On October 27, 2018 the LDS Church released an official statement for the new policy on large scale Mormon productions.
If you’ve never heard of Mormon Pageants: think Broadway.
The Church pulls out big names like Donny Osmond who volunteer their time to be part of the show. Their live performances typically focus on recreating the story of the Church’s beginnings. It’s where many Mormon families spend their summer vacations
Pageants are like Mormon Roadshows on steroids. The latter is reminiscent of earlier days when wards would compete yearly against each other for the chance to win bragging rights of who had put on the best productions.
Our thoughts on this latest policy?
1.We’re wondering if they’ve done this as a means to keep Christians away from sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
2.The latest change is also reminiscent of what it was like before the 1980’s when the Church prided itself in being ‘peculiar’ by isolating itself from outsiders.
In part, here’s what they had to say;
‘…local Church leaders and members are encouraged to focus on gospel learning in their homes and to participate in Sabbath worship and the Church’s supporting programs for children, youth, individuals, and families…’
Odd…isn’t that what they’re doing now? How is this different from before?
‘…The goal of every activity in the Church should be to increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to share His gospel message throughout the world. Larger productions, such as pageants, are discouraged. As it relates to existing pageants, conversations with local Church and community leaders are underway to appropriately end, modify, or continue these productions…’
Doesn’t limiting oneself to home studies make it difficult to share the gospel worldwide? It seems having pageants provided a larger pulpit from which to share their news of Joe Smith.
Furthermore, their plan is only advantageous when using the Bible to teach about Jesus Christ. LDS doctrines are a massive interpolation of God’s truth. To date, we’ve not found one biblical doctrine the Church hasn’t disseminated for their own version of a perverted gospel.
‘the Church also discontinued youth cultural celebrations that traditionally preceded new temple dedications in favor of youth devotionals with visiting Church leaders…’
Again, they’ve withdrawn themselves from the locals, and turned to themselves for their own understanding. To read their statement in full, see LDS Pageants.
While we’re not a big proponent of these pageants, they did afford us the opportunity to witness one on one with the visitors. We pray the Mormon people see these changes as another way the Church is trying to isolate, and control its members.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Wow..all kinds of changes. I’m glad I didn’t book a flight yet. I was planning on going to the Mormon(not Mormon) pageant in Manti next June.
Not only do the members plan their vacations but, many Christians from all over go to these events to share the true gospel.
Yeah, I was thinking of you when I wrote that. I honestly believe Nelson is taking the Church back into its cave days when they always had a reputation of being a cult. With the last 20+ yrs and their ads they’ve made themselves look almost Christian whereas before there was no doubt they weren’t.
I also believe it’s their way of making it more difficult for Christians to have access to them. The YouTube videos showing people witnessing at the pageants probably had a big impact on their decision making.
Thanks Michelle…for anyone who may be confused as to why Christians would go to these events…in Matt. 4 Jesus calls his disciples to be fishers of men. A good fisherman wouldn’t drop their lines and cast their nets where there are no fish.
There are many things to do and places to visit to do with our vacation time and $. It’s not exactly relaxing poolside at a resort. It’s a camping situation in the heat of June. So please understand, it’s all done out of concern to share the true gospel of Jesus, “the Good News”. And that right there is love my friends, not hate.🙂.
There is only salvation in Christ alone. Melissa