Being a Christian

Recently I watched a video made by a Christian group. The video was how Oprah was not a Christian. This video really rubbed me the wrong way. First, I really admire Oprah. She has done much in the way of helping people to better their lives. Now I don't agree with everything she does or all of her beliefs, but I do not believe that it is ok to attack her for a few things she has said or for her differing views on Christianity or how the world works. Something I have seen occur as a member of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints, is members who believe that the only truth there is on the earth is that which is IN our church. Somehow we get the idea that no one else is right, other than us. This was a mentality, that as child I had. I have worked on changing that view, because I believe that there are many people in the world who hold truth that are not of my religion. I also believe that this is a form of pride and when pride exists it is really difficult for the spirit to teach me. It is also hard to accept truth when I think I already have all truth.

Second, I believe Oprah is a Christian. Infact, I dare say she is a much better Christian than I am. She has many resources and because of her media presence she has a lot of power to influence people. She takes what she has an helps people. She gives much of her time and energy to good causes. Is she perfect? No, no one is. Why do we take a few of people's faults and short comings and exploit them. Why do we take a few comments she made out of context and exploit them and make them into a bigger deal than they are?

In the video it shows a quote she made on one of her shows. I don't know what that show was about, but someone in her audience said that Jesus was the only way to get to God. Oprah said something about the person on stage getting to God a different way. The person in the audience then said "What about Jesus?" Oprah said "What about Jesus?" There was also comments made about her new project "A New Earth" being her new church. Just last week in connection with the "A New Earth" discussion on her show I heard her say that she does believe in Jesus. Does a belief in Jesus make her a Christian, even if it is a different belief than you have of Jesus? I believe it does if her belief in Jesus compels her to live her life the way he lived his life, in the service of all mankind, non-judgemental, and loving.

How many times have members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints been attacked for NOT being Christians because their belief in Christ is slightly different than that of other Christian faiths? I cannot attack another's belief in Jesus if that is what helps them to live the best life they can. Just because my religion works for me and I believe it to be Christ's church here on the earth and to be true, doesn't mean that it works for everyone to compel them to live their lives the way that Jesus did or to bring them closer to God. For whatever reason it doesn't work for everyone. I believe everyone should have the chance and ability to get as close to Heavenly Father as they possibly can.

I have seen many attacks on other's religious beliefs and views in the last little while. I choose to not take part in these types of bullying. If these people were harming others as a way to express their beliefs then I would take action against their behaviors. However, these people are good people, they do good in the name of their beliefs, they just don't have the exact same beliefs that I do. This is NOT a reason for me to attack them and spread gossip.

I really like what Kathy Green over at Mormon Momma had to say about this subject

"Oprah is accustomed to media attacks and probably will not suffer in the same way as a child who is being tormented by cruel internet posts.

I am more interested in the mentality of those of us who read and forward these derogatory posts. I don’t think Oprah’s public life threatens me, as an LDS woman. In fact (although it is beside the point), I think she generates a great deal of positive energy with her philanthropy. I haven’t observed anything in her philosophy that I find dangerous. Maybe our values don’t match exactly, but variety is the basis of positive evolution. The strongest ideals will survive; the more sources of ideas, the better the odds of a successful outcome.

Far more important, what sort of person does it make me, if I view a damaging video clip, then forward it for the express purpose of harming another person’s reputation? What if I just think it’s fun to share a laugh at somebody else’s expense? Bullying, gossip, lies, deliberate cruelty, or negative, destructive criticism harm their objects and can cause terrible anguish and long-term damage. Far worse is the harm the bully does to her own spirit.

But there’s good news. That’s the part we can control. It only takes a moment. Don’t forward the cyber-slam. Respond to the sender with something generous and positive. “Aw, I think Oprah’s a pretty good kid overall. I’m not going to forward this one.”

Testimony of Others

We can't gain our own testimony from other's testimonies, but listening to other's testimonies can help start on the path to our own.

I really admire Glen Beck. He has come along way in his life and he attributes his changes to the church.

Relief Society Lesson 2/10/08: Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the World

When Jesus visited Joseph Smith it was a time of teaching and preparing for further truths Joseph would receive. I find it profound that each time Joseph is visited by the Savior, prior to the visit Joseph is reading the scriptures, praying, or working in the temple. We can learn from Joseph’s example that as we read the scriptures, pray and do temple work we will receive direction and understanding from the Lord whether by the spirit or through direct contact with our Savior as Joseph did.

When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited in the temple by Jesus, Joseph describes the Savior's voice as “the rushing of great waters”. As I think about the sound of great rushing waters, I think of the loudness that can be heard from a distance and recognized, by those who have heard it before, for what it is. I also think about how peaceful it is to stand by a great river that is rushing by or a waterfall. The sound brings a peace and a sense of calm. When standing by a rushing river or waterfall, the sound almost drowns out every other sound around. When I think of the Savior's voice in the same way, I think of his voice as bringing peace, recognizable by those who know him, his words can be heard even when we are not in his presence, and when we listen to him and follow him we are able to drowned out the “noises” from other influences.

The sacrificing of animals in similitude and a looking ahead to our Savior's sacrifice for us helps to teach the meaning and importance of his sacrifice and the sacrifices we are to make in our own lives. I love the way Heavenly Father teaches us through symbolism and repetition. He gives us things in our lives to help us better understand great principles necessary in his plan. He wanted those before the coming of Christ to look forward to his coming, never forget that he was coming, and understand what he would do and why.

Christ's resurrection is essential to our salvation and is the most important fundamental principle to our religion. Joseph Smith tells us that all other things that pertain to our religion are only appendages. These things only lend a helping hand to understanding and taking full advantage of the principle of resurrection. Among these beliefs are “the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and final triumph of truth.”

The principle of resurrection brings hope and gives strength to endure trials. Those who die knowing Jesus Christ and are perfected in him, will have joy when they come forth in the resurrection. Joseph Smith says “I am glad I have the privilege of communicating to you some things which, if grasped closely, will be a help to you when earthquakes bellow, the clouds gather, the lightnings flash, and the storms are ready to burst upon you like peals of thunder. Lay hold of these things and let not your knees or joints tremble, nor your hearts faint; and then what can earthquakes do? Nothing. All your losses will be made up to you in the resurrection, provided you continue faithful.

“The commandments of our Lord, we hope are constantly revolving in your hearts, teaching you, not only His will in proclaiming His Gospel, but His meekness and perfect walk before all, even in those times of severe persecutions and abuse which were heaped upon Him by a wicked and adulterous generation. How wise, how holy; how chaste, and how perfect, then, you ought to conduct yourselves in His sight; and remember, too, that His eyes are continually upon you.”

“...be humble and prayerful, to walk indeed as children of the light and of the day, that they may have grace to withstand every temptation, and to overcome every evil in the worthy name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”


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