I have had some fun and interesting experiences in the past 6 months or so with Facebook religious encounters. Obviously the Luke conversation was one that started the whole debate off. Then Brian R. chimed in a bit (although he didn’t seem to be arguing as much as just wondering); then LeRoy, who, like Brian, mostly seemed curious and uniformed.
Yesterday I found a new site that I didn’t even know existed: The Newsroom for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The article I found was titled “Mormonism 101: FAQ” and had a lot of great insight about common misunderstandings about Mormon Doctrine and beliefs.
I read over it, then posted a link on my Facebook status and shared one of the favorite “misconceptions” about us becoming God.
I had a friend ask me to elaborate in a private message:
Nate, I saw your post on your ‘favorite misconception’ and am immediately curious. I wanted to private message you because I think there is a potential to cause a stir here, but it occurs to me that you believe that Mormonism never taught that ‘we’ believe that we will become gods. I ask because I think this is a matter of age. I am very interested to know how old you are, and what you think of this doctrine. People think this of ‘us’ because it was true before the 1970’s when this ‘doctrine’ was phased out of everyday teaching. I grew up in Florida in the late 60’s, where we were taught that we would indeed someday become gods of our own planets. Brigham Young taught this. My brother and I still joke with each other today, saying ‘when I get my planet…’ Tell me what you know; I am genuinely interested to know how perceptions have changed with different age groups.
I’m not sure what this friends status is as a member of the Church or not. I mean, I think he is a member, but I’m not sure how active he is.
I responded like this:
Hey,
Thanks for the message. I’m 33 and have been a member of the Church my whole life – grew up in Idaho.
The “misconception” I’m referring to is based on a direct conversation I had not too long ago with a friend of mine from high school who could be classified by some as “anti-Mormon”. This specific friend told me that “we” believe we become God – or, in other words, replace the God we worship or something.
Like the article I shared states, I believe I can become like God; I believe that is part of the reason we’re here on earth – to learn and make progress towards becoming like God. Do I know if I’m going to get my “own planet”? Not really, no. Do I know the details of how the whole process will work in the life hereafter? Nope. And personally I don’t think it matters too much. I just know that I have a lot to work on before I’m ready to go there.
What I also know is that with the simple change of a few words, the doctrines I’ve been taught, studied, and believe in can be mis-interpreted by those who don’t know much about Mormons. (ie. Baptizng THE dead vs. Baptisms FOR THE dead – see Washington Post article about this)
Finally, I believe that the Church is led by inspired men and women who teach us the most important things for our time. Do I believe and respect the prophets words from 100 years ago? Yes. But I honor, sustain and follow our living prophet today, and this “doctrine” is not a topic I was ever asked to focus on as a missionary or one that I hear focused on in General Conference talks today. The focus is more on the family, on treating others with respect and dignity, and adding to the faith they currently have with the fulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
So there you have it – that’s my take on the topic.
Take care. Hope I answered your question(s).
This conversation has led me to the March First Presidency message by President Uchtdorf – “Why Do We Need Prophets?” Here are some of the highlights:
Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has not left them to walk through this mortal life without direction and guidance. The teachings of our Heavenly Father are not the ordinary, predictable, run-of-the-mill kind you can pick up in paperback at the local bookstore. They are the wisdom of an all-powerful, all-knowing celestial Being who loves His children. Encompassed in His words is the secret of the ages—the key to happiness in this life and in the world to come.
Prophets speak not only to the people of their time, but they also speak to people throughout all time. Their voices echo through the centuries as a testament of God’s will to His children.
One of the glorious messages of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ is that God continues to speak to His children! He is not hidden in the heavens but speaks today as He did in ancient days.
God does speak to us today. And He desires that all His children listen to and heed His voice.
As I said in my conversation with this friend, I believe we have a prophet today who is inspired and receives revelation for us. I believe he knows the will of God and is called to warn, to teach, and to direct us.
I know that God has always loved his people.
One question I’ve had recently was regarding the apostasy. If God always loves his people, why did he not directly guide them from sometime after the death of the apostles in Jesus’ time up until 1830?
I plan to study this out, listen for answers in conference, and pray about it.
I’m grateful to have spent time studying and reading this morning.
Nate
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