Contending Warmly

[Grundelwalken]

Doing some personal reading, I came across an experience Alma had that reminded me of MDDB and some of the discussions we have.  This has probably been mentioned before, but it was an impactful message to me.

 

Immediately after the beginning of the reign of the Judges, Nehor appears.  He is eventually killed because of his own actions but his influence remains to haunt the members of the Church for many years to come.  Alma states that:

 

...it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church of God began to persecute those that did belong to the church of God, and had taken upon them the name of Christ. (Alma 1:19)

 

This brings to mind how some who oppose the Church today perform their 'duties'.  Rather than just leave things alone or ignore us, they feel a need to rail and rebut the things that our members believe and preach.  Of course, some of our critics maintain that we are just as egregious in our rebutting of their dogma. Interestingly enough, the same seems to have been the lot of the people in Alma's day:

 

 

...there were many among [the Church of Christ] who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists. (Alma 1:22)

 

 

While I have seen little that might be considered physical assaults in defense of the doctrine of the Kingdom, there have surely been many 'warm' words spoken/written in defense of the gospel as we know it.  

 

I am aware that many feel apologetics is a perfect example of members using 'warm words' to defend the doctrines of the Church but I cannot completely agree. Yes, there are a few who become overly energetic in their defense, but by and large most who engage in defense through apologetic principles seem to be pretty even handed.  Where I see more 'warmth' from members of Christ's gospel is in places where those of us who are not steeped in apologetic practices discuss beliefs. Places like this discussion group.

 

My question, I guess, is how do we engage in defense of what we love without drifting (because I believe that is usually how it happens) over to the side of contention.  So many sharp words are spoken (often from the protection of anonymity -- yes, I am one of 'them guys') when discussions become tense and personal.  It is our nature as mortals/natural people.  Yet, we feel a compunction to defend what we love most.

 

I wonder if Alma might not have been onto something when he recorded the following as he struggled to keep his people in-line with God:

 

For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God.  And also many withdrew themselves from among them.

 

Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

 

And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God.... and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.

 

And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted;...

 

And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.  (Alma 1:24-28) 

 

It seems that rather than battling with the dissenters/apostates/non-believers, Alma invited his people to work on their own charity.  They were counseled to work and provide for their families and those who struggled and trust in the power of God to take care of other things.  

 

Now, I'm not advocating giving the 'bully-pulpit' over to those who have disdain for our beliefs.  That is not the counsel of our prophets and it is not the way to defeat the adversary.  But we also cannot use his tactics and be successful.  In the last conference, Elder Oaks taught:

 

Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).

 

It is hard for me to stand by and perceive that I am being attacked.  I suspect I will make a few challenging statements yet in my life.  But I also hope I can take counsel from our leaders and our Savior by learning to curb the 'feisty' part of my demeanor, especially when it comes to challenges of my faith.

 

We have the truth.

 

That should be enough.  

 

MW

 

[Ahab]

What helps me to want to stay calm, cool, and collected when the OTHER person starts to be less than polite is to realize he/she is either ignorant or just plain opposed to the good that I see and have, and that my desire for him/her to accept what I accept should be tempered with my respect for their agency. And that I should also recognize the good that they have and accept even though they don't value some good thing I have.

Like with my Dad, for example, who is very active in his religion and always has been since he was young, following in the footsteps of his Dad as a preacher. Conversations about the gospel really don't do much good in helping us to see eye to eye, but we still value at least some of the good things each of us have and if this is as close as will get to each other, spiritually, comfortably, well, at least we get along as well as we do with neither of us trying to murder each other.

We should look for the bright side in every situation, not really wanting to make things any worse for the other.

[Rain]

Wonderful OP. I've been having gospel discussions on various boards for 15+ years now. I've found the best thing for me to do is pray before hitting submit. If I am not willing to listen to those I am talking with and am only ready to prove them wrong I find I am not willing to listen to the Lord either so the post doesn't get written. Unfortunately, there have been a couple of times I didn't want to listen so I pressed submit before asking the Lord for his confirmation - usually because I knew I was in the wrong attitude even if I thought I was saying the right things.

[pogi]

Immediately after the beginning of the reign of the Judges, Nehor appears. 

 

He appears much more frequently around here

 

his influence remains to haunt the members of the Church for many years to come. 

 

 

No doubt! 

 

Sorry Nehor, couldn't resist. 

[Kenngo1969]

This is how I contend warmly:

 

"We disagree, but you're my brother [or sister], so I still love you anyway!"

[The Nehor]

He appears much more frequently around here

 

 

 

No doubt! 

 

Sorry Nehor, couldn't resist.

Hooray! I serve an important function.