elder brother. Mormons do.
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Both Christians and Mormons are passionate about their belief in Jesus and try to help others “see the light.” However, the Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus are not the same person if you ask a Christian.
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Mormons believe in universal salvation to a certain extent. Christians believe those who confess Jesus are going to heaven. Those who don’t are going to hell.
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Mormons believe God has revealed scripture and will continue to reveal scripture through his prophets. Christians believe the Bible to be the only word of God.
Through the years and during the past few months I’ve been reading blogs online, these differences along with other differences tend to be what Christians and Mormons alike tend to focus on. Focusing on differences, however, causes a big riff between both Christians and Mormons (and any other people who have differences for that matter). Is there a way to find common ground? Is there a way to join forces for common good? I believe there is. I’ll outline ways I’ve found that we can bridge the Mormon/Evangelical Divide.
Bridging the Divide
- Build on Common Beliefs
Regardless of who we believe Jesus is one can not argue that whether or not He’s the same Jesus that following His teachings will result in blessings. Personally I’ve seen miracles happen in the name of Jesus in both Mormon and Evangelical circles. In addition, I’ve seen God bless the lives of people who follow Jesus’ teachings in both circles. Love, faith, kindness, service, patience, prayer, etc. These are all common things both Mormons and Evangelicals can find common ground on.
- Don’t debate points of Doctrine
Mormons especially should be the last to argue with their fellow Christian friends about points of Doctrine. In the Book of Mormon, Jesus clearly states that disputing points of doctrine should be done away with. Trying to prove a point through scriptural debate will not lead to conversion and personally I’ve found that when I try to prove my point as being right and the other’s as being wrong, the Holy Spirit leaves and then I’m left to my own devises. Building ourselves up to put others down leads to nowhere fast.
- Don’t criticize others’ beliefs and religious practices
This ones a huge one. I’ve heard Mormons criticize other Christians and put themselves on a pedastal by saying they’re in the “one true church,” that their baptism is the only baptism, that miracles can only happen through the priesthood, and much more. Similarly, I’ve heard Christians mock Mormons for their “boring” religious practices in church and also scoff at their temple practices. There are many more beliefs I’ve heard both sides criticize, but regardless of what one believes, we need to make sure we don’t condemn another for their belief.
- Look for the good in every conversation
It is evident that there will be differences in belief, but even if we believe differently, it is very helpful to look for the good in every conversation we engage in. There will usually be something both parties agree on and can build on.
- Know when not to talk, or to walk away
I’ve seen both Mormons and Christians who simply do not want to stop arguing and want to prove their point as being right. This is when it is time to be silent as Jesus was many times when people mocked him. Sometimes it’s better to simply not respond to an argumentative blog post, or discussion. Sometimes it’s best to be silent and walk away.
I’ve found personally that when I follow these guidelines I have much more in common with not only other Christians, but people from all faiths and beliefs as well. I hope this post helps both Evangelical Christians and LDS to engage in uplifting discussions and bridge the divide.
For some other great posts on this topic I recommend the following blogs:
http://summatheologica.wordpress.com/2008/05/04/the-temptation-to-debate/#comment-358
and
http://mormonmatters.org/2008/05/03/the-nature-of-god-and-bible-bashing-sharing/
Grace for Grace 
27 comments
Comments feed for this article
May 29, 2008 at 5:40 am
Todd Wood
Helps?
No. No really, ama49. It would limit us from really talking about the deep matters of belief in our hearts.
For instance, just tonight, I was in a great Isaiah 53 Bible study.
After walking away from this study, I desire to talk with my LDS friends about the Suffering Servant and His substitutionary atonement – how he was smitten by Elohim (Isa. 53:4) and crushed by Jehovah (Isa. 53:10).
And I usually don’t want to talk about creeds.
God’s grace to you, friend.
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May 29, 2008 at 4:24 pm
ama49
#1
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I would assume that you want to share the love you have in your heart for God and what you’ve learned in the Bible with your LDS friends to find common ground and I respect you for doing so.
If your intention to share with your LDS friends is to prove them wrong or dispute differences, then it would go against what Jesus ultimately taught and I would advise to simply keep your thoughts to yourself as suggested in this post.
