From Deseret News archives:
Jewish family makes peace with LDS baptism
The news revealed nothing about my grandfather. After all, the baptism wasn't his idea. Instead, it opened my eyes to the role of free will in the belief system of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called the Mormon Church. And it gave me a new perspective on a dilemma that generations ago nearly tore my family apart.
For years, the "Mormon side" of the family had been no more than shadowy characters in our genealogical soap opera. The "Mormon cousins," as they came to be known, were the descendants of my great-uncle Al, who for years supposedly did not speak to his family because of the Christian woman he chose to be his wife. Family came first.
There was something else: Uncle Al had found Mormonism. And so, another faith entered the clan, a faith that valued family and welcomed new converts with open arms.
My cousins archive family history for a theological purpose. The Mormon Church calls on its members to pour their energies into the salvation of all people including those no longer on earth.
Mormons trace their unique custom of baptizing the dead to the New Testament. In one of his letters to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
The verse confuses a lot of Catholics and Protestants. But for Mormons it makes perfect sense. They believe Christianity's intent was restored through their church in 1830. They also believe God would not deny that good news to previous generations. So to be fair, everyone should get another chance in the next life to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that offer is proffered through baptism.
Recent comments
I'm sorry this is so upsetting to you. If it makes you so outraged,...
Re:Gaia Dianne | April 30, 2009 at 6:18 p.m.
This effort on the part of Mormons to "spin" the story is patently...
Gaia Dianne | March 13, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
1. Several have made a comment like: "I hope the LDS show as much...
Daniel Baker | Nov. 15, 2008 at 11:41 a.m.
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