Eric Endres - LDS Links

Eric Endres

Another Testimony
This was written in response to others
that were posted to alt.religion.mormon.
That is a newsgroup which involves a lot of
debate and argument about LDS issues
between amateur LDS apologists and critics,
which explains the nature of the comments here...
This is probably a bit more detailed and personal
than the one above, but also somewhat apologetic,
considering the audience intended included critics.

(NOTE- In this sense, 'apologetic' means
'in defense of one's faith', not saying you're sorry...)

I've been meaning to do this since reading
(name withheld)'s testimony recently, as well as others.
I apologize for the length, but not for the content...

I have a personal testimony that the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
is the true church of God, the Father,
Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

I grew up in a family that didn't practice any formal religion.
My parents believed in some kind of god,
and brought me up very well,
but they (and I) were skeptical of any formal religion.
As I grew up, the flamboyance of TV evangelists,
and the confusing, differing practices of the different churches
that I happened to attend for various reasons
(Christmas, weddings, funerals)
did little to endear me to any particular faith,
or to feel that I even needed to belong to any particular faith.

As I became a teenager, I began to search for some kind
of meaning for my life, and for life in general.
This involved several divergent methods, including drugs,
the occult, new age philosophy, existential philosophy,
and whatever else I came across that sounded interesting
and seemed to offer some kind of answers for something.

It was during this time that I began to read the Bible.
At first, it was purely as philosophy,
and to check out what this book
that had collected dust on my
family's bookshelf was all about.
After a while, it began to dawn on me
that there was something about this Jesus character
that seemed to mean something.
His teachings were making sense and had
real application for my life.
Could this story about him dying
and then living again really be true?
Was he really the one person of all the people who ever lived
who was really 100% on the level?
If through believing in him and following his teachings
I'd be able to live beyond death, that would certainly answer
one of my big questions about life.
As I began to study the Bible and Christ's life and teachings more,
I gained a strong faith and a testimony of the spirit that it was true,
and that whatever else I believed or knew about life,
I knew that Jesus Christ was somehow a big answer for me.

For several years after that, I wandered in sort of a
pseudo-faith of my own, as some kind of a
'Christian hippie rocker stoner zen hipster doofus'.
My pursuit of a further resolution of the faith I had,
both internally and externally, grew during this time,
and I attended different Christian churches
and was watching more television preachers.
Some big questions continued during this time,
as I wondered why all these churches had
different takes on the same scriptures,
and had different practices and means of prayer and baptism, etc.,
and yet somehow all purported to represent the same Jesus
that I had come to know through reading the Bible.

As I grew older, I began to get more of an urgent feeling
that I wanted to know the direction to take my faith,
or what to do with it, or how I should worship,
or if I needed to even do anything at all.
I re-examined my previous faith, and even looked into
some other things like Buddhism, just to really be sure
that it was some form of Christianity that I was looking for.
I began to pray for some answers again and for some direction.
It was about this time that a friend in my town told me
that some Mormons had stopped by his house,
and how he had delighted in telling them to shove off.
Well, being seriously interested in looking for something,
and recalling from the TV commercials I'd seen that the
word 'Mormon' had something to do with Jesus Christ,
I figured that if they came to my house
I'd give 'em an honest listen.
Sure enough, a couple weeks later
my doorbell rang and my life changed.
(I would find out later from the missionaries that they had
literally chosen to stop at just my house
out of my whole neighborhood
while driving around that day,
having had some feeling that they should.)

Upon learning of the church, I was amazed.
Not only was the doctrine and plan of salvation everything
that I had always thought it should be, and also well beyond
what I could have imagined, but the whole story of Joseph Smith
wondering himself which church was correct,
and receiving an answer to his prayer,
was something that I could certainly relate to.
The idea that God and Jesus are distinct living beings
and they are still actively and intimately involved
in life and our salvation, and can and will
personally answer prayers,
was, and still is, powerful and enlightening.