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May 29, 2008 at 5:20 pm
mormonsoprano
ama- This is a very insightful article! You have given us good points to ponder. I think the key for building bridges is taking personal responsibility. Each individual of any faith can choose to show love and respect. As Jesus continually taught us: “If ye are not one, ye are not mine” and the greatest commandment of all is to “love thy neighbor as thyself”. Therefore, a true disciple of Christ will make love and kindness their standard in all their interactions.
Being willing to “agree to disagree”, with openness to different points of view is a hallmark of intelligent humanity.
Just as different notes on the keyboard build beautiful melodies, human beings have the capacity to live in harmony.
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May 29, 2008 at 5:47 pm
JLFuller
ama49 says “Both Christians and Mormons are passionate about their belief in Jesus and try to help others “see the light.” However, the Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus are not the same person if you ask a Christian. “.
Of course both are passionate about Christ and their different understandings of His nature. But Mormons do not believe their words or deeds convert anybody although many join the Church because of other people’s testimony. But fundamental to conversion is the confirmation by the Holy Ghost. In fact, Mormons teach that those who fail to obtain the confirmation likely will not succeed in gaining a testimony of their own which increases the likelihood they will fall away. The confirmation of the Holy Ghost is what converts, not the words or deeds of human beings. The members who engage in missionary work are charged with delivering the message and teaching but not converting.
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May 29, 2008 at 5:58 pm
JLFuller
Traditional Christians often remark that Mormons must be suffering from demonic mind control because when confronted with what they think is absolute proof that LDS theology is heretical or that its leadership is teachng patently false doctrine they still refuse to acknowledge how they have duped. What traditional Christians have thus far refused to accept is that Mormons who have received the confirmation by the Holy Ghost are not swayed by the understanding of men but by the constant promptings of God through the Holy Ghost. In other words, Mormons are told one thing by tradtional Christians and another by God.
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May 29, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Commander Keen
Yeah, I mean really, we all have many of the same goals anyway.
There is enough divisive and destructive elements in our world today, we don’t need to continue to add to it, as Christians, fighting amongst ourselves.
We all share a common belief in Christ. The many years that seperate our time from Christ’s time may have made some of the minor details of Christ’s teachings vague and hazy, but the most important teachings remain intact.
In the New Testament (Everyone agrees on this book, right?) Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was, and his response was to have a complete love and respect for God, and the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor (your fellow human beings)
So lets forget minor differences for now, because these things will likely be cleared up in time anyway. Christ will come again or we will meet him, and we will hear the word straight from his mouth once again, just as we did in New Testament times. Then all those hazy details will come back into focus.
We spend to much time focusing on differences when we could be building stronger ties with all Christian faiths.
I mean who really thinks there is going to be a multiple choice test to get into heaven anyway…
Question #1 Did the Sermon on the Mount take place on…
A. Saturday
B. Tuesday
C. Sunday
D. None of the above
Most of the details and differences that we disagree on are so minor and a null point anyway, that we seem almost childish dwelling on them. Will we be rejected by the most powerful loving being in the universe just because we didn’t know whether the account of Noah’s arc was literal or figurative??? No, of course not. What matters is how we love and care for those around us, and strive to be the best Christians that we can.
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May 30, 2008 at 1:15 am
ama49
#6
Commander Keen,
Welcome to the site and feel free to stop by anytime. I whole heartedly agree with you!
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May 30, 2008 at 4:45 am
Todd Wood
#6 – The Sermon on the Mount & the two greatest commandments drive me to my knees, clinging solely to the grace of Jesus Christ. It is only being in Christ that I can in any way show such complete love.
Wow, Commander, you bring me to the heart of the law that slew the old Todd Wood, once dressed in his religious garb of yesterday. I needed the great legal exchange of Isaiah 53, accomplished by the Suffering Servant of the O.T. so that I could live out His law in the N.T., only by His extended grace. Grace for grace.
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May 30, 2008 at 4:51 am
aquinas
ama49, I appreciate the post. The Mormon and Evangelical relationship has a rather complex dynamic and history. However, I find recent dialogues between Mormons and Evangelicals very encouraging. I do want to say that in my view, every faith tradition has the right to define itself theologically including defining the faith vis-à-vis the outside world. In addition, I respect the right of individuals of faith to engage in evangelism.
