For the second year in a row, Anchorage Daily News Church Visits blogger Chris Thompson has published an annual assessment of the outreach capabilities of the churches he's visited in Anchorage, Alaska during 2009. His post is entitled "Ten Things I’d Like to See More Anchorage Churches Confront in 2010". It appears my response to his 2008 assessment also attracted his attention; he states that "a Mormon-centric blog felt compelled to respond with a self-congratulating post stating all my concerns would likely be met in one of their churches".
While I certainly would hope that all his concerns would met by a visit to a typical LDS Church service, I certainly hadn't intended to give him the impression that I was "self-congratulating". I believe there is always room for improvement. So I am replicating his top ten points below, along with my assessment of where we stand. The ratings begin after the jump.
Showing posts with label outreach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outreach. Show all posts
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
An Antidote To Gay-Straight Clubs: Christie Richmond Forms A "Mormon Club" At La Jolla High School In California
America's high schools have become inundated with so-called "Gay-Straight Clubs", around 3,500 nationwide at last count, which allegedly promote nothing more than "tolerance and understanding" between the straight community and the gay community (often referred to by the tongue-twisting acronym of "GLBTQ", which sounds more like a specialty sandwich from Burger King). Efforts to stymie the proliferation of these clubs have been hindered by the provisions of the Federal Equal Access Act, which requires schools to allow student clubs to be organized as long as attendance is voluntary, the group is student-initiated, the group is not officially sponsored by the school, the group is not disruptive, and they don't allow outsiders to acquire a controlling interest or engage in regular attendance. The only lawful alternative is if a school bans all student clubs.
However, if you can't beat them, you can instead compete against them, according to La Jolla (CA) High School student Christie Richmond. While she's taken no public position on gay-straight clubs, she decided to form a Mormon club on campus to address the growing public misperceptions about Mormonism. The full story of her accomplishments is published by the La Jolla Light (La Jolla is a suburb of San Diego for the geographically-challenged).
Richmond followed all the instructions. First, she circulated a petition; 100 signatures were required. After she got 260 signatures, the club was approved, and 60 people showed up at its first weekly meeting. Any La Jolla student is welcome to join the club.
Typically, the club leadership presents topics like the First Vision or topics out of the pamphlet "For the Strength of Youth" (a pamphlet of standards to guide Mormon youths, leaders and parents; HTML copy HERE, 47-page PDF copy HERE). On one occasion, a couple of full-time missionaries attended to explain their role. But they also plan social activities for club members where LDS standards of behavior are observed to show that people can have a good time while upholding LDS church standards. And it's not all funeral potatoes and green jello, either; pizza is frequently on the menu.
The Mormon Club is relatively new, since it is not yet listed on the school's list of student clubs, although a gay-straight club exists, as well as a branch of the controversial M.E.Ch.A., known colloquially as the "Mechistas", considered by some to be a Latino supremacist group (a student does not have to be Latino to join it, though).
Some anti-Mormons, particularly ex-Mormons who won't let go of the Church, will undoubtedly take issue with this club, claiming it's a mechanism for proselytization. Well, so what if it is; proselytization is free speech, and all religions are entitled to compete for adherents. Free speech applies to ALL, not just to those with whom we agree. But the primary purpose of this club is information, although some conversions may eventually result. Ex-Mormons need to understand that just because Mormonism didn't work for them doesn't mean it doesn't work period; millions continue to find spiritual satisfaction within the ranks of the Church, and ex-Mormons need to show more respect for those who choose to remain within the Church (in return, we can be less judgmental of those who leave).
Nevertheless, the creation of a Mormon Club, as well as any other religious clubs on high school campuses, will serve as a valuable and welcome counterweight to the proliferation of gay-straight clubs nationwide. If you can't beat them, compete against them.
However, if you can't beat them, you can instead compete against them, according to La Jolla (CA) High School student Christie Richmond. While she's taken no public position on gay-straight clubs, she decided to form a Mormon club on campus to address the growing public misperceptions about Mormonism. The full story of her accomplishments is published by the La Jolla Light (La Jolla is a suburb of San Diego for the geographically-challenged).
Richmond followed all the instructions. First, she circulated a petition; 100 signatures were required. After she got 260 signatures, the club was approved, and 60 people showed up at its first weekly meeting. Any La Jolla student is welcome to join the club.
