Evangelical Defends Mormon Values
David French is a Calvinist who thinks evangelicals are asking the wrong questions about Mormons. He says he was asked if Mormons (a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) are a denomination, a religion, or a cult. He suggests it is better to understand the religion than to try to fit it into a category, and also feels Mormons should be allowed to define themselves.
One argument he uses to encourage better treatment of Mormons is that Mormons don’t back down on important moral issues. French says too many churches today are caving in and adopting “politically correct” views which are tolerant of the kinds of lifestyles that lead to poverty. Too many talk about how sad poverty is but don’t do anything about it.
“So we watch as the mainstream denominations (and even some evangelicals) slide into a meaningless and empty social religion that is utterly powerless to sustain the soul or to confront evil.
“But not Mormons. The LDS church still stands proudly for the family, for human life, and with the moral resolve necessary to confront the challenges of our time. They give generously, serve enthusiastically, and stand shoulder to shoulder with evangelicals on the great moral and cultural issues of our time. In my own life, every single Mormon that I have come to know has been kind, generous, and utterly devoted to their family.” (See Mormons: An Appreciation.”
In 1995, The Mormons issued a Proclamation on the Family that was directed to the entire world. It warned of issues that are now receiving intense political and social attention, even though they were seen as less prominent at the time. It is a blunt statement of the importance of the traditional family. They proclaimed “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” This ideal situation was once the standard, but today it is often mocked. The proclamation called for families to raise children with solid Christian values and stated that God will hold parents accountable for their parenting and their marriages.
“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.”
The proclamation makes clear the stand The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes on issues of family life. The Church upholds God’s standards for the family, and not those of the world, which change from year to year.
David French mentioned the amount of service Mormons do. There are several programs the Mormons use to serve others, both in and out of the church. Non-sectarian humanitarian aid since 1985 has totaled 1.3 billion dollars in 178 countries. Money donated to the program goes entirely to the aid, with administrative costs paid for from other funds. This aid is given to without concern for the person’s religion or lack of religion and frequently helps an entire village. Current programs include clean water initiatives, wheelchair programs, neonatal resuscitation training, atmit, vision assistance, measles vaccinations, and tsunami relief. (Read more about humanitarian aid.)
Another interesting program specifically benefits church members. Every month, Mormons who can safely do so fast for twenty-four hours. This is a complete fast—no food and no drinks of any kind. They then donate the money they would otherwise have spent on food during that time to a special fund called a fast offering. This money is given to those with temporary needs to help with food, housing, utilities, and other essentials. Recipients don’t receive cash. Instead, they are given a list of foods available and they mark what they need for the next few weeks. A church leader reviews the list and increases or decreases amounts to be certain they are receiving just what they need and are also taking enough. They are then given the food, cleaning supplies, baby care items, and commodities they need at a storehouse. Unlike most food banks, where you receive a bag of groceries, members receive everything they need. This is possible only because it is restricted to members only. By helping a small group whose actual needs have been evaluated by someone who knows them, they can provide everything, rather giving them the supplemental foods a regular food bank must give in order to help everyone.
These fast offerings are not charity. The members who receive them have paid into the program and are asked to do service for the church in return. In addition to their regular church work, recipients are invited to help with building cleanups and with doing humanitarian work for others. Most who go to the storehouse to pick up their orders will stay and work for an hour or so, helping stock shelves or fill orders. While the work seldom equals what is received, it allows them to retain their self-esteem and to know they are actively working to help their family and themselves. There is a sense of pride that comes in earning what you receive.
Mormons appreciate the kind words of David French. In today’s environment, it can take a lot of courage to speak out in Christ-like ways for a group that is less popular in one’s own community, and Mormons value that kind of courage.
Additional Resources:
Mormons are Christian. Learn more at the official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).
Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon.
Draw your own conclusions of the Mormon Church, learn some basic Mormon beliefs.