Mormon attitudes to other faiths
Mormon attitudes to other faiths
Mormons do not believe that they are the only people inspired by God and so have a tolerant attitude to other faiths.
Although Mormons are certain that their Church teaches the true doctrines of salvation, they don't see it as the only teacher of truth.
They believe that there is truth in many religions and philosophies, and that the teachings of many different great religious leaders have raised the spiritual and moral awareness of humanity.
They see all human beings as children of the Father in heaven, regardless of their beliefs.
This is demonstrated in the eleventh of their Articles of Faith:
We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.Article 11 of the Articles of Faith
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suffered greatly from religious intolerance in the early days, and so it's not surprising that Church members are entirely against persecuting other faiths.
All Church members, including missionaries, are expected to be sensitive and respectful toward the beliefs of others and to avoid giving offence.
The only true church
If Mormons accept that other faiths have lots of good things, how can they believe that they are the only true church?
When Mormons refer to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the only true church, they mean that it is the only church with the authority to administer the ordinances of salvation, and the only church led by Jesus Christ, through the earthly ministries of prophets and Apostles.
Official statement
In 1978 the Church's First Presidency issued a statement that:
- All human beings are children of God and therefore brothers and sisters
- The only way to obtain a fullness of joy is through the gospel as restored to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Everyone will have the opportunity to accept the gospel, if not in mortality, then in the life to come
- Great religious leaders of the world received "a portion of God's light".
- These leaders and others were given moral truths by God "to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals."
This statement was not a blanket approval of every doctrine of every faith. There are many religious ideas in the world that Latter-day Saints disapprove of; but they are expected to disapprove of them tolerantly and respectfully.
A controversial doctrine
Mormons believe that God's plan of salvation includes nonbelievers and believers, as well as those who have never heard of Jesus Christ.
They believe that members of other faiths will have the opportunity to learn the true gospel of Jesus Christ after their earthly deaths. They will be able to accept or reject that gospel.
Members of other faiths will also have the chance to accept or reject the covenants and ordinances of salvation performed for them by proxy on earth.
Useful quotations
Gerald E Jones wrote:
I believe that we owe respect to all churches and organisations that lead men to act more righteously than they otherwise might, even if they don't hold the keys of salvation and even if there is much error in their teachings. Latter-day Saints should not look on other churches as totally false.Gerald E. Jones
The founder of the Church, Joseph Smith, said:
While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the Universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; he views them as his offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men.Joseph Smith