MISSING THE POINT (ARTICLES OF FAITH 4)

The less one knows about the LDS faith, the more likely they are to ask about polygamy, our prohibition on smoking and drinking, the missionaries, or blacks and the priesthood. Often, the first questions have to do with subjects that are not core doctrine. Sometimes innocently, sometimes maliciously, these questions miss the point.

We often make the mistake of thinking we have to give an answer. We don't. Instead, we should answer what they should have asked. For example, you can say, "There was a time in our history when polygamy was practiced, but that was a long time ago. Actually, the focus of our religion is Jesus Christ-that we must have faith in him, repent of our sins, and be baptized as He was." Paul said we should avoid "foolish and unlearned questions" because they only lead to contention and strife (2 Timothy 2:23)

When someone asks about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, or polygamy, or the Blacks and the Priesthood, it usually stems from ignorance, bias, or prejudice. Discussing these topics will never change their minds. Like the wicked and adulterous generations of previous dispensations, they are looking for proof not truth. They are looking to berate not to believe. We should not make the mistake of walking down the path they want us to walk.

Even the topics of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and modern prophets take second stage to the doctrine of faith, repentance, and baptism. Before we start building the house, we must lay the foundation. If we are painting the picture of Mormon beliefs, we must start with faith in Jesus Christ. The great and spacious building may lack a foundation, but Lord's Church does not (1 Nephi 8:26). We must lay the cornerstone of Christ; then lay the bricks of faith, repentance, baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost to hold the cornerstone in place.

As early as 1836, the Prophet Joseph Smith counseled missionaries to "preach Christ and Him crucified; not to contend with others on account of their faith or systems of religion, but pursue a steady course." (History of the Church, 2:431)

This is particularly important when responding to questions about the Church. An important principle we often forget is Articles of Faith 4 and that is:

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."