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FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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− | < | + | <metadesc>Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith Search for the Truth DVD Good News for Mormons</metadesc> |
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− | ! <h2 style="margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;">This letter was provided to those who were to distribute the DVD. | + | ! <h2 style="margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;">This letter was provided to those who were to distribute the DVD. It provides a glimpse of their attitudes toward the Church of Jesus Christ, and the members whom they claim to be treating with "love." This version of the letter has comments added in <font color="blue">blue</font> by FAIR. Click [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD/Letter|here]] to see the letter without comments.</h2> |
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− | : | + | :This statement presents a clear problem for the producers of this video, as it directly conflicts with statements made within the video itself. See that statement, and the problem, [[Search for the Truth DVD/Summary#leaders|see this location]]. See also a later claim made in a press release [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD/Randy_Gavin_press_release|here]]. |
− | : | + | '''To read more:''' |
+ | * Do Mormons Believe in Blind Obedience? {{fairlink|url=http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Do_Mormons_Believe_in_Blind_Obedience.html}} | ||
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ABOUT THE NATION-WIDE DISTRIBUTION AND EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH: | ABOUT THE NATION-WIDE DISTRIBUTION AND EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH: | ||
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− | :One purpose of the DVD is "boundary maintenance." This means that it is a tool used by some conservative Protestant groups to ensure that ''their flock'' will not become interested in Joseph Smith and | + | :One purpose of the DVD is "boundary maintenance." This means that it is a tool used by some conservative Protestant groups to ensure that ''their flock'' will not become interested in Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ. The DVD is targeted partly at an evangelical audience, to have them remain convinced that the Mormons are an un-Christian cult; nothing must challenge the video's version of what Latter-day Saints "really" believe. |
− | :Therefore, it is important that their distributors not discuss these issues with Latter-day Saints, lest they learn that the Saints believe a great many of the same things as they do about Christ. | + | :Therefore, it is important that their distributors not discuss these issues with Latter-day Saints, lest they learn that the Saints believe a great many of the same things as they do about Christ. (See discussion [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD/Who is Jesus|here]].) |
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:The Church encourages its members not to ''purchase'' anti-Mormon propaganda, for this only contributes money to their cause. | :The Church encourages its members not to ''purchase'' anti-Mormon propaganda, for this only contributes money to their cause. | ||
− | :However, there is no prohibition on reading material critical of the Church. | + | :However, there is no prohibition on reading material critical of the Church. In the ''Ensign'', the Church's official magazine, the question was asked, "Some people say it is best to leave alone materials that claim to 'expose' the Church and its teachings. What counsel has been given on this? How do we respond when a friend comes to us with questions found in such materials?" The reply given included these recommendations: |
− | :''[Cautions about those who sell material aiming to destroy the Church] must not be interpreted to mean that the Church is against honest scholarship or has anything to fear or hide. Nor does the Church ban literature, but Latter-day Saints should be wise in choosing what to read.'' | + | ::''[Cautions about those who sell material aiming to destroy the Church] must not be interpreted to mean that the Church is against honest scholarship or has anything to fear or hide. Nor does the Church ban literature, but Latter-day Saints should be wise in choosing what to read.'' |
+ | ::''This cautionary counsel should not be misconstrued to justify laziness on our part in seeking answers, or giving glib, superficial replies when someone sincerely wants to know the truth after being exposed to anti-LDS material. Church critics and enemies should not be permitted to make what Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve has sometimes called "uncontested slam dunks." | ||
+ | ::''Latter-day Saints should be sufficiently grounded in their testimonies and knowledge of Church doctrine and history that they can answer questions in a non-contentious and informative way. Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve has instructed Church members not to retaliate against attacks. "We encourage all our members to refuse to become anti-anti-Mormon," he said (''Ensign'', Nov. 1992, p. 63). Paul taught that coming to Christ requires "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15). | ||
