Читать книгу Building Bridges Between Spirit-filled Christians and Latter-day Saints (Mormons): A Translation Guide for Born Again Spirit-filled Christians (Charismatics / Pentecostals / Renewalists and Third Wavers) and Latter-day Saints - Rob Ph.D Datsko - Страница 3

“I ain’t never going back there!” Depending on differing grammatical understandings, my Tennessee friend had either emphatically stated that:

(1)He was never going there again, or

(2)He was planning on going back.

Both of us spoke the same native tongue. Both of us understood each individual word spoken. But if I had been unaware of the differences in our cultural grammar, I would have understood him to be stating the opposite of what he actually meant. So it often is between Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and Spirit-filled Christians. Often the same words may be used, but with different and sometimes even opposite meanings for each group. Although these groups may share the same native mother tongue, Spirit-filled Christians and Latter-day Saints across the world speak a different spiritual language, sometimes expressing their beliefs in phrases that have totally different meanings to those of the other group. Despite minor belief differences within Spirit-filled Christians’ many types of churches across the world, they all speak basically the same spiritual language, which language can be quite different from that of many Latter-day Saints. To be able to communicate between the two groups, a basic understanding of the different thought processes and phraseology is important. Across the world, Spirit-filled Christians have their own unique spiritual vocabulary and cultural thought patterns, as do Latter-day Saints.

Unfortunately, since the language barrier is so great, there’s a compounded problem when trying to translate. When Latter-day Saint beliefs are explained in terms generally understood by Spirit-filled Christians, Latter-day Saints may feel their beliefs are being misrepresented, and may become offended. Likewise, when beliefs of Spirit-filled Christians are explained in terms that Latter-day Saints would understand, Spirit-filled Christians can become angry and upset, often feeling their beliefs are being ‘dumbed down’ and ridiculed. Our prayer is that instead of becoming offended or angry, each group will choose to press forward in “agape” love (“the pure love of Christ”), and begin to build better bridges of communication. May we all keep in the forefront of our minds 1 John 4:7-11:

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.)

For the remainder of this Guide, unless otherwise indicated, we have chosen to use the Old King James Version, as that is the version accepted as canon scripture by Latter-day Saints. However, in quoting scripture, the pronouns (He, His, etc.) will be capitalized to indicate Deity (God), as Spirit-filled Christians are accustomed to having this in all their scriptures, even in the Old King James Version.

Also, when quoting LDS scriptures, we will present them in a way that Spirit-filled Christians would be able to recognize as LDS canon. For example, the 4^th Article of Faith would be written as follows:

“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Articles of Faith 1:4)

This Guide in itself is an anomaly. Because all Latter-day Saints profess to believe in continuing (progressive) revelation, and Spirit-filled Christians also believe in unfolding revelation (that God continues to reveal truths about Himself), it seems presumptuous to attempt to define the various terms and beliefs. This book is only to be a springboard to help highlight major beliefs and cultural understandings. Generalizing can be used as a helpful tool for building bridges, which is our goal in writing this book. Obviously, we, as Christians, must ask each other to explain our individual beliefs. We must give opportunity to “bear testimony” to one another.

Both Spirit-filled Christians and Latter-day Saints believe that as disciples of Jesus Christ, they have the privilege and responsibility to share with everyone in the world the blessings that have come because of Jesus Christ, His supreme sacrifice at Calvary (“the Atonement”), and His resurrection from the dead. Both groups feel that because of the great love of Christ, there are things of value that can be a blessing in others’ lives. Both groups feel they have something to offer that they perceive as glaringly missing in the other group. We cannot say this strongly enough. Latter-day Saints believe they have great truths that they see are missing in the lives of Spirit-filled Christians. Likewise, Spirit-filled Christians believe they have great truths that they see are missing in the lives of Latter-day Saints. Both groups long to share these truths that they see as lacking, so that the others can have the fullness of God’s blessings in their lives. Both feel that plain and precious truths have been taken out of the pure Gospel, and that philosophies and traditions of man have been mingled with scripture, so that the other group has been hindered from receiving all that they could receive from the Lord. This book is based upon this premise.

The goal of this book is to highlight problem areas and provide tools so that miscommunication can be overcome between Spirit-filled Christians and Latter-day Saints. When we all can recognize and overcome the language and cultural barriers between these two groups, true Christ-honoring communication can occur. Only then can the pure love of Christ (“agape” love) and sweet fellowship in Christ prevail.

Another goal of this Guide is to let the pure truth of the Gospel shine forth so that all can partake of it. Therefore, we feel it is necessary to shine the spotlight on those aspects of our religious expressions and traditions that are more cultural than pure Gospel. We will refer to these as “sacred cows.” This is a cultural term widely used in Spirit-filled Christian religious circles. Our intention here is not to offend others. There’s nothing inherently wrong with having a “cow.” But whenever any group takes their “favorite cow”, and elevates it to a level equal to the Gospel, problems occur. First, there’s always the problem of idolatry. Second, “sacred cows” consume spiritual food that should have been available for hungry people. Those who are starving are then unable to partake and be nourished by God’s word. And third, “sacred cows” trample the ground, making it hardened, inhibiting harvests for future generations. Ignoring “sacred cows” does more harm than good. Therefore, we have made a calculated choice to shine the light on these “sacred cows,” which are cultural traditions that may cause others to stumble. If something is a “sacred cow,” it should be recognized as such, and dealt with. If it is truly an integral part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it will give life, and is therefore not a “sacred cow.”

Throughout this Guide, to help clarify LDS beliefs, we will refer to the LDS Bible Dictionary and True to the Faith; a Gospel Reference. These are both considered by LDS to be authoritative sources. True to the Faith is “designed as a companion to your study of the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets.” The Bible Dictionary is included with the LDS scriptures. Both are published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

May the Holy Spirit guide and unfold revelation to each person who reads these pages, we pray, in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.