Faith

One thing I have enjoyed in the military has been the chance to interact with good people who believe in Christ.  The environment is such, that those who believe and strive to live according to their beliefs stand out.  I have enjoyed conversations regarding Christ, and religion in general, with members of many different denominations.

During my last deployment to Afghanistan, I lived in the same B-Hut (wooden barracks) with our battalion chaplain and another officer studying to become an Eastern Orthodox priest.  Needless to say, religion was often the subject of our conversations.  Though our doctrinal views varied, we found fellowship in our common beliefs.  Particularly pleasant to me were the brief prayer meetings the chaplain and I held every evening in the small base chapel.

Sharing spiritual thoughts and experiences with those of other denominations often reveals the sincerity of their beliefs.  It is readily apparent that the spirit has touched their lives in significant ways.  Too often, those of other denominational traditions (LDS included) are quick to dismiss the spiritual experiences of those whose doctrines disagree with theirs as coming from false and even evil sources.

Coming to know the goodness and sincerity of brothers and sisters from other denominations has led me to ponder the workings of the spirit.  How is it that so many people have a real testimony of Christ yet differ so dramatically when it comes to the definition and administration of His kingdom?

I believe the fourth Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gives some explination.  Joseph Smith wrote:

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:

first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;

second, Repentance;

third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;

fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Looking at this verse I realized that the first principle is non-denominational. Faith in Christ does not require adherence to a denominationally specific doctrine.  Thus, a testimony and knowledge of Christ as one's redeemer is available to all.  This witness is received by the Holy Spirit and not through the workings of men.  After one has received a personal witness and testimony of Christ, he or she strives to follow Christ to the best of their ability.  Interpretations of how Christ has directed his disciples to follow Him have led to many different denominational doctrines.

I believe the same spirit that brings one to a testimony of Christ also directs the individual as to how Christ desires one to follow Him.  However, we do each other a disservice when we deny another's true testimony of Christ based upon denominational differences and may miss out on potentially deep and meaningful friendships.