While at a major intersection in Visalia yesterday, two Mormon missionaries were on the side of the road waiting to cross. As I do with regularity, I waved and they waved back with a smile. I'm not sure if they thought that I was a Mormon and giving them an "atta' boy" wave but I really don't care. I wave at Mormon missionaries because they're nice. During my morning run a couple of weeks ago, I stopped and talked with a couple of missionaries who had stopped to re-adjust their backpacks. Great guys. One was from New Mexico and the other was from South America. No spiritual views were discussed. Just pleasantries...with a smile. Those of us in the non-Mormon world could learn a lot from this fast-growing world religion. Some thoughts...
Mormons believe in the importance of families
Few churches focus on families like our Mormon brothers and sisters. Growing up with a best friend who was Mormon, I remember how he and his family dropped everything and spent Monday evenings together playing games or doing some project. A corner of Mike's living room was a showcase for model airplanes that the family had made together. They seemed to have it together and I was jealous of their unity and love. Sure, there are dysfunctional Mormon families out there and I'm not so naive to think every family looks like a Mormon TV commercial but it sure seems like they do a great job at developing strong family ties.
Mormons help one another
Jesus said that it's critical to help people in need. Mormons hit it out of the park. Whether it means supplying food or joining together for a community project, this faith community knows what it means to give of their time, money, and resources. Members are expected to help - it's not just something that "nice" Mormons do.
Kids are well-educated about their faith
I'm amazed at the level of instruction that Mormon kids receive starting at a very young age. By the time they reach high school, children are taking seminary-level courses in the ways of the faith including Bible memorization and the origins of their church.
Mormons are missional
The "missional" movement seems to be the "flavor of the month" in the evangelical world. I'm not sure how long it will grab headlines in Christian magazines but for now, everyone is talking about the importance of engaging the community. It's nothing new for Mormons. When young men and women reach a certain age, they submit themselves to the church and embark on a 2-year mission. These young people look forward to the day when they leave and begin their service. What would it look like if non-Mormon Christians shared their passion? What if short-term mission projects became part of our DNA?
I'm not waving the banner for Mormonism but I think we can learn some great things from other religions.
Islam teaches the importance of prayer.
Jews teach how important it is to honor the scriptures.
Hindus and Buddhists place a high value on their places of worship.
Jehovah Witness's are deeply committed to sharing their message.
It's interesting to think about how we can share the Message of Jesus by incorporating the methods and practices of some religions that many Christians vilify.
4 comments:
That's what I like about J.C.You don't need any of those things to have peace!
Just to be clear... Mormons are not followers of Christ.
Sporting their backpacks and bicycles, white shirts, pocket identifiers, colorless ties, a Book of Mormon, dark slacks and traveling two-by-two, they come to your front door. There is another group that looks somewhat similar to the Mormons; they’re called The Geek Squad. Both groups have similar agendas. They want you to experience them. They want you to be able to recognize them as different from the rest. They want to be categorized. Christians have always strived with what it means to be culturally different. It probably has something to do with being “in the world but not of the world.” But many Christians have slipped into the chic look of wearing cargo shorts and hauling a travel coffee mug into church with them on Sunday morning. If you’re really cool you have a Starbucks travel mug, and your legs are tan and hairy. Polo shirts and rugged cargo shorts look cool if you’re a runner because they show off your slim athletic physique. It’s part of the look that says “I’m a different kind of guy.” Some Christians who are, shall we say supersized, tend to go Hawaiian. They have that “40 days of purpose” look. They’re cool too, and they especially look good when they put their hands in there pockets allowing the shirts to drape loosely over their arms, creating an aura of nonchalance. Like the models in the magazines. They can’t wear shorts because then they look like a tourist, so they usually wear a neutral colored khaki slack with a canvas tennis shoe. It’s a really spiritual look when you’re in front of the glass doors of a mega-church and you have a big black leather bound Bible in your hand. Then everyone knows that you’re probably the pastor, or at least you run a men’s group of some sort.
Yep, there’s always a way to categorize.
Responding to MIke....Mormons are not followers of Christ and their theology is not biblical. Yes they do have a great family first program, but to think that what they teach is the truth is way off.
Post a Comment