From the beginning, the Book of Mormon was quite a curious
and wondrous work to me, testifying repeatedly and beautifully
of the ministry and atonement of Christ.
I have a testimony of its truth, not based solely in any
academic study of its Hebraisms or any possible
archaeological correlations or wordprints or whatnot,
or even solely on the spiritual witness that I've received,
but also from the sheer marvel of the writing itself.
Varying between being dynamic, boring, spiritual,
militarily-minded, poetic, plain, thoughtful...
Each different writer has his own style and voice that is
subtly but definitely apparent if you put yourself
in his place and time and circumstance.
No wordprint is needed to tell me there were multiple writers.
My favorite chapter was always Alma 36,
for I could relate very personally to the beautiful recounting
of Alma the younger's testimony, and the change
wrought in him through Jesus Christ.
What an amazement years later to find out
about chiasmus and discover that my favorite chapter
was a perfect and exquisite example of that.
King Benjamin's speech, the great olive tree allegory of Jacob 5,
even the simple admitting of Omni that he was wicked
but still felt obliged to continue the plates...
it all strikes me as genuine, and the recorded thoughts and deeds
of real people, some great, some average, some wicked.
The idea of some critics as to Joseph Smith
or his contemporaries creating this work
would have to involve so many unlikely variables
occurring in just such a way,
and that still wouldn't account for the work within,
with its internal consistency and complex Hebraic structure, etc.,
and it is not consistent with the character of Joseph Smith,
who I believe demonstrated that he genuinely believed in
what he claimed to have experienced, and the work he performed.

More true and telling than my testimony of the
truth of the Book of Mormon is the truth of the principles within.
Profound faith, love, hope, living righteously,
prayer, charity, repentance, honesty,
keeping the commandments, love of family, etc.
Critics of the church, criticize though you will,
remember that when you denounce the Book of Mormon
so viciously and hatefully, whether you believe it to be true or not,
you are also, in a way, denouncing those most Christian
of principles that it so vehemently and faithfully reinforces.
Whether you believe it's true or not, the Book of Mormon
is certainly a good book in what it teaches.
If you are unwilling to accept it for at least that that,
if not as the true record that it claims to be,
then you are denying the Christian values it proclaims.
This is not so much of a problem for any athiests or Satanists,
but the supposed Christians, who so rudely scorn and ridicule it,
should be ashamed for their hypocrisy.
Remember that the events of the Bible
must also be taken on faith as.
Just because there may be more archaeological evidence
for some of the places in the Bible
(and many that still don't have a shred of evidence)
doesn't begin to mean that the 'events' depicted for those places
in the Bible actually happened,
especially for something as powerful as the resurrection,
and yet would you ridicule the Bible,
which can't be proved beyond your faith?
The Bible is a collection of scripture
that has great values and meaning,
but must ultimately be taken on faith,
and the Book of Mormon is the same.
You certainly don't have to believe it,
but by denigrating it so viciously,
you are being rather hypocritical
and unkind to the faith of others
and the powerful Christian principles contained within.

Joseph Smith was a prophet, and an unbelievable man.
As I stated in a previous post, whether you believe him or not,
he really cannot be legitimately even considered
by critics as a con artist, because he genuinely believed
in what he was doing, and in the experiences he had.
I've read many accounts of him, both by himself and others
who knew him and worked with him,
and there is a genuine love and belief in the work he did
and the people he came in contact with.
Reading his diaries, and hearing him so eagerly
share about his experiences sharing the gospel
with ministers of other faiths who came to visit him;
reading the account his mother gave of his overwhelming sense
of relief and joy after the three witnesses saw the angel
and were allowed to see the Book of Mormon plates;
studying his testimony of the angel Moroni
coming to him three times
in the night and repeating the same things over to him
(I've often considered that a small sign of a genuine story,
that he would relate such a peculiar thing,
whereas someone making it up wouldn't think
to make such a detail as that-
I don't know if that makes sense to anyone,
but to me it's further proof of its truthfulness);
reading the accounts in D&C that chastise him
for his shortcomings and errors
(again, why someone would do that, if they were making it up
and trying to deliberately wield power or influence, is doubtful).
This was a man who did not trifle with those things he claimed
to have seen and experienced and believed.
He really believed them, and acted
and reacted as such in every way.
Was he perfect? By no means.
There are certainly imperfect parts of his life
and possibly some errors of judgement, but we know of many
such instances where Biblical prophets had the same imperfections,
and probably there would be more if we knew of their lives
with the kind of modern scrutiny that Joseph Smith's live had.
He was a man, and imperfect, yes, but also
a prophet and representative of the Lord,
and no less of one for his imperfections.

