Testifying

Vanguard · Post by **Vanguard** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:14 am

I come from a strong tradition of spreading the gospel message. I have been a Mormon all of my life and served a Mormon mission in Brazil for two years. Virtually 24/7 I was about the business of seeking converts for the faith. When I returned to the states my proselyting ways took more of a backseat to my secular studies as well as my "efforts"

that eventually led to marriage and childrearing. Though I am still quite active in the faith I struggle with my role in sharing my beliefs with others as a lay person in the community.

Aside from whether or not my fellow Christians consider the LDS community to be Christian, the questions for debate are as follows:

1) Does a Christian have an obligation to spread the Word?

2) Does context have any role in spreading this message?

myth-one.com · Post by **myth-one.com** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:13 am

Christians are commanded to spread the good news of the gospel to the entire world:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Many Christians call these two verses the Great Commission. All of us cannot actually go as you have gone. However, all of us can participate by facilitating the goings of those like yourself through tithes, gift offerings, prayer, and other methods. Yes, I believe we have an obligation. That's part of being a Christian.

Not totally sure what you mean by "Does context have any role in spreading this message?" I'm thinking in person, writing, internet, etc. If that is your meaning, my answer would be no. Although one context might be better than another, we should use whatever is available and works.

Vanguard · Post by **Vanguard** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:36 am

myth-one.com wrote:Not totally sure what you mean by "Does context have any role in spreading this message?" I'm thinking in person, writing, internet, etc. If that is your meaning, my answer would be no. Although one context might be better than another, we should use whatever is available and works.

By context I refer to issues of timing, recipient of our witnessing, the recipient's willingness to indulge, locale, and things of that nature. The method for communicating our message as you have outlined above is also a contextual variable. In other words, are there situational dynamics that should dissuade us from witnessing in the moment? If so, what might those be?