Quotes/Church Publications and Brethren re:Muslims & Jews

[BroJones]

We begin with the following extracts from a wonderful talk by Pres. Boyd K. Packer at a BYU forum in October 2006: http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=2989

Building Bridges of Understanding:
The Church and the World of Islam
President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints, gave this introduction of
Dr. Alwi Shihab prior to Dr. Shihab's forum address on 10 October 2006.

…Ahead of us, indeed already all around us, is
the world of Islam. Christianity and Islam
will clasp hands in cooperation and
understanding or clench fists in
confrontation and prejudice….

The Doctrine and Covenants has this very
interesting prophecy: “For after your
testimony cometh the testimony of
earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in
the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the
ground and shall not be able to stand.
“And also cometh the testimony of the voice
of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings,
and the voice of tempests, and the voice of
the waves of the sea heaving themselves
beyond their bounds” (D&C 88:89–90;
italics added).

Knit together by world history and by Old
Testament history and doctrine, the Church
and the Islamic world can see each other as
People of the Book, indeed Family of the
Book.

The First Presidency called a special fast for
funds to aid the victims of the tsumani. The
money flowed in—several million dollars.
Part of our purpose in traveling to Indonesia
was to review the significant Church
humanitarian relief to those hardest hit. The
assistance began flowing immediately, and it
continues today.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints expresses “special love and concern
for the eternal welfare of all men and
women, regardless of religious belief, race,
or nationality, knowing that we are truly
brothers and sisters because we are sons and
daughters of the same Eternal Father.”1

We believe that “the great religious leaders
of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius,
and the Reformers, as well as philosophers
including Socrates, Plato, and others,
received a portion of God’s light. Moral
truths were given to them by God to
enlighten whole nations and to bring a
higher level of understanding to
individuals.”2

It is important that we in the West
understand there is a battle for the heart,
soul, and direction of Islam and that not all
Islam espouses violent jihad, as some
Western media portray.

It is as well important that friends in the
Islamic world understand there is a battle for
the heart, soul, and direction of the Western
world and that not all the West is morally
decadent, as some Islamic media portray.

Church members and Muslims share similar
high standards of decency, temperance, and
morality. We have so much in common. As
societal morality and behavior decline in an
increasingly permissive world, the Church
and many within Islam increasingly share
natural affinities.

Muslim scholars point out that the Quran
does not restrict Paradise to Muslims. The
Quran rewards all those of faith who
perform righteousness and believe in the
after-life. The Book calls Jesus Christ
Messiah, Son of Mary, and by the names
Messenger, Prophet, Servant, Word, and
Spirit of God.4



Alwi, a devout Muslim of Arabic ancestry,
and I, a Christian and devout Mormon, have
agreed to symbolically walk arm in arm into
the future. Together we hope to build a
bridge. Except what that symbolizes is
accomplished, all of us face a very dark and
very dangerous future.

Now I introduce Dr. Alwi Shihab with a title
which I borrow from another venerable
Islamic leader and cleric (whom we both
know and love), Abdurrahman Wahid,
former president of Indonesia—Gus Dur. I
apply that title to you, Alwi. You know that
by interpretation it means “Dear Friend.”

[Original_Intent]

Thanks for posting that Doctor Jones! Blessed are the peacemakers!

[jimmy k]

As a convert to the church and been taught the 5 discusions by the missionaries, they also asked me to ask HEAVENLY FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST if JOESEPH SMITH IS REALLY A PROPHET and if the BOOK OF MORMAN IS TRUE. Will I get the same manefistation of THE HOLY SPIRIT if I ask if mohammed was a prophet and if the quran is true?

[BroJones]

Thanks for posting that Doctor Jones! Blessed are the peacemakers!

Thanks, O+I. I love Pres. Packer, especially for speaking out the way he does -- he is a peacemaker!

jimmy k -- Pres. Packer quoted from an earlier statement of the First Presidency when he said in 2006:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints expresses “special love and concern
for the eternal welfare of all men and
women, regardless of religious belief, race,
or nationality, knowing that we are truly
brothers and sisters because we are sons and
daughters of the same Eternal Father.”1

We believe that “the great religious leaders
of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius,
and the Reformers, as well as philosophers
including Socrates, Plato, and others,
received a portion of God’s light. Moral
truths were given to them by God to
enlighten whole nations and to bring a
higher level of understanding to
individuals.”2

I don't think the promise of Moroni 10:4 applies to questions about Mohammed, Confucius, etc. -- Moroni expressed this promise regarding that book, the Book of Mormon.
The Brethren explained that these "received a portion of God’s light. Moral
truths were given to them by God to
enlighten whole nations and to bring a
higher level of understanding to
individuals"

[jimmy k]

Moroni says that by the power of the HOLY GHOST you will know the truth of all things.
If there comes a time when there is a knock on my door and there are two men wanting me to learn of mohammed and the quran and I feel the SPIRIT as they testify, then they will get my attention.

