LDS attitudes
toward people of other faiths
Here are some comments about LDS attitudes toward good people
of other faiths; about letting your light shine; and about bringing the Church out
of obscurity:
From Joseph Smith:
"We ought always to be aware of those prejudices which sometimes
so strangely present themselves, and are so congenial to human nature, against
our friends, neighbors, and brethren of the world, who choose to differ from us
in opinion and in matters of faith. Our religion is between us and our God.
Their religion is between them and their God.
"There is a love from God that should be exercised toward those
of our faith, who walk uprightly, which is peculiar to itself, but it is without
prejudice; it also gives scope to the mind, which enables us to conduct
ourselves with greater liberality towards all that are not of our faith, than
what they exercise towards one another. These principles approximate nearer to
the mind of God, because it is like God, or Godlike."
Joseph Smith—letter from Carthage Jail, March 1839
HC 3:304
From President Gordon B. Hinckley
"We must not only be tolerant, but we must cultivate a spirit of
affirmative gratitude for those who do not see things quite as we see them. We
do not in any way have to compromise our theology, our convictions, our
knowledge of eternal truth as it has been revealed by the God of heaven. We can
offer our own witness of the truth, but never in a manner that will give offense
to others. . . . We must learn to accord appreciation and respect for others who
are as sincere in their beliefs and practices as are we."
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
B.Y.U. Devotional, Oct. 15, 1990
From President James E. Faust
"What I'm suggesting is a little course correction of a couple
of degrees. We should not be preoccupied with the lacquered image of the Church
nor worry excessively about what people are going to think. Let us go ahead and
do our work. Mostly, let us do what's right — for the right reason. . . .
"I don't think our motivation [for service and community relations] ought to
be proselyting — I think it ought to be trying to make the world a better place
in which to live. Of course, we are happy to share the gospel with anyone who is
sincerely interested. But it ought to be a happy consequence of what we're
doing, not a primary motivation for it.
"'Make unto yourself friends' (D&C 82:22). Making friends is a part of our
labors — a very important part. Our efforts can focus more on the Church as the
source of answers to life's challenges as we continue to build bridges of
friendship and understanding."
Elder James E. Faust
Area Public Affairs Meeting, May 1991
In a story from the Associated Press
"Mormons, who generally have kept aloof from other Christian communities, are
gradually — and in expanding ways — moving into working association with them.
"To some extent, the past shunning has been mutual. Steps toward alleviating
it represent a quiet mending of a rupture in America's socio-religious fabric.
"For most of its 160 years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Mormon) has avoided links with the other religious groups, which, in turn, have
kept a cold shoulder toward Mormons.
But on both sides, leaders are showing a growing impulse for contacts and
efforts toward better understanding and are increasing moves for cooperation,
although some distrust lingers and some people oppose the trend altogether. . .
.
Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the church's ruling Council of 12, said the
change is toward working together "on matters of common interest," and the
church now is involved in several such projects.
"I think the outlook for our being involved with others is good," he said.
"And I think other groups need us, and we need other groups."
Considering the past persecutions of Mormons, he added, "It is easy to
understand why the Latter-day Saints' relationship with other faiths has been a
strained and suspicious one."
- Associated Press story, October 7, 1990
From Elder Glenn L. Pace
"The Lord said, 'Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good
cause, and do many things of their own free will.' (D&C 58:27.) Good things can
be done through the Church organization, community organizations, and very often
through no formal organization at all.
"In humanitarian work, as in other areas of the gospel, we cannot become the
salt of the earth if we stay in one lump in the cultural halls of our beautiful
meetinghouses."
Elder Glenn L. Pace
in General Conference, October 1990
From Joseph Smith
One of the significant prophecies of Joseph Smith was that interfaith
cooperation among Christian denominations would come about prior to the
millennium. It is a remarkable prophecy, considering the climate of rivalry and
even persecution which existed in his own time.
Here is a portion of his remarks, given about one year prior to his
martyrdom, as recorded by Elder Willard Richards, one of the Quorum of the 12:
"If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a 'Mormon,'
I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending
the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other
denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the
Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of
any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. .
. ."
"The inquiry is frequently made of me, 'Wherein do you differ from others in
your religious views?' In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our
religious views, but that we could all drink into one principle of love. One of
the grand fundamental principles of 'Mormonism' is to receive truth, let it come
from whence it may.
"We believe in the Great Eloheim who sits enthroned in yonder heavens. So do
the Presbyterians. If a skilful mechanic, in taking a welding heat, uses borax,
alum, etc., and succeeds in welding together iron or steel more perfectly than
any other mechanic, is he not deserving of praise? And if by the principles of
truth I succeed in uniting men of all denominations in the bonds of love, shall
I not have attained a good object?
