Some people argue that the Church doesn’t officially teach that we believe that man can become like God (sometimes termed deification or theosis). Such a claim is simply untrue. I clearly remember teaching the doctrine as a missionary; it was on the very first page of the first discussion. Most Christians already believe that God is our Father, and that we are His children, and as such we can become like Him. Indeed, we should strive to become like Him.
It is likewise included in the new missionary guide Preach My Gospel, used by all current missionaries in the field:
A friend of mine, Steven Lloyd, has put together a great new tool and website. It is the Book of Mormon Testimony Translator, otherwise known as BOMTT.com. The site has one simple purpose, to help any member of the Church easily translate their testimony of the Book of Mormon into any other language, so that they can include it with a Book of Mormon that they are giving to someone else, or for any other reason.
In our increasingly multicultural communities and interconnected world, we often come into contact with others who do not speak our native language, and who we might feel powerless to share the gospel with. BOMTT helps break down those barriers by allowing you to share a copy of the Book of Mormon with them, perhaps the best missionary tool available and the keystone of our religion, with a personalized message and testimony from you in their own language. This is sure to make a positive impression on the receiver of the gift, who is more likely to be touched by your message and read the book. Of course, if your contact wishes to learn more about the gospel, you can refer the local missionaries to them, and attend discussions with them.
One thing I learned on my mission is that people are much more likely to be interested in investigating the Church if they are introduced by members who they know, rather than receiving a cold contact by the missionaries at the door. This new tool will help you make that introduction to the Church to anyone, no matter their nationality.
Because of the sacred nature of the ordinances that members of the Church perform in temples, it can be difficult sometimes for us to describe to others what the temple is and what we do inside. I thought the video embedded below gave a good introduction to the temple. You can watch it below (on the website), or you can see it and other videos like it on the Mormons Made Simple website.
How do you feel this video does in explaining in simple terms what the temple is for? Could it be used for sharing with family and friends what the temple is about? Please share with us your thoughts in the comments.
A few days ago I posted a request for thoughts on the temple. I’ve received a few messages from some readers, but not as many as I would like. We’d really like to hear from more of you. I think this could be a very powerful missionary tool for all of us.
What does the temple mean to you? Why do you go to the temple? Do you have a short experience you’d like to share? Do you have a testimony of the temple you think others could benefit hearing? Does the temple have an important place in your life? What have you learned about the temple that you’d like to teach others about? Is the temple a blessing to you? How has the temple changed your life? What is it that makes the temple different from the rest of ordinary life? Have you been privileged to do temple work for your ancestors? What was it like? Are you grateful for the temple? Why? Has the temple brought you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ?
Here is an excellent example from a convert who has been a member of the Church for 11 years, and who has a genuinely powerful testimony of the temple. Press the play button below:
Thank you, brother, for sharing with us your witness and testimony of the temple and the Holy Ghost. You’ve blessed my life today.
What could you share with us about the temple?
The method is the same. Just click the “Call Me” button below, enter in your name (or “anonymous”), your phone number, select “keep number private,” and then click “Connect.” You will receive a phone call and be connected straight to the TempleStudy.com voicemail where you can share with us your message (3 minute limit). In a few days I’ll select some to share with everyone.
Feel free to be a missionary today and share what the temple means to you. It’s easy and you could make a positive difference in someone’s life by something you share.
So, we’re going to try something a little different and creative, something that I haven’t seen done anywhere else on the internet, and certainly not in the Bloggernacle, so we’re setting a new precedent here. You get to hear so much from me, but we don’t often get to hear from you, the readers, except very briefly in the comments or sometimes in private emails with me. I’d like to hear more of your thoughts, insights, stories, feelings, testimonies, things you’ve learned, good books you’ve found, and experiences about the temple. What does the temple mean to you? I want to hear your voices! You all have so many rich things to share that could add to our understanding of the temple, and I want to tap into that treasure-trove of faith and cumulative voice. [Read more…]
So, we’re going to try something a little different and creative, something that I haven’t seen done anywhere else on the internet, and certainly not in the