The Great and Abominable Church, Part 3

Do we want to remain in our awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind? Is it worth calling upon the Father in the name of Jesus Christ and seeking Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Ether 4:15 God is in a position to reveal truth to us. He has the power to redeem us through the blood of the Lamb. Is it worth talking to Him about such things? Do we believe He hears and answers our prayers? Have we tried? We may underestimate God’s willingness and desire to reveal truth and forgive sins if we only cared enough to ask with a sincere heart and real intent.

If you were to receive a message from a bearer of light and truth, would you listen? Would the message be worth considering? Would you want it confirmed as a true message from heaven by praying and asking God directly? Is receiving a witness from the Holy Ghost necessary or important to obtain? Moroni 10:4-5 

Having obtained a witness from heaven declaring truth, and having received the assurance from the Holy Ghost, would you repent of false traditions, incorrect teachings, distorted doctrines, errors, misconceptions, inaccurate claims, mistakes, and transgressions? Would you conform your life to the revealed truth, and practice it? What if it went contrary to what you have been taught all your life and against family or social traditions?

Do we hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray or to the evil spirit that teacheth him that he must not pray? 2 Nephi 32:8 Would it be wise to proceed and “not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul?” 2 Nephi 32:9

By asking questions to, receiving answers from, and obeying God, we will avoid many mistakes, disappointments, and frustrations. Satan will have less power over us and will lack the ability to lead us down the dark detours to hell. By seeking and following the One who perfectly lives and understands eternal law, we can exercise faith in Christ, repent, witness unto the Father that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ by baptism, receive the Holy Ghost, make covenants, keep them, receive the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

If you were to receive a witness from heaven that urged you to seek, learn, and follow the doctrine of Christ, would you do it? Would you embrace the doctrine of Christ even if most religious entities, people, and traditions were in opposition to it?  Even if you were persecuted, mocked, and reviled? Would you be determined to preserve the plain and precious truths of heaven in spite of abominations and persecutions? Would the plain and precious truths being held back by the great and abominable church possibly be the doctrine of Christ? Could it include the fullness of the gospel, connection with God, and the opening of the heavens? 2Nephi 31:10-20 

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.” 2 Nephi 31:21

Is it worth believing in and practicing the doctrine of Christ? Is His true and complete doctrine appealing to you? Or would a diluted version work better? How about correlated doctrines and boundaries of belief defined by men? Would that pass with God? Which do we choose? The doctrines and philosophies of men mingled with scripture or the doctrine of Christ? When the doctrine of Christ is chosen, we find ourselves in direct opposition to the great and abominable church lead by the devil.

Since this is life eternal, to know the only true God and Jesus Christ, John 17:3 would that be a plain and precious truth that is needed for mankind to be redeemed? To obtain salvation? To receive further light 2 Corinthians 4:6 and knowledge D&C 130:19,

and avoid damnation? Mosiah 16:11 Wouldn’t it be important to have the scales of darkness 2 Nephi 30:6 fall from our eyes? 

Would it be beneficial to reject the abominations that lay before us in plain sight? How about eliminating unbelief Mark 6:3-6, which hides up knowledge Ether 4:13 and reduces and eliminates miracles Mormon 9:20, and causes us to depart from the living God? Hebrews 3:12 Would it be useful to promote belief in and obedience to eternal laws of God? D&C 130:20-21 

Is there any significant meaning, implication, or lasting consequence when we choose to exercise faith in Jesus Christ, recognize Him for who he really is, repent, become sanctified, and embrace Him? Ether 4:7 There will be many who falsely claim to have prophesied in His name, known Him, and qualified for redemption. But they didn’t speak with Him face to face, forfeited the opportunity to really know Him, and failed to hear His own voice declare their redemption. “And then will I (Christ) profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” Matthew 7:23.

