Navigating Criticism: A Guide to Responding with Grace and Strength

Responding to Criticism of the LDS Church: Understanding and addressing criticisms against the LDS Church while promoting inclusivity, emphasizing beliefs in Jesus Christ, and defending faith with grace.

 

Beware of False Teachers

The prophets of Ancient Israel had to deal with prophets who followed foreign gods and false prophets from among their own people. Similarly, the early apostles of the first-century church had to confront false teachings from both inside and outside the Church, as seen in the Old and New Testament. The Pauline and Pastoral letters provide valuable insights into the characteristics of false teachers and those who are susceptible to their teachings, as well as ways to respond to them. The Book of Mormon also contains warnings and guidance for dealing with false teachings, such as in the case of Zeezrom and other apostates. These examples serve to raise awareness of the presence of false doctrines and the importance of being vigilant against deception.

False teaching Preys on the Spiritually immature

Paul frequently expresses concern for the well-being of believers who may be led astray by believing in a different Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel. He also emphasizes that believers will only achieve true unity of faith when they are no longer easily influenced by deceptive teachings and schemes. This highlights the importance of being steadfast in faith and not being swayed by misleading doctrines.

President Joseph F. Fielding Smith (Gospel Doctrine, 14th Ed. (1966), p. 373) taught:

Among the Latter-day Saints, the preaching of false doctrines disguised as truths of the gospel, may be expected from people of two classes, and practically from these only; they are:

First—The hopelessly ignorant, whose lack of intelligence is due to their indolence and sloth, who make but feeble effort, if indeed any at all, to better themselves by reading and study; those who are afflicted with a dread disease that may develop into an incurable malady—laziness.

Second—The proud and self-vaunting ones, who read by the lamp of their own conceit; who interpret by rules of their own contriving; who have become a law unto themselves, and so pose as the sole judges of their own doings. More dangerously ignorant than the first.

Beware of the lazy and the proud; their infection in each case is contagious; better for them and for all when they are compelled to display the yellow flag of warning, that the clean and uninfected may be protected.

It is quite interesting to note that former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as apostates, tend to share that they were not aware, informed, or well-versed in the doctrines and teachings of the Restored Gospel. They claim that only after researching, reading up on history and teachings, and comparing it to the Bible, did they conclude that the LDS Faith is false and misleading.

If they had practiced reading scripture and praying and had sought to understand and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, they probably could have been more aware of and able to refute criticism and arguments against the LDS Faith. Instead, they didn't have the protection of God, which includes faith.

False teaching comes by distorted interpretation of scripture by those not firmly established in the truth.

Some people twist the meaning of difficult Scriptures, leading to their own downfall (2 Pet. 3:16). The focus here is not on a specific way of interpreting or the complexity of the texts, but on the kind of people who distort the Scriptures—those who are "ignorant and unstable" (hoi amatheis kai astēriktoi). The term "unstable" (astēriktoi) is related to another word used in 2 Peter 1:12 to describe those "firmly established" (estērigmenous) in the truth (NIV). Peter uses these terms to contrast those deeply rooted in the truth with those who are not (astēriktous), who are more likely to be deceived by false prophets (2 Pet. 2:14).

Misunderstanding scripture often happens when people interpret it based on their own biased views, trying to make the scripture fit their opinions. This is called Eisegesis. Many also repeat these misinterpretations without truly understanding the scripture.

Understanding scripture, also known as Exegesis, is crucial for the strength and growth of every Latter-day Saint's faith. By following specific principles and procedures, one can gain a proper understanding of the scriptures and acquire accurate doctrinal knowledge.

It's important to grasp the nature of revelation. Without understanding this, the scriptures will remain unclear. Personal revelation for Latter-day Saints serves the purpose of uniting all people as believers, bound by special promises made between them and our Heavenly Father, known as covenants. These covenants help individuals build unity in adopting the mindset necessary to recognize God and Jesus Christ. All scriptures, from the Holy Bible to the Book of Mormon, from the Doctrine and Covenants to the Pearl of Great Price, testify that all people can come together in a community of believers and work towards becoming more like God. If individuals struggle to meet these demands, Latter-day Saints believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, a person can repent and be fully welcomed back into the covenant community. Revelation is given to reveal God's attributes, encourage people to live according to those attributes, invite others to do the same, unite people, and foster love and unity among all by having a common purpose.

Exegesis is the process of interpreting or explaining scripture. Typically, exegesis refers to using a historical-grammatical method to understand how the original audience would have understood the text. By employing historical-grammatical exegesis, we seek to find the accurate interpretation of scripture by considering the historical context in which the scripture was written.

