Excellent article! Makes me want to read the book. I really love how brother Ferrell has put into words what I have felt on so many occasions while attending worship services with our Christian friends. The "superiority complex" is too often a prevalent feeling and attitude across nearly all denominations, and as LDS we are certainly not immune,especially for those who have spent their entire lives inside of Utah). There is tremendous value in spending a few years outside of "Zion" to appreciate just how not-so-special we really are. I liked the quote by brother Ferrell that says: Baptism is "an obligation not a stamp of approval." As the Lord said, "God can of these stones raise up children unto Abraham. but do ye the works of Abraham." There is no easy short-cut to salvation. We have been blessed by the vehicle of the church and its programs, so that hopefully the Gospel will eventually manifest through us. Mere membership is no panacea. It would be like joining a fitness club and expecting the promised health and vigor while failing to actually go and use the facility.
Theodore BrandleySeptember 2, 2014
Re: Herm Olsen comment:
Not my call. It was the Lord who set out the requirements for the Celestial Kingdom in D&C 76:50-70. No one can get there without receiving the ordinances and obeying the covenants of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
MaryannSeptember 1, 2014
I am very humbled because I so often see people of other faiths following Jesus better than I do.
MichaelAugust 31, 2014
As long as we are saying there is no difference between those who worship God, no matter how they worship God, as long as they worship God, then I might add this tidbit that the Lord spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well:
John 4:22 "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews."
Isn't that a showing of a lamentable superiority complex as defined by this author? And, at the base of it, isn't this author judging his fellow Mormons as being at fault where he is clean and pure? The game of saying, "Everyone is impure but those enlightened like me" is a tough game to play convincingly, because at the base of it, the person who plays it is also abasing his fellows.
Finally, yes, I know that there are wonderful people in all sorts of religions who love "their Lord" as much as I think I do, but it helps to know Whom you worship, or at least that is my guess. It always pays to be righteous and humble. I think that message would have been enough. The finger-pointing that follows leads back to the pointer even if he has excused himself, even if he says "I'm a Mormon, but not like all the other self-satisfied Mormons."
Deacon CandidateAugust 30, 2014
Interesting article. You may not realize this, but we Catholics also believe that we have the fullness of the truth. In fact, I stake my life on it. Still, we know that the Holy Spirit is active in other Christian churches as well. If something that is true in our Church is evident in someone else's Church as ewll, truth is truth. May God bless and protect you all this day.
laverl09August 30, 2014
As I used to tell my 9 children while they were growing up: "We are all children of our loving Father and you are my brothers and sisters. I'm only your father here because I got here first. As time goes on, I expect to learn many things from you in those areas where you obtain greater understanding than I do."
The purpose of this life is to obtain the necessary ordinances necessary to return to our Father while absorbing as much of the Light of Christ as we are able.
It is amazing how much light I can absorb from Christian radio stations as I travel in my car--the same light I feel while attending missionary lessons with the missionaries. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of both light and ordinances.
herm olsenAugust 30, 2014
Wonderful thoughts. It is easy to forget that a Loving Parent cherishes all His children. ALL of them. Seems like Mr. Brandley is rather judgmental about who is going to the Terrestrial Kingdom. I suspect that Pharisees of all ages will be in for rather a surprise!
Noel CarvilleAugust 30, 2014
Refreshing and so true! Members must always be alert to a form of Pride that blurs our attitude to all of God's Children.
Robert StarlingAugust 30, 2014
Brother Ferrell has hit the nail on the head. Too often we get up on the Rameumptom stand (in testimony meeting) and express our supposed superiority. Indeed we are members of what Christ described as the "only church with which I am well pleased" (collectively, not individually), but to the be the "true people" each of us has to surrender our heart to Christ and do His will. Although they don't have the ordinances and the priesthood, I'm continually amazed at the love for Christ that I see in those of other faiths, and how much they are able to do with the limited amount of the Gospel that they possess. Many speak of Messianic Jewish converts to Christianity as "completed" Jews. I like to thing of LDS converts as "completed" Christians. Let's build bridges on our common faith in Christ and tear down the walls of misunderstanding. I think our Savior will be pleased.
LeslieAugust 30, 2014
I have a dear friend who is not a member of our church, but who has taught me so much about so many doctrines and principles of the gospel through her truly Christ-like living. She is an incredible mother and wife, giving up her career to raise her children at home. She teaches them faith in God and fearlessness in living after the manner of godliness. She is forgiving and she is truly accepting of people where there are. She is such an example to me! She makes me want to be a better and more faith-filled and faithful daughter of God. She makes me want to be a better member-missionary. Her family's example and knowledge of nutrition has helped our family make HUGE changes in our diet to more fully follow the Word of Wisdom!!! How grateful I am for this truly blessed Daughter of God and the influence for good she is in this world! I feel so blessed to have her in my life!
MarieAugust 29, 2014
Theodore, Often leaders of other faiths, do what they do in the sense of wanting to keep their members true to their own faith because they believe that their knowledge is complete and correct. Essentially, they don't know any better. God can use anyone who will listen to the Spirit to bless and call others to Christ. People often have to take baby steps. Nothing will keep a sincere follower of Christ from the Celestial Kingdom, as long as they are true to their conscience. That's why we have temples isn't it?