Nephi taught that beyond the revealed doctrine of Christ, there will be no more doctrine given until after he (Jesus) shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. When He comes to you and declares doctrine, do what He says! Don’t allow unbelief, wickedness, ignorance, and stiffneckedness to get in your way. Nephi felt pain for those who will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.” 2 Nephi 32:6-7 

Is it important to obtain the testimony of Jesus and have Him personally bear witness to you?  Why is it essential to believe on His name, be baptized with water, be washed and cleansed from all sins, be baptized with fire, receive the Holy Ghost, and experience the ordinances offered and performed by God? Is individual connection with heaven necessary in this life? Or is it sufficient to piggy-back off the testimony of another?

Joseph Smith declared the following: “…Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject.

“We are only capable of comprehending that certain things exist, which we may acquire by certain fixed principles. If men would acquire salvation, they have got to be subject, before they leave this world, to certain rules and principles, which were fixed by an unalterable decree before the world was.

“The disappointment of hopes and expectations at the resurrection would be indescribably dreadful.” TPJS Page 324-325 

Is it worth understanding and becoming subject to certain rules and principles required for salvation? Should we do it now, in this life? Later? When? Is it important for you to distinguish between truth and error? Would it be helpful to find and be part of the church of the Lamb of God? Is it necessary to denounce the church of the devil and philosophies of men? Are these important choices to make? What’s going to happen if our work is not done during the daytime but procrastinated until the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed? Alma 34:33

The angel told Nephi, “Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.”1 Nephi 14:10

Are you interested in identifying the great and abominable church? Would you like to discover who is involved in it, what institutions support it, and which entities, leaders, and movements actively participate in and promote the great and abominable church?  Would it be wise to abandon false doctrines, denounce counterfeit or evil traditions of men, and deplore corrupt and vain abominations of churches in our midst?

Would you like to find the church of the Lamb of God and belong to it? Is it worth the effort, obedience, and sacrifice to know God? Those who fail to know Him will have to depart from Him. That’s pretty tough doctrine! I want to know Him and receive His testimony. How about you?

The Great and Abominable Church, Part 2

People are easily led astray when motivated by false philosophies, ideas, notions, beliefs, and ceremonies.  This is especially true when a bona-fide religious institution or flattering church leaders of high regard justify false or evil practices.  What happens when anyone who has major religious influence smothers the ideas, viewpoints, and beliefs of another?  How about when one in authority criticizes, mocks, or persecutes people who refuse to be correlated and controlled? What do they do with saints who won't conform to the institutional protocol and procedure?

When a few humble followers of Christ recognize the distorted doctrine, see it for what it really is, and say, "I don't believe what is being taught", the church of the adversary begins to enforce by power and influence.  The saints are scoffed at, ridiculed, and condemned. Often, they are rejected, abandoned, and cast out.  Abomination looks right and is justified in the minds of many people because the church says so and the majority really believe it. 

“Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people.” He saw the afflictions of the humble followers of God, the persecutions which were heaped upon them by the remainder of the people, and the inequality that was created. This caused Alma to be very sorrowful. Alma 4:11-15

Does this mean that the church was corrupt and evil and actually leading people away from the saving truths? Was the accepted religion claiming to act in the name of God, when in fact, it was drawing many away from God and leading them to hell? Why did the people, who claimed to be religious, heap persecutions upon the humble followers of Christ?

 

These humble followers of Christ were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions for Christ’s sake. Alma 4:13  These saints were being mocked, rejected, and persecuted by a religious body who claimed to be the church of God.  Why? What motivated the persecutors?

Satan seeks and loves to have authority and control in the world, nations, and institutions by using money, power, and pride to purchase the souls of men.  Even more invigorating to Satan is to slither in, buy up church leaders’ commitment and devotion, and thereby control churches and religious institutions all in the name of God.  Then, many saints will not only feel justified and acceptable, but dignified, glorious, and exalted for religiously following and obeying the false, corrupt, and abominable practices.

Joseph Smith observed an overwhelming fact: "The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves "in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth," and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men.” TPJS 205-206

Being so blinded by the abominations of the world and the precepts of men, people are deceived.  They actually believe they are on the Lord’s errand while following distinguished and influential men who represent the church and are elected (sustained) by the people. These religious leaders are held up in high esteem, worshiped, and supported by many, and thus, the great and abominable church expands and moves on.

