In a Press Release by the LDS Church on their website on April 18, 2008 titled Respect for Diversity of Faiths, this church has explained how God works with others outside the limited membership of the LDS faith:
“We honor and respect sincere souls from all religions, no matter where or when they
lived, who have loved God, even without having the fullness of the gospel. We lift our
voices in gratitude for their selflessness and courage. We embrace them as brothers
and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. … He hears the prayers of the humble
and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and
honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments.”
lived, who have loved God, even without having the fullness of the gospel. We lift our
voices in gratitude for their selflessness and courage. We embrace them as brothers
and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. … He hears the prayers of the humble
and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and
honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments.”
The late Krister Stendahl, emeritus Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm and professor emeritus
of Harvard Divinity School, established three rules for religious understanding:
(1) When you are trying to understand another religion, you should ask the adherents of
that religion and not its enemies; (2) don’t compare your best to their worst; and
(3) leave room for “holy envy” by finding elements in other faiths to emulate. These
principles foster relationships between religions that build trust and lay the groundwork
for charitable efforts.
The spiritual and physical needs of the world require goodwill and cooperation among
different faiths. Each of them makes a valuable contribution to the larger community of
believers. In the words of early Church apostle Orson F. Whitney, “God is using more
than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day
Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.” Thus, members of
the Church do not view fellow believers around the world as adversaries or competitors,
but as partners in the many causes for good in the world. For example, the Church has
joined forces with Catholic Relief Services[.]”
different faiths. Each of them makes a valuable contribution to the larger community of
believers. In the words of early Church apostle Orson F. Whitney, “God is using more
than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day
Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.” Thus, members of
the Church do not view fellow believers around the world as adversaries or competitors,
but as partners in the many causes for good in the world. For example, the Church has
joined forces with Catholic Relief Services[.]”
Krister Stendahl’s three rules for religious understanding are ones we all should apply.
In particular, LDS members should accept them when viewing others who do not share their understanding of latter-day history, scripture or doctrine. Tolerance for differences is a
customary courtesy. But, increasingly, tolerance for a different view of LDS history is met
with closed minds, open mouths, and insulting questions about motives and ambitions. It is
just possible that a difference in viewpoint can be the product of sincere inquiry, humble
acceptance, and broken hearts by those seeking.
In particular, LDS members should accept them when viewing others who do not share their understanding of latter-day history, scripture or doctrine. Tolerance for differences is a
customary courtesy. But, increasingly, tolerance for a different view of LDS history is met
with closed minds, open mouths, and insulting questions about motives and ambitions. It is
just possible that a difference in viewpoint can be the product of sincere inquiry, humble
acceptance, and broken hearts by those seeking.
Similarly, the acknowledgement that “God is using more than one people for the
accomplishment of his great and marvelous work” should limit LDS criticism of all others,
including those who believe in the restoration and accept Joseph as a prophet of God.
This certainly allows for the possibility God will do something more with someone else.
accomplishment of his great and marvelous work” should limit LDS criticism of all others,
including those who believe in the restoration and accept Joseph as a prophet of God.
This certainly allows for the possibility God will do something more with someone else.