While differences between faith traditions are inevitable, often people create divisions unnecessarily. Religious differences should not preclude people of faith from working together for common social goals. I believe in engaging in sustained dialogue that is civil and respectful for the purpose of better understanding our differences and areas of common ground. What I find inappropriate among people of faith is not the attempt to advocate teachings and doctrinal positions, or even the attempt at self-definition, but rather the manner and spirit in which this is carried out. In my experience and observations, combative doctrinal debates have little relation to conversion of those being confronted. To the contrary, these kinds of exchanges often result in long-lasting animosity and perpetuate stereotypes and feelings of persecution.
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May 31, 2008 at 1:07 am
ama49
The Ogre (http://www.lds.net/the%20Ogre)
wrote:
ama:
I like your website. I think I disagree with your idea of a One-true Church. I agree that the LDS church is the only true-church on the earth today, but I do not think you work hard enough to explain that the LDS position is not exclusionary. Many people will be saved through the Atonement regardless of their physical membership in the church. I do believe they will need ordinances performed for them once dead, but my Jewish great-greats will most likely make it and having their work performed for them (it is already, they didn’t die during the holocaust so no one protested the work being done). People will be judged for the works, actions, beliefs according to the Grace of G-d regardless of physical membership in any church.
One of the hardest things many of my no-mo friends have is the concept that only the mo-mos will make it, which of course is silly. My landlord is in his bishopric, but that does not stop him from being a slumlord who never follows through with promises and ignores the needs of his tenants. The members of the church who will make it are those who have deserted their “mormonism” and have completely committed to being a Latter-day Saint ignoring all cultural attachments.
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May 31, 2008 at 1:08 am
ama49
Xzain (http://www.lds.net/Xzain)
wrote:
ama49-
Very good job! I especially like the multiple links to outside sources, such as the scriptures. I think you have hit many of the key points- heck, from my meager understanding of the situation you touched on all of them!
One comment- this may an idiosyncratic feeling, but I think it adds a little to the confusion of the ‘Mormons vs. Christians’ issue by referring to all non-LDS Christians as ‘Christians’ and all LDS Christians as ‘Mormons’. I understand the difficulty in writing a short blog; maybe you could add a disclaimer saying that when you say ‘Christians’ you mean ‘mainstream Christians’?
All in all, very good job! Two thumbs up, my friend.
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May 31, 2008 at 1:09 am
ama49
PrisonChaplain (http://www.lds.net/prisonchaplain)
wrote:
I took a cursory glance, and as one of the evangelicals on this site, let me add my kudos for tackling this sensitive subject. Blowhards on both sides are likely to send fire your way, and your exercise leaves room for misunderstanding by the purist/ideologues on both sides.
The one theme that runs throughout your site is the need to emphasize areas of communion, and avoid discussions of our differences. Perhaps this is the sad reality of post modern society. I yearn for a place where polite, respectful, yet frank discussion, and even debate, is seen as a sign of fervent spirituality and love. To put it more simply, if I am wrong, I hope you (y’all) love me enough to tell me–even if you’re afraid I might get upset. On the other hand, the practice today is to let people carry on in their ignorance for fear of offending them. sigh.
And please…again…I love the site…and believe you have approached it as you probably need to in today’s reality. So, blessings to you.
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May 31, 2008 at 6:50 am
Eric Zacharias
Ama,
Your observations regarding the relationship of mormonism and Christianity are very astute and honest. It was wise of you NOT to push doctrine, for in that area, mormons cannot seek to gain ground with any knowledgeable Christian who asks you to discuss the common ground of the Old and New Testament. I have found this time and again: the claim is made that we can show you via the Scripture, but the discussion always goes on toward something brought out in the BoM. You did it, too, Ama, when you quoted Jesus as saying that doctrine is bad mojo. Your citation is from the Book of Mormon. You can never find a cross-reference to the Bible showing that Jesus would ever say such a thing. Jesus talks about truth. The truth is that Jesus is the Truth: as in “I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE: NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER, EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (That’s pretty definitive, isn’t it? There is no truth but Jesus; no way, but through Jesus; no life, but through Jesus.)
