I recall, not long after embracing faith in Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a little over a year later in the mission field in Jackson Mississippi, hearing a joke targeted at the Mormons. It went something like this: a person of faith, newly arrived on the other side was taken by Peter and shown around. They would pass doors that housed the believers of different religious denominations but when they came to the door labeled ‘Mormon’, Peter said, shhhh, be quiet, they think they are the only ones up here!
Even as a very new member of the LDS church, I knew better. Unfortunately, I also had come across members who fit that description. I am so glad that such an approach is not widely believed or taught within the LDS Church. The opposite is taught…
We encourage others to come and have a look, bring their faith/truths they are now living and we will add to it according to the Bible and new revelation for our increasingly difficult latter-days circumstances. I believe that when Christ comes for the second time, good people of all Christian and non-Christian faiths (the pure in heart) will remain for that event. The wicked will not. There are so many who don’t believe in Christ who also live lives consecrated to God and do the best they can with truths they follow. It also stands to reason that God will not bless any for following teachings (of men) that are contrary to His pure truth.
In the end I’m so glad he’s ‘in charge’ and not of the substance of man’s narrow-mindedness. He loves all people, and will be there for those who sincerely call upon Him. (My own experience is that he seldom answers prayers quickly if there is an opportunity for me to grow in faith by my learning other lessons too.) kdm