The interpretation of a text is influenced by three stages of its transmission:

1. The author’s intent or purpose in writing the text.
2. The actual words written by the author, separate from their intent.
3. How modern readers interpret or react to the text.

The historical-grammatical method of exegesis helps us gain a more precise understanding of the first two stages of transmission, which informs the interpretation made at the last stage.

It is important for Latter-day Saints to seek to understand scripture in its original context. The scriptures contain admonitions to avoid misinterpretation. For example, in the Book of Mormon, Nephi pauses his commentary on Isaiah to explain "the manner of prophesying among the Jews" to help his people understand Isaiah. Similarly, the author of 2 Peter suggests that understanding scripture in its historical and cultural context can lead to the most accurate understanding.

President Brigham Young taught:

Do you read the Scriptures, my brethren and sisters, as though you were writing them a thousand, two thousand, or five thousand years ago? Do you read them as though you stood in the place of the men who wrote them? If you do not feel thus, it is your privilege to do so, that you may be as familiar with the spirit and meaning of the written word of God as you are with your daily walk and conversation, or as you are with your workmen or with your households. You may understand what the Prophets understood and thought—what they designed and planned to bring forth to their brethren for their good.” Journal of Discourses 7: 333

For further information on how to best read and understand the scriptures check out this FAIRLDS article.

False teaching grows out of ungodly ambition, ignorance, and conceit.

Paul warned Timothy about false teachers who strayed into pointless arguments, wanting to be law teachers without understanding what they were saying or confidently asserting (See 1 Timothy 1:6-7). These teachers were ambitious but didn't grasp the things they taught. In another part of the same letter, Paul cautioned that anyone teaching a different doctrine and not agreeing with the sound words of Jesus Christ and godly teaching is filled with pride and understands nothing. They have an unhealthy desire for controversy and quarrels (See 1 Timothy 6:3-4). The desire for power can drive false teaching. John also confronted a false teacher who prioritized himself and rejected John's authority, speaking against him with wicked nonsense (See 3 John 9-10).

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi warned about false teachings in 2 Nephi 28:7–9, 20–22, 29–30. Throughout history, individuals like Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor have tried to shake the faith of those who believe in Jesus Christ. They use tactics like flattery, persuasive speech, half-truths, and distorted facts to create doubt and lead people away from the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Satan uses lies mixed with truth to deceive people. He promotes false doctrines to lead us away from God and rationalize sinful behavior. Additionally, he tries to undermine people’s faith in Jesus Christ by mocking their intelligence or beliefs.

Just as a fly fisherman carefully crafts lures to deceive trout, Lucifer knows our weaknesses and tempts us with counterfeit lures. He seeks to trap us in his influence, making us as miserable as he is. Lehi stated that Lucifer seeks the misery of all mankind because he himself is miserable forever.

Lucifer is cunning and uses lies to convince us that evil is good and good is evil. He aims to destroy our agency and lead us captive at his will. The battle over our agency continues today, with Satan and his followers trying to lure us away from the path of righteousness.

It's crucial to recognize these deceptive tactics and stay vigilant against them. By understanding how Lucifer operates, we can resist his counterfeit lures and protect our faith and agency.

False teaching can come from apostates and deviant teachers within the church.

Deceptive teachers from within the community (See 2 Peter 2:1) introduce harmful beliefs secretly. Jesus cautioned about misleading leaders who appear harmless on the outside but are actually dangerous on the inside (See Matthew 7:15). Paul faults false teachers for causing conflict in the Galatian community by sneaking in and attempting to control them (See Galatians 2:4). Some of the false teachers mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles seem to have been former associates of Paul (1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:15–18). John explains that those who oppose the "antichrist" deny Jesus as the Christ and left the church because they never truly belonged there (1 John 2:19). When fundamental theological beliefs are denied or altered, it creates a division between the people of God and those who are not.

One well-known example of individuals who left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Wilder family. Their son left during his missionary work, followed by his parents. They have since written books and organize public events to share their experiences of leaving Mormonism and now educate and support other Evangelical Christian believers.

Understanding Criticism

Criticism against the LDS Church encompasses various areas, including accusations of being a cult, discrimination allegations, concerns about the church's history and teachings, and questions about its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and gender roles. When addressing concerns about the church's stance on LGBTQ+ rights, members can rely on the teachings found in the scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate these sensitive topics. For example, they can reference the principles of love, compassion, and understanding taught by Jesus Christ to approach these discussions with grace and empathy. By understanding and internalizing the scriptural teachings, members can effectively respond to criticism with a firm foundation rooted in their faith.