Joseph Smith had something to say about unrighteous dominion and controlling others' beliefs. “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” Article of Faith #11. 

A heavenly safety mechanism is in place. As soon as any leader holding whatever capacity, position, or title begins to exercise control or dominion upon others, in any degree of unrighteousness, the heavens withdraw and power from above departs D&C 121:34-40. 

A leader may possess capacity, competence, and skill.  He may hold high-ranking positions, titles, and status.  With supreme influence and clout, he may even claim to be representing deity and acting in the name of God while setting himself up for a light unto the world, that he may get gain and praise of the world; but he seeks not the welfare of Zion. Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing, which is called priestcraft.  2 Nephi 26:29-30  

Whenever a person infringes upon the agency or belief of another through devilish methods of force, manipulation, coercion, or control, he walks unstable paths of destruction and ruin. Such a prideful and calculating character practicing God-forbidden priestcrafts is left on his own without lasting support. He fights against God.

The great and abominable church is made up of legal institutions, accepted organizations, and well-established traditions.  The head of the church is Satan himself.  He bribes high officials in all places and prides himself in having not just a foothold, but being the head honcho with extreme power and control in religion. He does this all in the name of God. 

Therefore, Lucifer has a stronghold on many nations and holds people in an awful state of blindness. He pacifies and lulls them away into carnal security.  He cunningly assures them that "all is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance." 2 Nephi 28:21-22 

Satan speaks softly in the ears of mankind and gently whispers, “You are in good hands, trust me, go back to sleep, and slumber. Do not awake or arise until it’s too late, the day is past, and the night has come.”  

Many choose to heed the false philosophies of men mingled with scripture. Others listen to and observe false philosophies of men NOT mingled with scripture. Either way, they end up believing the corrupt and counterfeit teachings of the great and abominable church. By so doing, they have procrastinated the day of their repentance, become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and succumb to captivity.  Satan doth seal them his and hath all power over them. Alma 34:35 

So, what are the plain and most precious parts of the gospel that are kept back by the great and abominable church?  Does it have something to do with coming unto Christ? Knowing about Him? Knowing Him?  Is there a difference between “knowing Christ” and just merely “knowing about Him?”  Does it have something to do with rending the veil of unbelief and receiving the light of everlasting life and being carried away in God? Alma 19:6  This is important stuff that may be worthy of consideration.

To be continued . . .

The Great and Abominable Church, Part 1

Our family read part of 1 Nephi 13. We discussed Nephi’s account of his vision and what he saw.  Some of the children were alert and others were hardly awake until we started talking about the great and abominable church.  Nephi foretells that this awful and destroying organization is formed among the nations of the Gentiles. The devil is the founder of it. 1 Nephi 13:4-6  

The children marveled that the devil would be the leader of this church throughout the world and have such tremendous influence over the children of men.   It’s frightening that so many people are deceived. They accept and join the church of the devil and claim it to be the true church of God.  As we read about the desires, motivations, and characteristics of this great and abominable church, little eyes began to open.

 “And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.  And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.” 1 Nephi 13:7-9   

Satan uses the things of this world to manipulate the children of men.  Jesus taught, “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”  Mark 4:19  Cares of the world, riches, and lusts can have a compelling and powerful effect on most mortals.  I have heard that you can buy anything in this world with money.  Satan knows it and therefore uses the things of this world to lure and catch his prey.

We also searched and discussed the definition of abomination.  We came to the general conclusion that iniquity is one thing and abomination is another. Iniquity seems to be an evil practice without church endorsement or religious authorization, but abomination involves church validation of wrongdoing.  Abomination occurs when a religious body or organization justifies sin, error, or corruption.

What is the great and abominable church, anyway? It sounds like a very large, all encompassing, monstrous establishment that stretches across the nations of the world.  It is a church or organization that sits upon many waters and compels individuals from all walks of life 1 Nephi 14:11. What is the significance of the whore of all the earth sitting upon many waters?