As (name withheld) talked about in his testimony,
I also have a strong affinity to the
logic inherent in the church and its doctrines.
The multiple kingdoms of heaven, baptism for the dead
(something I regard as so meaningful and sensible,
as opposed to the incomprehensible Born-Again,
Protestant view of 'accept Jesus in this life or go to hell'),
laying on of hands (another thing, like baptism for the dead,
that is mentioned in the Bible, but which I saw in
no other church than the LDS church),
eternal marriage, the premortal existence
(something that I always sensed was part of life
but never found validation for),
the Word of Wisdom, God having a tangible body,
and especially the unofficial but understood beliefs
that God Himself was once a man,
that God has a God who has a God, etc.,
that we have a Heavenly Mother
(well, I guess that's kind of official now
since the 'Proclamation to the Family'),
and that we all have the potential and possibility,
as the spirit children of God, to someday,
through eternal progression, 'grow up' and become 'spirit adults',
and be blessed with all the Father has, as Christ promised.
One thing I always believed throughout my life and during my
many searching years was that life is big.
Very, very big, beyond any limitations of our comprehension.
These and other thoughts and doctrines without question
testify to the idea that life is indeed big,
and they also make me understand Heavenly Father as the real,
knowing, powerful and loving person that He is,
and give me a sense of real purpose for this both this life,
and for the eternity to come.
Some would call these particular teachings blasphemous.
I call them extremely valid and sensible,
and powerfully deep and enlightening.

Perhaps one of the best things I can say about
the gospel of Jesus Christ is that it is real, and it works!
My life has been blessed in so many ways,
spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc.
My prayers are answered.
I am about to get married in the temple with a wonderful woman
who was brought into my life in a quite remarkable way,
as an answer to both of our prayers.
I have focus and direction and a purpose in my life.
I can love and serve others more than I was able to,
and am constantly humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude
for the joy and wonders of this big life,
and for the immeasurable sacrifice our Father made
with His son Jesus Christ.
Would you dare to say that I worship another Jesus Christ
and another God the Father,
and that the spirit of love and enlightenment
that I feel in my soul is a different
Holy Spirit than that of the Bible?
What other ones would they be,
and why are they blessing me and affecting my life
the same wondrous way as those in the Bible?
This 'other Jesus', that other Christians say we worship,
must be just as wonderful as the Bible one.
Would you dare to say that I am not a Christian, even though
I live the example and love of Christ to the best of my ability,
and worship Him as my Lord and Saviour,
and strive to keep His commandments?
For shame, that anyone would question
another's love of the Saviour as being somehow unreal
or different from theirs, and therefore inferior.

The organization of the church is another incredible thing,
structured along the same basis as the original ancient church,
and allowing the members to be an active and vital part.
The more that I've been active in the church these past few years,
the more I have beheld what an inspired organization it is.
The people in it are imperfect, to be sure,
but the organization itself is designed to nurture
and serve them and allow them to grow.
When I think of how many of the current 11 million members
of the church are active (maybe 5-6 million),
I marvel at what could be accomplished if just the other
5 or 6 million were all fully active,
much less what it can accomplish with the world united
as a part of it and Jesus Christ at the helm
as King and ruler of the earth.

