LDS). Even the Broadway musical hit “The Book of Mormon” portrays LDS as kind, loving and dedicated Christians; true followers of Jesus Christ.
However, many scientific polls have highlighted the fact that people often do not believe that Mormons are Christians. For example, Lifeway indicated, “Most Protestant pastors feel strongly that Mormons are not Christians. 75% strongly disagree Mormons are Christians; 11% somewhat agree Mormons are Christians; 6% strongly agree Mormons are Christians; and 9% do not know.” (Charisma Magazine, December 2011 pg. 16)
Spirit-filled Christians adamantly maintain that LDS are not Christians based upon the language barrier and some of these ‘seemingly’ minor issues. From a SFC perspective, these ‘minor’ issues stem from a root problem with LDS beliefs. To SFC, they seem to be definitely not Christ-centered and Christ-focused, and therefore not Christian.
Deeply rooted within Spirit-filled Christians’ resistance to these seemingly minor issues is Paul’s injunction to the Galatians:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty” (Galatians 5:13)
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you … Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:1-2)
Spirit-filled Christians feel strongly that it is vital to separate that which is true Gospel from that which is good and generally accepted within a culture. They feel it is important to never teach as Gospel truth that which is philosophies of men mingled with scripture. Mixing culture in with Gospel truths dilutes the pure Gospel, which is repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Spirit-filled Christians have a strong belief that the Christian Gospel is a worldwide Gospel. They feel nothing must ever be taught that would not apply throughout the entire world for every culture, all of the time. And if something was taught as Gospel truth, and later it was found to not apply to the entire human race, there must be public acknowledgement and repentance by the spiritual leaders. This also applies to things in church history. This is a deeply held belief within the SFC community. After an error (by an individual or a group) has been acknowledged and public repentance has been made, then SFC feel the pure Gospel can again go forth unhindered.
Latter-day Saint prophets regularly teach that cultures are different, and it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of the local Church leaders. They believe that local leaders are given inspiration from the Holy Spirit to (when necessary) adapt what is taught to respect local cultures and customs. Because this disclaimer is not always clear, Spirit-filled Christians struggle with feeling that the Holy Spirit was ignored by the LDS when things are taught that may not apply to every human being throughout the entire world. Several examples are listed later in this chapter.
LDS feel that their Prophet will never speak anything wrong. They believe it is obvious that the Holy Spirit will inspire when changes need to be made. It would be dishonoring to ask a prophet or apostle to publicly repent for a teaching or action that may not seem to other people to have been perfect. LDS also feel that, as a people, our perfection is gradual, over a period of time. They see no conflict in stating that what the prophets and apostles speak comes from God Himself, even though there may be times or places that these statements may not totally apply. Again, we have listed some examples below.
SFC believe that these perfectly fine cultural practices – when they are taught as Gospel truths – are the equivalent of teaching falsehoods and priestcrafts. However, SFC do not use the LDS term “priestcrafts,” SFC would instead call them “teachings from Satan.” Although these types of things seem rather inconsequential to most LDS, because of the strong international mindset of SFC, they can present a real struggle for many in the SFC community. Several examples are:
1)LDS Culture: “Thee” and “Thou” are the proper way to address God.
Tenet: The proper way to address God is with words of reverence, honor, respect and love.
For the LDS, Thee and Thou are terms of reverence, love, honor and respect. The majority of the world does not speak English, though, and “Thee” and “Thou” are formal English words. For Spirit-filled Christians, teaching the need to use these words is wrong, and is considered teaching philosophies of men mingled with scripture. In French the formal “Vous” would not be used to address God, since it carries a sense of distance. The less formal “Tu” would be used since it implies love and a close relationship. For many SFC who speak post-1611 English, “Thee” and “Thou” may imply a Personage who is distant and uncaring. Since God addresses Satan using the term “Thee” (see Job 1:7-12; Job 2:2-6; Isaiah 14:12-20; Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8), many modern English speaking SFC may view using “Thee” as less loving or honoring a term than the more personal and endearing “You.” So although SFC would have no trouble with someone addressing the Lord using the terms “Thee” and “Thou”, teaching this as a Gospel doctrine would make SFC feel that LDS were introducing stumbling blocks, since Jesus didn’t even speak English. Additionally, most of the world today does not speak English, and certainly not King James English.
2)LDS Culture: There is certain proper attire for church services. For LDS men, it is a (white) shirt and tie, and/or a suit. For LDS women, it is a dress or skirt.
These cultural dress standards also include teachings regarding earrings, hair, sandals, etc.
Tenet: The LDS Church publication For the Strength of Youth states, “Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly.”
The proper attire for church services would be modest attire, worn with the accompanying attitude of reverence. Therefore, proper attire for church could include everything from robes and wraps (like skirts) for men to silk pants and tunics or saris worn by women. Spirit-filled Christians often understand the LDS belief that appropriate modest clothing should cover the shoulders and midsections of both men and women. The problem occurs when Western types of clothing (like skirts and dresses or white shirts) are taught as a Gospel truth, rather than as a personal belief. Although SFC could understand the concept of avoiding extremes in dress as a way to honor God, extolling Western cultural examples would be considered prideful. It if doesn’t apply to the whole world; from the very wealthy to the poorest of the poor; if it doesn’t apply to every tongue, tribe and nation, for SFC, it’s not part of the Gospel. For example; poor believers in third world countries may only own one pair of sandals. Spirit-filled Christians would struggle with any teachings on clothing, feeling “You’re leaving Jesus out of the picture!”
Most SFC do believe in giving your “best” to God, although this is sometimes interpreted to mean “come as you are, without pretension.” For SFC, proper clothing is never to be the focus; Jesus is to be the focus. Jesus has often appeared to Spirit-filled Christians in modern-day visions wearing a robe, not a shirt and tie. Many SFC may view wearing casual clothing (like Jesus wore) as honorable, as it is an indication that one is not trying to put on airs when coming before the Lord.
Both LDS and SFC understand it is important to humble yourself and not be proud, especially regarding clothing.
3)LDS Culture: There are certain rules pertaining to keeping the Sabbath. For example, it is improper to go boating or swimming on the Sabbath.
Tenet: “Because the Sabbath is a holy day, it should be reserved for worthy and holy activities. Abstaining from work and recreation is not enough. In fact, if
