Should We Critique Mormonism? (Part 2)
December 19, 2005 Posted by Roger Overton
I will continue my previous post by giving two final reasons for critiquing Mormonism.
3) Mormon claims require a response. Mormonism asserts that our churches are false and that our beliefs (as summarized in our creeds) are an abomination to God. Why shouldn't we respond to these charges? The Apostle Peter instructs us: “…and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). I must defend the historic doctrine of the Trinity against Mormon counterclaims. I must defend the good news—full salvation (eternal life) is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. I must defend the inspiration, inerrancy, and sufficiency of the Bible as God's complete and accurate revelation to us.
Occasionally, I will hear Mormons suggest: “We do not argue against your beliefs.” This is simply untrue. Mormonism is built upon a denial of historic Christianity's fundamental beliefs. Anytime a Mormon shares their faith, they are also telling others how historic Christianity is wrong (see my first point).
Even Joseph Fielding McConkie mistakenly says,
As to how we as Latter-day Saints view those not of our faith and as to how we determine who in this world is “Christian” and who is not, may I suggest that though many in the Christian world are anxious to draw a circle and exclude us. We choose to draw a very large and inclusive circle. We will pray with any man who is willing to do so. Our bookstores do not contain anti-anybody literature, we do not attack those of other faiths in our missionary lesson plan, nor do we do so in our church services or in any class sponsored by the Church. We do not give out warnings against those of other faiths nor do we ever forbid our membership from listening to or talking to anyone they desire.
(By the way, I highly recommend reading McConkie's entire message, “The First Vision and Religious Tolerance,” available in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2)
Apparently, McConkie has forgotten about a book he co-authored with Robert Millet, “Sustaining and Defending the Faith.“ This work is a direct attack against the historic Christian faith. Additionally, entire LDS ministries exist to argue against our beliefs. The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (at Brigham Young University, a school run by the LDS church), the Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research, and many others write against the beliefs of those who hold to the historic Christian faith.
It is clearly incorrect to maintain that the LDS church does not seek to refute historic Christian doctrine. In light of this reality, I must give an answer in response.
4) Love. This reason is the most important of all. If God's truth inherently denies error, if the gospel is the one and only hope for eternal life, and if Mormonism denies God, His truth, and His gospel, then I must show that Mormonism is wrong. I do this out of love, desiring for God and His good news to be understood and believed. I care about humanity and each individual's relationship with God. I also recognize that Mormonism cannot reconcile us with our Creator. Love compels me to proclaim the hope God has given us in Jesus Christ. I pray that we may all trust in Him and in His redemptive work alone for our eternal life.
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December 19th, 2005 at 2:23 pm
Thank you so much for your posts. To neglect the evagelization of Mormons is equal to not caring if they face God's judgement. Some Mormons want to play the postmodern card when faced with a Christian apologetic even though, as you said, their whole religion is based on the rejection of the Christian church.
I am in a continuing e-mail dialogue with a Mormon friend and I become discouraged at times due to his rejection against the clear teaching of Scripture for a distorted view of Jesus Christ. We have covered many points of doctrine and many passages at this point, but he has not yet submitted to the Word of God. Do you have any suggestions on what passages of Scripture have been the most helpful in discussing truth with a strong follower of Mormonism?
Thanks.
December 19th, 2005 at 3:05 pm
Great Question!
James White has produced a very helpful Scripture memorization system to use when witnessing to Mormons. I believe that you will find it useful.
Regarding general information on witnessing to Mormons, I love Mark Cares' materials. His web site has a lot of information (unfortunately, it is rarely updated and not formatted well), and his book–Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons–is a must read!
December 19th, 2005 at 4:04 pm
John, that's my favorite book on the subject as well!
December 21st, 2005 at 11:08 am
Great post. One thing worth mentioning:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you misquoted Joseph Fielding McConkie. He was speaking negatively of the disposition of many in his own religion to be inappropriately “tolerant.” The two articles he wrote in Meridian are a great testimony to the fact that there are some within Mormonism who are fully cognizant of the effort to mainstream. McConkie, like Bruce McConkie, isn't very favorable toward this.
December 21st, 2005 at 12:11 pm
Aaron,
Thank you for your kind comments. But I am not sure how I misquote McConkie here. I believe he was positive about the following: “Our bookstores do not contain anti-anybody literature, we do not attack those of other faiths in our missionary lesson plan, nor do we do so in our church services or in any class sponsored by the Church.”
At the same time, in his message he did question the level of accommodation some Mormons seem to make with evangelicals and others. What makes you think that he was lamenting in the section I quoted?