Doctrine in Mormonism and Biblical Christianity

Live from the Mecca of Mormonism (and the Factory here in Salt Lake City, Utah) this is Heart of the Matter, where . . . Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face . . .

Show 22/352 – Doctrine Makes the Man (Introduction)
July 30th 2013

And I’m your host Shawn McCraney. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this, His ministry. We pray His Spirit upon you – and us – tonight.

Joseph Smith Family Reunion

I guess all the ancestors of Joseph Smith are going to be getting together to have one giant family reunion. According to an article in the Deseret News dated July 21st it is potentially a “record breaking” reunion. So record breaking that the organizers of the family gathering have already contacted Guiness (no, not the beer company) but Guiness Book of World Records to get certification that it will be the world’s largest family reunion ever. According to the article those who attend are going to have all sorts of fun, including what they are calling “A Miracle Run,” a 5 K run dedicated to what one of Smith’s descendants says was “the first miracle of the restoration.” The miracle being referred to occurred when Smith was around six or seven years of age and contracted a salmonella infection that settled in his leg but a doctor from Dartmouth medical school came and did a number of gruesome cutting edge operations on the boy which saved his leg from amputation. The story is true and I suppose we ought to view any healing as a miracle – all glory to God – but in honor of the fact that Smith survived (with leg attached) organizers of the Smith family reunion are memorializing the incident by holding a 5K run. (Twinkle)

One of today’s modern-day Mormon self-proclaimed apostles (Ballard) is going to be there to bestow a medal upon anyone who runs.

You know in one of the lost gospels (the Gospel of Simeon) there is a story about a family reunion held in the early church in honor of Stephan, first martyr of the Christian church. Really. I guess all his relatives from far and wide got together just on the east side of the Mount of Olives and it was so well attended they appealed to the Roman Government to recognize it as the largest Christian gathering of relatives to gather up until the point in time. I’m not kidding. And the apostle Peter was there putting garlands on the heads of all who attended to honor them for attending.

Conferences on Faith and Doubt

In another Deseret Snooze article (front page) they are touting two up-coming conference that are being held to look at “faith and doubt” in a digital world (or so says the by-line). From what it says FAIR is going to be meeting and so will Sunstone this coming month. How can I explain this . . . these activities?

First of all, FAIRS is a joke. To me they, like FARMS, is like establishing institutions to study and defend Santa Claus, the North Pole, and the genetics of his elves. Topics like: “Can Santa fly or is all levitation by his sleight?” or “Can we find evidence of Reindeer in the Bible” are just a giant waste of time and human life. I have absolutely NO respect for Fair (or Farms) as we have repeatedly offered them air time to prove all the things we talk about on these programs wrong but they have NEVER taken us up on our offer. They are in the business of spinning and keeping Joseph’s Myths alive rather than exploring for truth.

Intellectual Pursuits

In terms of Sunstone and magazines like Dialogue I think they go a long way to open up thoughts and have done a great deal in exposing much in the deception called Mormonism. I used to do some cartooning for Sunstone back in the day. And while I am all for intellectual pursuits in whatever field we are talking about – including Christianity – watching these same intellectuals go round and round and round but never come to a knowledge of the truth can be frustrating. I’m not suggesting that they don’t have a handle on a lot of truth, but when it comes to just Jesus there seems to be a failure to both get this . . . and then to promote it.

This thought leads me to want to address something about knowing truth or epistemology. I recently was exposed to a montage of clips from a number of different artistic representations from different mediums including films, magazine, and the music industry. Repeatedly,

The Role of Feelings and God's Instructions

In each presentation, there was an appeal to “feelings,” how this film made me feel, how we learn to close off feelings as children in a magazine article, and James Hetfield, lead singer of Metallica asking a sea of faces in almost every live concert, “How do you feel?” or “Does this make you feel good?”

Go with me back to the garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve were told:

“Don’t eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil because in the day you do you will surely die.”

It was an instruction from God. There were no feelings about it. Neither did God ask them how they felt about the instruction – it was given, it was clear, and it was founded on their ability to think, reason, and choose.

