If we take the gospel at face value, then we must admit that the nature of God is open to all peoples all across the earth. All people are His children. If the Mormon people are "chosen," then it is only in the sense that we are servants to carry the word, serve the poor, and to perform ordinances. In other words, the role of the Mormon people, although essential, is one of humility, NOT arrogance. Great truths are evidenced across the world, and Mormons have NO claim on superiority.
I do NOT mean to downplay the importance of the Church. Again, its role is essential. But, Mormons have no purpose or reason to be haughty, arrogant, or self-righteous. There are many non-LDS throughout the world who are doing the work of God according to His purpose. Elder Anderson expressed this basic thought in this manner:
Neil L. Andersen, “Come unto Him,” Ensign, May 2009, 78–80
We must remember, my dear brothers and sisters, who we are and what we have in our hands. We are not alone in our desire to do good; there are wonderful people of many faiths and beliefs.
We are not alone in praying to our Heavenly Father or in receiving answers to our prayers; our Father loves all of His children.
We are not alone in sacrificing for a greater cause; there are others who are unselfish.
Others share our faith in Christ. There are loyal and decent fathers and mothers in every land who love each other and love their children. There is much we can learn from the good people all around us.
Yet we must not shrink from what is uniquely and singularly found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. …
Elder Andersen reminds us that we have have a good work to do, but SO DO OTHERS. Is it possible that others (non-LDS) contribute to “preparing” the earth for the Second Coming? What is the unique role of the Latter-day Saints? Below is Elder Andersen’s answer:
Neil L. Andersen, “Come unto Him,” Ensign, May 2009, 78–80
Only here is the priesthood of God, restored to earth by heavenly messengers. Only here does the Book of Mormon stand with the Bible in revealing and declaring the full divinity and gospel of Christ. Only here are there prophets of God, bringing guidance from heaven and holding the keys that bind in heaven what is bound on earth.
Our knowledge of the divine mission of the Church should not bring feelings of superiority or arrogance but should take us to our knees, pleading for the Lord’s help that we might be what we should be. But in humility we need not be timid in remembering the Lord’s words: “This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it” (Mosiah 27:13).
Above all, we proclaim our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. All that we are—all that we will ever be—we owe to Him. While we gaze in awe at His majesty, He does not ask us to stay our distance but bids us to come unto Him. …
Father's bragging point: I am quite proud of my two oldest sons, who are both attending college. As sons of a Mormon professor, they both have learned the importance of scripture study and of obtaining a college education.
Son#1 called me up a couple of days ago and told me that this fall he is taking a college religion course with the requirement of attending five religious services outside of one's own faith. He was looking forward to this experience, and he asked me what faiths I would recommend visiting. I recommended attending a Catholic Mass, a Lutheran service, a Southern Baptist or Evangelical service, and two different Jewish synagogues, perhaps one Conservative and the other Reform. He wants to be an Army LDS Chaplain serving all faiths.
Son#2, a returned missionary, is attending college as well. At his university he is President of the Interfaith Dialogue, a cooperative alliance among members of different faiths. He has actively visited the services of other faiths – always with the mindset of great esteem and reverence.
My thumbs are up to both of my sons, who seem to have learned well their lessons of interfaith respect.
It is counterproductive for members of our faith to act as though there is no need to work cooperatively with other faiths, as if we have the final truth and everyone else is false and inferior. Such an attitude seems counter to a basic message of the Book of Mormon, which states:
2 Nephi 29:7, 12
7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
12 … I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
Mormons, of all people, should not only promote their own religion BUT should also promote a respect for ANY religion that actively seeks to LOVE God.
We Mormons are not THE chosen people. Instead, we are A chosen people called upon to be servants to others in order to prepare the way for the Savior's second coming, after which peoples of ALL major faiths (those that love God) will work together in harmony and respect, as the truth of Christ is spread (see: Joseph Fielding Smith: Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3: 63-65). Today, we can work towards those ends.
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7 comments:
"If we take the gospel at face value, then we must admit that the nature of God is open to all peoples all across the earth. "
This is such a good point.
One similar tangent I would like to go on is to point out: I really liked Joseph Smith's is his willingness to learn from other religions. He read many versions of the bible. Allowed other religious leaders to live with him for a time and even preach from his pulpit with the purpose of learning from them. He said, at least once, we aren't true Mormons unless we learn every truth wherever it may come from.
My point is we are all in this together. Joseph was wise/humble enough to admit there is much we could learn from all religions/beliefs. Sure we believe, as Joseph said about the Book of Mormon, ours is the "most correct" nevertheless there is much to be gained from everyone else.
Son#2: Thumbs up to you too Dad.
Great post!
I agree with your post wholeheartedly. The only thing I'd say is that you should encourage your son to attend some non judeo-christian services in particular to really expand his understanding of world religion. The summer I spent in china was such an incredible experience for me because it showed me the variety of faiths that exist and how successful buddist/taoist/eastern faiths have been at integrating different strands of faith into a consistent faith perspective. It was that aspect of people's faith that struck me most. People could be devout but feel no problems with worshiping at a Buddhist temple and then a taoist shrine or even a christian service. It was so different than what I am used to.
Also, an Islamic service seems like a must here.
I am using the quote below in my priesthood lesson this Sunday. It would have made a nice quote for the essay above.
Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009, 34–38.
"The Savior subsequently ushered in the Restoration of His true doctrine with respect to the plan of salvation and other saving principles such as the doctrine of Christ."
"But notwithstanding the significance of our doctrinal differences with other faiths, our attitude toward other churches has been to refrain from criticism. They do much good. They bless mankind. Many help their members learn of the Savior and His teachings."
I agree, attending a mosque service would be fantastic. Have him call the imam and share his assignment. He will be amazed about how much Mormons and Muslims have in common. See www.mormonmuslim.com or www.farsimormon.org for more talks and resources on Mormons and Muslims see: http://www.mluvinterfaith.org/Literature___Research.html
The "Farsimormon" link mentioned directly above should be Farsimormon.com.
By the way, my Army son did attend a mosque service as part of his assignment
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