[believer]

Thanks for posting that, Dr. Jones. To bad the preacher in Florida can't see it that way.


Believer

[tsc]

To Jimmy K:

Congratulations on your recent conversion, and welcome to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!

It is certainly not surprising that you have a lot of questions, and will continue to have more questions, as you strive to learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have been privileged in my life to have been born into this church, and I have been a faithful member since. I am very blessed and fortunate. I understand not all have this same blessing.

You have also been blessed as you have discovered the truth.

If I may, and I do so in a spirit of peace and humility, I would suggest to you that you fully seek to understand the Book of Mormon and its truthfulness, and seek to have a firm testimony that Joseph Smith was indeed a divine prophet, placed on this earth at a specific time, to assist in restoring the Kingdom of God on earth, along with the full priesthood authority to act in God's name.

We are blessed in this church to have not only the authority, but also the obligation, to go forward to preach the gospel, so that others may partake of these eternal truths and ordinances. Ours is the only faith that has this power, authority, and associated blessings and gifts from our loving Heavenly Father. But He, however, absolutely desires as many of his children as who will accept it, to come to the truth, and come unto Jesus, and be baptized in His name.

Beware of those who will try to deceive you, and remember that decption comes in many forms.

Keep reading the Book of Mormon, keep taking the lessons, keep praying, keep listening to our prophet and other church leaders,, and pray for wisdom and guidance, and you will be okay.

I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ.

[jimmy k]

THANK YOU

[BroJones]

Best wishes to you, Jimmy k.

This on another thread about the Church and Muslims:

Found the answer --

INDONESIAN CHURCH GROWTH. Since 1980, virtually all LDS missionary work in Indonesia has been performed by local members. Indonesia is the only Muslim country where Church proselytizing has succeeded. The Church officially entered Indonesia when Elder Ezra Taft Benson dedicated that country for the teaching of the gospel on October 26, 1969. G. Carlos Smith, Jr., the newly called president of the Southeast Asia Mission, sent six elders from Singapore on January 5, 1970. But on April 11, the Indonesian government halted door-to-door proselytizing and church meetings until the Church obtained official recognition. Although government recognition came nine days later, relations between the Church and various departments of the Indonesian government have not been smooth.

In April 1975, the First Presidency organized the Indonesia Jakarta Mission with Hendrik Gout as president. He had the Book of Mormon translated and published in Bahasa Indonesian (1977), fostered the work of Welfare Services missionaries, and facilitated the establishment of an elementary school in Jakarta in 1976. (It closed in 1988.)

In 1978, government regulations required that Indonesian nationals hold all missionary (and ministerial) positions, and by late 1980 all non-Indonesian LDS missionaries were removed from the country. It was necessary to recombine the Indonesia Jakarta Mission with the Singapore Mission until 1985, when Effian Kadarusman, an Indonesian, was appointed president over the reestablished mission. By 1988, close to one hundred Indonesians were serving full-time missions in their country. In 1989 the Indonesia Jakarta Mission was again made a part of the Singapore Mission.

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/dail ... /asia.html

So YES, the Church does proselyting among the Muslims in Indonesia, and the Church is growing there...
Hey, I haven't heard of any missionaries or new members being killed by Muslims over there, have you? Seems to be peaceful, this Muslim nation with LDS missionaries allowed to proselyte.

[BroJones]

Had this note from a friend on another forum, regarding missionary work to the Muslim people --

[quote]On my mission in Germany 1989-1991, I taught many Muslims from Africa and the Middle East and we had no restrictions on whether we could proselytize or baptism with the exception of Palestinians for whom special permission was needed to get baptized. There are still few Muslims that get baptized because despite the few differences between our religions, there are still enough that make it hard on a social level for them to overcome. I say don't give up on them though. Christianity has its own share of violent groups that make up for the violent ones who claim Islam.
(Kashida)[/quote]

[Geeswell]

I like these topics, Dr Jones, about the muslims and LDS. I think it is good for us to come up for air from the contention that is being created in our world and in our country at the moment.

I for one didn't know about a lot of these things. I always wondered if Muslims as a whole hated Christians, and just took it for granted that it was possible. I know I had read and listened to Apostles talk about welcoming and accepting other religions including Islam.

I always viewed the Islamic religion as a direct opposition to Christianity and the Jewish faith. I will admit that I do not know a lot about the history or the beliefs on either, which is why I haven't really commented on any of the other threads that share this topic.

So, obviously the state of Israel isn't perfect, but I figured they were still "God's People" right? since he obviously has special plans for them at this second coming. Is not the Islamic people supposed to be among those attacking them when Christ comes to save them?

I always figured if we were there we would be siding with Israel as usual, but then again maybe we won't be at that last battle, as i've heard some suggest.