Typically, the club leadership presents topics like the First Vision or topics out of the pamphlet "For the Strength of Youth" (a pamphlet of standards to guide Mormon youths, leaders and parents; HTML copy HERE, 47-page PDF copy HERE). On one occasion, a couple of full-time missionaries attended to explain their role. But they also plan social activities for club members where LDS standards of behavior are observed to show that people can have a good time while upholding LDS church standards. And it's not all funeral potatoes and green jello, either; pizza is frequently on the menu.
The Mormon Club is relatively new, since it is not yet listed on the school's list of student clubs, although a gay-straight club exists, as well as a branch of the controversial M.E.Ch.A., known colloquially as the "Mechistas", considered by some to be a Latino supremacist group (a student does not have to be Latino to join it, though).
Some anti-Mormons, particularly ex-Mormons who won't let go of the Church, will undoubtedly take issue with this club, claiming it's a mechanism for proselytization. Well, so what if it is; proselytization is free speech, and all religions are entitled to compete for adherents. Free speech applies to ALL, not just to those with whom we agree. But the primary purpose of this club is information, although some conversions may eventually result. Ex-Mormons need to understand that just because Mormonism didn't work for them doesn't mean it doesn't work period; millions continue to find spiritual satisfaction within the ranks of the Church, and ex-Mormons need to show more respect for those who choose to remain within the Church (in return, we can be less judgmental of those who leave).
Nevertheless, the creation of a Mormon Club, as well as any other religious clubs on high school campuses, will serve as a valuable and welcome counterweight to the proliferation of gay-straight clubs nationwide. If you can't beat them, compete against them.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
YouTube Video: The Growth Of The LDS Church From 1847-2007 Represented Graphically
The following YouTube video created in 2007 shows the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints graphically from the time the Mormons arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 until 2007. You'll see with the passage of time graphic representations of new stakes popping up in different parts of the world:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqG_LM7Ls8
Note that up until World War I, most of the Church's growth took place in the Intermountain West of the U.S., with some nominal growth in Mexico, the Eastern U.S., and coastal Western Europe, primarily the British Isles and Scandinavia.
After World War I, growth began to increase along the West Coast of the U.S., in the Eastern U.S., and continued in Western Europe, but did not stray far beyond those regions. This indicates that although World War I disrupted the old order of nations, it did not bring about a general spread of democracy. The doors to Gospel penetration were ajar, but not fully opened. It took the far more devastating World War II to knock out many more of the vestiges of totalitarianism, although Russia and China remained totalitarian thereafter.
After World War II, growth in the Eastern U.S. became significant, and spread further into Western Europe up to the borders of the Iron Curtain. Japan and Australia/New Zealand began to take off, and steady growth began in South America. The Church then took off in the Phillipines. After the fall of Russian Communism in 1992, growth began in the former Warsaw Pact nations and in European Russia.
There remains three major areas with little to no Gospel penetration; India, China, and the Middle East. The Middle East remains the greatest source of instability in the world, while China is enigmatic. The appointment of Jon Huntsman Jr., an active Latter-day Saint, as ambassador to China could prove to be a pivotal event in world history. Whether China loosens up and eventually allows Gospel penetration, or closes up and becomes revanchist may significantly depend upon how Huntsman handles his job, in addition to the policies ordered by whoever the President is. The inexperience of Barack Obama remains a major concern.
Latter-day Saints believe the Lord uses war to open up nations to Gospel penetration. We lucked out when war wasn't needed to open up Russia. Will we luck out again and open up China without needing war? Many, both LDS and non-LDS alike, have had visions of a World War III in which Russia and China combine to attack the United States. While there's no immediate danger of such a conflict, it is not impossible in the future. Bringing the Gospel to the nations can civilize them and reduce the likelihood of conflict. Many believe the demise of the Soviet bloc actually began with the dedication of the LDS temple in Freiberg, Germany in 1985. Freiberg was in East Germany at that time. Five years later, the two Germanies united. Accident? Coincidence? Not!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqG_LM7Ls8
Note that up until World War I, most of the Church's growth took place in the Intermountain West of the U.S., with some nominal growth in Mexico, the Eastern U.S., and coastal Western Europe, primarily the British Isles and Scandinavia.
After World War I, growth began to increase along the West Coast of the U.S., in the Eastern U.S., and continued in Western Europe, but did not stray far beyond those regions. This indicates that although World War I disrupted the old order of nations, it did not bring about a general spread of democracy. The doors to Gospel penetration were ajar, but not fully opened. It took the far more devastating World War II to knock out many more of the vestiges of totalitarianism, although Russia and China remained totalitarian thereafter.