Eve’s justification for eating the fruit, however, was (in part) based on sensory reaction.

Genesis 3:6
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

Our senses, our feelings, will deceive us. Almost everything we choose to do that is AGAINST God we do because it feels good. It feels good to fornicate otherwise we wouldn’t do it. Adultery too. Murder must feel good in some sense, as do all the sins of the flesh. But because something FEELS good does not mean we can, by those feelings, determine whether something is good or right or not.

The Importance of God's Law

That is why we have His law – written, spoken. It is given entirely outside of our feelings about it. It is what it is. Had Eve stuck to what God said instead of what she saw and believed and thought things would be much different today. Same with each of us when it comes to sin. But it is by allowing our FEELINGS to get involved that we open ourselves up to being deceived . . . which is why Mormonism’s appeal to “feeling” is so heinous.

Before we get to our subject tonight I want to get back to doing a segment we used to do when we were on local TV called, “From the Word.” So here we go:

Interpretation of Salvation in Christianity and Mormonism

In John 3:14 we read that Jesus said to a man named Nicodemus:

John 3:14
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Did you read what Jesus said?

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Salvation, exaltation, eternal life – whatever you want to call it – is all based on faith in the work of Jesus Christ to any biblical Christian.

But the LDS – insisting on being called Christian present an all together different means of people being saved. First, they teach that salvation (being saved) is a “free gift” given to all human beings but they say this free gift is resurrection for all. So there is their first definition of salvation – resurrection – and all who come to earth receive it. Where people go (as resurrected beings) is based on their choices and works. This is the second way the LDS define salvation.

This is why one of their Articles of Faith states:

“We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved BY . . . obedience to the LAWS and ORDINANCES of the Gospel.”

In my collection of Mormon Propaganda I own an LDS tract called, “The Purpose of Life,” which was printed in 1983 and it actually contains this line:

“You May Earn Salvation through Christ.”

2nd Nephi 25:23
“For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, AFTER all WE can do.”

In this sense, the LDS are claiming that salvation comes by grace but only AFTER a person was done everything possible to merit eternal life (like obtaining their LDS ordinances and living right and doing all sorts of works).

I am personally more impressed by the consistency of what the Bible has to say.

Like what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned

Message of Salvation

Already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. I like what Paul says:

Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Or what it says in

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

And especially what it says in Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

Listen, anyone can be free, saved, headed for eternal life in and through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Go to Him directly. Ask Him to reveal to you truth and abandon this ship called Mormonism. Like any sales con, it overpromises and under-delivers.

And with that, let’s have a word of prayer.

Religion and Humanity

Religion is religion is religion. They all run off some combination or another of God, the input and influence of Man, and people seeking to relate and find eternal truths. Some are strict in their demands, others loose. Some are materially wealthy while others are materially poor. From what I can tell most seek to get human beings to relate to one another in loftier terms, to serve, to forgive, to love.

We would be in denial if we suggested otherwise. Admittedly, I have never been to an LDS meeting where someone stood up and suggested that the members DO anything but good to neighbor. Looking at the organized side of religion and behavior there truly aren’t many differences between what the Mormons teach, represent, and do and most Christian denominations and non-denominations. Really.

The foundational doctrines undergirding the faiths are substantially different – and these honestly are the drivers behind all that is taught but for those who do not know or understand the day to day lessons and operations of the church are pretty much the same.

Commonalities with Mormonism

Let me take you through some of the things basic, denom or non-denominational Christianity has in common with Mormonism.

Whether LDS or Christian, the general idea is believers and followers ought to pursue what is deemed “good” or “clean” living. Yes, the LDS have removed smoking and drinking alcohol and coffee and tea but there are a number of large denominations that have done the same. Strong southern Baptist’s for example. Orientation toward those struggling, serving the poor, “providing for their own,” pretty much have the same emphasis in Mormonism as it does in other Christian churches (only the LDS seem to, as a whole, execute upon these ideals better than most organized Christian groups). I would point out however that in terms of quantity the Catholics have led the pack in humanitarian aid the world over.

