What to do when the LDS Church Comes a-knockin'

[JoyT86]

So yesterday I had a little visit from the Jesus Christ Church of Latterday Saints. My husband actually answered the door and said "Hang on, my wife reads the Bible almost DAILY so I'm sure she'd just LOVE to speak with you"... (I could've choked him! ) I really don't know much about the Mormon faith... at all. I am naturally a very open person, and was extremely nice to these two ladies (...and they looked pleasantly surprized to have someone not slam the door in their faces). I informed them that I am a Christian, and they said that they were too! They gave me a book of Mormon, and told me very little about it, but were nice enough to join me in prayer. I sent them off with hugs, telling them to be careful.

Now, I feel kind of like I'm almost "cheating" on Jesus by even having this book in my home. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I have no idea if the book of Mormon is even really something I should have in my home. I flipped through the book and skimmed it over... and it just flat out confused me. They even had a picture (painting) of Jesus visiting the Americas...??? Whhhaaaat? I don't want to just throw it away, but I feel like if it isn't in the Bible, then its automatically false.

What do ya'll think? Do you have any Mormon friends, or have you ever encountered them trying to "convert" you to their faith?

 

[Aibrean]

Personally, I'd give them Galatians 1:8

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

They believe the book of Mormon was hidden until the angel Moroni told Joseph Smith where it was. Why would God allow thousands of years to pass before adding to the Bible? I'm sure God got it right the first time. He doesn't make mistakes or cause confusion. LDS' contradict the Bible.

 

[christlove100]

I always tell them I'm a Christian and have my faith, thank you. But I don't think there is anything wrong with having that book.

 

[Aibrean]

I always tell them I'm a Christian and have my faith, thank you. But I don't think there is anything wrong with having that book.

Why keep something around that isn't of your faith, but a false one? It's like keeping around a copy of the Koran.

 

[quitespirit]

Being familiar with books like the Quran, book of Mormon, etc could be helpful when wanting to share Christianity with them. If I had the knowledge of the Mormon faith and the opportunity to refute the claim that "We're Christians too!" I think it would be a great opportunity to speak truth and hopefully plant a seed.

I began reading the Mormon website after reading this thread, to see where their claims of Christianity come from. I've read some of the more troubling history of the Mormons, but reading their site will make you think they are just another denomination, instead of a cult. Reading the Book of Mormon may be enlightening for the sake of giving the gospel.

 

[Aibrean]

You don't need a copy of either in your home in order to read it.

 

[Inkachu]

It's always a good idea to be at least basically informed on other religions, so we can be ready with answers to questions that people may ask us in regards to our faith vs theirs.

I'd throw the book away.

I get tons of JW's and LDS people at my door. I just smile and say no thank you. I know some people think you should engage them in a debate right there on the spot, but I don't feel like that's very constructive.

 

[quitespirit]

You don't need a copy of either in your home in order to read it.

Correct. You could read it at the library. I do not believe it to be inherently ungodly to have a Quran or Book of Mormon in your home. Do you believe it to be sinful?

 

[JoyT86]

I don't necessarily believe it to be sinful, but more confusing to me than anything. I'm trying to grow more in my own faith and don't want to add another into the mix at the moment. I probably should have told them that, but I'm too nice to do anything other than smile and say thanks! I decided I'll just donate it to the library. I hate to throw books away. Thanks all for the kind replies!

 

[quitespirit]

I don't necessarily believe it to be sinful, but more confusing to me than anything. I'm trying to grow more in my own faith and don't want to add another into the mix at the moment. I probably should have told them that, but I'm too nice to do anything other than smile and say thanks! I decided I'll just donate it to the library. I hate to throw books away. Thanks all for the kind replies!

If something bothers your conscience, even if you believe it not to be sin, I would avoid it. Better to be at peace than have a battle or doubt in your mind.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

So yesterday I had a little visit from the Jesus Christ Church of Latterday Saints. My husband actually answered the door and said "Hang on, my wife reads the Bible almost DAILY so I'm sure she'd just LOVE to speak with you"... (I could've choked him! ) I really don't know much about the Mormon faith... at all. I am naturally a very open person, and was extremely nice to these two ladies (...and they looked pleasantly surprized to have someone not slam the door in their faces). I informed them that I am a Christian, and they said that they were too! They gave me a book of Mormon, and told me very little about it, but were nice enough to join me in prayer. I sent them off with hugs, telling them to be careful.

