Mormon missionaries (church, LDS, bible, protestant, faith)

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by *Paul*

Now one of my bosses has turned out to be LDs and an "ex christian" at that. I had a conversation with her in which she went on to tell me how she came to believe the book of mormon was the truth.

First off, if she is LDS, she's not an ex-Christian. What makes you think she no longer believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and her Savior?

Well, I have never had to deal with a missionary before, could anyone tell me what to expect from them? I know my bible very well but is there a particular methodolgy they adopt like the JWs do (end times)?

In all liklihood, the missionaries will not adopt any specific "methodology." They generally teach by the Spirit, which is the only way to teach. Unless you turn the discussion into a debate, it probably won't ever become one. They will present specific material and invite you to express your opinion on it. The may raise questions for you to think about, and they will definitely want to pray with you and encourage you to pray about the message they leave with you. It should all be rather painless.

I am happy to talk to them and I will try to convert them to the truth in the process.

Clearly, your mind is made up. I don't even know why you're wasting their time. It would be highly unlikely that they will condemn you for feeling as you do or try to out-argue you. All in all, I suspect that the experience will be a big disappointment for everybody.

[Terrywoodenpic]

You will find they are the most polite people who ever knocked on your door.

I think they are always pleased to find that some one has a strong faith.
They will say what they have been taught in a very professional manner .
they will leave with out protest when asked.

The first couple that called at my door were very new to their task and were easily put out of their stride by questions, and sometimes had difficulty getting back on track.
More experienced ones take that in their stride.

Any which way you will learn something if you ask questions.

Don't expect answers with the expertise of Katzpur though

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Terrywoodenpic

You will find they are the most polite people who ever knocked on your door.

Awww, Terry, you're too kind.

I think they are always pleased to find that some one has a strong faith.
They will say what they have been taught in a very professional manner .
they will leave with out protest when asked.

The first couple that called at my door were very new to their task and were easily put out of their stride by questions, and sometimes had difficulty getting back on track.
More experienced ones take that in their stride.

I don't know how long ago it was that you were visited by the LDS missionaries, but if it's been a long time, things have probably changed quite a bit. When my husband was a missionary forty-five or so years ago, he had a script which had to be memorized verbatim. He asked the questions and the people he was teaching gave their answers. If they gave the "wrong" answers (i.e. the answers that didn't lead the discussion in the direction the missionaries wanted it to go), the question was rephrased. Eventually, the person being taught would give the "right" answer, and the conversation could proceed. A lot has changed since then. The missionary discussions are nowhere near as "rigid" as they used to be. The missionaries are taught to teach what the Spirit prompts them to teach, while covering certain material, of course. But there are no longer "wrong" answers or a prescribed format in which everything must be presented. I think it's much better the way it's done nowadays.

Any which way you will learn something if you ask questions.

I've got to disagree here. People who are determined not to learn, seldom do. They merely ask questions and try to formulate their next argument while you are answering.

Don't expect answers with the expertise of Katzpur though

Unfortunately I have a few years on them. We all know how wise old people are. (Very sweet of you, though, Terry!)

[porkchop]

Ok, it was me, not *paul* who said itd be fun. Seriously, do you still not get me on here? I was being sarcastic, my usual way, of course its not gonna be fun. I was the one who invited them to come back cause we were busy and i think its rude to say go away so i said they could come another time, we'd be happy to speak to them, i do hope it goes well, me and paul like to discuss religion with anyone so, in that case, maybe it will be fun! Will keep you posted!
Hey, were'd all the prodestants go???!!!!

[*Paul*]

[quote]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

First off, if she is LDS, she's not an ex-Christian. What makes you think she no longer believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and her Savior?

Did you notice I used these : " ". They were her words not mine.

Clearly, your mind is made up. I don't even know why you're wasting their time.

It is an opportunity for me to try to help them.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by *Paul*

Did you notice I used these : " ". They were her words not mine.

Actually, I didn't notice them; Thanks for pointing that out. Nevertheless, I can assure you that no convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that he or she left Christianity to become LDS. If she used the phrase "ex-Christian" it was obviously tongue-in-cheek or because she knows that you don't believe she is still a Christian.

It is an opportunity for me to try to help them.

Well, it strikes me as entirely disingenuous. Do the missionaries know that you just want to argue with them and that you are "already forming your arguments"? These young men are devoting two years of their lives to sharing the gospel with people who actually have an interest in hearing it and who aren't just looking for a fight. What you are doing is self-serving. Period.

[Polaris]

Originally Posted by Paul

Well, I have never had to deal with a missionary before, could anyone tell me what to expect from them?

That will depend to a certain extent on the missionaries. While the message they bring and the spirit in which they bring it is the same, the method in which they deliver their message and respond to your "questions" will vary considerably.

Inexperienced missionaries may have a hard time answering difficult questions and will likely leave with a plain and simple testimony of what they believe to be true. More experienced ones will attempt to address your concerns until they see that you have no desire to hear them out with an open mind. If they see that you are only interested in catching them in some trap like the Pharisies often did with Christ, they likely will not humor you and will respectfully end the discussion. Missionaries are taught not to bible-bash (get into heated bible debates) because the spirit of contention is not compatible with the spirit of God. That being said, there are however missionaries that do engage in bible debates that are profitable to no one.

I realize you aren't going into this with the purpose of investigating the LDS church, but I hope you'll have enough courtesy to at least hear them out with somewhat of an open mind. As long as you remain respectful and sincere they will make an honest effort to answer your questions and help you feel the spirit of God. Remember they're 19-20 year old young men who are selflessly volunteering their time and doing this work out of love.

[jonny]

I agree that a lot depends on the personality of the missionaries. I hated "bible bashing" and wouldn't get into it. When people would start "testifying" to me, I'd just keep my mouth shut until they finished, say "thank you," and continue. I had one companion who really liked bible bashing. I actually fell asleep during one disussion I was so bored (it ended up going on for hours, so give me a break). The guy was getting his doctrate in philosophy and analyzed every word we said. I could barely speak german at the time, so I think he was analyzing my word choice way too much.

In any case, if people were hostile towards the church or its message, we rarely ever returned again. We were too busy to waste our time.

I would ask the missionaries about the apostasy quote. They'll probably be impressed that you actually read the book. I'm impressed that, considering how "wrong" we are, that was the only thing in the entire book that you were horribly offended by.