Latter-day Saints share faith's message by invitation
Richard Elms poses for a photo after the Morman Institute class at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday night.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
“I’ve known what I’ve known and believe what I believe for a very long time. If I struggle, it is not with my faith, it is with my desire to obey what I know is already true, it is with my own weaknesses," Elms, director of Ann Arbor’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion.
“Mormons are unique because we believe [our faith] to be true, there is no question,” Elms said. “I have never had anybody say to me, ‘I know that my church is true.’ I’ve heard them say, ‘I know that Jesus lives,’ but for us to say, ‘I know that this is true, that is that Joseph Smith is true, the doctrine is true, the Book of Mormon is all true’…is really getting to the core of Mormonism."
Bishop Nathan Soderborg of Ann Arbor’s 2nd Ward explains that Mormons share their message of truth by invitation, but "we don’t want to make it a point of conflict with other religions, we just want to invite others and explore and come to know it for themselves."
"We don’t believe that because somebody is not a member of the church that they are not going to be saved or receive salvation, we believe that there is an opportunity for all people who have ever lived on the earth," said Soderborg. "We believe that all religious faiths have truths in them and are things that lead people to good and we want to encourage that and not make divisions with other religions."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in the 1830s by Joseph Smith, who is regarded by adherents as a prophet.
The congregation is divided into stakes, geographically defined groups of members. The stakes are then divided into wards each having around 250-450 members, said Soderborg. Each ward has their own bishop and type of members.
The Mormon Institute class at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Mormons stand out from other Christians in their basic beliefs that Christ was rejected despite his works and teachings. “As a result, God withdrew His authority to direct the Church that Christ had established." Their website explains that when Christ and his apostles were killed, “the keys to direct and receive revelation for the Church was taken from the earth.” The church became corrupt through false human wisdom and Christ’s truth was lost. This began, what Mormons call, the Great Apostasy or time of “spiritual darkness."
According to the church’s beliefs, in 1820, Joseph Smith received a vision and was led to “a record of God's dealings of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas from 600 years before Christ to about 400 years after his death,” said Elms.
In the Mormon faith, the revelation is now known as the Book of Mormon, Smith is considered a prophet and the interaction prompted "the restoration of the Gospel" to the earth - the end of the Apostasy and start of the Restoration.
Community outreach in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is focused on the mission of their Elders. Elders are generally young men between the ages of 19 - 25 and young ladies at least 21 years of age. When a Mormon is called to serve, their ward’s bishop will “interview him and determine worthiness to serve a mission." If he is deemed worthy, the church headquarters in Salt Lake City will call the member to serve as an elder in any location throughout the world.
Dressed neatly in clean white shirts, suits and ties, Elders Tate Fanning and Zak Prescott served in Ann Arbor during June and July.
“We are very focused and we have a structured schedule,” said Fanning.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsÂÂ
- Headquarters location: Salt Lake City
- Church President: Thomas S. Monson
- Meeting house locator
- On the Web: www.mormon.org or www.lds.org
Fanning said “there are many stereotypes and negative stigmas about Mormonism, so a lot of people just shut their minds off” when we approach them.
“They feel like there are no big problems in their way so they have no need to look for more,” said Prescott.
Bishop Soderborg said one of the common misinterpretations of Mormonism is “some people think that all Mormons are conservatives and Republicans. That is not true, there is no rule that would guide people to support a particular political party."
In addition, since Mormons believe in something other than just the Bible, many people do not consider them Christian.
“To a Mormon, the doubt seems almost incredible. To us the Book of Mormon and our beliefs in Christ are so strong that it is hard to think of us as not being classified as Christians,” said Soderborg.
Personal preparedness establishes another element of community outreach and service in the Mormon tradition. Every able member is called to keep a year's supply of food in ready, said Elms. This food is then distributed to the community’s members and non-members as well as throughout the world in times of need.