Jesus talks about the Scriptures pointing to him, and he shows how the Son of Man MUST suffer, die and be raised again (flesh & blood and soul subsiding together). Jesus shows the necessity of his blood being shed for the salvation of mankind. Jesus to the Pharisees: “You study the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; these are they [the Scriptures] which testify of me.” The focus of Jesus’ remarks are about belief and not about works. Study the New Testament. If you want common ground, study the Scripture that speaks about Jesus; but Mormons cannot, for they know that their own Scriptures leave Jesus behind or obscure the very purpose for which Jesus came into the flesh.
If doctrine means nothing, then the study of Scripture means nothing; yet, the LDS will grind its doctrines into the core of a person. The truth is that doctrine means everything. To down-play doctrine in front of a Christian is to be deceptive, for the LDS wants nothing more than that a Christian not know his own doctrine and the Biblical precepts; therefore such a Christian would forfeit any fight.
Good for Todd Wood that he talks with his Mormon friends about the foundational prophecy of Jesus as seen in Isaiah 53 and the atoning sacrifice of Christ.. And your response, Ama, was to advise that Todd “simply keep your thoughts to yourself.”
How does that advance the Christian-Mormon dialoge, when you advise a Christian to shut his mouth? Todd must shut his mouth because he is at the core of the issue of Jesus Christ and the communion of saints.
Good news, however… as many responses indicate, you have much in common with many “evangelicals” and nominal Christians with the belief that you can earn your way to heaven.
And there is more common ground there than meets the eye. Just drop in on anyone’s funeral. Listen to the eulogy–even of a slum lord– listen to the rationalization, the explanation of someone’s place in the kingdom because of his/her deeds, the hollow, pointless platitudes. After this and the silence and the sobs and then the glad-handing, the backslapping, people may come away feeling okay. But there is no “okay” without Christ and the message that needs to be told: That the purpose Jesus came was that he would BE the Christ, whose own blood would be the atoning sacrifice for our sins, his death on the cross would bring forgiveness we need and cancel the power of sin, remove the eternal curse of the devil, and own resurrection would be the promise and the proto-type of our own resurrection at the last day. No need for eulogies (“happy-speak”) when Jesus is the best word spoken: he our hope and our joy.
So, take heart, Ama; much of Christendom shares your views already when it thinks the best of man and the least of Christ.
Focus on that and you will gain much ground–but not with God, the one and only:Father/Son/Holy Spirit.
In Christ,
Eric Zacharias
Cologne, Minnesota
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May 31, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Becca
Eric,
I think your response is outlining exactly what ama is talking about. In my reading of his post, he is not saying that doctrine is nothing, he is not quoting Jesus as saying that “doctrine is bad mojo”, he is not advising Christians to “shut their mouths”. What we are talking about here is arguing, debating, fighting about doctrine. Contention is certainly not something that Jesus supported and I just can’t imagine that someone would want to argue that Jesus would want us to argue!! The point is that we can strive to live together in harmony, though our doctrines may differ. We can strive to make the world a better place and bring people up instead of tear people down because their beliefs might be different from our own. How can we reach out more? How can we help people more? How can we show more love and kindness? This I believe is the overarching purpose here.
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May 31, 2008 at 5:29 pm
ama49
In response to #13 and #14.
#14
You are spot on with the point I’m trying to make.
#13
Your response is exactly what I’m referring to. I could pick apart everything you took out of context, but in this situation I feel it’s best to walk away.
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June 2, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Soy Yo
“A “Christian“ includes any group or individual who seriously, devoutly, prayerfully describes themselves as Christian.”
This has to be the most ridiculous definition I have seen. To illustrate what I mean, let’s use this same one but change a few words,
An “American“ includes any group or individual who seriously, devoutly, prayerfully describes themselves as American.
Obviously, someone from Germany cannot truthfully call themselves American unless they have the proper credentials to back up such claims. Simply stating they are does not make it so.
Using another example, A “Mormon“ includes any group or individual who seriously, devoutly, prayerfully describes themselves as Mormon.