I know that there are many wonderful people in this world,
of all faiths, and even many of no particular faith,
who are inspired, talented, intelligent and exemplary persons,
and many who do indeed worship
the very same Father and Christ which I do,
even though their understanding may be different,
and also many who worship or follow the best path
that they are able to know, whatever that may be.
Being in an area (Buffalo, NY) with fewer LDS than out west,
most of my friends are non-members,
or members of differing and even contrasting faiths,
and I also have friends of varying
ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles.
I do not say that to seem oh so whatever,
but only to illustrate that I can and do love people
for who they are, and the way they are,
and don't let the personal areas of their lives
or beliefs interfere with my friendships,
as they are kind enough to do with me.
That doesn't mean that I involve myself in things
that I personally feel are improper, which they may not.
But there are things, including people's faiths,
that are personal to them, and the particular path they are on,
and I know that those things shouldn't preclude you
from accepting people for who they are,
and the great people they can be, despite their differences,
and being able to do other things together
that don't involve those personal issues or conflicting differences.
There are some people within my faith who are
arrogant about being LDS (and I'm sure I've been at times, too),
and who have had improper attitudes
towards others based on certain issues,
but that is a personal failing, and not reflected by our teachings,
and certainly not limited to our faith, by any stretch.
It disgusts me how much the world is quick to
broadcast tolerance and rail against injustices related to that,
and then revert to racist and intolerant attitudes behind the scenes.
It is my experience that most LDS are
genuinely loving and respectful of other people,
despite racial and lifestyle differences,
and those that aren't darn well should be.

As far as the critics... I have nothing personal against them.
I'm sure that some are good people, and the path that they are on
has somehow caused them to feel the need to criticize this faith.
I cannot necessarily doubt someone like (name withheld)
when he says that he felt that his special mission
was to be focused on criticizing the LDS church.
If (name withheld) feels that spending hours of her time every day
posting to this group, and trying to tear down the faith
that I and millions of others hold dear,
is somehow a worthwhile expression of the real Christian love
that I know she has in her, then so be it. It's her life.
I like to think that some of these people may become like Saul/Paul-
fighting violently against the church now,
but then one day becoming one of its greatest allies,
because of the proximity that they've had to it.
I can say, however, perhaps with an understandable bias,
that many critics of the church are some of the most
immature, unknowledgeable, closed-minded, logically-challenged,
mean, prejudiced, hypocritical people that I have ever come across,
and yet most of them profess to call themselves true Christians.
Not to defend every LDS defender who has posted here,
because sometimes we get arrogant and overly sarcastic
in what we respond with, but in general, it is clear that most critics
simply do not respond directly to, or show any desire
to even make an honest effort to try to comprehend,
the defenses we make for our beliefs.
We have repeatedly and intelligently
presented arguments in defense of our beliefs,
or even only to establish plausibility for them,
and yet there is a stubborn unwillingness for the critics
to even consider them that is completely ridiculous and baffling.
The fact that so many of the mainstream Christian arguments
against LDS can also be used against their own basis of faith
(and they often are by athiests...),
and perfectly parallel the original view that
the Jewish priests had of Christ and His disciples,
is something that many just cannot seem to grasp,
and yet the same arguments come up time and again,
often from the same people who should know better.

I have learned over the time that I have posted
and (mostly) lurked to this group,
that I need to be mindful to not be involved
in the contention that often is prevelant here.
More important than spending so much
time and energy in defending my faith
(which doesn't really need defending-
it's taken care of itself quite well
and flourished for 170 years now),
I know that it is important that I practice my faith,
and be the best person I can be, and follow the gospel
and faith that I know to be true to the best of my ability.
That being said, I will be taking an extended leave from here,
as I am getting married next weekend,
and want to focus my attention solely on living my faith,
instead of coming here to debate and speculate about it.
If you have something to comment about this,
please e-mail me directly,
and for crying out loud, keep it positive.
I have already heard, read and studied the arguments
against the things that I have spoken about here,
and yet, whaddya know, I still wrote and believe what I did here!
You know what I'm trying to say?!
That should be an indication that any critic
sending me a message trying to refute every little point here
or sending nasty rhetoric will quickly be deleted.
Your thought (if there is any), typing and sending will be wasted.
I challenge the critics to just let this be what it is,
and be alright with that...

Truthfully, I don't really care if anyone responds to any of this.
It doesn't change what I know to be true and the path
I am blessed and grateful to be following.
I wish you all peace, love and happiness,
and all the blessings of God,
and leave this with you in the name
of my beloved Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Eric Endres