I’ve been asked “How do we share Christianity with Mormons?” and we discussed at length. My initial answer is that it’s a lost cause.
But no. My second answer was “Well, here’s how my eyes were opened, so maybe if …..”
But then after discussing with a group for 20 minutes, here’s what I came to:
Friendship
What Mormons need to know is that you are a Christian. They need to know you well enough to see your fruits, hear your testimony and insights, and listen to your stories.
Because one of the biggest influences on me was reading those Christian memoirs and having the Holy Spirit work on me, saying “Look! They really are saved! They have the fruits of the spirit. God accepts their baptism.”
….and then the rest followed.
But how can Mormons know about your experiences and see your fruits if you avoid them, fear them, and live in suspicion of them?
Let me tell you an experience I had a year ago.
I am an independent teacher who designs classes for homeschoolers. A year ago, I put together a Christian literature class for teens and wanted a nice interfaith discussion group. I advertised it in a Christian homeschool Facebook group and got tons of interest!
That is, until someone asked me “What denomination are you?”
I said “I’m LDS but this class doesn’t have any LDS specific teachings. It’s just general Christian.”
Crickets.
The thread went dead.
Right then and there.
These people are so darn suspicious of Mormons, they won’t get anywhere near one.
(I did move forward with the class, and every single student was LDS. Interfaith vision crumbled.)
How are Christians going to influence Mormons if they won’t get to know one?
I have a vision.
We need an interfaith community. We need open minded conversation, respect, and curiosity.
Here’s another story.
Have you heard of Hello Saints?
This YouTube channel had a profound effect on me.
Jeff is respectful and warm as he approaches the LDS doctrines and people with simple curiosity. He took the time to read The Book of Mormon. He interviews members of the church, speaks with missionaries and professors, and attends events.
He explains to his viewers what Mormons believe.
…and then he explains what Protestants believe.
For several weeks, I was commenting and explaining Mormonism for him, correcting the parts he got wrong.
And then one day….
He was right.
And I knew he was.
As long as conversations can continue, at some point eyes will be opened.
Because then I noticed the Book of Mormon was saying a lot of the same things he was saying, not us.
And so I became a lot more curious to examine the contradictions, and what Christians actually believe.
So, interact.
Plant some seeds.
Let your light shine.
And let’s just all get along!
All I Possess 