from Ben's mom
The Mormon missionaries came by last night while M and Ben were at the library. Typically I am a real wuss about opening the door and stay quiet as a church mouse and ignore it unless I'm expecting someone or can see who it is out the window. But I thought it was M, hands full, knocking.
I could honestly say I didn't feel well and no, now was not a good time. But they went on for awhile anyway. And I felt guilty at my lack of willingness to engage them in good discussion. But I just lack the faith to think it will matter. I did make a few statements about disagreeing with their doctrine and they wanted to argue with me. They were so programmed. But I always feel guilty at my lack of interest at even trying to talk. As they left I did say a little prayer that they would think through what they were saying and dig deeper. They were so-o-o young.
3 comments:
>>>They were so-o-o young.>>>
I think it's hilariously ironic how the Mormons call their missionaries "elders." We spent a weekend once with some Mormon friends who were hosting a couple of missionaries, who were probably about 18. I kept wanting to snicker every time our friends referred to the missionaries as "Elder" so-and-so.
I, too, have struggled with wanting to engage Mormons in good discussion on the one hand and, on the other, seeing how tenaciously (and often unquestioningly) they follow their own teachings. I'm not sure to what extent it comes into play, but I think there's a point at which Scripture's admonition not to cast our pearls before swine affects my decision to disengage in my discussions with the Mormons.
Now, I am not saying that Mormons are doctrinally correct, nor are they particularly enjoyable to encounter on their missions, but to use that particular Bible passage to justify your actions is just rude! Just because you may not agree with their theology doesn't mean they are swine or lower than you, nor does it really give you the right to laugh at the titles Mormons bestow upon those doing the hardest work possible: evangelization! Perhaps "elder" refers more to their theological intelligence and understanding rather than age. In any case, I just thought I'd add my two cents, although sometimes I doubt if it's worth that much! :)
I doubt K was referring to them as "swine." My understanding of that verse is just that there is no point arguing with someone who is closed to listening. I felt the same way. And trust me, if you'd met these guys you would know "elder" didn't refer to their theological intelligence and understanding. They looked like they'd rather be playing X-box and eating Cheetos. They were boys in every sense of the word.-rlr
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