+ | ::''The First Presidency has encouraged Church members to convey their response to questions and criticism "in the form of a positive explanation of the doctrines and practices of the Church" (''Church News'', 18 Dec. 1983, p. 2). | ||
+ | ::''Members should invite those with questions about Church doctrine and practices to read latter-day scriptures and to study the restored gospel, thus tasting the gospel fruit for themselves. Only then will they know "whether it be of God" (John 7:17). | ||
+ | ::''When members lack answers, they should learn what Church leaders and reputable scholars have said and written. There is probably no charge against the Church that has not been adequately refuted by someone. When members can’t find answers on their own, they can turn to home and visiting teachers, quorum leaders, bishops, and stake presidents...Those willing to take time to research anti-LDS claims can find answers.'' | ||
+ | :::<small>—{{Ensign1|author=Gilbert W. Scharffs|article=I Have A Question|date=January 1995|start=60}}{{link|url=http://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/01/i-have-a-question?lang=eng}}</small> | ||
− | + | :Once again, the video is shown to make false claims about what the Church does and teaches. FAIR hopes to play a role in finding answers for those who take the time to research anti-Mormon claims. | |
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− | :Once again, the video is shown to make false claims about what the Church does and teaches. | ||
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− | :Note again the insistence that Mormons don't already have "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." This is clearly false. | + | :Note again the insistence that Mormons don't already have "a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." This is clearly false. (See discussion [[Search for the Truth DVD/Eternal Life|here]].) |
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− | :As noted above, the DVD producers want to 'protect' their own flocks from considering the message of modern prophets and witnesses of Jesus Christ. | + | :As noted above, the DVD producers want to 'protect' their own flocks from considering the message of modern prophets and witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is therefore vital that they convince their Christian audience that: |
− | * LDS teachings are false (and so, they must distort those teachings)'' | + | :*LDS teachings are false (and so, they must distort those teachings)'' |
− | * Mormonism is a "cult" (they use fear and loaded language to vilify beliefs they do not share or understand) | + | :*Mormonism is a "cult" (they use fear and loaded language to vilify beliefs they do not share or understand) |
− | :The DVD's Christian audience probably believes that a "Christian" ministry effort would never | + | :The DVD's Christian audience probably believes that a "Christian" ministry effort would never misrepresent or distort, and so will trust what they hear. This is the real tragedy—well-meaning Christians will be misled about what their neighbors believe because of the dozens of deceptions in the ironically named ''Search for the Truth.'' |
− | :Their | + | :Their misrepresentations and distortions are less likely to be discovered by the unsuspecting Christians because the distribution team encourages their Christian distributors ''not'' to discuss the matter with LDS members beforehand. |
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− | :Has God also led the producer and distributors to | + | :Has God also led the producer and distributors to misrepresent and distort? To malign the sincere faith of others? To show enactments of the most sacred ordinances of their faith? |
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− | :Again, the loaded word "cult" is used. | + | :Again, the loaded word "cult" is used. This is essentially name calling, in which the speaker smears another religion with which he does not agree, without the trouble of having to discuss actual doctrines and beliefs. Note also the attempt to create a sense of urgency and sinister motive by focusing on the size, growth, and "power" of the "cult." |
− | :See: {{Offenders1| start=1}} | + | '''To read more:''' |
+ | * ''See'': {{Offenders1| start=1}}) | ||
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− | :The producers' fears are again demonstrated: Christians are becoming Latter-day Saint Christians. | + | :The producers' fears are again demonstrated: Christians are becoming Latter-day Saint Christians. Most LDS converts are Christians, and yet the letter wishes us to believe that all those Christians are seduced by the Mormons into thinking that the Church is Christian, when it really isn't. |
:If so many Christians find the Church of Jesus Christ attractive, could it not be that they find that it ''adds'' to their understanding and joy in Christ? | :If so many Christians find the Church of Jesus Christ attractive, could it not be that they find that it ''adds'' to their understanding and joy in Christ? | ||
− | :Thus, the DVD is willing to | + | :Thus, the DVD is willing to misrepresent or distort the Church's beliefs to stem the tide of conversions. |
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− | :This claim is likewise false. | + | :This claim is likewise false. (See [[LDS population in Utah|this article]].) |
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+ | :This is a minor point, but it demonstrates how little the critics know about the Church, and how poor their research is. | ||
