Mormonism on the Go
It has been a crazy week! Insane times call for extreme conversations. I have been praying for opportunities to share the gospel and to share my faith and to listen to others that we might grow in a relationship. Also been praying to be tested. Well I have some exciting news. I have been being tested all week and it keeps continuing. On Friday I had a 3-4 hr. conversation with my coworker talking about our faith– he happens to be a strong Mormon. This is not our first conversation, and we absolutely love talking about it. We both believe that we grow when we ask questions, and that being in community and open to others is essential. Which makes this bond so interesting as we clearly have our differences, but can meet in light of how good God really is.
Coincidentally, yesterday, the Mormon missionaries showed up at our door. I had thought it was the kids from down the way wanting me to give them a toy again, but to my surprise it was my prayers being answered.
I readily invited them in and gave them some water as it was flippin scorching hot (even in our apartment), and they had to wear those suites haha. And for the next 1-1.5 hours we were talking about the most interesting subject matter. Between my coworker buddy and the missionary conversation, we discussed several key components around the perception of faith… To name a few:
- The disappearance of the church between Jesus’ death and Joseph Smith
- The multiple levels of heaven and the general application of each level in relation to that of our soul (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial)
- The magnitude of sin
- The history, life, and death of Joseph Smith– along with his visions, anointment, etc.
- The will and purpose of God and how that relates to the dark ages of the church (my favorite)
- Authority of the church and how it came to the LDS church. (also a favorite)
- Other religions and the single thread of justice, aka golden rule, that joins all religions
- The inspiration, validity, and history of the Book of Mormon
- Gold plates (book of Mormon) and the symbolism of Gold in the Bible.
- The definition of “Good” and how that relates to the Mormon faith
It was clearly a full-featured discussion. And I excitedly welcome this kind of talk, because if there is a question that I know not the answer, I can look it up– and from there I am strengthened. These gentleman were very kind, and were somewhat surprised at our welcoming into our home. It is not often that missionaries get the hospitality that Jesus’ requires of us, and I too am guilty of it. But I am trying to change my life to love others the way Jesus loved us and eventually died for me.
These questions are not easy to discuss, and I have become more aware at how careful I must speak, because I am no longer representing just myself. I am now representing a God most Holy, and he must speak through me. I don’t know what I am talking about, but God has the big picture. I am not about to change their faith, but God can live in their hearts, and they can begin to ask questions. I am nothing, He is everything.
Its interesting, because every time I talk with them– they begin by mentioning that we believe in the same basic foundation, love, and faith– But by the end of each conversation I am utterly convinced that the only thing that we can agree on is that there is a God. Everything else is interpreted differently… Everything.
There is hope, there is Love- there is a dying hunger for me to share and listen with these individuals and with other faiths. I want to be doing this type of evangelism. I want to be strong in God’s word so that I might perform great services for God. 
With that said, I told them that they should come back soon and we will do a BBQ and talk some more. But this time, we will all be wearing shorts.
This is my first post so bear with me
After having read this, I felt guilt envelop me, because I’ve yet to display this sort of hospitality for those whom come knocking at my door, wether they be Mormon, Jehovahs witnesses, etc. I don’t know if Im alone on this, but I avoid that sort of confrontation at almost any cost, and in a sense I’ve been rendered guilty and that much less intellectual.
I believe this sort of attitude was sprouted from me years past when something I never thought could affect me has come to fruition in present day, and to my astonishment, even as I sit here devouring my milk and cookies, this post above by Jon has brought it to my attention. To explain what happened, I need an audience with open ears and being unbiased, so here I go. I’d say around four years ago I was working at my grocery store when a guy came through my line with a hat that said Christ is Lord, and other things that may have represented religion/Christianity. We had a completely casual conversation about what I can’t remember, though I do remember that it was no means about God or any of the sort. By the time it was time for him to take his groceries and move on with his day, he said to me, “I guess the point in my story is to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and He died for our sins” and he began to rattle off quotes from the Bible and I told him, “Im sorry sir, but your story had nothing to do with God in any way, shape or form.” and still he pressed even over my voice more things about God, holding up the next person in line. I finally said to him, “I am Christian, and Im well aware that he has died for our sins, and by no means do I appreciate your hostility. Have a great day.” He finally left, and I was left with this bad taste in my mouth. I have never had that happen to me. Never should anyone preach in the way that he did, with such hostility and being so forceful with the Lord. That alone has left me with the idea that when I see these people come to my door, that they are there to shove their ideas, thoughts, and beliefs down my throat like that man did that one day. By no means is that what they really intend though, because all I ever get from them is a friendly smile.
After having read this, I have a completely different outlook on those whom come knocking on my door, because they honestly want to talk about God. I think Jon is brilliant in the idea that we should not only have those discussions, but learn from them, and take them to our friends and family. Not to be cliche, but knowledge certainly is powerful, and its effective in serving God, i mean, education or bust!!! So, Jon, Im praying with and for ya, and for everyone else for that matter, so that we may learn more about all that we can, and better ourselves when serving God
Cheers!
Dude, I couldn’t relate to you more. I know exactly what your describing. For me, letting them into my home was a huge test on my faith, because I know that these gents are super educated– to the point where they have been through many questioning, many doors in the face, etc. But I also found that those are the times when you grow, when you are tested that is– It is when you are at your weakest and most vulnerable that you grow.
But like the dude you were talking about that was in the checkout, he wasn’t in a weak spot with his faith– he was in a rock-solid position and wasn’t open to listening… I would have done the same friggin thing if not punch him hahaha j/p. But I know your heart dude, you are an awesome dude– I would challenge you to question them with love on their faith. Once they respect you, they will ask you questions and you will be able to share about your faith too
You going to go skydiving with us”?!?! haha