Getting to know Mormons

The post by Dave, Getting to know evangelicals, has provoked me to share this post, Getting to know Mormons.

Carolyn Jessop in her book Escape (NY:  Broadway Books, 2007) writes this about her Mormon family:

My children were terrified of the outside world.  We were taught that everyone outside our community was evil.  Impending doom is an integral part of the FLDS culture.  Instead of playing hide-and-seek as children, we played apocalypse.  The belief is that when God comes to destroy the wicked, everyone outside the community will be killed.  But those who’d proved their worth would be lifted up to the celestial kingdom and preserved as God’s chosen people.” (4)

Now, should I make a distinction that not all LDS in the corridor believe this?  Yes, I think it would be proper, considering this is FLDS belief.  Now, what about “evangelicals”?  Do they believe in the destruction of the wicked?  Well, some do.  Some don’t.  And for those that do believe in the destruction of the wicked, they might believe this for different reasons as they interpret the Scriptural data:  personal unworthiness, horrible sins, apostatizing from church denomination, etc. and etc.  May I offer a reason?  The Holy Triune God in pure love and jealousy for the perfect word and work of Father, Son, and Spirit destroy all who refuse to embrace the sacrificial, eternal gift of the gospel and to obey in faith.

But I think belief in separation is real among all LDS.  For I have yet to hear a faithful LDS member categorically share with me on the authority of the LDS first presidency and twelve apostles that I am presently safe from languishing in telestial or terrestrial existence and living apart from the very joys of the third heaven, paradise, the very throne room of God Almighty.

If we believed in separation beyond death, what would the love of Christ constrain us to do.  Yawn and keep our mouths shut with one another?

Secondly, Carolyn brings up another interesting thought about Mormonism:

A man has spirit wives in heaven, where he fathers spirit children (Becoming a spirit child is the first step on the journey in coming to earth.)  We also held fast to the belief that our father was once a spirit and then came to earth to get a body and try to prove that he is worthy enough to become a god” (17).

I suppose before I jump to any broad-stroke conclusions, I should ask several important questions before I lump Mormons all together in one bed. 

1.  Has Carolyn accurately portrayed the beliefs of her fundamentalist LDS upbringing?

2.  What LDS scripture discusses this?

3.  What is the consensus of LDS general authorities?

4.  What do you believe as a Latter-day Saint?

Sometime, Dave and I need to get together.  Get a bite to eat.  Go skiing for an afternoon.  I am sure we would have a good discussion. 

4 comments

  2. Todd – It’s sometimes hard, for me at least, to cite LDS doctrine about a particular issue that will bring clarity of thought. So one process is looking for what the leaders of the church have to say. I’ve attached a talk given by Richard G. Scott at General Conference a couple of years ago that sums it up for me. This was my experience growing up in a semi-active LDS household and it is the experience my wife and I have tried to promote while raising our four sons. For me it is a message of hope and love for all of God’s children.

    http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-439-34,00.html

  3. John f., these past few weeks, I have been studying jealousy in scripture. What is God most jealous for? And should we be jealous for this in the work of missions?

    Most would say, “Nope, jealousy and love just can’t mix.”

    Though polygamous wives are taught that jealousy isn’t virtuous or loving, in the right context, it is fundamental to loving and holy relationship.

    Lamonte, thanks for the link.

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