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+ | :The ''number'' of members of the Church in Utah has risen, while the ''percentage'' of the state of Utah that is LDS has decreased. | ||
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+ | :In 2006, the ''Salt Lake Tribune'' reported that that | ||
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+ | ::''"Utah's ongoing religious diversification has little to do with the LDS Church or its teachings, but rather is a reflection of the economy...When economic growth goes up, minority population goes up, and this is kind of a code word for non-Mormons...While continuing to grow in actual members, the LDS share of the state population showed a slow but constant decline every year from 1989 to 2004."'' {{link|url= http://www.sltrib.com/search/ci_2886596}} | ||
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+ | :The decreased proportion of Mormons in Utah is not due to "combating" Mormonism, unless the critics are encouraging non-members to move to Utah. | ||
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+ | :It is true, though, that the Church has more room for growth outside of Utah, and is doing so. Small wonder that the critics are worried, and willing to deceive potential converts. | ||
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+ | '''To read more''' | ||
+ | * [[LDS population in Utah]] | ||
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− | :Once again, the Church is made to look impersonal and evil: it is a "machine," and a "cult." It is much easier to justify deceiving and slandering a "machine" than a religion of | + | :Once again, the Church is made to look impersonal and evil: it is a "machine," and a "cult" of "lost souls." It is much easier to justify deceiving and slandering a "machine" than a religion of committed Christians. In this way, it can be portrayed as "for their own good." |
− | :The | + | :The misrepresentation about a member's lack of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is again presented. (See discussion [[Search for the Truth DVD/Eternal Life|here]] and [[Search for the Truth DVD/Who is Jesus|here]]). |
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We believe that meditation upon JOHN chapter 15 (the entire chapter) will encourage you and answer your questions as to whether you should participate. WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR HELP, PLEASE HELP US. | We believe that meditation upon JOHN chapter 15 (the entire chapter) will encourage you and answer your questions as to whether you should participate. WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR HELP, PLEASE HELP US. | ||
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+ | For more information or to order quantities of DVDs contact Chip Thompson at: | ||
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+ | E-mail: [email protected] Phone: Office – | ||
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+ | 435-283-0178 or Cell – 435-851-4588 | ||
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− | :John 15 does indeed provide some food for thought. | + | :John 15 does indeed provide some food for thought. One wishes the DVD producers and distributors had taken it to heart. |
− | : | + | ::This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. ({{b||John|15|12}}) |
− | :Did Jesus' love for others require Him to | + | :Did Jesus' love for others require Him to misrepresent, slander, or distort their history and beliefs? |
− | : | + | ::But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.... ({{b||John|15|26}}) |
:Does the Holy Spirit truly bear witness to any honest Christian that the tactics, approach, and spirit of the ''Search for the Truth'' effort is from God? | :Does the Holy Spirit truly bear witness to any honest Christian that the tactics, approach, and spirit of the ''Search for the Truth'' effort is from God? | ||
− | :And, since Jesus recommends seeking the Holy Ghost, why does the video repeatedly mock the Latter-day Saints for appealing to it in their faith? | + | :And, since Jesus recommends seeking the Holy Ghost, why does the video repeatedly mock the Latter-day Saints for appealing to it in their faith? |
− | *(See [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD | + | :*(See [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD/Summary|here]] where the Saints' witnesses from the Holy Ghost are smugly labeled as merely something "felt by simply watching a Hollywood movie.") |
− | *(See also [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD | + | :*(See also [[Search_for_the_Truth_DVD/Burning_in_the_Bosom|here]] for a detailed treatment of this issue.) |
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+ | '''To read more:''' | ||
+ | * [[Mormonism and the Bible/Basics]] | ||
+ | * [[Mormonism and the Bible/Inerrancy|Biblical inerrancy?]] | ||
+ | * [[Mormonism and the Bible/Completeness|Biblical sufficiency?]] | ||
+ | * [[Mormonism and the Bible/Lost scripture|Lost scripture?]] | ||
+ | * [[Mormonism and the Bible/Open_canon_vs._closed_canon|A closed canon?]] | ||
+ | * {{tg|url=http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai099.html|topic=LDS view of the Holy Bible}} | ||
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<metadesc>Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith Search for the Truth DVD Good News for Mormons</metadesc>
Letter of Instruction to Distributors |
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FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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