Liberal

I thought Mormons were generally conservative. Missionaries, more than anyone, should be conservative. Then why is my heart so liberal?

KJ told us that he couldn't pray with us because he was Elohist. He started to shut the door, and I said, "Wait. Who are you? What did you say you believe?"

And he told us. For one hour we stood in the rain and asked him questions. We exchanged beliefs and compared doctrine, but mostly we just listened.

Jehovah as Korean man in the early 1900s? Well, I claim a 14 year-old American boy in the 1800s as prophet. Mother God? Hmm, I have no problem with that. Intense religious fervor? Again, I relate too well. But we both believe in Jesus Christ, in families, in divine inheritances.

His millennial beliefs differ. The timing, order, and characters are unusual. But still, the only thing I can feel to bear testimony of is that God loves all of His children, and that He adores our quest for truth.

And so our conversation ended thus: "KJ, thank you for being a disciple of Jesus Christ! You reflect the spirit of Peter. When thousands left from following Jesus, the Savior asked his disciples if they would also leave him. Peter said, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe, and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (John 6:67-69) We are also sure that Jesus is the Christ. We bear testimony of Him, as do you."

And with words of mutual admiration, we left our newly-made friend and went our way.

Loving others. Respecting their beliefs. Listening. Asking. Admiring. Learning. These are the days of a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.