Robert Millet
Spencer Fluhman
Doctrine & Covenants 1:30 uses what, at first reading, can feel like incendiary language to describe the recently restored church organization. “The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” could appear to be a straightforward declaration that God sustains The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that, at the same time, He rejects the remnant of the Christian body. Now, while there may be a true underlying principle upon which this line of thinking is based, it is too often misunderstood and misapplied to the degree that people, both LDS and non-LDS, often use it to do significantly more damage than good.
Is D&C 1:30 saying that the LDS are the only authentic followers of Jesus Christ? That the Atonement is only effective for Mormons? That God only gives genuine answers to the prayers of the LDS? Absolutely not, and not only are these attempts to express Mormon beliefs not tactful, they are simply not accurate or honest.
In this discussion, Spencer Fluhman demonstrates that the language used in the 1828 revelation (two years before the restoration of church organization), as recorded in D&C 10, demonstrates how the Lord views this church in the context of the rest of the Christian body. Speaking of the gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon, the Lord states,
And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up. And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them. Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church. D&C 10:52-54
It is significant that the Lord refers to his “people” and his “church” two years before there was authorized baptism and restored priesthood organization. The Lord, in restoring the Priesthood and an authorized prophetic voice, was adding something to his already existing flock. A flock composed of followers that were found among the Presbyterians, Baptists, Universalists, Catholics, Methodists, or any other denomination. For these Christians, He was building up, not tearing down. He was causing the existing light to be strengthened, not introducing light where it had been totally extinguished.
Now, this is not said with any intent to downplay the importance of an authorized priesthood. There is a reason for missionary work, even among fellow Christians, and for the performance of baptism, even for deceased Christians. Nonetheless, it seems that we need to do better in how we view our Christian neighbors and how we share our unique and extraordinary offering with these, our brothers and sisters.
Listen to the mp3 here.
This discussion gives voice to a lot of the thoughts that I have had on this sensitive topic, and I am glad that it is available on such a broad-reaching outlet as the Mormon Channel.