[AussieOi]

I like these topics, Dr Jones, about the muslims and LDS. I think it is good for us to come up for air from the contention that is being created in our world and in our country at the moment.

I for one didn't know about a lot of these things. I always wondered if Muslims as a whole hated Christians, and just took it for granted that it was possible. I know I had read and listened to Apostles talk about welcoming and accepting other religions including Islam.

I always viewed the Islamic religion as a direct opposition to Christianity and the Jewish faith. I will admit that I do not know a lot about the history or the beliefs on either, which is why I haven't really commented on any of the other threads that share this topic.

So, obviously the state of Israel isn't perfect, but I figured they were still "God's People" right? since he obviously has special plans for them at this second coming. Is not the Islamic people supposed to be among those attacking them when Christ comes to save them?

I always figured if we were there we would be siding with Israel as usual, but then again maybe we won't be at that last battle, as i've heard some suggest.

god will bring all nations to battle against the nation of israel
and then the imposters will be wiped out
and the remaining faithful will be blessed
dont forget- WE are israel- those "zionists" are imposters and there is as much intermarried blood of ancient israel in palestians and arabs as there is in those calling themselves jews today
totally mixed up

[tribrac]

I found that quote about Muhamad & Confucious many years before 9/11. It has helped restrain the temptation to go with the mainstream hatred, and made me think. But I must admit as I hear or read about awful actions attributed to Muhamad or Islam I have wondered how to reconcile it. I'm still working on that.

[BroJones]

I found that quote about Muhamad & Confucious many years before 9/11. It has helped restrain the temptation to go with the mainstream hatred, and made me think. But I must admit as I hear or read about awful actions attributed to Muhamad or Islam I have wondered how to reconcile it. I'm still working on that.

Perhaps this 2006 talk (excerpts) by Pres. Packer will help you and others:

http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=2989

Building Bridges of Understanding:
The Church and the World of Islam
President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints, gave this introduction of
Dr. Alwi Shihab prior to Dr. Shihab's forum address on 10 October 2006.

…Ahead of us, indeed already all around us, is
the world of Islam. Christianity and Islam
will clasp hands in cooperation and
understanding or clench fists in
confrontation and prejudice….

The Doctrine and Covenants has this very
interesting prophecy: “For after your
testimony cometh the testimony of
earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in
the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the
ground and shall not be able to stand.
“And also cometh the testimony of the voice
of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings,
and the voice of tempests, and the voice of
the waves of the sea heaving themselves
beyond their bounds” (D&C 88:89–90;
italics added).

Knit together by world history and by Old
Testament history and doctrine, the Church
and the Islamic world can see each other as
People of the Book, indeed Family of the
Book.

The First Presidency called a special fast for
funds to aid the victims of the tsumani. The
money flowed in—several million dollars.
Part of our purpose in traveling to Indonesia
was to review the significant Church
humanitarian relief to those hardest hit. The
assistance began flowing immediately, and it
continues today.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints expresses “special love and concern
for the eternal welfare of all men and
women, regardless of religious belief, race,
or nationality, knowing that we are truly
brothers and sisters because we are sons and
daughters of the same Eternal Father.”1

We believe that “the great religious leaders
of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius,
and the Reformers, as well as philosophers
including Socrates, Plato, and others,
received a portion of God’s light. Moral
truths were given to them by God to
enlighten whole nations and to bring a
higher level of understanding to
individuals.”2

It is important that we in the West
understand there is a battle for the heart,
soul, and direction of Islam and that not all
Islam espouses violent jihad, as some
Western media portray.

It is as well important that friends in the
Islamic world understand there is a battle for
the heart, soul, and direction of the Western
world and that not all the West is morally
decadent, as some Islamic media portray.

Church members and Muslims share similar
high standards of decency, temperance, and
morality. We have so much in common. As
societal morality and behavior decline in an
increasingly permissive world, the Church
and many within Islam increasingly share
natural affinities.

Muslim scholars point out that the Quran
does not restrict Paradise to Muslims. The
Quran rewards all those of faith who
perform righteousness and believe in the
after-life. The Book calls Jesus Christ
Messiah, Son of Mary, and by the names
Messenger, Prophet, Servant, Word, and
Spirit of God.4



Alwi, a devout Muslim of Arabic ancestry,
and I, a Christian and devout Mormon, have
agreed to symbolically walk arm in arm into
the future. Together we hope to build a
bridge. Except what that symbolizes is
accomplished, all of us face a very dark and
very dangerous future.

Now I introduce Dr. Alwi Shihab with a title
which I borrow from another venerable
Islamic leader and cleric (whom we both
know and love), Abdurrahman Wahid,
former president of Indonesia—Gus Dur. I
apply that title to you, Alwi. You know that
by interpretation it means “Dear Friend.”