Write Something

We as members may not be able to afford ads in the local newspapers, but we can submit letters to the editor and respond to comments on the Internet for free. Whether we write to local newspapers or on a blog, the idea is to respond to articles about us with stimulating facts and rhetorical questions. Here are two examples. 

Responding to a comment about whether or not we’re Christians:

In a recent [article] [posting], the question came up, “Are Mormons Christians?”  The answer depends on your definition.

Mormons follow New Testament Christianity and believe theirs is the re-established original Christian church.  They believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and offers the only path to salvation.  They believe Christ organized a church when He was on the earth.  It adhered to His doctrines and His ordinances, such as baptism.  It was His perfect organization, built upon prophets and apostles. 

Mormons believe that men changed the original church following Christ’s crucifixion and the deaths of the apostles.  They reject the changes that Greek philosophy and Roman power injected into Christianity. 

So, if Christian means subscribing to historical Christianity, including the creeds men developed 300 years after Christ’s ministry, then Mormons would not be historical Christians.  But if Christian means subscribing to the original church that Christ organized, then the argument is over.  The organization, ordinances and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints more closely mirror New Testament Christianity than do those of any other church. 

Responding to a comment on whether Mormons believe in the Bible 

In [an article that appeared in your paper last ________] [a posting by __________], the question came up whether Mormons believe in the Bible.  The answer is:  “Of course we do; we belong to the same religion as those who wrote it. 

Here’s the logic.  Mormons claim that Christ organized a church, that men changed it, and that it has now been re-established.  So if we claim to be the re-established original Church of Jesus Christ, why wouldn’t we believe in the scriptures that came from that original church? 

The original church in New Testament times and the re-established church today are two manifestations of the same organization, separated only by 1700 years when all of the true Christian doctrines were not on the earth.  Members in New Testament times and members today were and are members of the same church . . . with the same doctrines, organization, ordinances, and authority to act in Christ’s name. 

That’s why the official name of the church today is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (saints meaning members) to distinguish between the two time periods of Christ’s church. 

So not only do Mormons believe in the Bible, they necessarily must believe in the Bible.  After all, we’re members of the same church as the authors.” 

Answering questions in fresh and unexpected ways will enlarge the boundaries of the debate, cause buzz and force the opposition to defend its own claims. How Americans View Mormonism, Gary C. Lawrence (2008) page 141