Miserable Failure to Engage the Mormons

toddpedlar · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:22 AM

This morning I am feeling rather pathetic about my failure to / unreadiness to engage Mormons on the spot when they stopped by the swingset in which I was pushing my three girls in a park yesterday. I was more than a little annoyed that they swooped in while we were obviously enjoying a family day out, but I suppose with three little blond-headed girls and a wife who is seven months pregnant, we stood out as an easy target.

They went through their usual spiel, asking if we would talk with them about the true church, and so forth, and, mostly because I was quite annoyed by their interrupting our family time, but also because I really didn't want to get into any lengthy discussions with them and felt somewhat unprepared to address everything that might come up, I did my best to send them off with a gracious "no thank you". We were in a park in Rochester, MN, which is about an hour and a half from home - so that didn't make it easy to want to start up a conversation that would have to be shorter than I would want.

I lost an opportunity there - perhaps a big one - to plant some seeds of doubt in their minds concerning their cultic slavery, and to show them a glimpse of the true freedom of knowing the true Christ. They are two enslaved souls - and I am disturbed over my failure to set the afternoon aside and engage them. I am also determined to have ready tools for discussion with them the next time they come knocking at our door at home... though I know a good deal about their history and doctrine, from having taught about Mormonism in Sunday School several years ago, I could be much better prepared to have a long discussion with them.

Anyway I hope this confession and lament reaches some of you who might be visited by the Mormons... and to exhort you, along with myself, to take some time to prepare yourself for such a visit - it is a prime witnessing opportunity that shouldn't be missed. These people are locked up in a deadly belief-system and need the light shone before them just as much as anyone else you might encounter. Their willingness to address you at your front doorstep makes being specifically prepared for them a good goal to have in mind.

Blue Tick · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 09:00 AM

Hi Todd,

I understand your desire to be ready to engage Mormons. My wife and I live in Salt Lake City (Mormon Mecca) and at times I find it difficult to talk with Mormons. The main reason is because it seems to so draining at times. They're slippery and very arrogant with spiritual pride. It's hard to talk with them because to your face they will tell you they believe the same things as Christianity. But in reality they don't even know what they believe. Furthermore, they have the same terms as Christians but different definitions.

What I have found with Mormon missionaries is challenge them to define their terms. This is where it's difficult because usually they will start jumping all over the board and not stick with the original question. (This is where it's draining)

Thank you for the challenge! I would like to be more prepared myself!

Blessings and Grace,

John

JonathanHunt · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 09:53 AM

I find it hard to engage Mormons and JWs and others, mainly because I find it so hard to retain key points and stuff that I need, and that I get JWs and Mormons mixed up re beliefs etc. I have read good books on the subject several times, but the one thing I can really remember every time is David Reed's comment at a conference: "If you just get 5 minutes with a JW, share your testimony and talk about Christ."

Perhaps I should get a couple of crib cards and leave them in my wallet. Because you usually get a warning, you can see them coming a long way off!

sotzo · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:02 AM

Todd:

I share your confession and have repented of this at times myself. I've actually had pride get in the way of discussion and then been absolutely tongue tied when they cite Scriptural support that I am unequipped to address...as if somehow, I thought I would be able to be Bahnsen, et al...rather, I should have simply loved them by listening and saying my reliance is in the Jesus of the closed canon.

JB

Coram Deo · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:22 AM

I have never had a conversation with a mormon or JW... They are not common in my area of Maryland. And up till recently I always thought they were Unitarian but I found they are not Unitarian or Trinitarian but Tri-Theistic.. They deny the One Substance of the Trinity within the Godhead.

I would like to learn more and all ways to defuse this heresy since I and my family will be moving a a large Mormon population area of Wyoming. Not only to guard my own family against this false belief but also to witness to these people since they will be my neighbors...

I hope this is my hijacking, but maybe someone would like to start a thread on Mormons and the Trinity and how to refute their heresy...

Anybody know of the best "Reformed" book on the doctrine of the Trinity? And how to refute all the modern day heresies in it?

Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotzo

Todd:

I share your confession and have repented of this at times myself. I've actually had pride get in the way of discussion and then been absolutely tongue tied when they cite Scriptural support that I am unequipped to address...as if somehow, I thought I would be able to be Bahnsen, et al...rather, I should have simply loved them by listening and saying my reliance is in the Jesus of the closed canon.

JB

KMK · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 12:44 PM

We all must examine our own hearts but I would not be so quick to say that the failure to engage a mormon missionary is a sin. I live in a large Mormon community and my family does witness to the mormons in our daily lives of walking amongst them. I have had them in my home for Bible study, I have talked to them one on one, and preached to them at my church. But...

