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Question 36

Question

When LDS missionaries fail on their missions because of misconduct it sometimes causes harm not only to themselves, but also to their families, investigators, and other Latter-day Saints. According to Apostle David B. Haight, "All missionary calls come from the Lord through inspiration to his servants."

How can a divine mission call be understood or explained in instances where transgressions of the missionary cause the ruin of many innocent lives?


Answers

Every missionary, LDS or not, goes out feeling led by the Lord. Unfortunately, as Paul said Romans 3:10-12, we're all wicked, some with more failings then others and they make mistakes. In true Christian fellowships they're forgive when they acknowledge thier sins. In the LDS environment they're forever told how unworthy they are which always reflects on the family as well. -TM (non-LDS)


First off, the LDS church missionary calls are not based on inspiration, revelation, etc. As a former 3 year member of the LDS (name removed May 18, 2001) one can plainly see that the missionary call is a way to control and manipulate younger members of the church. As early as primary, songs are sung about wanting to go on a mission. Any male of missionary age who does not go on a mission is looked down upon, and viewed as some sort of deviant. The reason some missionaries fail is because they do not live a real life. LDS youth are so sheltered, and so restricted in what they are allowed to do, that they overreact when they have freedom of distance from home. If one knew what something was, they might avoid it, but when you are so shielded that you cannot even see glimpses of improprieties, then problems will arise. The missionary call is a way for the church to control members, and to spread their message in a very cost efficient manner (heaven forbid we get into our $35 billion coffers). There is no inspiration for the missions, except the further accumulation of power, wealth, and filthy lucor. -PP (non-LDS)


When a person receives a calling, it is hoped that they will fulfill that calling honorably, but they still have the right to choose. If a person misbehaves while serving a mission, especially if their actions cause hurt and harm to other people, they are abusing their calling and will have to face the consequences. It does not mean they were not called, it means they failed in their calling...there's a big difference. No one is predestined to succeed or predestined to fail. We all have the right to choose.

Speaking of choice, although all young men are encouraged to serve a mission, it is still a matter of choice. There is no punishment for not going. I have several cousins who served missions and several who did not. They all receive an equal amount of love and acceptance from my extended family. Those members of the church who are unkind and judgemental to those who don't serve missions are wrong, and such behavior is discouraged by church leaders and doctrine. It makes me sad that some people are like that.

I think it's important to remember that just because there are people who don't live a religion correctly, it doesn't make the religion bad. It just means that people have faults and people are imperfect and people make bad choices. Most of us are just trying to do our best, so give us a break every once in a while :) Thanks! -AH


God has a purpose and a mission for every person he has created. The problem is we are human and we are sinners. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. The appointment may be divine, but we are not. We cannot expect anyone to perform their mission without mistakes. We have to remember that God is a big God and he has control of everything including our mistakes. He loves us and he loves the people that we come in contact with whether we are helping or hurting them, he has allowed it to happen and through his awesome grace and love we are forgiven and given a new start every time we ask. Of course we should never hurt people or neglect our responsibilities, but ultimately God is in control and he will save those he wants to save and let perish those who choose to perish. -JJ (non-LDS)


i don't know how many lives have been ruined by missionaries transgressions, or if their lives have been ruined. but what i would like to know is how can mormons explain the use of deceit or deception when witnessing.

i have been called by god to witness to mormons and have been doing it going on around 7 years, and have talked with over 100 missionaries.

the dictionary defines both deceit and deception as "misrepresentation or to mislead." what i mean by this is missionaries will only tell half truths and lead you to believe something they don't. two friends and i were witnessing to mormons and my friends, who know nothing about mormons, asked, "do you trust the bible?" they said yes--and left it at that--so i added what A of F number 8 said. the missionaries did not like that. then my friends asked, "do you believe in grace?" the mormons said yes--and left it at that--so i added "plus works after all we can do" from the BOM. again, the mormons did not like that.

that is deception as far as leading someone to believe something through half truths. they (mormons) will not define terms like who is jesus, sin, salvation, virgin birth, etc. only when i say "this is how your church defines them" will they say that is correct. otherwise they lead people to believe they view it the same way as a born again christian does. this is lying and titus 1:2 says god cannot lie lying is a sin. mormons have enough bondage of sins returning again and again and no true assurance of salvation. please write me at [email protected] for the real assurance of salvation. -RB (non-LDS)