Members are also called to contribute to the fast offerings. The first Sunday of every month is considered a fast Sunday and “the money that you would have spent on meals during that Sabbath day is given to a local humanitarian fund” to help your ward, said Elms.
(L to R) Elder Prescott and Elder Fanning stand outside the new Institute of Religion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ann Arbor.
Alan Warren | For AnnArbor.com
Within the church system, many of the members are called to serve each other.
“All the local leaders and officers in the church fulfill their role without pay,” said Soderborg. This excludes officers at the leading level of the church headquarters and leaders in the church educational system, but “there is not really anybody in the state of Michigan who is full time.”
Therefore, during Sunday services, members of a ward give sermons, usually two adults and one young person.
The term Mormon was taken from the name of the ancient prophet that abridged the records later found by Joseph Smith, said Bishop Soderborg.
Mormon was a historian and prophet who lived among the people described in the Book of Mormon. He compiled their stories “in the form of plates, and those plates are what Joseph Smith found and translated," said Soderborg.
According to church beliefs, the name the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was given to Joseph Smith in a revelation around the time the church was organized.
“We believe it is the restored church of Jesus Christ, that it is the same organization as when he was on the earth,” Soderborg said.
Elms said is often asked, “How dare you say you are the only true church?”
In response, he says he tells people that even if my faith did waver, can one “find something better to raise my family in, than an organization like this?”
Katherine Axelsen is a senior at the University of Michigan majoring in English and Comparative Religion. She covers U-M campus, Faith and neighborhood stories for AnnArbor.com. You may contact her at kaxe@umich.edu.
Comments
Christian
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
For better understanding of the lds church, popularly known are the Mormon Church, here is a brief youtube video that shed light on the "why" of the lds church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Clk_JNw1o
leonej
Wed, Aug 11, 2010 : 11:20 a.m.
Excellent story! What a breath of fresh air to see a story about the LDS church that allows Mormons themselves to explain our beliefs. On a separate note, it seems a theological discussion has broken out in the comment thread. N Armstrong: The truth of our church hangs solely on whether or not the Book of Mormon is true and whether Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; not on theological questions. Our faith is not based on historical evidence (although we believe that historical facts are on our side), but on the whisperings of the Holy Spirit to us as we read and study the Book of Mormon. I would encourage you, if you haven't already done so, to read the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart. I am always confused at why so many people are so quick to point out my church's supposed flaws without actually taking the time to get to know us apart from the preaching they hear on Sundays from someone whose livelihood depends on them staying in his congregation. I believe that the Book of Mormon will strengthen your faith in Christ, as it has done for me.
Christian
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
Amen!
N Armstrong
Tue, Aug 10, 2010 : 2:20 a.m.
Rita, please allow me to respond to several of your comments. First, the Greek philosophical influence you mentioned was Gnosticism. This philosophy was very definitely referred to in the New Testament and refuted by several authors. Second, the question was not whether various heresies mingled with Scripture, after the time of the apostles. No, much of the New Testament was written to refute heresy. Some of those heresies have been adopted by the Mormon Church. Third, the "hierarchy of the priesthood" in the N.T. was based on the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He was the High Priest who went once and for all into the Most Holy Place and then sat down at the right hand of the Father. Every Christian has direct assess to Him for salvation and the forgiveness of sin. Human hierarchical priesthoods are not needed. The Mormon doctrine on the priesthood is not Biblical. Fourth, to say those following the teachings of Christ separate from any "official" church" culminated in the restoration of the Church. This is pure foolishness! The Christian Church is based on the New Covenant. At no time did God end the New Covenant. Individuals down through the centuries, of all denominations, cultures and nations who came faith in Jesus Christ continued to enter into New Covenant. This will continue until Jesus Christ comes back. Believers who enter into the New Covenant are the Church. Who are the Mormons to judge other Christians? Joseph Smith did not restore the Gospel or the Church. He established a man-made organization based on error which has lead millions astray. Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament is the truth. The Church he established two thousand years ago will last forever.