After years of observation I have noticed something. When those two young missionary men come to you with their neckties and books in hand, they are bringing a different gospel. They are false prophets and although it saddens me that the old men 'pass their children through the fire' in this way, they need to be seen for the dangerous evil that they are. Seeing how they are young false prophets, 2 John might apply and to even bid them 'Godspeed' would be to partake of their evil deeds. In fact, every argument or scripture passage that you bring will be noted and taken back to the bishop for the purpose of creating a better mormon argument for use on some other victim that might not be a strong and knowledgable as yourself.

I believe the best opportunity with a mormon missionary is to take them out of their 'official' capacity of false prophet and here are a some of mothods to try:

1) Make them take their ties off. Believe it or not, most of the time they will not do it. They may loosen them, but they will not take them off. The necktie is some kind of badge or official emblem that they are proud to wear. If they refuse to take it off then you know they are too proud to hear the gospel.

2) Those missionaries travel in pairs. Usually, one is the mentor and the other is a green apprentice. Try to identify which one is the apprentice and ask if you can tallk to him alone. They usually won't agree but the apprentice is usually scared out of his gourd and is in a better frame of mind to hear the gospel.

3) Those missionaries don't get out much but if you encounter them in the community when they are not on official business try striking up a conversation then while their guard is down. Ask them questions about themselves and try to establish a relationship and then see what the Lord does. Remember that it is charity that edifies, not knowledge.

Again, I am not condemning anyone on this thread but simply trying to point out that maybe the reason Todd did not engage those false prophets is because the Lord did not want him to. No reason to beat yourself up. Plus, in light of 2 John, think about what you are modeling for your children. Do you want them to receive false prophets and listen to what they have to say?

JonathanHunt · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 01:28 PM

Very interesting post, Pastor K. I will remember that point about the ties. What about the badge that says 'Elder' so and so? Bet they'd never ever take that off!

JH

MrMerlin777 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 01:28 PM

I've found that most of the time even if you confront them with many of the inconsitencies of their possition they just tap dance around it

. I still present the entire argument anyway because, as has been mentioned, it might sew some seeds of doubt in the mind of the "apprentice" though the mentor is usually uneffected and will have a "counter argument" that tap dances around my argument instead of addressing it. I usually point this out as well (that the "counter argument" is not addressing my argument but "tap dancing" around it).

KMK · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonathanHunt

Very interesting post, Pastor K. I will remember that point about the ties. What about the badge that says 'Elder' so and so? Bet they'd never ever take that off!

JH

I don't know about the badge. Do you guys have mormons in the UK?

panta dokimazete · #10 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMK

We all must examine our own hearts but I would not be so quick to say that the failure to engage a mormon missionary is a sin. I live in a large Mormon community and my family does witness to the mormons in our daily lives of walking amongst them. I have had them in my home for Bible study, I have talked to them one on one, and preached to them at my church. But...

After years of observation I have noticed something. When those two young missionary men come to you with their neckties and books in hand, they are bringing a different gospel. They are false prophets and although it saddens me that the old men 'pass their children through the fire' in this way, they need to be seen for the dangerous evil that they are. Seeing how they are young false prophets, 2 John might apply and to even bid them 'Godspeed' would be to partake of their evil deeds. In fact, every argument or scripture passage that you bring will be noted and taken back to the bishop for the purpose of creating a better mormon argument for use on some other victim that might not be a strong and knowledgable as yourself.

I believe the best opportunity with a mormon missionary is to take them out of their 'official' capacity of false prophet and here are a some of mothods to try:

1) Make them take their ties off. Believe it or not, most of the time they will not do it. They may loosen them, but they will not take them off. The necktie is some kind of badge or official emblem that they are proud to wear. If they refuse to take it off then you know they are too proud to hear the gospel.

2) Those missionaries travel in pairs. Usually, one is the mentor and the other is a green apprentice. Try to identify which one is the apprentice and ask if you can tallk to him alone. They usually won't agree but the apprentice is usually scared out of his gourd and is in a better frame of mind to hear the gospel.

3) Those missionaries don't get out much but if you encounter them in the community when they are not on official business try striking up a conversation then while their guard is down. Ask them questions about themselves and try to establish a relationship and then see what the Lord does. Remember that it is charity that edifies, not knowledge.

Again, I am not condemning anyone on this thread but simply trying to point out that maybe the reason Todd did not engage those false prophets is because the Lord did not want him to. No reason to beat yourself up. Plus, in light of 2 John, think about what you are modeling for your children. Do you want them to receive false prophets and listen to what they have to say?

very wise and Scriptural advice, thank you!

AV1611 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMK

I don't know about the badge. Do you guys have mormons in the UK?

Indeed. When I was living up in the North East a couple of Mormons came to my flat which I was sharing to talk to my flatmate who had invited them He knew them for a couple of years and it was a long term thing.

