Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

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_msnobody
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Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _msnobody »

I was hoping to get some input as to what you all feel is important to include when informing non-members about Mormonism. In other words, so they will have a total picture of the LDS church. information that could be contained in a brief discussion and later elaborated on if needed. Thanks!
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19 ESV
_SatanWasSetUp
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _SatanWasSetUp »

Ask them if they've seen the news on the FLDS in Texas. If they say yes, tell them that is one branch of Mormonism. That sould be all they need to hear.
"We of this Church do not rely on any man-made statement concerning the nature of Deity. Our knowledge comes directly from the personal experience of Joseph Smith." - Gordon B. Hinckley

"It's wrong to criticize leaders of the Mormon Church even if the criticism is true." - Dallin H. Oaks
_harmony
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _harmony »

Send them to MADB.
(Nevo, Jan 23) And the Melchizedek Priesthood may not have been restored until the summer of 1830, several months after the organization of the Church.
_Mike Reed
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _Mike Reed »

msnobody wrote:I was hoping to get some input as to what you all feel is important to include when informing non-members about Mormonism. In other words, so they will have a total picture of the LDS church. information that could be contained in a brief discussion and later elaborated on if needed. Thanks!

"Total Picture"? Can't be done in a brief discussion. There is too much to talk about. Besides.... there is still much of the picture that hasn't been published yet. Are you more concerned about teaching them Mormon doctrine or history?
_Bond James Bond
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _Bond James Bond »

It would depend on the audience. Obviously a religious nonMormon might be interested in the doctrinal stuff but a secular critic would be more interested in the more current issues, Like Mormonism and Prop 8 or perhaps other social issues within Mormonism. Know your audience.
Whatever appears to be against the Book of Mormon is going to be overturned at some time in the future. So we can be pretty open minded.-charity 3/7/07

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I peeked in the back [of the Bible] Frank, the Devil did it.
I avoid church religiously.
This isn't one of my sermons, I expect you to listen.
_msnobody
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _msnobody »

Mike Reed wrote:
msnobody wrote:I was hoping to get some input as to what you all feel is important to include when informing non-members about Mormonism. In other words, so they will have a total picture of the LDS church. information that could be contained in a brief discussion and later elaborated on if needed. Thanks!

"Total Picture"? Can't be done in a brief discussion. There is too much to talk about. Besides.... there is still much of the picture that hasn't been published yet. Are you more concerned about teaching them Mormon doctrine or history?


Probably mostly doctrine and a little history. Enough to encourage a person to check further into it should they be considering visiting or joining. And, you're right it is a big ball of wax.
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19 ESV
_Mike Reed
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _Mike Reed »

msnobody wrote:Probably mostly doctrine and a little history. Enough to encourage a person to check further into it should they be considering visiting or joining. And, you're right it is a big ball of wax.

I am assuming that they are currently being visited by the missionaries and/or attending church meetings? Oh... and what religion is your friend?
_Yoda

Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _Yoda »

I think that one of the main issues that investigators need to be aware of is that Mormonism is a culture. It is not simply a Church you go to on Sunday. There is a tremendous commitment that goes along with being a member of the Church. Callings can take up as much time, or more, than a full-time job.

When you join the LDS Church, you are committing to a culture, a lifestyle...and they need to understand all that that lifestyle entails with their eyes wide open.
_Mike Reed
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _Mike Reed »

liz3564 wrote:I think that one of the main issues that investigators need to be aware of is that Mormonism is a culture. It is not simply a Church you go to on Sunday. There is a tremendous commitment that goes along with being a member of the Church. Callings can take up as much time, or more, than a full-time job.

When you join the LDS Church, you are committing to a culture, a lifestyle...and they need to understand all that that lifestyle entails with their eyes wide open.


Agreed. And I would try to be as balanced as possible, mentioning that some people find a great deal of fulfillment in that culture, and also that that same culture can bring some significant struggles. Breaking ties with a culture can be a very painful experience, so it would be in their best interest to consider very carefully their decision, and be sure Mormonism works for them.
_LifeOnaPlate
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Re: Informing non-members about Mormonism- suggestions

Post by _LifeOnaPlate »

I suggest having them prayerfully read the Book of Mormon. If it is a farce you have little to worry about.
One moment in annihilation's waste,
one moment, of the well of life to taste-
The stars are setting and the caravan
starts for the dawn of nothing; Oh, make haste!

-Omar Khayaam

*Be on the lookout for the forthcoming album from Jiminy Finn and the Moneydiggers.*
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