There are sabbatarian Christian churches like the LDS. And unfortunately most Christian churches continue to use the term tithe upon their congregates just like the LDS (again, the LDS have perfected the art, however, by mandating that tithes be paid in order to enter their temples – but a discussion about temples is coming down the road.)

Memberships? Many Christian churches have memberships and membership rolls so this idea is not unique to Mormons. Excommunications? – happen on both sides of the ecumenical fence.

Practices and Rituals

How about rites and rituals? While the LDS have many more than typical Christian churches, there are churches (considered Bible-believing Christians) who participate and focus on rituals. Some stand and sit and stand and sit. Some do readings, sacraments, ordinations of their priests and clergy. Not so far apart in this stuff folks.

And in terms of attitudes, there will forever be those Mormons (just like there will forever be those Christians) who think they are superior to all others of their faith, and there will always be rebels in each congregation or ward. Every religious organization has a few people who seem to do everything and a majority of people who do nothing. Every devout member of every church thinks their church or ward is best. In Mormonism there is strong completion between the wards of a stake and then among the stakes themselves. In Christianity, though to a lesser extent, there is always an unspoken competition between various churches in a community –

Comparisons Between LDS and Christian Church Practices

Sometimes even a great deal of animus. Church leadership is typically universal in how they operate – there are Bishops who truly are great guys who care and love and there are Bishops who ought to be shot. It’s no different in the Christian community. People are people. Pastors are pastors. Every now and again you get one who really loves others and every now and again you get one who should be running a Casino instead of a church. Most “denoms” have a hierarchy of authority and church governance and bureaucracy is bureaucracy – whether LDS or Christian. Budgets are budgets. Men are men. Piety is piety. There are always problems with keeping the buildings and facilities clean and stocked, and activities and socials within both organizations generally run along the same course – with the LDS, again, having an upper hand on organizational structure and typically (but not always) in participation.

Individual Levels and Life Events

Let’s take it on down now to the individual levels, shall we. Generally speaking, Christians and Mormons love their children – sometimes better than the world loves hers . . . and unfortunately, sometimes not. Weddings, the birth of babies, funerals are, when it comes to how they function (meaning them being a time of joy or remorse) are basically the same. People are people, folks. And life is life. The LDS try and love each other, the Christians try and do the same. There are LDS people in congregations who are an embarrassment to the Church and there are Christians who are an embarrassment to the body of Christ. In all of these ways and manners and functionality, Mormonism and Christianity are quite similar.

Diverging Doctrinal Views

Things begin to get teased apart, very slowly at first, when we start talking about

• Gifts of the Spirit
• Culture
• Love for God
• Praise and worship
• Views of the Bible’s reliability

And then things begin to radically depart between the two groups relative to

• Ideas on matter
• Soteriology
• Plan of Salvations
• Rebirth
• Ontology of Christ
• Ontology of God . . . in other words between biblical Christianity and Mormon doctrine.

We’ll cover these next week in part II of Doctrine makes the Man. Let’s open up the phones

(801) 590-8413 While the operators clear your calls consider the following.

RUN SPOT ON MINISTRY HERE

Insights into Mormon Practices

Hi Shawn,

Please see below an article in support of your contention that Mormons do some things right. I agree with you! I have said for years that we could learn some things from the cults – especially Mormonism. It occurs to me that perhaps the enemy has inspired them to do certain things well in order to perpetuate themselves and to attract new followers. I don't know a lot about the internal working of a ward, but as an outside observer, I see several attractive Mormon practices:

• family nights
• seminary
• young missionaries who are trained, even in languages, and who raise their own support
• the concept of a bishop responsible for the people of a certain area with missionaries offering to help those in need
• bishop's warehouses and canning facilities
• the use of the ward building as a multi-purpose facility, even different wards sharing the same facility
• youth ministry as discussed in the article

Concerns About Youth Ministries

Keep up the good work, Shawn! I love what you are doing in exposing problems in the evangelical church. My prayers are with you for the Lord's provision and leading. By the way, I am anxious to hear what you say about Calvinism – I too have serious concern about Calvin, his teachings, and his practices (as I do with Augustine, from whom he drew his ideas). I am also anxious to hear all of those missing episodes!