"If you were an English freeman in the 17th and 18th centuries and decided to sign on as a shipmate to sail the seven seas, you would have understood that you were also signing away your rights as a free man upon the land. Once at sea you could no longer claim any of the basic rights that naturally accrued to you as a citizen of the crown." What is the Law of the Land? Welcome Aboard, Matey! Just Stow Yer Rights At The Dock!

Waters are very unstable and unpredictable.  When the storm comes would you rather be standing on the rock of our Redeemer? Helaman 5:12 Or would you like to be tossed to and fro upon the waters being  "carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" Ephesians 4:14.

What does an abominable church look like?  One of the characteristics of this great and abominable church is revealed in Nephi’s vision. This awful organization takes many precious parts and essential covenants away from the gospel of the Lamb.  It is done to pervert the right ways of the Lord, blind the eyes of the people, and harden the hearts of the children of men. 1 Nephi 13:24-27  

What? The church holds back both “plain” and “precious” parts?  Is truth purposely hidden, tainted, or taken out?  Are covenants of the Lord purposely changed, altered, or discarded? Why? These plain and most precious parts are needed to regain our vision and rescue us from our awful state of blindness.

Nephi said that the gentile people (us) are in an awful state of blindness because we do not have the gospel as a whole, in its fullness, or in a complete form. The plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb have been kept back by that great and abominable church Nephi 13:32. 

What makes a certain church more abominable than the rest of the churches? What covenants of the Lord did they take away? Who originally had the covenants? 1 Nephi 13:26 So, what are these “plain and most precious” parts of the gospel that were removed? Who plays the deceiving roles in the great and abominable church? What parties are involved in Satan’s deceptive arrangement? Can you think of any organizations or groups that keep back the plain and precious parts? Are there any that distort the doctrine of Christ, yet claim His name?

How about any religious organizations that alter, change, or take away the precious covenants of the Lord from among the people?  How about groups that rework, modify, or abandon the sacred ordinances of God? Isaiah 24:5 Do the churches who stifle, discard, or reject truth automatically become part of the abominable church?

By definition, are these many mega-churches who rob the poor, teach false and vain and foolish doctrines, and pervert the right ways of God, part of the great and abominable church? Will these religious leaders who have gone astray and are leading many others off course continue being unchecked and unrestrained?

Or will these wise, learned, rich, influential, and selected leaders that are corrupt, puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and falsely claiming God’s authority, be thrust down to hell? 2 Nephi 28:9-15  When will things give? When will people have eyes to see and ears to hear? Jeremiah 5:21

To be continued . . .

Hypocrisy and Deception Among Us

Nearly two millennia ago, Jesus said a very interesting thing about His church. “And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. . . And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it. But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return” 3 Nephi 27:8,10-11.

Jesus set out two fascinating contingencies to meet the criteria to actually be His church. First, be called in Christ’s name. Second, the church must be built upon His gospel, not upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil.

What is His gospel? D&C 39:5-6 What is the doctrine of Christ? 2 Nephi 31:17-21 What did He teach? Do we teach the doctrine that Jesus embodies? Do we live what He exemplified? Do we actually embrace and live the gospel of Jesus Christ? Or do we merely manifest the pretense of righteousness, make it appear all is well, and are proud of it?

Do we consider ourselves a chosen and a holy people while believing others are wrong and corrupt? The poor foolish souls just miss out while we are welcomed into heaven, right? Do we cling to the false notions that we are favored of God, elected, and saved while everyone else is cast down to hell by the wrath of God? Alma 31:16-18   

Do we assert that others are lead away after foolish traditions and wander far from God? It seems like it’s always the other guy that “draws near to [Jesus] with their lips, but their hearts are far from [Him], they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” Joseph Smith—History 1:19

We don’t do any of that stuff, do we? Aren’t we part of the only true church upon the face of the earth? There aren’t any abominations in a church that professes the name of Jesus Christ, right? Or is there? D&C 50:4 If we strictly follow men who claim to be prophets, can we ever be led astray? Hmmm?