It was interesting to listen in to the discussions. I did not take much part not least because they usually came just before I got home from work and so felt pretty drained and just wanted to crash on the sofa and relax.

They were very confused but my flat mate was excellent with them.

If I met one in the street (mormons in general) I would say I was a Christian and when they said "So am I" my response would be to ask if they agreed with the creeds. Needless to say that shut them up.

KMK · #12 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AV1611

If I met one in the street (mormons in general) I would say I was a Christian and when they said "So am I" my response would be to ask if they agreed with the creeds. Needless to say that shut them up.

Very good. And another hint: They do not know what to do with Eph 1:4 and the doctrine of election. I once started talking with mormons about God being the husbandman and Jesus being the vine and we being the branches and they were all giddy and excited. Then I mentioned how just like a vine in the garden, the branches do not get to choose whether or not they are a part of the vine. I told them how I rejoice at the fact that my being a part of that vine was not up to me. They got real quiet and I never saw them again. I guess that would work on just about anybody.

Ivan · #13 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdlongmire

very wise and Scriptural advice, thank you!

Iconoclast · #14 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:23 PM

James White of AOMIN has done extensive research and written much about the modern LDS church. He goes to salt lake city very often to speak to them. Most of the ones I have spoken with try to get you to feel the "burning in the bosom" if you read the false book of mormon.
If you are well informed about bible truth they are less interested in speaking with you.
Many who live in utah, idaho, arizona, are sort of like nominal catholics.They were raised in the false church and are not even sure what they are supposed to believe about their own cult teaching, much less the christian gospel.
When you caution them that going outside the bible is dangerous to the soul, they offer up Amos 3:7.
They do not like to hear the doctrines of grace.

victorbravo · #15 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 09:45 PM

Todd, I agree with Pastor Klein. No need to beat yourself up.

Consider that you have only so many hours in a day, and in your life. The time you were spending with your children and wife was dedicated to that. When I have set aside time, I would not allow some false prophets to try to take me from that.

No, I'd politely tell them that I do not want to hear a false gospel at this moment, hand them my card, and ask them to contact me during business hours if they'd like to discuss further.

North Jersey Baptist · #16 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:05 PM

The JW's came to the door late this morning. There was a whole crew of them. I didn't get into it with them this time. I have spoken with them numerous times before but they keep coming back. I felt a pang of guilt for not debating with them but that quickly subsided when I realized how often I have gone toe-to-toe with them in the past.

KMK · #17 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by victorbravo

No, I'd politely tell them that I do not want to hear a false gospel at this moment, hand them my card, and ask them to contact me during business hours if they'd like to discuss further.

I like that one. Be careful though, they might actually contact you!

Ivanhoe · #18 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 10:47 PM

Here is from an old blog post of mine from last summer:

Quote:

I hear ma and pa came in with pizza. So I am about to dig in. My dad told me I need to go answer the door in a few minutes. I ask why. He said mormons are coming. I gather my thoughts and walk outside. They walk up in a few seconds. Polite introductions. Here is the gist of the argument:

Me: Do y'all believe in Christ.

Them: Yes.

Me: Is he the same as God?

Them: Same in purpose

Me: That's not what I asked. (I then explain ontological and economic trinity).

Them: Well, that's just your interpretation and it can be wrong.

Me: How do you know mine is wrong? I can easily say the same thing about yours'. At this point, who is right? What is the standard, then, for determining who is right and who is wrong

Them: You have to have faith that the book of mormon is what God revealed to Joseph Smith

Me: (Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly). So what? How do I know that is right?

Them: You have to pray and believe in your heart that the book of mormon is right.

Me: That's begging the question. Anyway, I did. God told me you are wrong. Given what you just said, you have to accept my experience as genuine and binding. Therefore, on your own words, you are wrong. (This is called an "internal critique." In other words, if you are right, then you are--ultimately--wrong). You said my experience is a valid criterion for truth. Well, there you have it. My experience says you are wrong.

They also said some things about manuscripts being corrupted and greek and all that. I stopped that quick. I let them know that I have held facsmile copies of the most corrupted manuscripts. Its no big deal. They then tried to pull the "in the hebrew" stuff with me. I just mentioned I had taken hebrew and they didn't want to go that route either.

I was talking w ith ma afterwards about it. I asked her, "can I celebrate my liberty in Christ and not be a mormon and go buy a six pack of beer?" She looked at me funny but didn't say no.

victorbravo · #19 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMK

I like that one. Be careful though, they might actually contact you!

Actually, I always hope they do. It's never happened.

victorbravo · #20 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Them: You have to pray and believe in your heart that the book of mormon is right.

Me: That's begging the question. Anyway, I did. God told me you are wrong.

That's classic.

I used something similar to a new ager who said we create our own reality through visualization: "That's cool! Right now I'm visualizing your nonexistence!"