It would be difficult to interview every faith and every creed about their views. I have tried to stick to a handful here. Later I will be writing about new Gen Z believers as their view is obviously important. But for now, let’s see what the Mormons say (bearing in mind that they prefer to be known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (and have often not even been to see ‘The Book of Mormon’… which might be just as well).
Me, “Are you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I am not but am interested on the view of this community concerning Christian revival. If you are a member, do you have a personal opinion on this topic at this time?”
Liam (from the US), “I really like that! Yes, in fact I'm a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm unfamiliar with the topic of Christian Revival. Could you expand?”
Me, “Yes, of course. It concerns what you think about things like the past American great awakenings - so perhaps 'awakening' would be the correct word. The idea of a lot of people becoming believers all at once. There are said to be miracles and a general atmosphere of love, gentleness and mercy (which is often lacking in the world these days). The idea is that God somehow makes a lot of things better and effectively heals a nation or area.
I wondered if
there was a Latter-day Saints position on the topic? The theory is that it
would make people a lot kinder to each other no matter what their sex, age,
colour or creed. But so few people in the West have seen a revival that a lot
of it is speculation.
What are your thoughts on it?”
Liam, “Correct
me if I'm wrong, but my understanding of a Christian revival is a mass event
held by certain leaders of a church to gain more converts? The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is big into missionary work as you can tell. There’re
over 50,000 full time missionaries around the world for the church, and the
leaders of our church help in the work as well. So yes, they do speak to large
groups of people. The purpose of this work isn't to convince people to join our
church, but to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the
restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance,
baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. So that
we can all live with our Heavenly Father someday! Does that answer your
question or are you meaning something else like a specific event that has
happened?”
This was probably one of the few times I had encountered
anyone willing to say they were confused as to what they thought a Christian
revival actually was. The Mormons, though often friendly enough, are considered
to be outside of Christianity because they do not believe the creed and their
leaders have added some other creeds of their own.
However, they too receive discrimination (and discrimination
is never deserved).
