In Defense of Mormons

The article by John Dart in The Times’ Valley Edition, Feb. 24, quotes Ed Gruss of The Master’s College: “the Mormon position (is) that all churches but theirs are basically false.”

This is a misstatement. Rather, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims to be an authoritative restoration by Jesus Christ Himself of His Ancient Church, bringing back original teachings and ordinances lost or corrupted after the martyrdom of the Apostles. The Reformation uncovered many of the truths that had been lost, but could not recover the authority without new communication from God.

The most basic teachings of churches stemming from the Reformation are shared by all or most of them: God is the Father of Jesus Christ, whom He sent as the Savior of the world. The sharing of this basic truth should lead to a loving acceptance of each other, if it is truly believed.

The resemblances between the Ancient Church and the Latter-day Church are too numerous to cover in this letter. One could start with the extensive lay ministry and go on to the simple worship service. The latter is characterized by The Lord’s Supper, served in an unpretentious way with later talks on ways to become more Christ-like given by assigned members of the congregation.

It would seem more Christ-like to allow each church to present its own credentials, rather than to have them presented by those not aware of them and often antagonistic to them.

FRANCIS E. LAWLOR

Sylmar