Now, I feel kind of like I'm almost "cheating" on Jesus by even having this book in my home. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I have no idea if the book of Mormon is even really something I should have in my home. I flipped through the book and skimmed it over... and it just flat out confused me. They even had a picture (painting) of Jesus visiting the Americas...??? Whhhaaaat? I don't want to just throw it away, but I feel like if it isn't in the Bible, then its automatically false.

What do ya'll think? Do you have any Mormon friends, or have you ever encountered them trying to "convert" you to their faith?

Go to www.youtube.com and type in Mormonism so you can get up to speed on it. Heres some key points to the works oriented Religion that claims to be Christian :

1. They are typically moral people with high ethics and principles.
2. The have extraneous books in addition to the Bible but their extraneous works contradict the Bible just as all madeup traditions and inventions do .
3. God was once a Man . They believe in many Gods and if you make it to their top level of Heaven (out of 3 possible) , then you too will become a God and have your own planet whereby you have tons and tons of spirit children thru lots of endless fornicating (I call it 'the rabbit doctrine..lol..) .
4. Jesus IS the spirit brother of Lucifer .( It dont get much worse than this doctrine) .
5. Joseph Smith is revered as the Pope is in Roman Catholcism .
6. Big emphasis on doing works and earning status in the Mormon Church and if your fortunate you can get to a higher level of Heaven by working your way up thru jumping thru hoops and legalism .

 

[Spunkn]

Being familiar with books like the Quran, book of Mormon, etc could be helpful when wanting to share Christianity with them. If I had the knowledge of the Mormon faith and the opportunity to refute the claim that "We're Christians too!" I think it would be a great opportunity to speak truth and hopefully plant a seed.

I began reading the Mormon website after reading this thread, to see where their claims of Christianity come from. I've read some of the more troubling history of the Mormons, but reading their site will make you think they are just another denomination, instead of a cult. Reading the Book of Mormon may be enlightening for the sake of giving the gospel.

This, often times non-Christians know more about Christianity and the bible than we do. It's very humbling. If we took the time to understand other faiths a little bit better, it would help us in talking with them, and witnessing.

I admit I've been very bad lax about learning about what other religions think and I really want to get back into studying what some of the believe sometime, so that I can be better prepared.

I own several "atheist" books. A couple are from Richard Dawkins. I wanted to see how the other side argues and views Christianity. I think that's one of the most important things in discussing religion and things of that nature with someone. You won't be able to "argue" them to your side. But if you convince them, through walking them through their own beliefs, that there are problems, they're much more willing to talk and discuss with you.

 

[Aibrean]

Correct. You could read it at the library. I do not believe it to be inherently ungodly to have a Quran or Book of Mormon in your home. Do you believe it to be sinful?

Where do you cross the line? Ouija boards and pentagrams and Buddha statues? How about spell books?

 

[Spunkn]

Where do you cross the line? Ouija boards and pentagrams and Buddha statues? How about spell books?

Those are specifically for contacting "spirits" or worshipping other Gods. I don't think just reading the mormon book is considered worship, especially if you're just trying to understand what they believe. Unless you consider reading anything other than the bible to be worshipping that book that you are reading.

Just my opinion though

 

[Adaephon]

Why keep something around that isn't of your faith, but a false one? It's like keeping around a copy of the Koran.

What's wrong with that, necessarily? The Qur'an is supposed to be a poetic masterpiece on the level of the KJV.

 

[Adaephon]

Where do you cross the line? Ouija boards and pentagrams and Buddha statues? How about spell books?

I have Buddha statues. They're heirlooms, and currently serving as bookends in a living room bookcase.

 

[quitespirit]

Is it a sin? Let me ask you, where's the line? Your reply, how about Ouija boards , is an extreme argument. There is being knowledgeable of false doctrine (for the purpose of refuting a lie and delighting in the truth) and there is practice of the occult. How about if my friend asks about Ouija and my beliefs as a Christian? If I known nothing about it, should I avoid researching the topic? Is it more acceptable to borrow a book on the subject, and if so why?

 

[Aibrean]

Is it a sin? Let me ask you, where's the line? Your reply, how about Ouija boards , is an extreme argument. There is being knowledgeable of false doctrine (for the purpose of refuting a lie and delighting in the truth) and there is practice of the occult. How about if my friend asks about Ouija and my beliefs as a Christian? If I known nothing about it, should I avoid researching the topic? Is it more acceptable to borrow a book on the subject, and if so why?

You don't need to own it in order to research it. That is my main point.

 

[quitespirit]

Is it more godly to not own such a book?

 

[Aibrean]

Is it more godly to not own such a book?

By definition, yes.