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.
Jesus Christ/Atonement
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The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Summary: Critics seriously understate the position of the Church of Jesus Christ with respect to the atonement. Many of the quotations used by critics regarding the LDS view of the atonement have been taken out of context, or the further comments of the speaker have been ignored. This is an implied a form of "bearing false witness," which is completely against the Gospel that the Savior taught during His earthly ministry. Critics, such as the authors of Mormonism 101, show very little evidence of having "studied the [Latter-day Saint] movement for the greater part of their lives" as they claim. In fact, if one takes up the authors' challenge to check their sources, one finds that in every case they are found wanting, often seriously so. In their "witnessing tip" regarding the Book of Mormon the authors conclude their imaginary dialogue by asking: "If Smith was misleading in this statement, how can I trust his other statements?"Jump to Subtopic:
- The Mormon view of the atonement of Jesus Christ
- Mormon perspectives on where the atonement of Jesus Christ occurred
The Latter-day Saint perspective on the atonement of Jesus Christ
Jump to details:
- Question: How do Latter-day Saints understand the significance of Christ's death on the cross?
- Question: How do Latter-day Saints understand the significance of the blood shed by Christ?
- Question: Do Latter-day Saints diminish the importance of Jesus Christ and His atonement?
- Question: How do Latter-day Saints view the extent of the atonement of Jesus Christ?
- Question: Why don't Latter-day Saints observe Palm Sunday like many other Christian religions?
- Question: How does the Latter-day Saint view of the Atonement compare to the evangelical Christian view?
- Question: How do Latter-day Saints view the historical position of the Christian church with regard to the atonement of Jesus Christ?
- Question: How is the atonement of Jesus Christ portrayed in Latter-day Saint hymns?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ and the symbol of the cross
Jump to details:
- Why do the Latter-day Saints not wear or use the cross?
- Do Latter-day Saints believe that Christ suffered on the cross?
- Was the cross just a pole?
The atonement as portrayed in Latter-day Saint hymns
Summary: We note one hymn sung frequently by the members of the Church of Jesus Christ during their worship services. It has been in the LDS hymnals since 1896, and includes the following thoughts: "Reverently and meekly now, let thy head most humbly bow, think of me, thou ransomed one; think what I for thee have done, with my blood that dripped like rain, sweat in agony of pain, with my body on the tree I have ransomed even thee. In this bread now blest for thee, emblem of my body see; in this water or this wine, emblem of my blood divine. Oh, remember what was done that the sinner might be won. On the cross of Calvary I have suffered death for thee. Bid thine heart all strife to cease; with thy brethren be at peace. Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be even forgiven now by me. In the solemn faith of prayer cast upon me all thy care, and my Spirit's grace shall be like a fountain unto thee. At the throne I intercede; for thee ever do I plead. I have loved thee as thy friend, with a love that cannot end. Be obedient, I implore, prayerful, watchful evermore, and be constant unto me, that thy Savior I may be." This hymn, penned by a Latter-day Saint, is even more significant, given that when the new edition of the LDS hymnal was reviewed by a Professor of Music at the University of Toronto, the reviewer indicated that it "would enhance a communion service in any church."[1] It does so precisely because it emphasizes the atoning sacrifice of Christ for all people. He is the Savior, who shed His blood for us. This has been the position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the beginning, and continues to be so.
- ↑ Joseph L. Townsend, "Reverently and Meekly Now," hymn 185; first in 1896; also in 1906 edition, hymn 331. The reviewer was Hugh McKeller, in the journal, The Hymn (April 1996), quoted in Karen Lynn Davidson, Our Latter-day Hymns, 200.