What if a leader teaches something that is wrong and contrary to the doctrine of Christ? Am I held accountable for following false doctrines promoted or taught by a respected leader? Am I justified in my corrupt actions since it is endorsed by my authorized leader, and he counsels me to follow him? Walking off a cliff with or without a leader’s approval almost always hurts.

Do religious leaders, who claim to speak the word of God, have the power to save me? D&C 18:23 Do we essentially “have it made” because we are members of a legitimate and bona fide institution? Odds are we’ll be exalted anyway, right?

There are many honored and venerated leaders in the church that bears Christ’s name, but should any man be trusted and followed without question? Should we evaluate each message and receive a confirmation given by the power of the Holy Ghost before accepting any principle? 2 Nephi 28:31 

Nephi put his trust in the Lord 2 Nephi 4:34. He doesn’t entertain these false notions, but glories in plainness and truth 2 Nephi 33:6. “Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!" 2 Nephi 28:26 Do we prefer the precepts and power of men and deny the power of God? Do we honor, praise and prop up men while ignoring the gift of the Holy Ghost? Do we take on a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof? If so, would it be best to repent and turn away from such practices? 2 Timothy 3:5

Alma spoke to his son Corianton, “Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots” Alma 39:11. Are we involved in any way with the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church of all the earth? Do we hang on to any foolish traditions or proclaim any incorrect beliefs of our fathers?

Does the wicked one come and take away our light and truth? Do we value and trust the philosophies of men and the false traditions of our fathers more than God himself? D&C 93:39 Are we righteous, or do we just put up a pretense? Do we conduct opinion polls so we can blend in with Babylon, practice poplar trends, and work on our image? Do we track the world and mimic it? Or do we connect with heaven, call upon God, ask questions, get answers, and obey Him?

Do we put forth extreme energy and effort to appear perfect and faultless on the outside, but on the inside feel seriously undone, guilty, and unclean? Are we like the scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who “are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness?” Matthew 23:27

Do we go through the motions at church and other places where we think others are watching? Are we hypocrites that reek with sin and have a beam in our own eye? Luke 6:42 Do we see that in our present condition we stand naked with shame, uncovered, and unsaved before God? Isaiah 47:3 Does this cause us to feel hesitant, insecure, uncertain and uncomfortable?

The Lord cannot and will not be fooled by a façade, appearance, or an outer shell. I find comfort in believing that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name” 2 Nephi 9:41. Christ, through His atoning blood, is the only One who can redeem and save Helaman 5:9. Men cannot.

The Lord has made it clear that He will not be fooled by appearances, and He has warned us not to be false to Him or to others. He has cautioned us to be wary of those who project a false front and who put on a bright pretense that hides a darker reality. We know that the Lord looketh on the heart and not on the outward appearance 1 Sam. 16:7.

The Savior taught us to judge not according to the appearance John 7:24 and warned us against wolves who come to us in sheep’s clothing. The deception of the wolves can only be discovered by examining their fruits Matt. 7:15–16. Nephi taught that we must walk the path of faith with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God 2 Ne. 31:13.

The angel clearly communicated to Nephi and said, “Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.” 1 Nephi 14:10

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways James 1:8. We cannot serve two masters” Matt. 6:24. Still, there are many who try to serve the Lord without offending the devil and perhaps a greater number who try to serve the devil without wounding the Lord. Who do we serve, God or mammon? To which church do we belong, the church of the Lamb of God or the church of the devil? We cannot belong to both.

Strengthening Church Members Committee

I’ve been a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for over 45 years.  I have also served a full-time mission for the church, and until recently, I’ve never heard of such a committee.  I looked it up on Google to see what I could find.

“The Strengthening Church Members Committee (SCMC) is a committee of general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) who monitor the publications of church members for possible criticism of local and general leaders of the church. If criticism is found, the committee may forward information to local church authorities, who may bring charges of apostasy, which can result in excommunication.” 

Why would the church and prophets of God be afraid of criticism?

