This is all good and fine, and well, I agree with it (hence why I am a member). But the vexing question remains: how can we explain so many good hearted people who diligently seek after God, but reject Mormon beliefs? I believe that there are people in the world who diligently seek after truth and may still reject the Mormon message continually. I further believe that their reasons for rejecting it would not be based on inadequate understanding, or a lack of worthiness. For some reason, honest and loving people reject my faith but believe whole heartedly in their own. Are we willing or obligated to deny the legitimacy of their beliefs? Is the existence of so many different religions and creeds a regrettable fact? Does our affirmation of being the only true church bind us to such a position?
Obviously this is a highly nuanced question, and one which I am working on, but I want anyone to share their opinions on the subject. I will post more thoughts later.....I want Chipotle
You just had Chipotle yesterday! You are funny. I actually read this ENTIRE post. Thanks for keeping it short for me. My opinion: I know the church is true. :) Does that work? Also, I think you are so smart and cute and I wish you lived with me, and I love Chipotle too! And Mason.
ReplyDeleteBrock, this is something I've thought a lot about...a very tough question...I will think about it and then write something later because so far all I can say with certainty is that you really do want chipotle.
ReplyDeleteI have found the same question perplexing at times. I find that the best realization is that although people do outright reject the Mormon beliefs and lifestyle they have the same morals necessary to achieve the goals Heavenly Father has set out for us. I believe that their realization of their real true want for what is found in our beliefs will be in the future possibly in the next life. I concur with the fact that there are some really good people in the world, it makes it seem less like there is just us and them. More of a range of people willing to do what is right. In closing I love chipotle too and Mason as well.
ReplyDeleteAfter eating chipotle (I really did eat it for lunch) here is what I have decided:
ReplyDeleteMost of the good, honest, 'god fearing' people that I have come in contact with have rejected the teachings and beliefs of the church, not because they didnt think it was true, but because of the origin of the information. They are comfortable and familiar with the things they have been taught all of there lives and dont want to risk disproving anything they already know, even if it means simply adding to the faith they already have.
On the other hand, I have met people who could accept everything being taught to them, but they didnt like the idea that God only had 'one true church' because they didnt think God would be exclusive.
This question always brings more questions and answers for me.
Oh, and to keep with the theme, I love Chipotle and Mason too! :)
Hey Brock, just came across your blog. I'll insert my shout out to Chipotle later.
ReplyDeleteI found a link that you might enjoy. It talks a bit about the LDS viewpoint of who goes to heaven and compares that viewpoint to some other groups. I think it is interesting because I had heard some discussion about LDS theology as being somewhat exclusionary when it comes to salvation, but if you look at the link, it explains that just the opposite is true. Anyway, enjoy, and Viva Chipotle!!!
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/response/qa/heaven_only.htm
OK, I'm curious! I am not an LDS, I am a Christian. I am curious as to why LDS believes that they are the only ones who have salvation (if I'm reading this correctly). I have read several articles regarding the LDS beliefs and I'm very curious. I love learning about different religions. Just wondering....... And I too love Chipotle down here in Texas and I think that Mason is so adorable and would love to meet him! : ) Suzi <><
ReplyDeleteSuzi,
DeleteThanks for your comment! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does NOT believe that we are the only ones who receive salvation. We believe that God acts throughout all the world with all of his children. So long as every person acts according to the knowledge God has given them, they will be saved in his eternal kingdom. This principle is taught throughout the Book of Mormon.
However, the real question and the problem i'm exploring in this post is about the vitality of Mormonism. Without question, I think that any person who tries their best to follow Christ and live a good life will be saved. Nonetheless, I also believe that the LDS church has the priesthood authority to act in the name of God and perform saving ordinances. Further, I believe that the LDS church teaches truths and knowledge from Christ which others lack.
Therefore, we come to the central question: If Mormonism has a unique place in God's plan, and all good people will be saved, how do we put these two together?
The most important answer is the afterlife. LDS beliefs affirm that all people will continue to learn, grow, and progress in the next life. As such, those people who do not receive the saving ordinances in this life (like the temple ordinances) will receive them in the next life (if they so choose). There is still a lot to learn, and that is the purpose of this post, to explore this relationship. Nonetheless, I firmly believe these two truths: (1) all people who try to follow God will be granted eternal life, no matter how long it takes to get there; (2)the LDS church has the priesthood authority of God and has many truths that will enrich and deepen the lives and faith of God's children.
Thanks so much for reading! I look forward to your other comments.