Here's what I'm going to ask you to do. First, I'm going to ask you to watch this video. Then, I'm going to ask you to read my incredible insights which will sway your opinions. Finally, I'm going to ask you to leave comments telling me how right I am. Easy enough?
When I first watched this little video, I was simultaneously impressed and disgusted. It's pretty obvious that this man knows at least something about the Bible and history. He could quote Scripture, and he certainly did a good job of "shutting the mouths of the heretics."
What bothered me was the stench of his over-powering spiritual cologne. Granted, I believe that Joseph Smith is the cheapest of imitations when compared to Jesus. But this man's arrogance was so far beyond blatant. It was more forceful and rude than any Mormon mission I've ever experienced. His confidence in the words of Christ was well-grounded, to say the least. But his presentation was dismissive and pushy, particularly for a man claiming to "have a conversation." In this midst of his conversation, he flat-out said, "I don't need to listen to you." Way to be the shining example of what you proclaim.
And there is something almost disconcerting about what he quotes from Luke. Jesus said, "For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Does this passage apply in this man's situation? Is this an example of being given words to tear down an adversary? And what does this man's demeanor say about his affiliation with a gospel of radical love, even for one's enemies?
I suppose that my concern comes from experiential knowledge, which I admit is not the safest place to begin a theological observation. However, I have been in places and situations where I have been made to look the fool. Does this mean that my faith or salvation is insufficient because I wasn't "given words"?
Also, isn't it obvious that this man had spent some time studying this issues, preparing for this situation. If it was being video taped, it might seem to imply some prep time beforehand. And didn't Jesus say immediately before the verse quoted above, "But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves"?
I guess what made the most uncomfortable is the short explanation at the end. Here, a supposedly true witness of Jesus Christ, brushes off two utterly confused souls and scoffs as the go. Is it a missional participation in the spreading of the kingdom to prove people wrong and laugh as they retreat with their tails between their legs?
However, all complaints aside, I really do like his response to the Book of Mormon. Does the Bible really need the help?
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I think that "does the Bible need help?" is always the major strength of talking to Mormons. The utter contradiction of claiming to believe in a book's authority while rejecting its ability to stand on its own is pretty easy to point out. And most Mormons make such a good fight to sound and act like Christians that they end up accidentally affirming orthodox Christian beliefs (which they officially disagree with), thus leaving themselves once again in a contradictory state.
I think that the man in the video may appear cocky; however, we should also remember that what looks like arrogance in white culture is often just confident speaking in Black America. His style reminded me of many African-American preachers, and I'm certain that this may contribute to the "stench" of spirituality, especially compared to the pasty-white Anglo Mormons. I wouldn't doubt that the Christian here also was eager to put down a religion which historically has held his people as inferior beings.
Once again, any religious debate done for media is going to be short, pointed, and largely unproductive. And if it's in a Burger King parking lot, well then that's a Whopper of a problem.
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