After World War II, growth in the Eastern U.S. became significant, and spread further into Western Europe up to the borders of the Iron Curtain. Japan and Australia/New Zealand began to take off, and steady growth began in South America. The Church then took off in the Phillipines. After the fall of Russian Communism in 1992, growth began in the former Warsaw Pact nations and in European Russia.
There remains three major areas with little to no Gospel penetration; India, China, and the Middle East. The Middle East remains the greatest source of instability in the world, while China is enigmatic. The appointment of Jon Huntsman Jr., an active Latter-day Saint, as ambassador to China could prove to be a pivotal event in world history. Whether China loosens up and eventually allows Gospel penetration, or closes up and becomes revanchist may significantly depend upon how Huntsman handles his job, in addition to the policies ordered by whoever the President is. The inexperience of Barack Obama remains a major concern.
Latter-day Saints believe the Lord uses war to open up nations to Gospel penetration. We lucked out when war wasn't needed to open up Russia. Will we luck out again and open up China without needing war? Many, both LDS and non-LDS alike, have had visions of a World War III in which Russia and China combine to attack the United States. While there's no immediate danger of such a conflict, it is not impossible in the future. Bringing the Gospel to the nations can civilize them and reduce the likelihood of conflict. Many believe the demise of the Soviet bloc actually began with the dedication of the LDS temple in Freiberg, Germany in 1985. Freiberg was in East Germany at that time. Five years later, the two Germanies united. Accident? Coincidence? Not!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Barna Group Survey Shows That Only 4 Out Of 10 Christian Respondents Consider Mormons To Be Christian
In two separate waves of telephonic interviews of 1,871 adults, the first consisting of 873 interviews in January and February 2008, and the second consisting of 998 interviews in November 2008, The Barna Group surveyed religious attitudes among people who described themselves as "Christian".
The major findings of the survey:
-- 78 percent of respondents believe that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe.
-- Only 35 percent of respondents, to one degree or another, believe that Satan is a real entity.
-- 55 percent of respondents, to one degree or another, believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while on earth.
-- Only 34 percent of respondents, to one degree or another, believe that the Holy Ghost is a real entity.
But what's of greater interest to those of us within the LDS community is the attitude of the greater Christian community towards Mormonism. This attitude was also surveyed, and the following findings published:
It is possible that some of the survey respondents were Mormon, although respondents were not categorized by denomination.
The Barna Group, Ltd. is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization based in Ventura, California, that conducts primary research on a wide range of issues and products, produces resources pertaining to cultural change, leadership and spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries.
Prognosis: After all these years, only 4 out of 10 Christians unequivocally believe that Mormons are Christian. Is this really an issue worth addressing? I think so, since our Church is named after Jesus Christ, and we confess that Jesus is the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. That sounds pretty doggone Christian to me. What we need to be doing is looking at ourselves and making sure we are not materially contributing to the perception that we're not Christian.
And there are four areas in which we could be maximizing our efforts:
(1). Connect more directly and explicitly with the Bible. Although the Eighth Article of Faith proclaims the equality of the Bible with the Book of Mormon, many Christians believe the Book of Mormon takes precedence, partially because of the "so far as it is translated correctly" clause. This clause is merely an explanatory clause and NOT a conditional clause. We must also show a better Biblical connection to some of our more unique doctrines, such as plurality of Gods (see this previous post for an example). First use the Bible to reach other Christians, then deploy the Book of Mormon.
(2). Acknowledge the existence of truth within other belief systems. We teach that the LDS Church is the only true church upon the face of the earth. However, it is not the only church with truth. Just as all the stars in the sky have varying degrees of brightness or magnitude, so all the religions on the earth have varying degrees of truth.
(3). Respect other traditions. Other traditions are NOT evil merely because they're different. A Wicca ceremony which summons Satan is undoubtedly evil, but the Catholic practice of infant baptism, while unsupported by scripture, should NOT be characterized as evil. Although it is not a baptism, it may well confer some degree of spiritual protection upon the infant, in much the same fashion as our blessing of babies every Fast Sunday confers protection. We Mormons also need to cure ourselves of our phobia against the cross.
(4). Direct discussion away from technicalities and trivialities. Some Christians think we're not Christian because "we believe in a different Jesus". They try to substantiate their claim by dredging up and cherry-picking old opinion statements from non-doctrinal sources like the Journal of Discourses where long-dead prophets opined that the Father came down and procreated directly with Mary to produce Jesus' mortal tabernacle. There is nothing in the four standard works of the Church which substantiate that statement; all we know doctrinally is that Jesus' mortal tabernacle was produced through the power of the Holy Ghost. We do NOT need to know more about that to achieve salvation.