Christian
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
N Armstrong, I am Mormon and I can't see where you are coming from. I came across this video on youtube with one of lds apostles, Elder Holland, talking to the Harvard Law School a few weeks ago to explain some parts of the lds faith. If you are interested in getting a better picture of what we actually believe in, then here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Clk_JNw1o
N Armstrong
Mon, Aug 9, 2010 : 1:49 a.m.
Rita, religious groups like the Mormon Church which are hierarchical organizations are very good at propaganda. Leaders like Joseph Smith convince people that they know what they are talking about. Some people want religious leaders they trust to tell them what to believe. Others do not have the education. (This was especially true 200 years ago.) Others do not want to take the time to study. Most are content to believe what their religious leaders tell them. Then they regurgitate what they have been told. They usually do not know what they are talking about because they have not done their own study. You are very good at communicating what the Mormons have told you. Several of your statements reflect Mormon talking points. First, the Greek philosophical influence you mentioned was Gnosticism. This philosophy was very definitely referred to in the New Testament and refuted by several authors. You would know this if you studied the Scriptures. Second, the question was not whether various heresies mingled with Scripture, after the time of the apostles. No, much of the New Testament was written to refute heresy. Some of those heresies have been adopted by the Mormon Church. Third, the priesthood in the N.T. was based on the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He was the High Priest who went once and for all into the Most Holy Place and then sat down at the right hand of the Father. Every Christian has direct assess to Him for salvation and the forgiveness of sin. Human hierarchical priesthoods are not needed. The Mormon doctrine requiring a hierarchical priesthood is not Biblical. Fourth, you write, those following the teachings of Christ separate from any "official" church" culminated in a 14 year old farm boy re-establishing the Church. This is pure foolishness! The Christian Church is based on the New Covenant. At no time did God end the New Covenant. Individuals down through the centuries, of all churches and denominations who came faith in Jesus Christ continued to enter into New Covenant. This will only end when Jesus Christ comes back. All believers who enter into the New Covenant are the Church. Who are the Mormons to judge other Christians and say the church needed to be re-established? Joseph Smith did not restore the Gospel or the Church. He was a charlatan, criminal, polygamist and false prophet. He established a man-made organization based on error which has lead millions astray. Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament is the truth. The Church he established will last forever and "the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matt. 16:18
Christian
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
Misinformation in your words are so rampant, I don't even know where to start. At any rate, for more current knowledge about the lds church go to: www.mormon.org Also, these are some of our beliefs: http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,106-1-2-1,FF.html
Rita
Sun, Aug 8, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.
To N Armstrong It is also well-known that the introduction of Greek philosophy in the 2nd and 3rd centuries after Christ changed many of the basic teachings of Christ. The dichotomy between the (evil) material and the (sacred) spiritual is a direct result of Greek thought, but is not found in the Bible. The conflict over the actual embodiment of Christ, and other various heresies are also a result of the philosophies of men, mingled with Scripture taken out of context. The hierarchy of the priesthood as given in the New Testament has been changed. There was a definite church structure set up originally by Christ, which was rapidly changed after He arose and the Apostles were killed. Peter and Paul both spoke of a "falling away" that was starting even before their ministries were finished. Christ gave revelation to His apostles and to His prophets. His Church was rejected and a different priesthood instituted, consisting of men who took this honor on themselves, so the authority to preside in it was removed by the Father. Men spent the next 1500 years or so doing pretty much what they wanted, deciding for themselves what was scripture and what it meant, ordaining and putting in power those with money or influence, interpreting the scriptures according to their own desires. But throughout this time, individuals who truly believed in Christ and His Atonement were inspired and guided by the Lord, doing good and following the teachings of Christ separate from any "official" church, culminating in the appearance of the Father and the Son to a 14 year old farmboy in upstate New York, to re-establish the Church of Christ on the earth. Study the changes made to the doctrine of Christ over the centuries, and it's obvious that the Savior's teachings were vastly altered, that there had been no prophet on the earth, and that the time had come for, not a Reformation, but Restoration of His Gospel and His Church. Look at the official beliefs of the church you belong to. I would be willing to bet there's doctrine in it that you would take issue with, as most people don't really know what their official church doctrine is. I know my church, what I believe, and Who I follow. We are the church we claim to be, the Church of Jesus Christ in these latter days.
