It is a common fallacy that people must learn a lot about Mormonism before they can witness to Mormons. In fact, sometimes having an in-depth knowledge of LDS doctrine and history can be detrimental. It can easily intimidate Mormons since many don’t have a firm grasp of these topics. An even greater problem is that it can cause you to focus on issues in Mormonism which bother you but don’t bother them.

Their language

There are two main things about Mormonism which are essential to know. The first is their language. We call it “Mormonese.” One aspect is that they have coined unique words or phrases (i.e. Deseret).

Much more seriously, Mormonism has defined key biblical words drastically differently. The word grace is one example. In Mormonism grace is not the incredible, undeserved love God shows us. Rather it is an “enabling power” God gives us. Therefore, when you talk about grace without defining it, they will hear something completely different from what you intended.

Grace is just one of many examples of a word Mormonism has defined differently. To help you understand their definitions, we have created a Dictionary of Mormonese. To request a copy, click here.

Another valuable resource for understanding their definitions is True to the Faith, an official LDS manual. It consists of brief articles on key words, all in alphabetical order. You can download a PDF copy here. There is also a digital copy on the LDS Church’s website, churchofjesuschrist.org, In the search window type in “True to the Faith manual pdf”. Bookmark it so you can easily return to it. If you prefer a written copy, you can order an inexpensive copy from the store on their site.

It would be wise to also bookmark churchofjesuschrist.org. As you get into spiritual conversations, you will want to return to it regularly for articles on the topics you discuss.

Sometimes people wonder if they should hide from their LDS friend or family member the fact they are looking at LDS resources. They fear this would upset them or at the very least, make them suspicious. Our experience, however, has been the opposite. Most have been surprised and even pleased we are going to such lengths to see what the LDS Church teaches. They much prefer us reading LDS sources than Christian sources about Mormonism.

Their stresses

The second essential aspect to know about Mormonism is how it places stress on its members. No matter what the teaching is, Mormonism eventually ends up putting the focus on the person rather than on God. In this way, all their doctrines can cause stress. Take Mormonism’s definition of grace. By defining it as an enabling power, it puts pressure on people by telling them that God, by giving them grace, has enabled them to keep the commandments. Therefore, if they don’t keep them, they are to blame.

This is only one example. Many Mormons aren’t troubled by the problems in LDS history which often infuriate Christians. The same holds true about contradictions in LDS teaching. Rather, it’s the struggle to remain worthy by keeping the commandments which exerts daily, unending pressure on them. Many also experience anxiety wondering if they are forgiven or what their standing with God truly is.

Lessons 5 and 6 of Build Bridges Not Barriers spell out these and other stresses LDS members commonly experience.

The brief video course, Mormonism’s Plan of Salvation, walks through the basic teachings of Mormonism with an eye on seeing how the various aspects of LDS teachings places stress on its members.