Pres. Hinckley answers myriad questions about the LDS Church

President Hinckley: Of course we're Christian. The very name of the church declares that. No one believes more strongly in the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. No one believes more strongly in the power of his redeeming sacrifice. The Book of Mormon is another witness for the divinity and reality of Jesus Christ. The more people see us and come to know us, the more I believe they will come to realize that we are trying to exemplify in our lives and in our living the great ideals which he taught.

Associated Press: In the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith says the church is "the only true and living church upon the whole Earth." Where does that leave other denominations?

President Hinckley: This is what he said: "This is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole Earth which I, the Lord, am pleased." Now, where does that leave other churches? We believe that all churches do great good. We believe in the virtue in the lives of other people in other churches. We acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of other churches. Our position is simply this, we say, you bring all the good that you have, wherever you have acquired it, and see if we may add to it.

Associated Press: The ordinance of baptism for the dead has been a source of controversy. What is it that people don't understand about it, and can you appreciate that some might see it as a form of religious imperialism?

President Hinckley: Well, if they wish to so regard it. But they must realize the performing of the ordinance does not mean acceptance of the ordinance. Those for who the ordinance is done do not necessarily have to accept it.

Associateds Press: On the other side?

President Hinckley: On the other side. So there's no injury done to anybody.

Associated Press: The church seems to have difficulty distancing itself from its history of polygamy. You've said there are no fundamentalist Mormons, but these groups still practice polygamy and still claim Joseph Smith as their own. How do you resolve that dilemma?

President Hinckley: Well, let me just say this, the doctrine came of revelation and was discontinued by revelation. We believe in honoring, obeying and sustaining the law. And so, we have very little sympathy with those who disobey the law in this manner.

Associated Press: Some scholars say historical records point to discrepancies with the official church history. How do you reconcile the differences? And what is the church's position on historical scholarship?