God's blessings to you,
Carolee Denning
www.havenministry.com

Following article excerpted from The Berean Call newsletter:
http://www.thebereancall.org/content/march-2013-news

Mormon Youth Ministry Practices

The Christian Post, 1/26/13, "Why Mormons Do Better Youth Ministry Than We Do" [Excerpts]: Let's face it. Most of us look at the clean cut Mormon missionaries that peddle the streets of our city and knock on the doors of our houses as somewhat out of date. Although they are kind and well spoken young men, when they knock on our doors we either don't answer or tell them we are already Christians who reject Mormonism and bid them good day. We think to ourselves how "behind the times" these young people are forced to be when they are required to do door-to-door evangelism for their religion. We reflect on how grateful we are that we have the truth once and for all delivered to the saints. We may even think about how much more superior our youth ministry strategies are compared to theirs.

Or are they?

1. Mormons expect a lot out of their teenagers. We don't.
2. Mormons ordain their young men into the ministry at the age of twelve. We don't.
3. Mormons require their teens to attend seminary every day of high school. We don't.
4. Mormons ask for two years in the field of every graduating senior. We don't.

Maybe that's why we don't meet a lot of ex-Mormons, while there are hundreds of thousands of former church attendees in the true church of Jesus Christ (of everyday saints) who flee the church after graduating from high school. When many of our teens graduate from high school, they grab their books and a beer and go off to the college dorm (A.K.A. "The Party Zone"). When Mormon teens graduate from high school they grab a backpack and a bike pump and go off on a mission. They know what they believe and why they believe it. They've hammered out their theology on our doorsteps. Their souls and minds have been steeled and sealed into Mormon orthodoxy through their fanatical commitment to the accomplishment of their version of the Great Commission. Meanwhile we compress most of our mission work into one week in Mexico once every year or two. And even that is comprised mostly of building houses, not necessarily advancing the kingdom of God and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Glenn Beck's Influence

From: Gene

Subject: Glenn Beck

Message Body:

Hello Shawn. I’m curious about Glenn Beck. He seems to be doing a lot of damage in that he has somehow portrayed Mormonism as mainstream and palatable to the American public; first on Fox and now on the Internet. To me this is dangerous and misleading. Have you spoke about this, and if you have can you lead me to one of your videos which addresses the normalization of Mormonism?

Thank you and God bless you,

Gene Easley

Perspectives on Christian Teachings

From: Aaron Stresemann

Subject: attacking so called the Christian Church

Message Body:

I agree that the denominations are all off base from the teachings of Christ and the Bible. I do want to call you out in your message of how we become Christians. When we understand the end of the old covenant and the beginning of the new covenant, we find that no one has ever been saved by saying a prayer. We are told to follow the plan of salvation just as Saul of Tarsus did. Repent, confess, and be baptized arising to walk in newness of life. I am writing you not to attack you but to correct you so you can be a great champion for Christ just as Aquila and Pracila did.

I believe that you have a unique perspective in that you came from a very strong cult. What makes one organization that claims to be Christian a cult while some practising heretical beliefs are accepted by everyone? Sometimes that dividing line is really easy to see or reveal, sometimes it is a little harder. In some cases those heresies slip right into the Church and we embrace, admire, teach, and promote them.

I do believe that you are faithfully seeking God's direction for your life as well as…

Presenting Yourself as Part of the Church

This show. I am concerned with how sometimes you presented yourself almost as an outsider to the Church. But, as a member of the body of Christ you have every right, as well as a duty, to point out heretical teachings and beliefs that could do as much damage to the souls of man as Mormonism has done. I do believe your calling revolves around the Mormon faith and those that are leaving … but you continue to allow the Holy Spirit to use you as a vessel and speak the truth!

