The Consiglieris Must Be Crazy!

[_consiglieri]

Last evening while mowing the lawn, I felt impressed that I should take steps to begin a community dialogue about Mormonism.

Accordingly, I have drafted the following letter and am mailing it out today to about sixty local churches.

Thoughts?

June 20, 2012

Dear Pastor or Minister,

2012 may see the election of the first Mormon president in US history. Public interest in Mormonism is at an all-time high. Your congregants know Mormons in their community, at their jobs and in their schools. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) for 34-years, served a mission in Japan, and have been married in the temple. I am also an attorney and have been practicing in Hancock County since 1990.

God has placed it upon my heart to reach out in fellowship to local churches with the open invitation to have me speak with your congregation on the subject of Mormonism. This is not an attempt to convert members of your church to Mormonism, nor is it an attempt to persuade anyone that Mormonism is superior your faith. I am not a missionary. I have not received a call by an LDS church leader to issue this invitation. I am acting solely upon the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

I am well qualified to engage in such a public conversation, having studied Mormonism in depth for over three decades, and being quite familiar with all its many aspects. Once again, my purpose is not to convert but to converse.

This discussion would be presented in any manner you deem fit and at the place and time of your choosing. Regardless of the format, I think Q&A is an essential component. The main point is to answer questions your people may have regarding Mormonism, whether about its history, its scriptures or its leaders. I will not shy away from difficult questions, but will answer them frankly, fully and forthrightly. No dodging, no spinning, and no whitewashing.

Many traditional Christians harbor suspicion of Mormons and their motives. I understand this. But I reiterate there is nothing here but an offer to discuss the subject of Mormonism in an open and relaxed atmosphere. There is no hidden plan, no ulterior motive, no strings attached. What I have proposed is all there is. Should you be interested in hosting such a meeting, I guarantee you and your congregation a faithful, honest, respectful and fascinating experience. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in the bonds of Christ,


Consiglieri

[_Kishkumen]

Cool, consig.

What do you think your local leaders will have to say about you taking on this role?

[_Abaddon]

I liked the last line.

"Yours in the bonds of Christ."

Anyone that desires to follow the Christian God is surely in bonds; subject to his whims and wishes, up to and including, feeling inspired to do a community dialogue while mowing your lawn.

***

But on a nicer note...

I think the idea of being completely honest about the guts of Mormonism is refreshing. I wish you well in this endeavor and I would be interested in reading what comes of it should you follow through on your inspiration.

Curious...if they ask you how to do a *specific* handshake and ask for a demonstration, would you do it? I'm guessing it could come up as innocently as "my pastor's wife said they do secret handshakes in the temple, can you show us what that is?"

[_MrStakhanovite]

Hi Consig,

Interfaith panels and discussions are one of my small industries on my campus, so I felt compelled to pass on two things I’ve learned.

First, I’d reconsider using the word “fellowship” in your letter, it won’t bother liberal churches, but if you want any chance with the more conservative leaning churches, they might see that as some kind of codeword for something like an ecumenical drum circle. “Friendly and substantive dialogue” or along those lines might better choice in my opinion.

Second, be careful how you do the QnA. This is usually the worst part of any public event, because there never fails to be a handful of John Waynes who are more interested in making a monologue or debating you than asking some kind of sincere questions. People just love to ramble on and everyone stops listening after 30 seconds anyways.

[_Tobin]

Just be prepared to talk about the inner working of the temple and garments. That is going to come up. Oh, and the question - how many wives do you have?

[_son of Ishmael]

Good luck and knock them dead

Then return and report...

[_MrStakhanovite]

Third, Prepare a handout.

[_MCB]

I am also an attorney and have been practicing in Hancock County since 1990.

Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Maine, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Georgia?
It depends on the state.

Oh, I note that there is a sex offendor in the Hancock County Illlinois jail.

[_MrStakhanovite]

Oh, I note that there is a sex offendor in the Hancock County Illlinois jail.

You leave Bond out of this!

[_MCB]

LOL!! Sitting here relaxing with a 3.2, and you come up with something like that!!