How to Discuss Religion with a Mormon
Discussing religion with anyone who doesn’t share your views is always difficult. However, Mormonism is more than just a religion to its adherents. If you have plans of getting into a theological debate with a Mormon, know that you are going up against a formidable opponent and there is a tactful way of handling it.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Knowledge of your core belief system
- Knowledge of the Mormon core belief system
- The ability to back up what you state
-
-
1
Understand what being a Mormon means. It is more than just a belief system. It is a history, a heritage and a lifestyle.
-
2
Be respectful. Avoid cheap shots and criticisms and follow the Golden Rule. If you want to keep the doors of communication open with a Mormon regarding faith, you first have to be respectful.
-
3
Back up your assertions. Use scripture or historical fact. Be aware that Mormons are extremely well-versed in both scripture and the history of their faith. If you want to make a point, you need to be well-versed in their belief system as well as your own.
-
4
Listen. If you’re only there to attack, the discussion is not going to go well. If you listen, you’ll probably learn something you didn’t know before.
-
5
Agree to disagree. There’s no point in arguing and debating until you’re both blue in the face. Admit you have differences, but accept and appreciate those differences and then move on.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Don’t preach. If you’re going to preach at a Mormon, you will be met with resistance. It won’t get you anywhere.
Related Searches
Comments
-
I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I really like what this says. I've had several bad experiences with people trying to discuss religion with me who don't even try to understand my beliefs. Also, it's really annoying when people try to discuss religion with me when they don't know very much about the scriptures or the history of religion in general. However, I have had some religious discussions with some respectable and knowledgable individuals in which both of us have ended up benefiting from the discussion. In the end, we always end up agreeing to disagree, but at least we feel like we understand and respect each other more than we did before. I've been able to enhance my friendship with people from other religions (Evangelicals, Catholics, Lutherans, Atheists, Muslims, Jews, etc.) because we've had polite conversation about our beliefs.
-
kingsfold
May 06, 2009
Good article. Also, do your best to compare "bests to bests" rather than "bests to worsts." There are good people and not-so-good people in every religion. -
jeremyknows
Dec 03, 2008
Well put. Although some Mormons know more about their religion than others, they will all put up a brick wall if they feel like you are attacking their testimony.
-
jeremyknows
Dec 03, 2008
Well put. Although some Mormons know more about their religion than others, they will all put up a brick wall if they feel like you are attacking their testimony.
-
Bryan2449
Nov 21, 2008
yep...