RitaAugust 29, 2014
Theo, I wouldn't be so fast to judge. This life is only the prelude to the rest of our eternal existence. The good that other faith leaders do is in no way limited to here, nor does it prevent their flocks from accepting the fullness of the gospel in the next life. If people have been misled by their leaders (including the ministers who learned incorrectly at their seminaries), they still have ample opportunity to hear and accept what we have. I believe that the Lord loves us so much, He gives us every chance under Heaven to turn and follow Him, no matter what we have been led to believe in this life.
Lew ScannonAugust 29, 2014
Excellent thoughts. For so long, we Mormons pursued a "We're right and you're wrong" agenda. It did little but make us bad neighbors. As a missionary many years ago, I felt that I was involved in an "us vs. them" project. Thank goodness for President Hinckley and his softer approach. "Bring all the good from your religion and see if we can't add to it." That's a much more welcoming message, and more Christlike, than the one we proclaimed for over 150 years.
Theodore BrandleyAugust 29, 2014
It is true that the leader of other faiths do much good and can lead their people to the Terrestrial KIngdom. However, generally speaking, they do everything they can to prevent them from finding the fullness of the Gospel entering the Celestial Kingdom.
Boyd TuttleAugust 29, 2014
Excellent article! Makes me want to read the book. I really love how brother Ferrell has put into words what I have felt on so many occasions while attending worship services with our Christian friends. The "superiority complex" is too often a prevalent feeling and attitude across nearly all denominations, and as LDS we are certainly not immune,especially for those who have spent their entire lives inside of Utah). There is tremendous value in spending a few years outside of "Zion" to appreciate just how not-so-special we really are. I liked the quote by brother Ferrell that says: Baptism is "an obligation not a stamp of approval." As the Lord said, "God can of these stones raise up children unto Abraham. but do ye the works of Abraham." There is no easy short-cut to salvation. We have been blessed by the vehicle of the church and its programs, so that hopefully the Gospel will eventually manifest through us. Mere membership is no panacea. It would be like joining a fitness club and expecting the promised health and vigor while failing to actually go and use the facility.
Beverely TelfordAugust 29, 2014
This us an excellent article! It is an answer to my prayer. Thank you.
anneAugust 29, 2014
Excellent article!
AngelaAugust 29, 2014
This is a heartwarming article and so true. We might be blessed to have the fullness of the gospel, but we don't have a monopoly on righteousness and there is so much we can learn from other churches and faiths.
Comments | Return to Story
Boyd TuttleSeptember 3, 2014
Excellent article! Makes me want to read the book. I really love how brother Ferrell has put into words what I have felt on so many occasions while attending worship services with our Christian friends. The "superiority complex" is too often a prevalent feeling and attitude across nearly all denominations, and as LDS we are certainly not immune,especially for those who have spent their entire lives inside of Utah). There is tremendous value in spending a few years outside of "Zion" to appreciate just how not-so-special we really are. I liked the quote by brother Ferrell that says: Baptism is "an obligation not a stamp of approval." As the Lord said, "God can of these stones raise up children unto Abraham. but do ye the works of Abraham." There is no easy short-cut to salvation. We have been blessed by the vehicle of the church and its programs, so that hopefully the Gospel will eventually manifest through us. Mere membership is no panacea. It would be like joining a fitness club and expecting the promised health and vigor while failing to actually go and use the facility.
Theodore BrandleySeptember 2, 2014
Re: Herm Olsen comment: Not my call. It was the Lord who set out the requirements for the Celestial Kingdom in D&C 76:50-70. No one can get there without receiving the ordinances and obeying the covenants of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
MaryannSeptember 1, 2014
I am very humbled because I so often see people of other faiths following Jesus better than I do.
MichaelAugust 31, 2014
As long as we are saying there is no difference between those who worship God, no matter how they worship God, as long as they worship God, then I might add this tidbit that the Lord spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well: John 4:22 "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." Isn't that a showing of a lamentable superiority complex as defined by this author? And, at the base of it, isn't this author judging his fellow Mormons as being at fault where he is clean and pure? The game of saying, "Everyone is impure but those enlightened like me" is a tough game to play convincingly, because at the base of it, the person who plays it is also abasing his fellows. Finally, yes, I know that there are wonderful people in all sorts of religions who love "their Lord" as much as I think I do, but it helps to know Whom you worship, or at least that is my guess. It always pays to be righteous and humble. I think that message would have been enough. The finger-pointing that follows leads back to the pointer even if he has excused himself, even if he says "I'm a Mormon, but not like all the other self-satisfied Mormons."