The Facebook Page Experience

SOMETHING I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

I thought it worth mentioning to you that the Facebook page that represents you and your show may be a bit paranoid about this new Mormon announcement that they are going to start using or infiltrating the Internet. I asked to join the HOTM page a few weeks ago but no one accepted my request. I tried again a couple of weeks ago and they finally let me in. However, they drilled me with questions … pounced may be a better description. They wanted to know everything that I believed and why I believed it. I did my best to explain but did not realize what they were doing … they were testing to see if I was a Mormon internet spy.

This went on for a good while when I mentioned that my son wanted to join as well. I have been trying to get him to see that there really is a God that loves him. They let him join and within 15 minutes they banned him. Not for something he said or did but because someone looked at his FB page and they didn't feel that there was enough history there, assumed he was a spy which brought more attention on me, and banned my son. I couldn't take it any more and quit the group with good wishes to them all.

I have never been to a Christian page where everyone was so friendly and loved to talk about God as much as on your page. I so wanted to be part of that conversation and I am sorry that I cannot be. I am also sorry that my agnostic son could not benefit from the testimonies and love that they could have and should have promoted. Instead it turned into a witch hunt. This has strengthened my son's belief in the wrong direction I am afraid.

I Love you my Brother.

Questioning Faith

Subject: My transition to atheism

Hi Shawn, I have always been a fan of you and your show. You are clearly sincere in your efforts. I was a Christian for most of my life. I don’t mean to say this to upset you, but you were instrumental in me arriving at the position of atheism. As I watched your shows and followed your example of fearlessly and fairly scrutinizing other peoples religions, I eventually had no choice but to apply the same to my own faith(Christianity). You see, for our arguments to work, we have to start with the presupposition that the Bible is the only accurate and true doctrine, and then go from there. But that’s not very logical or fair. I had to stop ignoring the hard questions that I had always had, but somehow suppressed. Questions like

Why did God leave innocent beings(Adam/Eve) with no knowledge of good and evil in close proximity to a tree that would cause them to surely die? Along with the cleverest of all the wild beasts? That seems much like an irresponsible parent leaving a toddler with an opened bottle of Draino and a curley straw! 🙂

Why does God condone slavery? or order the slaughter of so many, including woman and children?

Why does Jesus give us impractical and potentially harmful advice like do not worry about tomorrow or do not sow or reap or store away in barns when so many starve to death daily?

Why does the story of Jesus share so many common attributes with other, older deities? Like being born of a virgin being half man half god dying and resurrecting etc?

Why does the original book of Matthew not mention a virgin birth or a resurrection? (the earliest writings end at the tomb and resurrection and virgin birth was added later)

Why does God contradict himself so often with clear rules like thou shalt not kill followed by orders to kill many?

Why would a good God kill or order killing, and why would an omnipotent god need us to do the killing for him?

The questions go on and on and

Discontent with Established Doctrine

I am no longer satisfied with the standard apologetics for these questions. I think you are a great guy and have no doubts about the sincerity unlike many TV preachers. So I care about you and wish you only the best. I have found a peace and freedom in truth REAL truth, and I now value this life much more than ever. I would much rather have the truth than to be driven by lies, no matter how comforting they may feel.

I have no use for prayer these days, so I can only hope the time will come where you apply the same just scrutiny to Christianity as you do to every other myth, and I will cheer for you the day you can comfortably toss your Bible in the same pile with all the other false doctrine. Yes, you will lose eternal life and that may smart a bit, but then you will understand that you never had it begin with and will be able to move beyond the perpetual adolescence that dependence on a slave/master Father/child relationship allows.

Always your brother,
Barry Corrie

Encountering Different Doctrines

Hello Shawn,

So let me get this straight…you are going to continue your attack on false doctrine only so long as it pertains to Mormonism. All of the reasons you give for your decision can be used against you in equal measure. In addition, you have translated a few pastor emails and a couple of fast food luncheons into a kick in the pants from the Almighty. Lying doctrine is the enemy to all no matter who spews it.

Thank you,
Brad H – Loveland, Colorado

I recently saw your program on the NRB Network. I am very happy that God revealed the fallacies of the LDS. Your program on the issue of the "Cross" was interesting. I wondered why the Cross is not present on the LDS Church. You answered my question.