N Armstrong
Sun, Aug 8, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.
Joel, in the article above Mormons claim, "when Christ and his apostles were killed, the keys to direct and receive revelation for the Church was taken from the earth. The church became corrupt through false human wisdom and Christs truth was lost. This began, what Mormons call, the Great Apostasy or time of spiritual darkness." This did not happen. The church began when the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. Down through the centuries the Holy Spirit continued to call men and women to faith in Christ. Although the Church had problems it did not enter what Mormons call "the Great Apostasy" after the death of the Apostles. This idea is appalling and offensive to Christians. During the three hundred years following the death of the Apostles, tens of thousands of Christians were arrested, taken to the Roman Coliseum, feed to the lions, lit on fire as human torches and killed. Their sacrifice is honoured and cherished by all Christians! We will not allow Joseph Smith and Mormons to dishonour them or any of the other Christians who through two millennia have come to faith in Jesus Christ, lived for Him and died for Him. You say, "Check your Bible. I believe that Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, David and Solomon (among others) were also polygamists." Yes they were. Jacob and Issac lived before the Mosaic Covenant and the O.T. law did not apply to them. God was displeased with Abraham and sent Hagar and Ishmael away. He was also displeased with David and Solomon. This is the primary reason why the Kingdom of Israel was divided after Solomon's death. Under the New Covenant, established by Jesus Christ, marriage is between one man and one woman, who become one flesh. Over and over we are told in Scripture that all leaders in the Church must be an example, "the husband of but one wife". On this one point alone, Joseph Smith would have been forbidden to be a deacon, elder, overseer or even a member in good standing... let alone a prophet!!! You use, "he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow" to justify blatant immorality. Hebrews 13:7-8 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This is exhorting Christians to live Godly lives like Jesus Christ. To use it to support polygamy is outrageous! Joseph Smith was arrested and found guilty in March 1826 in New York. Quote: "Rev. Wesley Walters discovered the documents in the basement of the Chenango County, New York, jailhouse at Norwich, N.Y. in 1971. The records, affidavits, and other data show conclusively that Joseph Smith was arrested, went to trial, was found guilty as an imposter in the Stowell matter of "glass-looking. It is not a matter of debate, opinion or religious preference. It is a proven historical fact." Joel, do not take my word for it, please look it up!
Christian
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
Now now Armstrong, don't get ahead of yourself. Let's talk. You claim that the true teaching of Christ were never lost after the assassinations of his leaders (the apostles, prophets) on the earth. Well, how can you not believe that when Paul himself prophesied of it. In the subsequent scripture, Paul of the New Testament is teaching that before the Second Coming of Savior, there will be a falling away from the truth 2 Thessalonians 2: 2-4 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Also, in Revelations 14:6, John sees an angel, flying through the midst of heaven to bring back to earth the everlasting gospel. Why would an angel bring back the everlasting gospel if it was never lost? Furthermore, Peter reaffirms the truth that the heavens will receive Christ until "times of refreshing" and "times of restitution" (Acts 3: 19-21) when Christ will proceed to do a work again. As you can see, it doesn't say "a time" of refreshing, so you can't confuse that with his Second coming--but "times" of refreshing. Because Christ has been revealing truths, which were previously lost from the earth. Finally, concerning the last point which you raise that some some so-called legitimate affidavits were found convicting Joseph Smith as some "glass-looking" accusation from people opposed to his religion. Well, if "guilt" by accusers means wrong-doing, then I guess Christ, the Savior, is guilty person as well, since his accusers before Pilate won their accusation of blasphemy! A very inconclusive point
Joel Lovstedt
Sun, Aug 8, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.
