Knock, Knock... Mormons are at the Door!

I have talked to a number of people in our area who have encountered Mormons coming to their door. Have you had a similar experience? Have you known that feeling that creeps up when you see them coming with their white shirt, dark coats, ties, and name badges?

Recently I met with two Mormon missionaries at my house at least 5 or 6 times over a span of about 3 months. It was very interesting and I really learned a lot about the Mormon faith. How would you like to have a couple of insights and next steps to make you feel more comfortable and confident the next time they come knocking?

Proper Perspective
A great way to show Christ in us and give hospitality is to have them sit down and give them something to drink. Even listening to their presentation for a few minutes is fine. But keep in mind, you will probably not change a Mormon’s mind about their faith but you can change their minds about Christians. Be Nice!

Preparation
Maybe you’re uncomfortable inviting them inside because you’re intimidated and not prepared to handle what they’re going to say. Or you might just be too busy. The first time they came to my house I was busy with kids and was not prepared to talk with them, so I just chatted for 2 minutes and then asked to make an appointment to talk at a later time. If you are interested in talking to them more, make sure you prepare. If you really don’t want to talk with them feel free to tell them you are secure in your own faith as a follower of Jesus Christ and are not interested in talking further, but be very hospitable yet firm.

A Different View of God
One card they try to play is that they are like any other Christian denomination, but then I asked them why they were talking to me because I am already a Christian. I think they see themselves as the real Christians and the rest of us are in need of correction, but they are not really open to correction themselves. They are not another Christian denomination; Mormonism was started because no other church was acceptable to God, according to Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormon faith) and what he claims God told him. Denominations might choose to declare their distinctives, but the issues that divide them are less serious than the very different claims of Mormonism. One very clear example: Mormons believe many gods exist in the universe (Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are separate beings; and God the Father also had a father, who had a father, etc.). Since the very beginning of Christianity, Christians have believed in one God (who had no beginning, no parentage, no partner, and who was not a human first before he became a god). The Trinity is not three gods with one purpose; it is three Persons co-existing in one Godhead. Students of Mormonism have pointed out that technically, Mormons seem to be closer to Greek mythology (with its multiple, human-like gods) than Christianity with our one and only one God. Mormons use much Christian terminology in their belief system, but mean very different things once you unpack the beliefs.

Propaganda
What it all came do to for the Mormon missionaries and their beliefs was a matter of blind faith. They just believe without questioning. I told them one of the things I really love about the true Christian faith is that it is both Faith and Reason (Acts 17 - Paul reasons with the Greek non-believers). When my Mormon friends were pushed on many of Mormonism's odd beliefs or differences between Mormonism and the Bible, like the Trinity, the three-ness in one Godhead - they just ignored it and said it didn’t really mean that. And they just went into the "I believe in Mormonism because I just believe" mode. Not really helpful, because we could all say that about our faith and then there would be no real dialogue.

Questions To Ask Mormons - Take the ball and start asking them questions about Mormonism be genuinely interested in their story but try to get them off their standard pitch. Things like:

1. “Are you really open to other truths and alternate points of view?” Unfortunately, I the guys I met with were not really open. When I asked them if they would change their beliefs they said “no”.

2. “Have you ever thought about changing your beliefs? Why or why not?” After all, they go door to door asking you to change your beliefs but are they willing to do the same?

3. “What areas of the Mormon faith do you struggle with?”
The missionaries I met with said they did not struggle with anything in their beliefs. That does not seem authentic to have absolutely no questions or struggles with faith. That sounds like blindness.

4. “If I don’t agree with your beliefs are you going to stop coming?” Unfortunately, after about 5 or 6 meetings, the Mormons that came to my house stopped meeting me because I wouldn’t believe as they did.

5. “Why should I believe the Mormon writings as scripture?” Again, they just believe because they believe. They say God gave Joseph Smith these writings and that is it. That is so different than our Bible (see “The Historical Reliability of the Gospels” - by Craig Blomberg).

6. “What do you think about the Trinity?” Mormons don’t believe in the Trinity, they believe in many gods. That is not the Christian faith. I have a great illustration you can use to show them the difference; it is called the “play-dough” illustration.

If you ever have more interest or need more help give me an email. I have actually met five or six Mormon Missionaries in the area and know a couple by name. You can tell them you attend Willow Creek Church and Ryan Boldt is the area pastor for your area. I will gladly come over and help you talk with them. I have other resources as well, if you need them.

A great next step in getting more familiar with the Bible and why we have confidence in it is our Biblical Literacy Classes. We even have trainers in the neighborhood that will train people in our area. See the blog entry below (Mar. 24th) about Biblical Literacy!

Ryan