What does the LDS church think about religions that are not part of the Christian fold? I’m talking about Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, etc. They don’t accept the revelation of the Bible or of Joseph Smith. Do you really think they deserve to be called imperfect or impure?
2 Responses to “What does the LDS church think about religions that are not …”
Gabriel Duarte
2010-05-24 03:00:58
Hi Tres. Thanks for your questions. Let me begin by describing the Mormon view of other religions. Mormons believe that God is a real being, not an abstract concept. As a real being, God has real characteristics. When man tries to describe those characteristics, he either describes them correctly or incorrectly. By this I mean to say that there is correct theology and incorrect theology. The central Mormon message is that God's ancient Church has been restored through modern-day prophets in our times. That church is the only church with the apostolic authority, and correct theology can be revealed to mankind through the prophets and apostles who hold that authority.
However, having access to the apostolic authority and to modern-day revelation from God does not make Mormons better than anyone else. It is not appropriate to call those of other Christian faiths or those of non-Christian faiths "imperfect" or "impure." In fact, though they may not be theologically correct in every point, other churches and religions teach many valuable truths, and God can work through those of other faiths just as He works through many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In an official statement given in 1978, the Church proclaimed: "The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, 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."
Many people don't accept Christ's restored gospel because they cannot overcome their own cultural assumptions or because they are never exposed to the gospel at all. God will not condemn these people to hell. If they live their lives as best they can given the knowledge of God that they have, they'll have a chance to accept Jesus Christ after death. That having been said, it is of course a great blessing to have a correct understanding of Christ's gospel in this life. I highly recommend it! :)
Melissa
2010-06-08 03:16:22
When I was growing up in a LDS based family we were always taught to respect others, including those who believed differently than we do. Now, quite frequently in lessons and talks given by authorities of the LDS church we are told to be friendly and respectful of those who are of different faiths/religions.
I have always had a very large respect for those of the Jewish faith and have found it very interesting to research other religions and what they believe.
Those of other faiths are not ignorant of this. More than once my father has had interactions with people who were Jewish and had them make the comment... Where are you from? When he replied Utah, they would nod their head... Oh yes, you must be Mormon, Mormons like Jews. :)
However, having access to the apostolic authority and to modern-day revelation from God does not make Mormons better than anyone else. It is not appropriate to call those of other Christian faiths or those of non-Christian faiths "imperfect" or "impure." In fact, though they may not be theologically correct in every point, other churches and religions teach many valuable truths, and God can work through those of other faiths just as He works through many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In an official statement given in 1978, the Church proclaimed: "The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, 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."
Many people don't accept Christ's restored gospel because they cannot overcome their own cultural assumptions or because they are never exposed to the gospel at all. God will not condemn these people to hell. If they live their lives as best they can given the knowledge of God that they have, they'll have a chance to accept Jesus Christ after death. That having been said, it is of course a great blessing to have a correct understanding of Christ's gospel in this life. I highly recommend it! :)
I have always had a very large respect for those of the Jewish faith and have found it very interesting to research other religions and what they believe.
Those of other faiths are not ignorant of this. More than once my father has had interactions with people who were Jewish and had them make the comment... Where are you from? When he replied Utah, they would nod their head... Oh yes, you must be Mormon, Mormons like Jews. :)