To N Armstrong: Sectarianism is taking a quote out of context and then twisting its meaning to your advantage. Mormons have never claimed that God the Father rejected Jesus Christ, but that he was rejected by his own covenant people, the Jewish nation. They did, after all crucify him. If that is not a sign of rejection, I don't know what is. I do not understand how this qualifies as an "appalling" view that "castigates the faith" of others and I am not sure you have the authority to speak on behalf of anyone but yourself. It is true that Joseph Smith was a polygamist. Get more information (from a mormon) before you rush to judgment. Check your Bible. I believe that Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, David and Solomon (among others) were also polygamists and the Lord didn't seem to have a problem with it. I believe that he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Being accused and taken to court does not mean you are guilty. Joseph Smith was arrested and taken to court many times, but I challenge you to find even one case where a guilty verdict was reached.
N Armstrong
Sun, Aug 8, 2010 : 1:02 a.m.
The author of this article exposes some fundamental differences which set Mormons apart from other Christians. Mormons claim, "that Christ was rejected despite his works and teachings." To Christians of all denominations this is absolutely appalling and castigates their faith. Jesus Christ was not rejected but accepted by God the Father who allowed Jesus to sit at His right hand in heaven. The Father then gave His Son the authority to pour out the Holy Spirit who then brought salvation to everyone down through the centuries who had faith in Jesus Christ. The word church in the original Greek language of the N.T. meant "people of God". The true Church was never an organization. And the Mormon Church is no better than any other religious organization. Mormons say they do not want "conflict". But they claim all other churches are "corrupt" and "Christ's truth was lost". This is absurd! All Christians, even Mormons, share the Old and New Testaments which were never lost. We all agree these Scriptures are the truth. Mormons base their primary beliefs on the Book of Mormon. The credibility for this book rests solely on Joseph Smith. Is he a credible witness? Does anyone really believe he translated Egyptian hieroglyphics? By a 'seer stone' no less! In New York he was found guilty of being a con-artist and an imposter. He was also a polygamist with at least two dozen wives! When the Mormon, Richard Elms asks, "can one find something better to raise my family in, than an organization like this Christians of every other denomination would say, YES!
Christian
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
N Armstrong. You sound mad and upset. Moreover, you are combining random and unrelated false facts without a true understanding. what you are saying is far from the truth. Let me explain some of them if time allows me. First of all, Christ left leaders, namely the apostles and prophets, to be in charge of the dissemination of the truths that he taught . The New Testament clearly states this: 11 And he agave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4: 11-13) Hence, contrary to what you are saying, there was a form of organization to teach the truths, to correct heresies, and to ensure that there was a unity of the faith of all Christians. Also, the credibility of the Book of Mormon does not rely solely on Joseph Smith. It relies solely on the honest seeker of truth, i.e you. You have to know that God has promised to reveal the truth of all things to us by the power of the Holy Ghost. Hence, if you want to know that the Book of Mormon is indeed from God just as the Old and New Testaments are from God, then you need to get down on your knees and pray to know. God will reveal to you that it is a true book. Try that, my friend.
Jeff
Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.
Great article! The only significant correction I would make is in the paragraph about elders. Elder is actually an office in the Priesthood, though the use of that term as a title (e.g. Elder Prescott) is colloquially reserved for elders serving full-time missions or as General or Area Authorities. To make the paragraph accurate, just replace each instance of the word elder with the word missionary. As an aside, the name of the Church is actually spelled with a lowercase d in Latter-dayan unfortunately necessary distinction, as there is actually a small Protestant sect called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Its correct everywhere else in the article, just not in the paragraph about missionaries. Regardless, as setaf rightly stated, the story overall is quite excellent. Thanks again for your hard work! :-)
setaf
Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
Excellent story, very well done. Thank you.