Christ criticized the religious experts of his day. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf even includes this observation in one of his talks, “This was one of the Savior’s criticisms of the religious “experts” of His day, whom He chastised for attending to the hundreds of minor details of the law while neglecting the weightier matters.” The Love of God, October 2009

If we were one of those “religious experts” would we have humbly received Christ’s criticism? Why does criticism have to be monitored? After all, enduring criticism is the price of discipleship.

Robert D. Hales gave a wonderful talk on this subject in the October 2008 General Conference.  The whole talk is worth reading.  I will only quote parts of it.

Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship 

“We have gathered together as one, we have taken upon us the name of Jesus Christ, and we are Christians. One of the questions we would ask: why then, if we have that love of the Savior, would someone want to be an antagonist or to attack us? . . . One sister asked, “Why doesn’t the Church defend itself more actively when accusations are made against it?”

To her inquiry I would say that one of mortality’s great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively—to “put up our dukes.” But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior’s example. Remember that Jesus Himself was despised and rejected by the world. And in Lehi’s dream, those coming to the Savior also endured “mocking and pointing … fingers” (1 Nephi 8:27). “The world hath hated [my disciples],” Jesus said, “because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14) But when we respond to our accusers as the Savior did, we not only become more Christlike, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him as well. . .

Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to “love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]” (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage.

The Prophet Joseph Smith demonstrated this courage throughout his life. Though he “suffer[ed] severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious” (Joseph Smith—History 1:27), he did not retaliate or give in to hatred. Like all true disciples of Christ, he stood with the Savior by loving others in a tolerant and compassionate way. That is Christian courage.

When we do not retaliate—when we turn the other cheek and resist feelings of anger—we too stand with the Savior. We show forth His love, which is the only power that can subdue the adversary and answer our accusers without accusing them in return. That is not weakness. That is Christian courage.

Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition.

In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Abinadi was bound and brought before the evil King Noah. Although the king vigorously opposed Abinadi and eventually sentenced him to death, Abinadi boldly taught the gospel and bore his testimony anyway. Because Abinadi took advantage of that opportunity, a priest named Alma was converted to the gospel and brought many souls unto Christ. The courage of Abinadi and Alma was Christian courage.

Experience shows that seasons of negative publicity about the Church can help accomplish the Lord’s purposes. In 1983 the First Presidency wrote to Church leaders, “Opposition may be in itself an opportunity. Among the continuing challenges faced by our missionaries is a lack of interest in religious matters and in our message. These criticisms create … interest in the Church. … This provides an opportunity [for members] to present the truth to those whose attention is thus directed toward us.”

We can take advantage of such opportunities in many ways: a kind letter to the editor, a conversation with a friend, a comment on a blog, or a reassuring word to one who has made a disparaging comment. We can answer with love those who have been influenced by misinformation and prejudice—who are “kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” (D&C 123:12). I assure you that to answer our accusers in this way is never weakness. It is Christian courage in action. . .

More regrettable than the Church being accused of not being Christian is when Church members react to such accusations in an un-Christlike way! May our conversations with others always be marked by the fruits of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). To be meek, as defined in Webster’s dictionary, is “manifesting patience and longsuffering: enduring injury without resentment.” Meekness is not weakness. It is a badge of Christian courage. . .True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride.

As true disciples, our primary concern must be others’ welfare, not personal vindication. Questions and criticisms give us an opportunity to reach out to others and demonstrate that they matter to our Heavenly Father and to us. Our aim should be to help them understand the truth, not defend our egos . . . To be guileless is to have a childlike innocence, to be slow to take offense and quick to forgive. . . To be guileless is to look for our own fault first. When accused, we should ask as the Savior’s Apostles did, “Lord, is it I?” (Matthew 26:22). If we listen to the answer given by the Spirit, we can, if needed, make corrections, apologize, seek forgiveness, and do better.  Without guile, true disciples avoid being unduly judgmental of others’ views. . .

To my inquiring sister and all who seek to know how we should respond to our accusers, I reply, we love them. Whatever their race, creed, religion, or political persuasion, if we follow Christ and show forth His courage, we must love them. We do not feel we are better than they are. Rather, we desire with our love to show them a better way—the way of Jesus Christ. . .”

