Hi there! I suppose that, before I go any further, I should mention that I’m not a member of the Mormon church, nor of any other. I choose to identify as an Omnist, or someone who believes that all religions are, in a sense, true, and apply to each of their followings, Mormonism obviously included!
So what’s your opinion on the topic? How do members of the church view other religions and their practices?
2 Responses to “Hi there! I suppose that, before I go any further, I…”
Samuel Santana
2014-10-05 14:56:11
Hi friend. Thanks for your interesting question. Mormons also believe there's much truth in all religions. For example, in 1978 our church released the following official statement: "The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohamed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals."
Mormons don't just pay lip service to these ideas. For example, in 1991 the LDS Church donated $250,000 for the construction of a Hindu Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. In 1997, Mormons contributed money to help renovate the Cathedral of the Madeleine (Catholic) in Salt Lake City. After the great tsunami of 2004, Mormons partnered with Islamic Relief Worldwide and helped reconstruct mosques. We obviously wouldn't contribute this way if we didn't see a lot of truth and beauty in other religions.
The Church's missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics.
At the same time, we currently have 88,000 missionaries around the world trying to teach people about our doctrines. We even reach out to members of other Christian faiths. We invest so much in missionary work because we believe we have something unique to offer. All religions have beauty and truth, but God has given Mormons a special mandate to preach and renew the ancient Christian faith that Christ originally preached. We take that mandate very seriously.
In 1998, Gordon B. Hinckley, the late president of our church, perfectly summarized the attitude that motivates this missionary service: "Let me say that we appreciate the truth in all churches and the good which they do. We say to the people, in effect, you bring with you all the good that you have, and then let us see if we can add to it. That is the spirit of this work. That is the essence of our missionary service."
Thank you for your question. According to our 11th Article of Faith, "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."
Missionaries: An Introduction.
That being said, we do send out missionaries to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that all faiths contain varying degrees of truth, but that we preach the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its entirety. People cannot make an informed choice if they do not have the knowledge to make that informed choice.
As a convert to this church who spent six years searching for a church where I believed all the doctrine, I can attest to you that this is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, and that I also have great respect for anyone who tries to live their life by a moral code that emphasizes helping others, bettering one's self, and love of family, regardless of religion.
Mormons don't just pay lip service to these ideas. For example, in 1991 the LDS Church donated $250,000 for the construction of a Hindu Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. In 1997, Mormons contributed money to help renovate the Cathedral of the Madeleine (Catholic) in Salt Lake City. After the great tsunami of 2004, Mormons partnered with Islamic Relief Worldwide and helped reconstruct mosques. We obviously wouldn't contribute this way if we didn't see a lot of truth and beauty in other religions.
In 1998, Gordon B. Hinckley, the late president of our church, perfectly summarized the attitude that motivates this missionary service: "Let me say that we appreciate the truth in all churches and the good which they do. We say to the people, in effect, you bring with you all the good that you have, and then let us see if we can add to it. That is the spirit of this work. That is the essence of our missionary service."
If you'd like to learn more about our beliefs, I suggest you chat with those Mormon missionaries. You can request a missionary visit online.[/common_text]
You might also consider learning the address of the Mormon chapel nearest your house online. Please don't hesitate to visit us any Sunday morning (9:00) to see how we worship. Mormons love visitors.
As a convert to this church who spent six years searching for a church where I believed all the doctrine, I can attest to you that this is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, and that I also have great respect for anyone who tries to live their life by a moral code that emphasizes helping others, bettering one's self, and love of family, regardless of religion.