Dear Fellow Evangelists,
In our mission to share the gospel, we sometimes encounter those from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). While our intent is always to spread truth and love, we must acknowledge that not every exchange will result in a positive outcome.
In the pursuit of truth and fidelity to biblical doctrine, it is both appropriate and necessary to challenge beliefs when they directly conflict with the teachings of the Bible. When engaging in dialogue, particularly with LDS missionaries, we must understand that there will be moments where the conversation becomes strained due to fundamental differences between LDS theology and orthodox Christian theology.
This strain is not the ideal outcome, but it is a reality we must acknowledge and prepare for. The very essence of Christian evangelism includes the responsibility to affirm and defend the truths of Scripture. When terms or beliefs from the LDS faith conflict with biblical doctrine, it is our duty to address these discrepancies, not out of hostility, but out of a commitment to truth, love, and the salvation message of Jesus Christ as understood in the Bible.
Thus, we confirm the right and indeed the obligation to challenge these beliefs, always with respect, patience, and a heart guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizing that while the dialogue might become tense, our approach should remain rooted in love and the pursuit of truth.
When engaging in discussions with missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), it’s crucial to keep in mind that many Christians perceive their doctrines and terminology as blasphemous or fundamentally at odds with the core teachings of the Bible. This discrepancy arises because LDS theology introduces concepts and terms that diverge from traditional Christian interpretations of scripture, potentially leading to confusion or contention in dialogues about faith. This can lead to heated or unproductive conversations. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Approach with Love: Always approach with a heart full of love and patience. Remember, our goal is not to win an argument but to share the truth of the Gospel with grace.
Expect Challenges: Understand that there will be moments when the dialogue becomes strained, especially when discussing terms or beliefs that fundamentally differ from orthodox Christian theology. This isn’t an ideal outcome, but it’s a reality we must be prepared for.
Stay Firm Yet Gentle: While we must be firm in our beliefs, our firmness should not translate into harshness. Speak the truth in love, even when confronting what you might consider blasphemous.
Know When to Walk Away: There are times when further conversation will not be fruitful. It’s okay to end the discussion gracefully if it becomes clear that continuing would only lead to contention.
Prayer is Key: Before, during, and after these encounters, prayer should be our foundation. Pray for wisdom, for the missionaries, and for any seeds planted to take root.
Remember, while we aim for positive exchanges, the nature of spiritual conversations, especially with those whose beliefs we fundamentally disagree with, can sometimes lead to less-than-ideal interactions. Let’s continue to trust in God’s plan, knowing that every encounter is an opportunity for His work to be done, even if the immediate outcome isn’t what we hoped for.
In His Service,
Dennis