SFC believe that these perfectly fine cultural practices – when they are taught as Gospel truths – are the equivalent of teaching falsehoods and priestcrafts. However, SFC do not use the LDS term “priestcrafts,” SFC would instead call them “teachings from Satan.” Although these types of things seem rather inconsequential to most LDS, because of the strong international mindset of SFC, they can present a real struggle for many in the SFC community. Several examples are:
1)LDS Culture: “Thee” and “Thou” are the proper way to address God.
Tenet: The proper way to address God is with words of reverence, honor, respect and love.
For the LDS, Thee and Thou are terms of reverence, love, honor and respect. The majority of the world does not speak English, though, and “Thee” and “Thou” are formal English words. For Spirit-filled Christians, teaching the need to use these words is wrong, and is considered teaching philosophies of men mingled with scripture. In French the formal “Vous” would not be used to address God, since it carries a sense of distance. The less formal “Tu” would be used since it implies love and a close relationship. For many SFC who speak post-1611 English, “Thee” and “Thou” may imply a Personage who is distant and uncaring. Since God addresses Satan using the term “Thee” (see Job 1:7-12; Job 2:2-6; Isaiah 14:12-20; Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8), many modern English speaking SFC may view using “Thee” as less loving or honoring a term than the more personal and endearing “You.” So although SFC would have no trouble with someone addressing the Lord using the terms “Thee” and “Thou”, teaching this as a Gospel doctrine would make SFC feel that LDS were introducing stumbling blocks, since Jesus didn’t even speak English. Additionally, most of the world today does not speak English, and certainly not King James English.
2)LDS Culture: There is certain proper attire for church services. For LDS men, it is a (white) shirt and tie, and/or a suit. For LDS women, it is a dress or skirt.
These cultural dress standards also include teachings regarding earrings, hair, sandals, etc.
Tenet: The LDS Church publication For the Strength of Youth states, “Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly.”
The proper attire for church services would be modest attire, worn with the accompanying attitude of reverence. Therefore, proper attire for church could include everything from robes and wraps (like skirts) for men to silk pants and tunics or saris worn by women. Spirit-filled Christians often understand the LDS belief that appropriate modest clothing should cover the shoulders and midsections of both men and women. The problem occurs when Western types of clothing (like skirts and dresses or white shirts) are taught as a Gospel truth, rather than as a personal belief. Although SFC could understand the concept of avoiding extremes in dress as a way to honor God, extolling Western cultural examples would be considered prideful. It if doesn’t apply to the whole world; from the very wealthy to the poorest of the poor; if it doesn’t apply to every tongue, tribe and nation, for SFC, it’s not part of the Gospel. For example; poor believers in third world countries may only own one pair of sandals. Spirit-filled Christians would struggle with any teachings on clothing, feeling “You’re leaving Jesus out of the picture!”
Most SFC do believe in giving your “best” to God, although this is sometimes interpreted to mean “come as you are, without pretension.” For SFC, proper clothing is never to be the focus; Jesus is to be the focus. Jesus has often appeared to Spirit-filled Christians in modern-day visions wearing a robe, not a shirt and tie. Many SFC may view wearing casual clothing (like Jesus wore) as honorable, as it is an indication that one is not trying to put on airs when coming before the Lord.
Both LDS and SFC understand it is important to humble yourself and not be proud, especially regarding clothing.
3)LDS Culture: There are certain rules pertaining to keeping the Sabbath. For example, it is improper to go boating or swimming on the Sabbath.
Tenet: “Because the Sabbath is a holy day, it should be reserved for worthy and holy activities. Abstaining from work and recreation is not enough. In fact, if we merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath, we fail to keep the day holy.” (True to the Faith pg. 146).
Most LDS and SFC understand it is important to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. However, how to keep the Sabbath holy is interpreted differently. Many Latter-day Saints avoid frivolous, loud and raucous entertainment on the Sabbath, so they can to maintain a spirit of reverence. Spirit-filled Christians may view both going to church and vibrant family activities as the best way to honor the Sabbath. They feel wholesome family recreation can involve many different types of activities. Teaching on rules pertaining to how to keep the Sabbath holy would ignite the distressing question, “Where’s Jesus in this picture?”
Both LDS and SFC teach it is important to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to discern honorable ways to celebrate God’s Sabbath. Both cultures understand the idea of working to encourage all of God’s children to be able to come to Christ. LDS have found guidelines that help them feel they are honoring the Sabbath, and therefore honoring Jesus Christ. And most Spirit-filled Christians have personal interpretations regarding what is proper for the Sabbath. How personal choices affect others’ abilities to attend church may not be as well thought out for Spirit-filled Christians. For example, SFC may eat out at a restaurant as a wholesome family activity, whereas LDS believe their Sunday meal is denying the cook and waiter the opportunity to go to church.
Spirit-filled Christians view teaching any types of rules regarding Sabbath behavior as taking Christ’s love out of the Gospel, and inserting laws (a yoke of bondage) instead. SFC are regularly taught that it is crucial to keep traditions and philosophies of man separate from the pure Gospel of Christ. For the LDS, these rules encourage them in ways to best to put Christ’s teachings into practice.
When speaking with SFC, the LDS should remind the SFC that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that following the promptings and inspiration of the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance. Apostles and prophets give teachings that bless and help guide all people of the world, but it is the responsibility of each person to individually receive confirmation from the Holy Spirit. Often, this has not been communicated clearly to SFC.
Another interesting cultural mindset/philosophy is viewed very differently between LDS and SFC cultures. It relates to the types of examples listed above, as well as any teachings or actions done by the group (the Church) as a whole. If a leader speaks something that is not true for the entire world (and who doesn’t? We’re all human!), the SFC mindset is that the leader needs to publicly acknowledge the error and change what was said, or that leader is not following the principle of the Gospel of repentance and humbleness (see Part Two: Culture). SFC feel this also applies for items in past history. They believe leaders need to publicly repent (when needed) so the pure Gospel can go forth, and if they do not, then pride is lurking at the door. SFC would feel that it is important to step up and take responsibility for misstatements or imperfections, so that pride is not given a place to rule within the group.
What SFC do not see is that often changes are made by LDS leaders at a local level, according to the needs of the people. For example, in countries where boating is a normal form of transportation, local LDS leaders would talk about honoring the Sabbath by avoiding loud partying on those boats. LDS feel this is the honorable way to handle this issue. So while SFC would feel that LDS leaders would need to address this issue worldwide, LDS feel that local leaders have the inspiration/authority for what their people need, and there is no need for public acknowledgment and repentance, when something is said that does not apply everywhere.
LDS feel it is very important to honor and respect leaders. This means one would never publicly point out the leader’s (human) failings. LDS believe the Lord will bless you if you follow the leader’s teachings, as it promotes unity.