I could not help but notice that on the collection of crosses on your neck there appeared to be an Ankh. I don't know whether you realize it or not, but the Ankh is NOT a Christian cross, but rather a symbol of the worship of ancient Egyptian gods. It does not represent the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope that you will research the origins of this cross (see links below) and seek His leading in this issue.

Thank you for redirection of ministry back to what God called. Taking on the Evangelical Community as a reformer is a daunting undertaking and one which may be worthy to one convinced of this as a calling. Yours has been a very specific calling and fruitful for you. Callings do change but not on impulse, rather after much time prayer and Holy Conversation.

Seeking Truth about Mormonism

Thank you for your humility. My prayers remain with you.

Bill Schillereff, now in Osburn, Idaho

Hey Shawn,

I’ve been watching you the past few days because I agreed to meet with Mormon missionaries and I wanted to know the truth about Mormons. I love my girlfriend and I’ve tried to talk to her about her religion and have asked her questions and she says I don’t have all the answers you should talk to some Mormon missionaries. I live in Idaho Falls and know a lot of Mormon people and love them but it wasn’t until I started watching your show on YouTube that I discovered the truth about them. I used to think they were very similar to Christians but you have opened my eyes that they are not saved and they need Jesus. I was wondering if you have any advice on how to approach my girlfriend or specific Bible verses to show her the truth and for her to be saved again.

I look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks!

Love,
Nicholas Hiemer

Dear Shawn,

Sorry to keep writing you. I know you are busy and have a ton of emails to go through, and I am adding one more. I just want to describe my visit today — my first — to a Mormon church. I invited myself. I have a friend at work who is Mormon who I've been "courting" with the gospel. Saw this as a way to break down barriers and lead to conversations about the Lord. Called him the other day to ask what time services started at his church. (Good luck finding that information on the internet! Are service times secret too?!) So he invited me.

I show up. I'm…

Observations from a Church Service

The only guy there without a tie, and with a beard. We sit down. I notice there is no cross in the place. The service starts, a lay bishop says a few words, we sing a song (something about Ephraim), and then we're served communion by kids (!). First a round of leavened whole wheat bread brought out on little trays with a handle. I passed. Then water !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I passed again. (A little kid in the next pew says, "I want some more water!") Then came a song by two sisters. Then two tag-team talks by a mother and daughter.

I won't bore you with all the details. Most noteworthy to me: The hymns (all unfamiliar to me) mention Jesus, each speaker closes his or her talk with the invocation of Jesus, but other than that, there has only been one mention of Jesus in an hour! I can't pin down in words the feeling I was experiencing, but I felt like someone was twisting my head, warping my thoughts, using a mind-control drug on me. (I know they weren't, that was just the experience.) It was all so weird.

Personal Experience with Church Services

When the service ended, my friend asked me if I wanted to attend the next two hours — "Sunday school", and something for men (Elders' quorum?). I really don't want to bore you with the details, but I stuck it out, and want to say this: I know your show accomplishes a number of things — helps reach disaffected Mormons in the church, etc. But I have gotten a ton of good out of it too. Before your show, I was absolutely intimidated by the missionaries. I felt like they had a knowledge advantage on an uneven playing field. And knowing what I know now, thanks to your show, I think that was true. But thanks to your show, now I feel totally at ease. I feel like now I even have the knowledge advantage. And there is NO WAY I would have survived that service today without your show. It was all there: Exaltation, becoming worthy of God's love, church history (they're covering church history this year). If it weren't for your show, I would have been totally lost. Now they were all old familiar names! 😉 There were unfamiliar concepts too. For example, when discussing Abraham sacrificing Isaac his son, they talked about him (Abraham) being "chastised". And they TOTALLY missed the point that Abraham was walking by FAITH, trusting God. A woman talked about how she had just given up her job because of legislation that just passed that conflicted with her moral views, and how God just yesterday had lead her to a new, higher paying job! Wow, what a great story. But what a story of FAITH! Instead, she emphasized obedience. No one but no one ever used the word faith. I couldn't believe it. It was like 1984, as if the word had been expunged from the language.