As we work with people in and out of the church our response to them should be the same.  It would be hypocritical to be kind, loving, and tolerant to those outside of the church and then threaten, exercise control, dominion, and compulsion upon the souls of members of the church D&C 121:37. You could compare the situation to being sweet and lovely to coworkers, friends, and neighbors while yelling and screaming, and abusing members of your family.   Would such a man or woman be exercising Christian Courage?

After all, we as members of the church “claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men [in and out of the church] the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” Articles of Faith 1:11

What’s the big deal if someone chooses to believe something different than what everyone else believes? Would it be sinful to declare, “This man does not seem to believe what is being taught”? Would it be grounds for apostasy and excommunication to publicly declare your belief, even if no one agrees with you? What if you put your thoughts on a blog?  Is there any law in the LDS church against someone’s beliefs?  

The Book of Mormon teaches, “Now there was no law against a man’s belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds . . . For there was a law that men should be judged according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.” Alma 30:7,11 

Why do you think God strictly commands us to allow each other the freedom of thought and expression?  Why does the Bill of Rights in our God-inspired Constitution begin with, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”? 

What would happen to us as a country or as a church if the freedom to express our ideas, ask questions, and think on our own was denied?    

I wondered why the Church would set up a secret police, such as the Strengthening Church Members Committee, to watch its members. It sounds too much like the Zoramites: 

3 And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the Zoramites had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft; therefore they would not hearken unto the words.

 4 And they sent and gathered together throughout all the land all the people, and consulted with them concerning the words which had been spoken.

 5 Now their rulers and their priests and their teachers did not let the people know concerning their desires; therefore they found out privily the minds of all the people.

 6 And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all the people, those who were in favor of the words which had been spoken by Alma and his brethren were cast out of the land; and they were many. . . Alma 35:3-6 

I found the First Presidency statement that cites scriptural mandate for the Church’s committee.  Church News, Saturday, Aug. 22, 1992

The justification for this secret committee is D&C 123:1-5.

 

1 And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State;

 2 And also of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained, both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property;

 3 And also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions, as far as they can get hold of them and find them out.

 4 And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things, and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat;

 5 And all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and murderous impositions that have been practised upon this people—

I can hardly see the resemblance between those who were robbed, raped, burned out of their homes, and murdered; and church leaders who have suffered no physical harm. What's wrong with criticism and a difference in personal views?  The early saints were petitioning the Government for a redress of grievances.  It was their constitutional right to do so.  They were also making a record of their sufferings so as to "claim that promise which shall call him [God] forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm" D&C 123:6.  

On the other hand, privily finding out the minds of the people and casting members out of the temples, synagogues, and churches merely because of a difference in opinion does not sound like Christian courage. "Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay" Mormon 8:20.

According to the Book of Mormon there should be “no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done;” If men were punished for their beliefs, this would bring men onto unequal grounds Alma 30:11. 

We just finished a series of three posts on Jeremiah.  Verse four brings up the idea of leaders who cause the Lord’s people to fear.  It sounds like the Lord is going to bring in some new shepherds: “And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:4

I read a lot of different blogs.  I’ve noticed that when the topic becomes controversial, many people post as anonymous.  There are some really good comments posted by Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous.  Why don’t people want their name associated with their comment? I think I understand.  Do they know about this secret committee and fear being reported? 

I recognize a genuine fear among those who sincerely have a different opinion and belief than what is printed in the correlated church manuals.  These members are searching the scriptures and find discrepancies between what is being taught and what the scriptures say.  They still value their membership in the church, but want to talk about their sincere questions and concerns.  It’s a sad thing to witness fear tactics, such as the Strengthening Church Members Committee, used in an organization that bears Christ's name. 

Joseph Smith said, "I did not like the old man being called up for erring in doctrine. It looks too much like the Methodist, and not like the Latter-day Saints. Methodists have creeds which a man must believe or be asked out of their church. I want the liberty of thinking and believing as I please. It feels so good not to be trammelled. It does not prove that a man is not a good man because he errs in doctrine." History of the Church, 5:340