In response to concerns about the church's history and teachings, it's essential to approach these conversations with an open heart and a spirit of humility. Members can engage in constructive dialogue by acknowledging the complexity of certain historical events and teachings, while also highlighting the transformative and positive impact that the gospel has had on their lives and the lives of others. This approach not only demonstrates transparency but also fosters understanding and empathy in the face of criticism. Moreover, when addressing concerns about the church's financial transparency and business practices, members can emphasize the humanitarian efforts and responsible stewardship of resources undertaken by the LDS Church, providing tangible examples of their commitment to societal well-being and ethical conduct.

For instance, when addressing concerns about the church's history and teachings, members can share personal accounts of how their faith has positively impacted their lives, illustrating the genuine and profound nature of their beliefs. By incorporating personal testimonies, individuals can effectively convey the depth of their spiritual experiences and the authenticity of their convictions, offering a compelling response to faith crisis. Additionally, members can provide examples of the inclusive and diverse community within the LDS Church, showcasing the principles of love and acceptance that guide their interactions with individuals from all walks of life.

Principles of Response

In the face of criticism, it is imperative for members of the LDS Church to anchor their responses in key principles. One of the fundamental pillars is consistent scripture study, which allows individuals to deepen their understanding of the doctrines and teachings of the Church, providing them with a firm foundation when engaging in discussions regarding their faith. Reliance on the Holy Spirit is also vital, as it allows for spiritual guidance and discernment when navigating challenging conversations. By incorporating the teachings from Gospel Topics essays, podcasts, websites, and books authored by faithful scholars, members can access valuable resources and insights to address criticism with clarity and wisdom.

Furthermore, daily prayer serves as a source of strength and clarity, enabling individuals to approach criticism with a spirit of humility and grace. The study of teachings, both past and present, equips members with a comprehensive knowledge of the Church's doctrines, history, and policies, empowering them to address criticism with confidence and accuracy. By drawing from the teachings of Church leaders and scholars, members can offer well-informed and thoughtful responses to criticism, contributing to constructive and enlightening conversations.

Strengthening Faith

When responding to criticism, members of the LDS Church can draw strength from consistent scripture study, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and daily prayer. These practices not only deepen one's understanding of the teachings but also provide spiritual fortitude when facing opposition. The power of the Holy Ghost, which is received through baptism and temple covenants, serves as a guiding force for individuals seeking to defend their faith. By sharing personal experiences of how the influence of the Holy Ghost has provided guidance and comfort, members can illustrate the profound and tangible nature of their spiritual convictions.

Moreover, the LDS community can come together to seek the truth and openly discuss challenging issues, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding for those grappling with doubts or questions about their faith. By sharing personal testimonies and examples of how individuals have navigated their own faith challenges, the community can provide support and encouragement, reinforcing the importance of unity and empathy within the LDS Church.

Furthermore, members can emphasize the transformative impact of consistent scripture study and reliance on the Holy Spirit in their lives, providing examples of how these practices have strengthened their faith and provided guidance in the face of criticism. By incorporating personal testimonies and real-life examples, individuals can convey the genuine and profound nature of their spiritual experiences, offering a compelling response to criticism and doubt.

Defending Beliefs with Grace

When members of the LDS Church are faced with criticism, it is crucial for them to engage in conversations with charity and grace, embodying the spirit of Christ as they share their testimonies. By approaching discussions with empathy and understanding, individuals can effectively communicate their beliefs without getting defensive or angry, as recommended by the principles of the Church. It's important to focus on finding common ground with those who may hold different perspectives, emphasizing shared values and mutual respect. Members can also share personal experiences of engaging in constructive and respectful dialogues with individuals holding differing beliefs, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in their interactions.

Furthermore, when standing up for their faith, members are encouraged to speak with the influence of the Holy Ghost, which can provide clarity and wisdom in their responses. Avoiding contentious interactions and responding with a soft answer are key principles that can help to maintain civility and respect in the face of criticism. By sharing personal accounts of how the guidance of the Holy Ghost has influenced their interactions with others, individuals can illustrate the profound and authentic nature of their spiritual experiences, offering a compelling response to criticism and doubt.

Seeking Guidance

When seeking guidance in defending their beliefs, members of the LDS Church should remember the fundamental principles outlined in the dos and don'ts of responding to criticism. These principles include not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, speaking with the Holy Ghost, avoiding contention, and using a soft answer. By following these principles, individuals can engage in discussions about their faith with grace and humility, reflecting the spirit of Christ in their interactions. Members can also share personal experiences of how they have applied these principles in their own interactions, illustrating the transformative and authentic nature of their spiritual convictions.