Reflection on Church Practices

All of that aside, I liked "Sunday school"; I liked how it got the adults into a Bible study setting on the same day as church. (In general, I am opposed to the modern American preoccupation with the 1-hour service. I've come around on homosexuality and tithing because of you, Shawn. Do me a favor and start reconsidering the 1-hour service; God deserves WAY BETTER than being fit into our Franklin day planner.) (They even discussed "the pride cycle" — something that I assume must be a familiar concept in their circles, since they had a name for it and didn't feel the need to explain.)

Finally, we went to the third hour (Elders' quorum?). I don't want to go into that too much, but suffice it to say that, in spite of my friend's assurances, I felt distinctly unwelcome, as if I were crashing a family-only birthday party.

When everything was over and I was "decompressing" in the car on my way home, I really felt noxious and queasy. I raced over to my church to see if there was anyone still there that I could hear and talk about the Lord with. I really wanted to sing to and about the Lord, to worship some. But they were all gone, there was nobody there. My overall impression was that the thing is a mind twist. There was no joy, I could feel no love, there was no "buzz of enthusiasm" about the Lord. Mainly the Lord was missing, although they did close prayers and speeches with his name.

Mormon Missionary Dress Code Changes

with you 100%: If anything, I wish they could have the Lord. Jesus is what's missing from their diet.

Thank you, Shawn, for the show. If it weren't for you and people like Adam's Road (their testimonies on youtube), I would be completely in the dark about Mormons. Please pray for me and my friend, that he might come to the Lord.

Thanks again.

Your brother in Christ, Charles Pacific Grove

Recent Updates in Missionary Dress Code

FROM THE DIGITAL UNIVERSE (BYU’s ONLINE MAGAZINE)

When people think about Mormon missionaries, the image of two elders in dark suits, white shirts, and ties come to mind. Due to recent changes, however, that image will shift. According to Ruth Todd, a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “In an updated dress and grooming standards webpage (https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/dress-grooming), clothing for elders now includes lighter colored suits and slacks.” And the changes don’t stop there. “Missionaries are not required to wear a suit during regular everyday proselyting activities,” the webpage says. LDS missionaries may now wear light-colored grey and brown suits. They will also no longer be required to wear suit coats during regular activities.

(Photo courtesy missionary.lds.org)

Add a “no backpacks” policy and the ability to wear closed-toed sandals and khaki pants to the new missionary dress standards, and the list is about complete. According to the webpage, the LDS Church urges missionaries to wear “professional, conservative clothing” that is reflective of their responsibilities. Skylar Hair, a junior who served a mission in Phoenix, Ariz., mentioned how missionaries serving with him weren’t obligated to wear suit coats in the summer because temperatures sometimes reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as the temperature fell below 60 degrees, missionaries were required to don their suit coats. “I think the changes are an awesome idea,” Hair said. “Sixty-degree weather is still relatively warm, and I remember how some people would look at us funny because we were riding bikes and wearing suit coats in warm weather.”

Perspectives on Changes

Between the recent changes in proselyting techniques to include social media and the new missionary dress standards, it seems to many that the Church is giving missionary work a much-needed facelift.

“Everyone in the Dominican Republic thought we were from the CIA because we looked out of place and too formal as missionaries,” said Ethan Jenkins, a returned missionary. “So it’s not so much about relaxing the standards as it is adapting to the world around us.” Ogden Mills, a recent computer science graduate who served in the Russia Moscow West Mission, also welcomed the change. “It’s all about how people perceive missionaries,” Mills said. “Like when they changed the dress standards with sister missionaries so they don’t look like nuns anymore.”

BYU students and Church members alike are wondering if the change is necessary or if the relaxing of the missionary dress standards will continue. Ryan Howell, a senior studying wildlife and wildlands conservation, said the Church was adapting to the world. “It seems like the whole business style is becoming more casual and the Church is just mindful of the change,” Howell said.