"For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light..."
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"For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light..." |
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Response to Anti-Mormon CriticsThis site is not provided to answer the anti mormon critics. They don't believe there is an answer. This information is for those who have faith in the Jesus Christ but want to understand the truth behind anti-mormon criticisms.
"Why do the Elders of the Church hold their peace, instead of contradicting the various falsehoods, which are published concerning them and their principles? The answer is, it would require a standing army of writers and printers in constant employ; for no sooner are our enemies detected in one falsehood, than a thousand more are put in circulation by them: and there are many who love a lie so much more than the truth,that we are quite willing they should enjoy their strong delusion." (Parley P. Pratt, Mormonism Unveiled, 1838)
Though sometimes well intended, anti-Mormon publications have often taken the form of invective, falsehood, demeaning caricature, prejudice, and legal harassment, leading to both verbal and physical assault. (Encyclopedia of Mormonism)In other words, our critics are not very truthful or nice people. This persecution is not unexpected, for the Savior told us: Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23)However, like the Apostle Paul, none of these things move [us], neither count [we our lives] dear unto [ourselves], so that [we] might finish [our] course with joy, and the ministry, which [we] have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)The purpose of this section is not to prove that the claims of the Church are true. The scriptures teach: ... the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)The validity of Latter-day Saint claims is a question of faith and is a personal issue between an individual and God. However, that does not mean that an appropriate response cannot be given to anti-Mormon propaganda. The purpose of this section is to provide that response. Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish. (Austin Farrer on C. S. Lewis.) A number of articles by various authors will be presented within this section. As many of the suppositions fall into the realm of personal speculation, the articles are not intended to give either official doctrine or the Church's view of history. At times, the articles may even contradict one another. They are provided to show that other possible explanations can be given for an event or issue other than the one proposed by the critics. The truthfulness of the claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fall into the realm of faith, and can neither be proven true nor false by human means. One must seek the answer directly from God. Since it will be some time before this area is complete, it is unlikely that a response to every attack made against the Church will be presently found herein. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to follow the following admonition of the Savior: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Matthew 7:15-18)If you have been troubled by anti-Mormon propaganda and cannot find the answer within this section, ask yourself the following questions: 1) Is the critics' presentation of Latter-day Saints reflective of who we are and how we live our lives? As you ponder LDS beliefs on family, morality, and service, do these things taste good to you? Don't these things make you feel happy and closer to God? Is this not good fruit? 2) What techniques do the critics use? Do they lie, distort, or sensationalize? Is this the type of behavior you would expect from true servants of Jesus Christ? Do these things taste good to you? Don't these things leave you with bad ugly feelings? Is this not evil fruit? Ask yourself -- who brings forth the good fruit and who does not?
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From its beginnings, The
Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members have
been
targets of persecution and criticism.