"If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No. I will lift
them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better;
and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of
reasoning, for truth will cut its own way. Do you believe in Jesus Christ and
the Gospel of salvation which He revealed? So do I. Christians should cease
wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union
and friendship in their midst; and they will do it before the millennium can be
ushered in and Christ takes possession of His kingdom. . . .
"So far we are agreed with other Christian denominations. They all preach
faith and repentance."
Joseph Smith
HC 5:498-99
From Elder Hans B. Ringger
"Choose your service today and choose it wisely. Prepare yourself to be of
help to others. There are many good causes inside and outside the Church. There
is a need for volunteers who share their time and talents with those who are
less fortunate.
"And remember, we cannot be afraid to go beyond our own social and cultural
circles. We have to rid ourselves of religious, racial, or social prejudices and
expand the boundaries of our service."
Elder Hans B. Ringger
General Conference, April 1990
Understanding the Clergy and Their Concerns
"Clergy of the different faiths — Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and others —
typically are honorable men and women who have dedicated their lives to the
service of God. Most of them work sincerely and tirelessly to serve their
people. Many of them have a deep conviction of a divine calling that, with the
Bible, Torah, Koran, or other text, their congregations and other clergy view as
authority to perform religious duties.
"The clergy of other faiths, rather than the membership, do most of the
preaching, teaching, counseling, and administrative duties. Often, the clergy
have very little assistance when they perform weddings, baptisms, and funerals,
and when they visit the sick and care for the needy in their congregations. Many
of them are looking for help.
"Most ministers also feel a responsibility to the wider community. They often
engage in civic duties that benefit the entire community. The clergy of other
faiths and their families often have very heavy demands placed upon them.
"Some members of the clergy want better relationships with The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but hesitate to take any initiative because of
misunderstandings and fears. Sometimes misrepresentations, defamatory
literature, or previous negative contacts with members of the Church have led to
unfavorable perceptions about it.
"Ministers often believe that Church members do not want to associate with
them or members of their congregations. Even though theological differences
sometimes are emphasized, they may not be the reasons for disagreement. More
often, ministers simply feel that we are insular or aloof and are interested
only in proselytizing their congregations. Some clergy might view our family
emphasis and welfare programs favorably but see us as being concerned primarily
with our own members, leaving community concerns to others."
Public Affairs training materials
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1992
From Joseph Smith again
"The Mussulman condemns the heathen, the Jew, and the Christian, and the
whole world of mankind that reject his Koran, as infidels, and consigns the
whole of them to perdition. The Jew believes that the whole world that rejects
his faith and are not circumcised, are Gentile dogs, and will be damned. The
heathen is equally as tenacious about his principles, and the Christian consigns
all to perdition who cannot bow to his creed, and submit to his ipse dixit.
(an assertion made but not proved)
"But while one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other
without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the
human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; He views them as His
offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the
children of men, causes 'His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and
sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.' He holds the reins of judgment in
His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the
narrow, contracted notions of men, but 'according to the deeds done in the body
whether they be good or evil,' or whether these deeds were done in England,
America, Spain, Turkey, or India. He will judge them, 'not according to what
they have not, but according to what they have,' those who have lived without
law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by
that law." Editorial,
Times and Seasons, April 15, 1842.
H.C. 4:595-596
From President Spencer W. Kimball
"When we have used the satellite and related discoveries to their greatest
potential and all of the media—the papers, magazines, television, radio, all in
their greatest power . . . then, and not until then, shall we approach the
insistence of our Lord and Master to go into all the world and preach the gospel
to every creature."
President Spencer W. Kimball, "When the World Will Be
Converted"
Address to Regional Representatives Seminar, April 4, 1974
From Elder Neal A. Maxwell
The public communications activities of the Church at every level of Church
government will be ever more helpful and will grow more sophisticated with the
passage of time . . . This effort will feature a duality: preparing a more
receptive climate and also in helping to correct abusive climates.
Our problem is still not so much opposition, but obscurity. (D&C 1:30) A
public communications program, founded in the scriptures, can help to bring the
Church out of obscurity. . . "
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
May 10, 1986
Examples of Church cooperation with people of other faiths
A Church-wide fast for famine relief in Africa, where the Church allocated
funds received in connection with the fast to Catholic Relief Services.
Distribution of essential supplies to needy people in Poland through the
Catholic Church.
As a member of the Religious Alliance Against Pornography in the United
States, continuing effort with several faith groups to fight illegal
pornography.
Working with other faiths as a founding member of the VISN-ACTS Interfaith
Satellite Network that provides values-based cable television programming in the
United States.
Channeling relief supplies through the Red Crescent, the Islamic equivalent
to the Red Cross, to Iran after an earthquake.
In Utah, donating property to the Salvation Army for their relief work,
giving funds to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Catholic Church to
rebuild a local soup kitchen, and helping the Ogden Jewish community rebuild a
synagogue after a fire.
Working with Baptist and Methodist volunteers to help clean up the area of
south-central
Los Angeles devastated by rioting.
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