Was wondering what experiences have been like for those who are not Mormons but who have visited Mormon chapels? Maybe you were invited along to one by the LDS missionaries?
I have been along to a few in my time but one memorable visit always sticks in my mind. The two missionaries assigned to the place were new and were watching me from the platform as I tried to fit in with the congregation. I could see they were talking about me during the service. As soon as the service ended they made a bee line for me, weaving in and out of the regular members who were trying to welcome them as new missionaries. Eventually, they got to me and, of course, were polite and showed a lot of interest. After a while, I excused myself to go to the toilet (rest rooms for our American friends), eventually came out, and there they were right outside the door! These guys really didn't want to let me out of their sight! But hey, it is nice to be wanted! Right?
They got my name and address and visited me at my home a couple of times, but when some of the questions about Mormon history and doctrine were raised which they found difficult they stopped coming round.
I am sure people have had some bad experiences in some Christian churches as well, but I do wonder whether the expectations that family and friends back home have on these missionaries to baptize as many as possible to the LDS Church has a bearing on the way they approach potential converts.
Would like to hear others experiences, good or bad.
4 comments:
Vince,
I know how you feel. Don't let that be your only experience with the LDS Church. Whether you believe in it or not, there are many beneficial things that are taught. I, like you have some difficult questions involving the church, its founding, etc. I am trying very hard to make heads or tails of these questions. Life poses many questions and you must take the merit of whatever you believe and apply it to your life to make it better. Even the different books in the bible have conflicting messages and conflicting views. Good luck in your search for truth.
Hi, Thanks for commenting. This wasn't my only experience of the LDS Church. I have been into a number of chapels and the Prenton Temple as well (prior to its dedication).
I know that there are some beneficial things taught and done in the LDS Church and am certainly happy to acknowledge this.
I wouldn't see the different books of the Bible as conflicting. Rather they are complimentary. Apparant difficulties are easily reconciled when studied. In fact, it is incredible how well the whole Bible threads together when you think about the many different books written by so many different people from different locations and cultures and times.
If you are grappling with questions and are a lover of truth please consider some of the articles on the main Spotlight Ministries site in the Mormonism section. Always good to get an alternative perspective on an issue as I feel you will agree.
I was invited to a Mormon Chapel, I have yet to go! But I really feel like I should invite them to my church. Is this a wise thing to do? Would they turn up to the morning service?
Re Tom 18 Nov 07
Yes you should invite Mormon members to your church,especially any Missionaries. We should encourage them to understand that a church is the Temple/House of God. The proof being in Jesus' own words;" Where two or more gather in my naame I am there also" - therefore, if Mormon teaching is the only truth, and their church is the only true church, this would make Jesus out to be a liar!
Most LDS missionaries are born into the church and encouraged to prepare for the Missions from an early age. They are taught that the Book of Mormon is true as revealed to Joseph Smith through revelation and the finding of the 'Plates'. Sadly they are never taught or encouraged to read scripture and the New Testiment,as conventional Christians are, this is 'BIAS' on the part of LDS.
So, yes I will reiterate, encourage any LDS member to visit a Christian church and read its teachings and principles. In so doing it may break down their single minded opinions, and realise that salvation is dependant on FAITH in Jesus Christ, and NOT on faith in the teachings of Joseph Smith, or any other human being.
Post a Comment