November 20, 2004

Ravi Zacharias
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
4725 Peachtree Corners Circle - Suite 250
Norcross, GA 30092 USA
Phone: (770) 449-6766
Fax: (770)729-1729
rzim@rzim.org
http://www.rzim.org

Dear Ravi:

Prior to your November 14 speech at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Dr. Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, is reported to have made numerous statements, some of which have caused a great deal of concern within the apologetics/cult evangelistic ministries.

In her November 15, 2004 news release, Carrie A. Moore of the Deseret Morning News reported:

With Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints sitting together in the Salt Lake Tabernacle for an "Evening of Friendship," internationally renowned Christian philosopher Ravi Zacharias told them Sunday night that Jesus Christ's unique claim upon humanity is that he embodied truth and sacrificed himself for a world that often does not recognize him.
But what many Utahans may remember most distinctly is the sermon that came before it.

Taking the pulpit to speak of the event's historic nature, Fuller Theological Seminary President Richard Mouw addressed a capacity crowd of several thousand, offering a stunningly candid apology to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and noting that "friendship has not come easily between our communities." He dubbed the evening "historic" and apologized that Evangelicals "have often misrepresented the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints."

"Let me state it clearly. We evangelicals have sinned against you," he said, adding both camps have tended to marginalize and simplify the others' beliefs.

Historical animosity dating back to the founding of the LDS Church by Joseph Smith in 1830 has heightened in recent years between the two groups, particularly in the 1990s, when several high-profile evangelical leaders asserted that "Mormons are not Christians."

Mouw noted the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith's birthday next December and several scholarly events planned to celebrate during the coming year. "I hope many in the evangelical community will take part in those events," he said. [[please refer to Evangelical preaches at Salt Lake Tabernacle for complete article]]

According to the above, Richard Mouw:

---   apologized to Mormons for the "Evangelicals" who "have often misrepresented the faith and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints."

---   stated, "Let me state it clearly. We evangelicals have sinned against you" and added that "both camps have tended to marginalize and simplify the others' beliefs."

---   hoped that "... many in the evangelical community will take part in" the "200th anniversary of Joseph Smith's birthday next December" and "several scholarly events planned to celebrate during the coming year" as well.

Ravi, no one is blaming you for Mouw's statements, but according to Christian sources who attended the meeting, no one--including yourself-- stood up and responded to Mouw, either during or immediately after his speech. This is disturbing in and of itself, and I am amazed that the Christians in attendance sat and did nothing.

Indeed, Mouw's "stunningly candid" apologies to the Mormons not only painted apologists and cult-evangelists as the bad guys, they are ridiculous, uncalled for and a spiritual slap-in-the-face to anyone who has taken the time to share, in love, the truth of God's word with those being deceived by the cultic doctrines and leadership of the Mormon church.

Although Mouw took it upon himself to speak for apologists and cult-evangelists worldwide, rest assured that his statements do not speak for myself or my colleagues. In spite of Mormonism's blatant attacks on historic Christianity, we love Mormons enough to share the truth.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine --2 Timothy 4:2

But we love our Lord and Savior more, enough to defend the faith against another Jesus, gospel and spirit (Jude 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Galatians 1:6-9). Personally, since my ministry began in the early 1980's, I have done nothing to physically or spiritually harm a Mormon, nor do I know of anyone who has.

Christianity didn't start the fire, Ravi. We both know that. But Mouw's statements, coupled with his ongoing association with known Mormon officials and apparent sympathizers, has caused a growing number of concerned Christians to become suspicious as to what may prove to be a seductive, swift-moving agenda to blend historic Christianity with the cult of Mormonism.

Needless to say, it should come as no surprise if Mormonism is eventually recognized by the masses as legitimate within the body of Christ.

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but expose them (Ephesians 5:11).

Mouw must be held accountable for his statements. He needs to repent and apologize to those who work tirelessly to promote the real Jesus to the Mormons, as well as other non-Christian cults.

Ravi, since I was unable to attend your speeches, and since you are "Well-versed in the disciplines of comparative religions, cults, and philosophy" ( Ravi Zacharias Bio), I will assume you stood strong in the faith and defense of the real Jesus and the truth of His word (2 Thessalonians 2;15; Jude 3). If this is so, then I pray God will use your words to touch the hearts of those in attendance. If not, then please search your heart and consider an immediate separation from those who may be using your name and popularity for an agenda to, again, blend historic Christianity with the cult of Mormonism.

While plans are underway to provide your speeches to the public, I would appreciate an unedited transcript of your November 14 speech at the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

I'll close with this:

"The truth or falsity of a statement about being a Christian is governed by what Christ taught and what the word of God says. It isn't by what church you belong to or what theological perspective you have. The truth is the gospel itself. Now, the gospel is very clear, and Mormonism cannot be Christianity--not because I say so or because we take a vote on the subject in the Christian church--it can't be Christianity because it denies the doctrine of God and says there are many gods; it denies the doctrine of Christ and says He is a god, when the Bible says He is God in human flesh. It cannot be Christian because it teaches that the virgin birth is sexual relations between a resurrected god and the virgin Mary--to produce Jesus of Nazareth. It cannot be Christian because it denies salvation by grace alone and adds human works, which Paul says, destroys the gospel. It cannot be the gospel of Jesus Christ because it's another gospel, another spirit, another Jesus [2 Corinthians11:3-4]...We love Mormons. We want them to come to know the real Jesus Christ. But we would be remiss in our function as Christians if we did not tell the whole counsel of God. And the whole counsel of God says this is Christianity. Mormonism is not Christianity; it is polytheistic; it is eternally polygamist and it is thoroughly pagan" (Walter Martin, "Mormon Officials and Christian Scholars compare Doctrine," The John Ankerberg Show, video segment aired 11/20/04).

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Therefore, Ravi, with the above in mind, I would appreciate your providing me with a statement based on what Mouw said during his speech.

Thank you, Ravi. I look forward to your reply at your earliest possible convenience.

Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press
(Jude 3)

 

Bud Press is a Christian Investigative Researcher and the Director of Christian Research Service. As a service to the body of Christ, Bud provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pro-family groups, outreach ministries and the Christian news media.

 

 

 

 

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