If we use it in this context then any break-off group, like the FLDS, who seriously describes themselves as Mormon has every right to call themselves such even though the LDS church has tried to make a clear separation between the two groups and has basically demanded that they, in no way, be referred to as Mormon. If the LDS church does not want to have other groups called Mormons, then I don’t think Christians have to say that Mormons are Christian. For both parties, the desire to not include someone else is due to the difference in beliefs that go against their basic doctrine and theology. Mormon leaders do not want to have their name used to reference the FLDS group because of the practice of polygamy and I’m sure a few other questionable beliefs. Christians don’t want to include Mormons because of some doctrine that they think goes against the very ideas that make them a collective group.
I think discussing religion can be both constructive and damaging depending on the character of those involved in the conversation but that should not prevent us from bringing up the topic. In the mission field, we were taught to first focus on similar beliefs in Christ and the Bible but the discussions we were to follow, quickly turned to differences, many of which all but told our investigators that their current church was wrong. Every day, the Mormon church has around 60,000 missionaries around the world whose job it is to show everyone how their religion is different. The idea that we should not talk about differences or criticize the beliefs of others is rather hypocritical since that is what Mormon missionaries do day after day.
Some of your points of theological difference are a little off…
You speak of creeds, which according to Webster is defined as
1: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief
2: a set of fundamental beliefs
I think the Articles of Faith fall under both definitions so Mormons have at least one creed.
According to you, the Mormon Jesus and the Christian Jesus is not the same “if you ask a Christian”. What if you ask a Mormon?
“In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints ‘do not believe in the traditional Christ.’ ‘No, I don’t. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. He together with His Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the year 1820, and when Joseph left the grove that day, he knew more of the nature of God than all the learned ministers of the gospel of the ages.'”
– Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Church News, June 20, 1998, p.7
According to a recent LDS Prophet, Mormons consider it to be a different Jesus as well.
I think the part that is most miss-leading is your claim that Mormons believe in universal salvation to a certain extent. It is LDS doctrine that only those who are baptized in the Mormon church will be admitted into Heaven because they are the only church who has the ”authority” from God to baptize in his name. The following quotes explain what the LDS teachings are on the subject.
“By being baptized, we show our Father in Heaven we want to follow His plan for us. We promise to accept Jesus as our leader and obey everything He tells us to do. We promise to always remember Him and the things He has done for us.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, and are baptized, our Father in Heaven forgives us for our sins. He promises us that we can return to live with Him. He accepts us as members of Jesus’ Church. He sends the Holy Ghost to help us to learn more about Him and to help us do the right things. We receive all of these blessings if we continue to do the things that we promise to do when we are baptized.
We can receive these blessings only if we are baptized. This is the only way for us to return to live with our Father in Heaven. This is the only way for us to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ. This is the only way for us to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to have the Holy Ghost help us in our lives. This gift is given to us after we are baptized. All of these things are necessary in order for us to return to live with our Father in Heaven.”
“Chapter 15: Baptism,” Gospel Fundamentals, 71
“We must be baptized to become members of the restored Church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and to eventually enter the kingdom of heaven. This ordinance is a law of God and must be performed by His authority. “ – Mormon.org
In the book, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, he says in a very clear way that unless you are baptized into Mormonism, you will not go to Heaven. I don’t have the book in front of me but if I remember correctly, it is on page 119 in a series of questions he was responding to.
I know that you look at baptism for the dead as a way to include everyone but that is flawed as well. In order for a baptism that is done by proxy for the dead to be valid, the person who it was done for has to accept it. If he does not then it is not valid and the person is not Mormon and does not get in. Just because you have done the work for someone in the temple does not automatically mean that they are a member of the church. I’m sure there are many wonderful Christians who lived worthy of Heaven who would not accept the baptism you do for them in the temple. Mother Teresa comes to mind. According to Mormon teachings, she will not make it into heaven unless she accepts that baptism in the next life. That does not sound like universal salvation to me. In many ways the Mormon requirements for salvation are more strict then what is taught in other churches.
I think it is good to build on common beliefs but both sides have to be honest with one another and be able to back up their claims with the appropriate references. I personally enjoy talking to others about differences we have because if we all agreed with one another, the conversations would get pretty boring and not challenge us to think and use the wonderful minds we have been given.