Deacon CandidateAugust 30, 2014
Interesting article. You may not realize this, but we Catholics also believe that we have the fullness of the truth. In fact, I stake my life on it. Still, we know that the Holy Spirit is active in other Christian churches as well. If something that is true in our Church is evident in someone else's Church as ewll, truth is truth. May God bless and protect you all this day.
laverl09August 30, 2014
As I used to tell my 9 children while they were growing up: "We are all children of our loving Father and you are my brothers and sisters. I'm only your father here because I got here first. As time goes on, I expect to learn many things from you in those areas where you obtain greater understanding than I do." The purpose of this life is to obtain the necessary ordinances necessary to return to our Father while absorbing as much of the Light of Christ as we are able. It is amazing how much light I can absorb from Christian radio stations as I travel in my car--the same light I feel while attending missionary lessons with the missionaries. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of both light and ordinances.
herm olsenAugust 30, 2014
Wonderful thoughts. It is easy to forget that a Loving Parent cherishes all His children. ALL of them. Seems like Mr. Brandley is rather judgmental about who is going to the Terrestrial Kingdom. I suspect that Pharisees of all ages will be in for rather a surprise!
Noel CarvilleAugust 30, 2014
Refreshing and so true! Members must always be alert to a form of Pride that blurs our attitude to all of God's Children.
Robert StarlingAugust 30, 2014
Brother Ferrell has hit the nail on the head. Too often we get up on the Rameumptom stand (in testimony meeting) and express our supposed superiority. Indeed we are members of what Christ described as the "only church with which I am well pleased" (collectively, not individually), but to the be the "true people" each of us has to surrender our heart to Christ and do His will. Although they don't have the ordinances and the priesthood, I'm continually amazed at the love for Christ that I see in those of other faiths, and how much they are able to do with the limited amount of the Gospel that they possess. Many speak of Messianic Jewish converts to Christianity as "completed" Jews. I like to thing of LDS converts as "completed" Christians. Let's build bridges on our common faith in Christ and tear down the walls of misunderstanding. I think our Savior will be pleased.
LeslieAugust 30, 2014
I have a dear friend who is not a member of our church, but who has taught me so much about so many doctrines and principles of the gospel through her truly Christ-like living. She is an incredible mother and wife, giving up her career to raise her children at home. She teaches them faith in God and fearlessness in living after the manner of godliness. She is forgiving and she is truly accepting of people where there are. She is such an example to me! She makes me want to be a better and more faith-filled and faithful daughter of God. She makes me want to be a better member-missionary. Her family's example and knowledge of nutrition has helped our family make HUGE changes in our diet to more fully follow the Word of Wisdom!!! How grateful I am for this truly blessed Daughter of God and the influence for good she is in this world! I feel so blessed to have her in my life!
MarieAugust 29, 2014
Theodore, Often leaders of other faiths, do what they do in the sense of wanting to keep their members true to their own faith because they believe that their knowledge is complete and correct. Essentially, they don't know any better. God can use anyone who will listen to the Spirit to bless and call others to Christ. People often have to take baby steps. Nothing will keep a sincere follower of Christ from the Celestial Kingdom, as long as they are true to their conscience. That's why we have temples isn't it?
RitaAugust 29, 2014
Theo, I wouldn't be so fast to judge. This life is only the prelude to the rest of our eternal existence. The good that other faith leaders do is in no way limited to here, nor does it prevent their flocks from accepting the fullness of the gospel in the next life. If people have been misled by their leaders (including the ministers who learned incorrectly at their seminaries), they still have ample opportunity to hear and accept what we have. I believe that the Lord loves us so much, He gives us every chance under Heaven to turn and follow Him, no matter what we have been led to believe in this life.
Lew ScannonAugust 29, 2014
Excellent thoughts. For so long, we Mormons pursued a "We're right and you're wrong" agenda. It did little but make us bad neighbors. As a missionary many years ago, I felt that I was involved in an "us vs. them" project. Thank goodness for President Hinckley and his softer approach. "Bring all the good from your religion and see if we can't add to it." That's a much more welcoming message, and more Christlike, than the one we proclaimed for over 150 years.
Theodore BrandleyAugust 29, 2014
It is true that the leader of other faiths do much good and can lead their people to the Terrestrial KIngdom. However, generally speaking, they do everything they can to prevent them from finding the fullness of the Gospel entering the Celestial Kingdom.
Boyd TuttleAugust 29, 2014
Excellent article! Makes me want to read the book. I really love how brother Ferrell has put into words what I have felt on so many occasions while attending worship services with our Christian friends. The "superiority complex" is too often a prevalent feeling and attitude across nearly all denominations, and as LDS we are certainly not immune,especially for those who have spent their entire lives inside of Utah). There is tremendous value in spending a few years outside of "Zion" to appreciate just how not-so-special we really are. I liked the quote by brother Ferrell that says: Baptism is "an obligation not a stamp of approval." As the Lord said, "God can of these stones raise up children unto Abraham. but do ye the works of Abraham." There is no easy short-cut to salvation. We have been blessed by the vehicle of the church and its programs, so that hopefully the Gospel will eventually manifest through us. Mere membership is no panacea. It would be like joining a fitness club and expecting the promised health and vigor while failing to actually go and use the facility.
Beverely TelfordAugust 29, 2014
This us an excellent article! It is an answer to my prayer. Thank you.
anneAugust 29, 2014
Excellent article!
AngelaAugust 29, 2014
This is a heartwarming article and so true. We might be blessed to have the fullness of the gospel, but we don't have a monopoly on righteousness and there is so much we can learn from other churches and faiths.
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