Today at around 4:30pm, my doorbell rang. There were two visitors in long black coats standing at my door with a gospel. These two young men were from the Church of Latter Day Saints: they were Mormons. A conversation ensued and my roommate and I sought to learn more about their beliefs. There was a pleasant exchange of thoughts and then the visitors were on their way, but not before leaving a copy of The Book of Mormon with us. They didn’t try to convince us or persuade us. They simple asked us to read the book and ask God to tell us if it was true or not.
It was an interesting exchange between two Christian women and two Mormon men. Each side thought that the other had minds that were darkened and blinded from the truth. Each side thought that they had the answer and the truth about life and death. And each side stood firm in their beliefs. When they asked us the read the book and ask God to reveal the truth to us, it reminded me of the lesson from class, how the god of this age has darkened the minds of people, as it is described in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
It is good to read this blog making me think about my same experience in Korea. when it happens in Korea, usually Korean pastors give us a guidance to avoid discussion with them. In my culture, it is a new approach and dealing with this happening. Maybe next time, I would try to discuss with them and examine the Scripture and my belief. frankly, I still wonder if this is necessary. there are two reason why I wonder. first, with my culture, I still think that we, Christains need to be careful to do this. Second, my belief system, my confession and theology Christain churchs have given me through last 2000 years, is sufficient already and is examined repeatedly by many church leaders.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, it is a good article challenging me to see a different, but reasonable perspective.
I had a few Mormon friends that gave me a Book of Mormon during my undergrad. I read a bit of it. I was more interested in the history of it though. I began doing research from Mormon sources as well as Christian. I came across this great book called Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Mormon. If you want to examine Mormonism in a biblical, historical, and even archeological light, that is a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteIronically, not to long ago I had two Mormon's come to my door, as well. They also had the same charge, that all I should do is pray about the Book of Mormon to see if the Holy Spirit reveals it to me or not. I think one of my chief problems with that charge is the fact that it completely bypasses rationality. You don't need to think or analyze this faith. Just pray about it and see how you feel about it, which is their "burning in the bosom" experience. However, this did start an interesting conversation with me and my roommate, regarding how can you reject "new" revelation, without knowing anything about it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a situation many of us can relate to. The Mormon missionaries and Jehovah's Witnesses seem so friendly and well behaved, if perhaps a little pushy, but we need to keep in mind that their message is dangerous. If they believe it, it will lead to death and the same is true for anyone who goes along with them. Though it is rare to change the mind of a Mormon missionary, we should pray for those of other faiths, particularly those who we know personally.
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