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June 2, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Dan
I’ve read of several instances where leaders from Evangelical denominations and leaders from the LDS faith are able to get together and have open and honest discussions about where they agree and disagree, without rancor and without hostility.
Recently, Robert Millet (former head of BYU’s religion department) was on a speaking tour with a Salt Lake City Baptist minister doing exactly that, i.e. they discussed for anyone that showed up, their similarities and where there were differences of opinion.
It seems that it is the lay members of various denominations that can’t get along. It is unfortunate. One of my favorite sayings on this subject is actually of Buddhist origin, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” I’ve always taken that to mean that I don’t have to make you look bad just to make me look good.
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June 4, 2008 at 8:59 pm
jack
This looks like a site dedicated to making Mormons feel good about themselves by saying that they want to bridge the great divide between Mormons and Evangelical Christians. ama49, you can’t tell Christians to shut their mouths just because they say something that contradicts your beliefs. This site displays the control issues associated with the LDS Church.
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June 5, 2008 at 3:08 pm
adamf
Soy Yo #16: “It is LDS doctrine that only those who are baptized in the Mormon church will be admitted into Heaven…”
Thanks for telling us what we believe. 😉 I’ll try not to tell you what you believe, and you do the same, okay? Tell us about your beliefs is a-okay, however. 🙂 That’s a lot of okays…
The bit about “universal salvation” (imo) is referring to the fact that Mormons believe that everyone will be saved, but not everyone will return to live with God. We could debate this stuff all day (something that ama49 clearly did not ask for) but it’s more of a semantic argument than a doctrinal one.
Nice post, ama49… Personally I think the term “Christian” is a bigger term than most will allow, and it encompasses anyone that believes in the teachings of Christ, regardless of interpretation. That being said, I think the FLDS or other groups like that should be able to call themselves Mormon. People should be able label themselves what they want, imo.
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June 6, 2008 at 1:27 am
ama49
#18
The comments you make are out of context with this post. This post is designed to discuss the similarities and not debate doctrine. Please start over and focus on what Mormons and Christians can do to work together to build a better world and bring people closer to God. If you can not do this, please do not comment.
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June 6, 2008 at 1:32 am
ama49
#19
Thanks for your comments and I think you’re right with your comments. We should respect others and thanks for the clarification on “universal salvation.” You got the right idea I was trying to convey.
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June 6, 2008 at 2:21 pm
aquinas
I don’t think the point is that doctrinal differences are somehow insignificant or without meaning. The problem again comes down to the strategy of communication that one chooses to elect. For many, contention or combative rhetoric is wrong as a matter of principle and many here have taken that position. Many of my views have resulted from observing what works and what doesn’t work both in my own conversations and in those of others. In other words, in my evaluation of communication strategies, some strategies are effective whereas others are highly ineffective and actually have the opposite effect. I also think one needs to reflect on their goals for communicating. To be sure, in our frustration and zeal there are many things we can say to people which make us feel good. It might feel good to get something off our chest, to give someone what for, or to come back with a great zinger, with an argument we find personally quite compelling and winning, but that absolutely does nothing for our audience other than repel them and repulse them and only confirm their prejudices.
One of the major problems is a lack of evaluation of our communication strategies. Many people are happy to use the same methods year in and year out without any thought to their efficacy. There needs to be a careful and responsible assessment of what we are saying and how we say it and the results of our actions (and this does not mean relinquishing our doctrine). The kind of approach I take today with those of different faiths is based on evaluating the results of my communication. If I can say something which is going to make me feel really good and all my pals are going to pat me on the back and tell me good job, but which have absolutely no effect on my intended audience, then what is the advantage of persisting in my way? It cannot be but for selfish reasons. To be sure, dialogue with others is not something anyone is perfect in. We stumble, we say the wrong things, we make several mistakes along the way, however, we should be constantly improving and that only comes from noticing what works.
