We know that children under eight years old have not reached the “years of accountability” …and therefore “need no … baptism” …Similarly, some people who have not developed language or intellectual skills to a sufficient level may not be accountable before the Lord.”
Families work with bishops to determine whether a person with intellectual disabilities should be baptized and receive other ordinances, considering the person’s own wishes, degree of understanding, and worthiness.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 210). [Also see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 354.]
This includes those with intellectual disabilities, who are here to gain their own experience and fulfill Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness for them. Like anyone else, they need to be taught the gospel and strive for personal growth in this life. Our job is to love and serve all of God’s children and help each other come closer to Christ.” [emp. Added]
Matthew 22:36-40 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
The ’job’ of every Christian is to obey what Jesus said in Matthew 22:36-40. When we do this, our lives reflect our love for Him, and others!
James chapter one reminds us to stop being religious. In James 1:26-27 we read that we’re to visit the widows, and fatherless, and keep focused on how we can serve others. We can’t ‘help others come to Christ’ if we’re busy judging their worthiness, and besides all that, it’s not our job!
Another gem in the book of James is his message to stop talking, and start listening – your religion is worthless if you don’t do what the Bible says. As I always taught my kids; you have two ears, and one mouth, so use them accordingly. Coming up with outlandish ideas that bishops, and parents are left to judge someone, is nowhere to be found in the Bible.
The Church seems determined to keep digging a deeper hole for themselves. Earlier this month they called everyone to stop racism, but didn’t denounce their canon. Now their agenda is to spread lies about salvation for some of the most vulnerable in life.
As stated earlier, our job as believers is to love the Lord with all our hearts. When we do this, His Holy Spirit is revealed to those around us – Galatians 5:22-23. This is our sole job!
Lastly beloved, the Bible tells us that only God knows the heart of man. Jeremiah 17:10 Because of this, how can the Church determine who’s worthy?
Shame on the LDS Church! Be sure to share the truth with a Mormon you know, and ask what they think about the latest article in the youth magazine.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle