Introduction
Christian life in a Mormon town has its challenges. The following is a rebuttal to a recently published notice in an American Falls, Idaho newspaper.
Accusation and Accountability
A one-sided and pregidical notice recently appeared in a local newspaper. The following rebuttal was subsequently published in the Power County Press. I extend my sincere gratitude to the staff of that fine publication.
Rebuttal
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
Proverbs 18:17, English Standerd Version
In a small-town Idaho newspaper, a disparaging and one-sided hit piece was published. It is unclear who was responsible.
Aug. 27: A male was reported for yelling at people who entered the LDS Church. He was on public property and using his freedom of speech to speak/yell about anti-Mormonism. The police had no further involvement.
The Power County Press, American Falls, Idaho, September, 6, 2023
As reported, I was at that location when an American Falls Police Officer, Roberto Torres approached. He was very professional, and we enjoyed a brief and enjoyable visit while he resolved three critical concerns. First, he confirmed that I confined all my activities to the public street and sidewalk. Second, he confirmed that I was, in fact, not yelling at people. Third, he asked if I had used profanity, and I assured him that I had not. Once satisfied, Officer Torres returned from whence he came.
There is an ongoing pattern of note. Torres is the ninth police officer in six years to be sent by the Mormon church to arrest or drive me away. He will almost surely not be the last. At the Beehive House in Salt Lake City, and the temples in Pocatello and Ogden, the church sent their security guards to harass and persecute. They could not drive me away because I peacefully honor, obey, and sustain the law. On another occasion, the church charged me criminally in the Power County courts. When I refused to plead to a lesser charge and demanded a jury trial, all charges were dropped.
Jesus and the Apostles were persecuted by the temple guards, the Sanhedrin, and the Romans. My message to the Mormon people is this, send your Romans, send your temple guards, send your Pharisees. I, like Peter, John, Paul, and others who came before, will sound the message of Jesus in every ear.
As I reported to Officer Torres, I only spoke to those people who passed within twenty or thirty feet of where I stood. Then, I spoke the same words to every person, “If you have a moment, I would like to ask a question about your faith.” Only when a person agreed to dialogue and stood before me, did I speak of theology. And then, I spoke of the gospel of Jesus Christ in quiet, conversational tones.
Because of my Christian ministry to the Mormon people, several people indicated that they read this report and knew it was about me. Based on this false report, “to speak/yell about anti-Mormonism“, many believe I am aggressively attacking the Mormon church and its people. Others who read of this incident may attach this false characterization to biblical Christians in general. In either case, their assumptions will be understandable but demonstrably false.
Outside the Mormon church on August 27th, I had wonderful gospel discussions with three incredible young ladies and one impressive young man. These honest and loving people are the reason I share God’s good news outside Mormon churches.
Not all interactions are so uplifting. One angry man asked, “Would Jesus do what you are doing right now?” I responded, “Oh yes,” and proceeded to teach him how love drove Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, Silas, Barnabas, and others to enter the temple and Jewish synagogues where they shared the gospel. We spoke of love being the reason even though they were hated, beaten, tried, jailed, stoned, and killed. I assured him that I do the same thing for the exact same reason … LOVE!
By Way of Followup
Some months later, I had an opportunity to visit another Momon ward in another town.
Jesus and His followers frequented Jewish synagogues and the temple. Their purpose was to share the gospel of grace. Jesus’ followers were called to be fishers of men. Taking this commandment seriously, they went where lost people gathered. They fished where the fish were.
It is no different today. The Mormon people congregate at Mormon churches. As it was in Jesus’ time, so it is today. This video examines the objections we face and how we respond in love.
Ask Your Bishop is a service for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). We compare biblical versus Mormon doctrines, theologies, and practices. Then, we ask questions which request you bring to your Mormon Bishop. If your Bishop cannot answer reasonably, we pray you will contact us.
Correction:
- At 12:40, I said “command” and meant to say “confront”.
- At 13:14, I said “gospel” when I intended to say “synagogue”.
Summation
Why does the Mormon church object so strongly when it is they who refuse to follow the Mormon commandments?
7Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest. 8Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord. 9Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; 10And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.
Doctrine & Covenants 71:7-10
Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test.
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 16, p.46
Questions for Mormon Bishops
- As I follow the example of Jesus and the apostles, your church dials 911. Why?
- Why do you persecute me for following the commandment of Doctrine & Covenants 71?
- Why do you persecute me for following the counsel of Brigham Young?
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