If there are Evangelicals out there who don’t want to “dialogue” with the Latter-day Saints, but rather believe that refutation of a false religion is the only true option for any faithful Christian, then that is a position they can take, and that is their prerogative. I only suggest perhaps that they reflect on the Mormon and Evangelical history and see how well that has worked, to see if this has achieved their goals (which may include the complete eradication of Mormonism). From my observations of the reactions of Mormons, these kinds of methods are not effective, and rather simply strengthen the religious convictions of Mormons, confirm their suspicions about the religious other, and situate themselves in larger history of religious persecution. This, I do not believe, is the result that Evangelicals would want to happen, and yet this continues to happen. In fact, in some sense it is actually to the advantage of the Latter-day Saints that Evangelicals keep using the same methods because they will keep getting the same results. Ironically, many of the suggestions for dialogue would only assist Evangelicals in their evangelistic efforts with the Latter-day Saints. However, I believe the greater advantage is for people of faith to better understand each other through dialogue, and that this benefits all those involved.
There are many out there who tire of religious polemics and the negative effects this has had on families, friendships and communities. It is important to keep in mind where this push for dialogue is coming from. It is based on assessing the current state of affairs and realizing something needs to change. Many do not realize that many advocates (both Mormon and Evangelical) for dialogue actual come out of a strong apologetic background (and have made many mistakes along the way) and who well know and understand the doctrinal arguments involved, but who want more than simply telling someone off, but rather who desire to actually reach people at a deeper and fundamental level, at a relational level. Not everyone is ready for or interested in such a dialogue, however, it is clear that the number of individuals who are ready is rising and it is my hope these individuals can be put in contact with each other.
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June 6, 2008 at 3:47 pm
ama49
#22
Beautiful! I love your thoughts on communication and your vision of how people of all faiths can have an uplifting dialogue and learn and grow together.
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June 10, 2008 at 12:12 am
jack
ama49,
Your language sounds good, but before Christians and Mormons can dialog on how to bring others closer to God, there needs to be an understanding of whose God will be the focus: LDS god or the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The LDS god has a beginning, possibly sinned, and progressed from a man to his current status. The Christian God is without beginning or end, never sinned, and has always been God. Your attempt at creating some utopia by creating some hybrid Mormon/Christian is out of touch with reality.
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June 10, 2008 at 10:09 pm
RonL
#24
Pardon me brother, but your post sounds a bit condscending to me. Also, I am not sure it does matter whether or not Evangelicals and Mormons agree on the personal attributes of God in order to have a discussion on faith. Finally, it seems a bit artifical to suggest that a simple disagreement on the nature of God needs to be presented as a dichotomy – as if one version is right and the other is wrong – suggesting that one version is worth something and the other, worthless.
A simple discussion on faith can be shared by Mormons and Evangelicals and even Catholics – after all, we are saved by Grace, not doctrine.
blessings
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June 17, 2008 at 5:29 pm
jack
Sorry, ama49, but I need to respond to #25.
Condesending or honest and realistic?
If you don’t think we need to have a basic agreement on the attributes of God, you’re only fooling yourself.
Unfortunately, there is a version that’s right and one that’s wrong. Understanding the nature of God is critical. So, unfortunately, the truth is that one version will be worth something and the other worthless.
You agree that we’re saved by grace; however, your understanding of grace limits it to after all you can do (2 Nephi 25:23). Doctrine does not save, but it informs our faith, and we are justified by faith. It’s important to believe in that which is true.
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June 21, 2008 at 9:29 am
uft36
Thanks, Ama49, for this posting. I have expressed these same thoughts on other blogs that I comment on but I have a hard time finding the right words to express myself. I have been talking about these things for many years and what it comes down to is a matter of personal interpretation and understanding of the scriptures and what you are willing to accept as the truth. It is only after much study and prayer that you learn what is true or not. I know that the Book of Mormon is the true word of God because I have read it and prayed about it and accepted it as an inspired word of God. You posted an article about a Baptist preacher who uses the Book of Mormon in his life. And yet he is not a member of our Church. Why is it that he can accept it as the word of God and others reject it? He must of prayed and pondered and decided to accept it in his life. We are all at different levels of spirituality and when the Lord knows you are ready for more instructions He will open your mind and heart. I love the line “The Lord loves a humbled heart for it is teachable.” When you receive this new information it is up to you to accept it or reject it. Most of the time you will accept the new information because you know in your heart that it is true. This line of thought is true no matter what faith you belong to. When you are ready and willing to learn more God will teach you more. If everyone of all faiths will understand these concepts I believe we will get along a lot better and have more constructive conversations.
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