THE 6 POINTS – How Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints talk past one another
- Ongoing Revelation
- Definition of Grace
- Works Based Salvation
- Gospel-Sharing Methods
- LDS Missionaries Aren’t Apologists
- Who is Jesus
First of all, I think this is one of the best videos Pastor Jeff has done on Hello Saints. I think this was his strongest attempt yet to build bridges between these two communities.
Recently I wrote a post about whether Pastor Jeff was honest with his intent to build bridges of understanding. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if he is. But, I hope that he is. I really don’t know. But, this video gave me the impression his intentions are honest. In the end, God’s work will not be hindered.
Ongoing Revelation
An argument over what it says in the bible isn’t the slap in the face or a mic drop to a Latter-day Saint that an Evangelical thinks it may be. Latter-day Saints believe in ongoing revelation. Even in this blog, I have made my arguments over and over and over again by supporting my views with “other scripture” or “other revelation.” I realize that every religion interprets the bible differently, and it causes confusion. Revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith and modern-day prophets clarifies many points of doctrine.
This is a very clear explanation of the differences by Pastor Jeff. And, Pastor Jeff clearly encourages dialog over confrontation.
Definition of Grace and Works-Based Salvation
There are disagreements on grace and works-based salvation. However, there are misunderstandings on both sides concerning what we are both talking about because again, even though the words are the same, there are slight differences in the meanings.
Gospel-Sharing Methods
This was very interesting. I guess I can see the “urgency” idea. But, I don’t think there is a parallel between knocking on someone’s door in a non-confrontational way and the hostility displayed on the street corners at General Conference.
LDS Missionaries Aren’t Apologists
This was a great explanation of LDS missionaries. Most are right out of high school. Even though they have gone through some training, that training is not to argue points of doctrine, the training is to learn a language and articulate the doctrines they are supposed to teach. It is not to understand other religions. It is not to defend the doctrine.
They have donated 2 years of their lives to go out and teach the gospel, sacrificing school, work, boyfriends and girlfriends, social lives, and every other luxury. They just want to share the gospel. The best thing you can do is let them share their message, even if you have no intention in believing. I had so many wonderful people let us in to visit, uninterested in our message, but willing to feed us, give us a drink, let us cool off, and or have a civil conversation. There are so many beautiful people from all faiths and walks of life.
They are not trained apologists.
I previously didn’t know what an apologist was, and I wasn’t sure when I first started hearing the term “apologist” if they could be trusted or believed. But an apologist is just someone who defends a belief. In a religious sense, they make critical arguments defending the faith. Man, that is almost what I am doing in this blog. I am not a scholar, but I like defending the faith. When I went on my mission my knowledge and experience were far less than they are now.
I was looking around for information on LDS apologists. I used to work in an LDS Bookstore and the first to come to mind would be Daniel Peterson, Hugh Nibley, and FAIR. But I found a comment by someone I think hit the nail on the head with regards to how an LDS apologist differs from a traditional Christian apologist. Janedoe22225 said: “A[n] LDS apologist does NOT exist to convert anyone to the faith – that just not how our epistemology works. The[y] also do NOT decide what the faith is, write creeds, or other official type documents. Rather, they are simply folks that explain their faith, and do so well.”
Who is Jesus
To start the conversation, we do believe in the same Jesus who was born of Mary, performed miracles, and died on the cross. Yes, these attributes of Jesus we agree on. They are the same.
Pastor Jeff explains that we don’t believe in the same “nature” of Jesus. The one who was born of heavenly parents and created the world at the direction of our Father in Heaven. Likewise, the role of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father in the afterlife. The concept of the Godhead being three different beings is very foreign to all of Christianity except for the Latter-day Saints.
Pastor Jeff asks that Latter-day Saints be more understanding of that massive difference when talking about the gospel with other Christians. It is a concept that
Summary
In summary, I really enjoyed this conversation and explanation. It seemed balanced to me. Requests for understanding were made to both sides. Pastor Jeff’s understanding of LDS theology is getting better. He is doing very well articulating the differences and encouraging both sides to come together, which I do appreciate. I realize we may never see eye to eye on everything doctrinally. I hope we can continue to build bridges of understanding with each other.