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).

Third, one should not instantly assume the worst about a Mormon’s motives and/or arguments. Mormons are not always “lying” or “dodging the issues” or “seeking to deceive.” It is true that some Mormons resort to such tactics. But so do some so-called “Christians” whose main concern is advancing a personal agenda or idolized doctrinal notion. The average Mormon is very much like the average Christian in that they hold their faith dear, see things in a certain way, and voice arguments that to their minds make sense.

To avoid mistakes, a few things should be remembered.

First, God is in control. Those who are called by the Holy Spirit will come to Him (John 17:9-10). We are merely tools (Phil. 2:3-7) that God chooses to use in the conversion process (Rom. 10:15; 1 Cor. 3:1-8).

Second, every Mormon is a person, not just a representation of the corporate “Mormons.” Acknowledging this can help eradicate the “us vs. them” battle lines that are usually drawn during most witnessing encounters. Sharing the good news is not about winning a holy war. It is about Christ touching a person’s heart via our interaction with them.

Third, witnessing should be an enjoyable time of talking—not a shouting match—about meaningful truths.

Finally, the most important thing is to be Christ-like: show love; speak kindly; be patient; walk humbly; bear the burden of a broken heart. Nothing is more criti­cal. That is what witnessing is really all about—not conversions. Before, during, and after every Mormon encounter, we must ask: Am I just seeking another con­version badge? Do I want to hear “Uncle! Uncle!” more than “Jesus, I receive you”? What is the attitude of spirit that is moti­vating me? Witnessing to Mormons is in many ways just as much about us as it is about them.

Hopefully evangelicals will be able to do better than the admirable sentiments expressed in 2003 by Mormon apologist and Brigham Young University professor, Daniel C. Peterson, who happens to be a personal friend. In reference to discussing doctrinal differences, he said,

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Is there any reason why evangelicals should not follow such coun­sel—especially since we claim to have the true gospel? Certainly our Lord demands nothing less.