Sharing Your Faith With Mormons
(This article first appeared in Southern Baptist Theological Journal, Summer 2005)
Christians are supposed to defend the faith (Jude 3), preserve the Gospel’s purity (Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Peter 3:15), test all things (1 Thess. 5:21), and correct those who have doctrinally erred (2 Tim. 4:2). Equally relevant scriptures include Eph. 4:15, which mentions speaking the truth “in love,” and 2 Tim. 2:24-26, which says to correct using “gentleness and respect.”
Unfortunately, these latter two passages often take a backseat to what becomes the overriding aim of witnessing—that is, make sure that someone realizes he is wrong. But this unbiblical approach never results in a person falling to his knees, repenting, and shouting appreciation for being shown the error of his doctrinal ways. Instead, emotional walls go up defensive arguments are launched (no matter how baseless or illogical they may be), and a golden opportunity to show Christ’s love is lost.
One of the most obvious places where some well-meaning Christians have failed to follow biblical mandates about sharing the good news has been in the area of witnessing to Mormons. I have myself, truth be told, been guilty of speaking to Mormons not so lovingly and not with so much gentleness or respect. And I have seen similar mistakes made by others.
Given the fact that the Bible says judgment begins in the church (1 Pet. 4:17), I believe it is time for all of us to stop for a moment and consider why we do what we do in the area of “cult” evangelism. This is especially relevant in connection to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), since we share with them a number of general concepts:
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(1) There is a personal God who cares about us (as opposed to either no God at all or an impersonal force).
(2) Jesus Christ was a real, historical person who lived, died, and physically rose again from the dead.
(3) A Christian’s life in this world should be marked by holy living, pure thoughts, and zeal for evangelism.
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The problem, of course, is that Mormons define doctrinal terms/concepts quite differently than evangelicals. For example, Mormons deny the traditional definition of the Trinity. “God” in Mormonism is an exalted man and is only one god among many gods in the universe. Additionally, Jesus is a created being whose nature is virtually the same as ours—the primary difference being that he has progressed to godhood. Mormons also teach that there are two salvations—general, which is merely resurrection life (a gift given by grace), and individual, which is godhood (a reward secured by a grace/works synergy.)
Obviously, there are many issues to discuss with Mormons. But this can lead to many mistakes.
First, a good approach certainly would not include mocking Mormonism or depicting as profane those things that Mormons view as sacred (e.g., the undergarments that Mormons wear).
Second, it does no good to accuse twenty-first century Mormons of believing certain teachings/opinions/doctrines that were taught in the nineteenth century (e.g., the “Adam-God” doctrine taught by Brigham Young).