Furthermore, it's essential for members to understand that the Baptismal covenant calls them to stand as witnesses of God, which may sometimes lead to opposition, criticism, and even ridicule. This understanding can help believers navigate the challenges that come with defending their faith, as they are reminded that facing opposition is part of their covenant responsibility. By incorporating personal testimonies and examples of how individuals have navigated opposition with faith and grace, members can offer a compelling and authentic response to criticism and doubt.

Addressing Anti-Mormon Tactics

When facing anti-Mormon criticisms, it's essential to understand that many of these arguments are not new but are instead regurgitated claims from the nineteenth century. These outdated claims have been carefully and thoroughly addressed by responsible LDS writers, providing a wealth of resources to counter these attacks. Organizations such as The Maxwell Institute, FairMormon, SHIELDS, and various individual pages and articles offer valuable insights and responses to anti-LDS attacks, empowering members to engage effectively with these criticisms. By referencing specific resources and examples of how responsible LDS writers have addressed anti-Mormon claims, individuals can illustrate the depth and strength of their faith-based responses to criticism.

Furthermore, it's crucial to recognize that some anti-Mormon critics resort to dishonest tactics in their efforts to discredit the LDS Church. These tactics may include distorting the truth, instilling fear, and propagating misinformation or half-truths. By being aware of these deceptive strategies, members can better equip themselves to discern and respond to such criticisms with clarity and conviction. Instead of being intimidated or discouraged by these tactics, members can rely on the truth and integrity of their faith to address these misleading claims. By sharing personal testimonies of how they have navigated and addressed false or misleading claims, individuals can offer a compelling and authentic response to anti-Mormon tactics.

Historical Perspective

Throughout history, Mormons have endured persecution and continue to face latent anti-Mormon bias, as evidenced by the aftermath of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. This bias has led to discriminatory practices in areas such as education and employment, highlighting the impact of negative attitudes towards the LDS Church. It's crucial to recognize that mocking Mormonism is not just a harmless act but can be seen as a form of verbal lawlessness, perpetuating societal biases and prejudices.

Moreover, to truly understand Mormon behavior, it's essential to engage with the genuine religious teachings and beliefs of the community rather than relying on misrepresentations or stereotypes. The behavior exhibited by Mormons is a direct reflection and extension of their deeply held beliefs, values, and faith, and it's imperative for others to approach their understanding of Mormonism with this in mind. By appreciating the genuine religious tenets and principles of the LDS Church, a more accurate and respectful portrayal can be achieved, fostering a climate of understanding and mutual respect.

Members can also share historical examples of how the LDS community has persevered through adversity and discrimination, underscoring the resilience and faith-based strength that characterize the LDS Church. By incorporating specific historical accounts and events, individuals can illustrate the enduring spirit and commitment of the LDS community, offering a compelling response to historical biases and misrepresentations.

Handling Criticism in Lay Church Callings

Responding to criticism in lay church callings can be a challenging but essential part of serving in the LDS Church. It requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to grow, acknowledging that disagreements and blame may be experienced. It's crucial for members to continue serving diligently and not allow criticism to hinder their commitment to their callings. For example, a church member who serves in a leadership role may face criticism for decisions made within their calling. In such a scenario, it's important to respond with grace, listen to the concerns of others, and maintain a spirit of humility and openness to feedback. By sharing personal experiences of how they have navigated criticism in their lay callings, individuals can offer a compelling and authentic response to the challenges and rewards of serving in the LDS Church.

Moreover, the Book of Mormon is often cited as a valuable resource for addressing criticism and strengthening faith. It not only provides guidance and inspiration for those facing criticism but also exposes false teachings and ideas prevalent in contemporary society. For instance, the Book of Mormon contains accounts of individuals who stood firm in their faith despite facing severe opposition and criticism, offering valuable lessons and examples for church members navigating similar challenges today. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to Church members to be cautious of false prophets and teachers who may attempt to challenge fundamental doctrines, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of criticism and false teachings. By incorporating specific examples of how the Book of Mormon has provided guidance and strength in the face of criticism, individuals can offer a compelling and authentic response to the challenges and rewards of serving in the LDS Church.

Responding to Criticism of the LDS Church

In conclusion, responding to criticism of the LDS Church requires a steadfast commitment to faith, a deep understanding of scripture, and an unwavering reliance on the Holy Spirit. By engaging with empathy, grace, and humility, members can effectively address criticism while upholding the principles of the Church and sharing their personal testimonies. Through a spirit of unity and understanding, the LDS community can navigate criticism with resilience and authenticity, ultimately strengthening their faith and fostering meaningful dialogue with others. As members of the LDS Church continue to engage with critics with courage and courtesy, they exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ and demonstrate the enduring strength of their convictions.