Besides, what saves us is not the construction of Jesus' mortal tabernacle, but His actions at Gethsemane and Calvary, and His resurrection. The bottom line - since "our" Jesus did the same thing as "their" Jesus, "our" Jesus is NO different than "their" Jesus.
If we maximize our efforts in the four suggested areas above, we will not necessarily bring around the 3 out of 10 who don't believe we're Christian. But we will start to bring around the 3 out of 10 who are not sure. And that will be the start of real progress towards permanently vanquishing negative biases and stereotypes about Mormonism.
The major findings of the survey:
-- 78 percent of respondents believe that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe.
-- Only 35 percent of respondents, to one degree or another, believe that Satan is a real entity.
-- 55 percent of respondents, to one degree or another, believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while on earth.
-- Only 34 percent of respondents, to one degree or another, believe that the Holy Ghost is a real entity.
But what's of greater interest to those of us within the LDS community is the attitude of the greater Christian community towards Mormonism. This attitude was also surveyed, and the following findings published:
Survey respondents were asked whether they believed that Mormons are Christians. Mormons themselves claim to be Christian, but most evangelical leaders say that they are not. There was no clear-cut perspective among the self-described Christians: four out of ten felt Mormons were Christian (18% strongly agreed, 21% somewhat agreed), three out of ten disagreed (17% strongly, 12% somewhat), and three out of ten were not sure what to think.
It is possible that some of the survey respondents were Mormon, although respondents were not categorized by denomination.
The Barna Group, Ltd. is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization based in Ventura, California, that conducts primary research on a wide range of issues and products, produces resources pertaining to cultural change, leadership and spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries.
Prognosis: After all these years, only 4 out of 10 Christians unequivocally believe that Mormons are Christian. Is this really an issue worth addressing? I think so, since our Church is named after Jesus Christ, and we confess that Jesus is the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. That sounds pretty doggone Christian to me. What we need to be doing is looking at ourselves and making sure we are not materially contributing to the perception that we're not Christian.
And there are four areas in which we could be maximizing our efforts:
(1). Connect more directly and explicitly with the Bible. Although the Eighth Article of Faith proclaims the equality of the Bible with the Book of Mormon, many Christians believe the Book of Mormon takes precedence, partially because of the "so far as it is translated correctly" clause. This clause is merely an explanatory clause and NOT a conditional clause. We must also show a better Biblical connection to some of our more unique doctrines, such as plurality of Gods (see this previous post for an example). First use the Bible to reach other Christians, then deploy the Book of Mormon.
(2). Acknowledge the existence of truth within other belief systems. We teach that the LDS Church is the only true church upon the face of the earth. However, it is not the only church with truth. Just as all the stars in the sky have varying degrees of brightness or magnitude, so all the religions on the earth have varying degrees of truth.
(3). Respect other traditions. Other traditions are NOT evil merely because they're different. A Wicca ceremony which summons Satan is undoubtedly evil, but the Catholic practice of infant baptism, while unsupported by scripture, should NOT be characterized as evil. Although it is not a baptism, it may well confer some degree of spiritual protection upon the infant, in much the same fashion as our blessing of babies every Fast Sunday confers protection. We Mormons also need to cure ourselves of our phobia against the cross.
(4). Direct discussion away from technicalities and trivialities. Some Christians think we're not Christian because "we believe in a different Jesus". They try to substantiate their claim by dredging up and cherry-picking old opinion statements from non-doctrinal sources like the Journal of Discourses where long-dead prophets opined that the Father came down and procreated directly with Mary to produce Jesus' mortal tabernacle. There is nothing in the four standard works of the Church which substantiate that statement; all we know doctrinally is that Jesus' mortal tabernacle was produced through the power of the Holy Ghost. We do NOT need to know more about that to achieve salvation.
Besides, what saves us is not the construction of Jesus' mortal tabernacle, but His actions at Gethsemane and Calvary, and His resurrection. The bottom line - since "our" Jesus did the same thing as "their" Jesus, "our" Jesus is NO different than "their" Jesus.
If we maximize our efforts in the four suggested areas above, we will not necessarily bring around the 3 out of 10 who don't believe we're Christian. But we will start to bring around the 3 out of 10 who are not sure. And that will be the start of real progress towards permanently vanquishing negative biases and stereotypes about Mormonism.
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