There are a gazillion questions people ask us about the faith. Some are simple, honest questions from real seekers. They include the following questions received from real-time online seekers:
- What is the Doctrine and Covenants in precise?
- Is there a place I can go online to see what a Sunday meeting is like and what to expect? (yes, by the way, Mormonsmadesimple.org.)
- Do you believe in the Old Testament as well as The Book of Mormon?
- Can I really be forgiven?
- How can I tell if what I’m getting in response to my prayers is from me or the Lord?
- Do Mormons have godparents?
There are others driven by questions outlined for those of other faiths by their own pastors or leaders. Sometimes they come in sets, as if a particular study group of members of a congregation have been charged to ‘convict’ or challenge us. When we receive those questions–we need discernment to know what to say and how to say it. Sometimes an honest, simple answer brings back a retort that is again from a third-party source. Sometimes it causes the honest to think beyond the words that have been taught them from the pulpit and incites them to embark on their own spiritual quest for answers. We see both of these often as we respond to hundreds of visitors over time. I personally find that it is helpful to share my own experience with whatever doctrine and belief is in question and to testify of it, rather than to engage in a convoluted diatribe, though I will also cite scripture to respond to the question posed.
The truth stands independent of us, and those to whom we testify, if they are honest, will recognize it. It speaks for itself and carries with the power to reach the ready and responsive. I don’t believe this means being soft or a pushover when we’re approached with vitriol or misleading or trenchant questions. It means stating what we know unequivocally, without taking offense, and then sharing what the Savior taught in previous and modern revelation and most importantly, bearing witness of it.
Elder Ballard recently addressed our conversations with friends of other faiths in BYU Provo’s 2009 August commencement address.
In recapping the history of the Church, and contrasting the original six with the over 13 million in membership now, Elder Ballard remarked:
This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.
Constantly anticipating criticisms or objections can lead to an unhealthy self-consciousness and a defensive posture that doesn’t resonate well with others. It is inconsistent with where we are today as a church and as a great body of followers of Jesus Christ.
In discussions with friends of other faiths, Elder Ballard counsels:
You need to be honest, open, forthright, engaging, respectful of others’ views and completely non-defensive about your own.
If we want to be respected today for who we are, then we need to act confidently — secure in the knowledge of who we are and what we stand for, and not as if we have to apologize for our beliefs.
Elder Ballard offers us a great suggestion: ”Don’t let irrelevant issues drown out the more important subjects.” I find that when people ask about the word “horses” used in the Book of Mormon, I want to lead them back to a basic question. I’ve often said something like this: ”Have you read the Book of Mormon? Or are you asking questions based on third-party sources? If the latter, I would encourage you to read it and ask God for yourself if this is true, for nothing else can really provide that knowledge, and it must be first-hand. I’d be happy to send you a free copy if you are interested.” I have sent several to the real seekers, and the rest seem to bounce onto something else, but have something to ponder, I suppose.
I love his second suggestion:
Emphasize that Latter-day Saints follow Jesus Christ and what Jesus Christ teaches.
Whenever you are having a conversation about the church, you should try to make this a point. We follow Jesus Christ. We try to live as he taught.
I add my witness to his, that this ‘is’ our greatest position. We are striving to follow the Savior. We love Him. Our lives are centered in Him, and we testify that His Church has been restored to the earth.
