What Many Latter-day Saints Get WRONG About Evangelicals

Summary

In this video, Pastor Jeff seeks to dispel common myths about Evangelical beliefs held by Latter-Day Saints. He addresses misconceptions such as Evangelicals hating non-believers, the belief in salvation through a simple prayer without transformation, and the worship of the cross or Bible. Jeff emphasizes that Evangelicals do not idolize the cross, but view it as a symbol of God's sacrifice, and they do not worship the Bible but revere it as the authoritative source of God's teachings. He also clarifies the variety of Bible translations used by Evangelicals, stressing their accuracy in conveying core beliefs. This video promotes a better understanding between Evangelicals and Latter-Day Saints.

Takeaways

• 😀 Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints share a common mission to spread the gospel, but they differ in their methods and intensity of message delivery.
• 😀 Some myths about Evangelicals include the belief that they hate non-believers or preach a message of divine hatred, which is not representative of most Evangelicals.
• 😀 Evangelicals believe in sharing the gospel with love and respect, not through aggressive or condemning approaches, although some individuals may adopt a more intense style.
• 😀 Evangelicals do not teach that saying a prayer alone guarantees salvation. Salvation involves being 'born again,' marked by a real transformation in one's life.
• 😀 The idea that a sinner's prayer is a one-time action that leads to salvation without change in behavior is a misunderstanding. Salvation requires ongoing commitment and transformation.
• 😀 Evangelicals do not worship the cross, but they view it as a powerful symbol of Christ's atoning sacrifice, representing justice, love, sin's seriousness, and freedom from evil.
• 😀 The cross is not idolized in Evangelicalism; rather, it symbolizes Christ's victory over sin and Satan, and the relationship with God made possible through His sacrifice.
• 😀 Evangelicals do not worship the Bible itself, but they highly regard it as the inspired word of God, using it as a tool for teaching, spiritual guidance, and authority in their lives.
• 😀 While Latter-day Saints may have concerns about Evangelicals' emphasis on the Bible, Evangelicals see it as the primary source of divine revelation and truth, not an object of worship.
• 😀 The wide range of Bible translations among Evangelicals does not signify disagreement in doctrine. There are different approaches to translation (formal vs. dynamic), but the core message remains consistent.
• 😀 Evangelicals generally avoid using paraphrased versions of the Bible (e.g., The Message Bible) as authoritative translations, preferring versions that adhere more closely to the original texts.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Jeff's video?

The main purpose of Jeff's video is to dispel common myths and misconceptions between Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints (LDS), particularly focusing on misunderstandings about Evangelical beliefs and practices.

Does Jeff believe that Evangelicals are hostile or hateful towards non-believers?

No, Jeff clarifies that while some Evangelicals may have a fire-and-brimstone approach to evangelism, the vast majority do not hate non-believers and aim to engage in respectful, relational conversations about faith.

What is the myth about Evangelicals and salvation that Jeff addresses?

Jeff addresses the myth that Evangelicals teach that saying a single prayer is enough for salvation, without any need for a transformed life. He clarifies that Evangelicals believe salvation involves a genuine transformation and a lifelong commitment to following Christ.

How does Jeff describe the Evangelical approach to sharing the gospel?

Jeff explains that Evangelicals are motivated by a sense of urgency to share the gospel, but most aim to do so gently and relationally, following the Holy Spirit's promptings rather than using intense or aggressive methods.

Does Evangelical Christianity worship the cross?

No, Jeff clarifies that while Evangelicals use the cross as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice, they do not worship the cross itself. The cross serves as a reminder of God's justice, the seriousness of sin, God's love, and the freedom believers have through Christ.

What is the significance of the cross in Evangelical belief?

In Evangelical belief, the cross represents God's justice, the atoning blood of Jesus, the seriousness of sin, and God's immense love for humanity. It also symbolizes victory over evil and the freedom believers have from the curse of the Fall.

What does Jeff say about the myth of Evangelicals worshiping the Bible?

Jeff dispels the myth that Evangelicals worship the Bible. While they hold the Bible in high regard as the authoritative source of God's revelation, they worship the God of the Bible, not the Bible itself.

What is the Evangelical view of Bible translations?

Evangelicals recognize that there are different Bible translations, but they believe these translations, while varied in style and language, all carry the same core message. They prioritize accuracy and clarity in conveying God's word through translations.

How does Jeff explain the difference between formal and dynamic equivalence in Bible translations?

Jeff explains that formal equivalence translations aim to stick as closely as possible to the original language, such as the NASB and King James Version. In contrast, dynamic equivalence translations prioritize readability and modern vernacular, like the NIV and NLT.

What is Jeff's stance on the Message Bible as a translation?

Jeff mentions that the Message Bible is not a traditional translation but rather a paraphrase. While it can offer perspective, Evangelicals generally do not consider it a reliable translation due to its loose handling of the original texts.