To whom will Peace be given ? Just mormons ?

[Prince_Hal]

I attended a meeting at the mormon ward that my wife goes to. The bishop there quoted John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, no as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

I asked who the “world” was, and suggested that it was people who were not seeking Christ. I was told quite clearly that I was wrong. Apparently according to the bishop there is a difference between “peace” and “true peace”. What Christ was meaning here was “true peace”, which can only be received by mormons. I assume that he meant that only mormons could receive it, not that every mormon did receive it. I clarified with him what he meant. He confirmed that he meant only mormons could receive what Christ actually meant - “true peace” through the special covenants that they take out: mormon baptism, and particularly the temple covenants. Of course only mormons have the opportunity of the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. The rest of us have flashes of the Spirit, but not His constant companionship - if they merit it.

So, are there any mormons (LDS) out there who can confirm that John 14:27 refers primarily to mormons, or is this a bishop who has some crossed wires ? Can you confirm with any quotes from LDS general authorities ?

Am I correct in saying that all seekers for Christ can receive this peace or is it just restricted to Catholics ?

God bless,

Hal.

 

[ParkerD]

I attended a meeting at the mormon ward that my wife goes to. The bishop there quoted John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, no as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

I asked who the “world” was, and suggested that it was people who were not seeking Christ. I was told quite clearly that I was wrong. Apparently according to the bishop there is a difference between “peace” and “true peace”. What Christ was meaning here was “true peace”, which can only be received by mormons. I assume that he meant that only mormons could receive it, not that every mormon did receive it. I clarified with him what he meant. He confirmed that he meant only mormons could receive what Christ actually meant - “true peace” through the special covenants that they take out: mormon baptism, and particularly the temple covenants. Of course only mormons have the opportunity of the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. The rest of us have flashes of the Spirit, but not His constant companionship - if they merit it.

So, are there any mormons (LDS) out there who can confirm that John 14:27 refers primarily to mormons, or is this a bishop who has some crossed wires ? Can you confirm with any quotes from LDS general authorities ?

Am I correct in saying that all seekers for Christ can receive this peace or is it just restricted to Catholics ?

God bless,

Hal.

Hal,
Reading your experience here was jaw-dropping for me. I think that bishop was wrong and especially wrong to have implied that you as a non-LDS are excluded in any way from “true peace.” Totally wrong!

I think the Savior was talking about inner peace, and that “as the world giveth” has to do with the world using the wrong tactics to try and bring peace to their families or their nations. You can’t make war to bring peace. You have to love your neighbor to bring inner peace and outward peace.

Here is a quote from Elder Marvin J Ashton in October 1985 General Conference:

"It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who declared the mighty truth, “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but a triumph of principles.” (“Self-Reliance,” in Ralph Waldo Emerson: Essays and Lectures, New York: The Library of America, 1983, p. 282.)

True peace must not be dependent upon conditions or happenings. Peace must stem from an inward contentment built upon trust, faith, and goodwill toward God, fellowmen, and self. It must be constantly nurtured by the individual who is soundly anchored to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only then can a person realize that the trials and tribulations of daily life are less important than God’s total goodness.

Lasting peace is an eternal personal quest. Peace does come from obedience to the law. Peace comes to those who develop character and trust.

No peace will be lasting unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles such as love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. Those who love their neighbors can bring peace and happiness to many. Love can build bridges to understanding and tear down walls of suspicion and hate. Christlike love can bring peace into any neighborhood."
(November 1985 Ensign)

President Faust related the experience of the families and friends of the Amish who had the tragedy happen from someone they trusted, and how they gained personal peace and exemplified true Christianity. He spoke very tenderly about this in General Conference. Your wife’s bishop ought to re-read that talk, then apologize to you.

God bless you. I know that He already is blessing you. Thanks for asking about this.

 

[Bill_Pick]

I attended a meeting at the mormon ward that my wife goes to. The bishop there quoted John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, no as the world giveth, give I unto you, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

I asked who the “world” was, and suggested that it was people who were not seeking Christ. I was told quite clearly that I was wrong. Apparently according to the bishop there is a difference between “peace” and “true peace”. What Christ was meaning here was “true peace”, which can only be received by mormons. I assume that he meant that only mormons could receive it, not that every mormon did receive it. I clarified with him what he meant. He confirmed that he meant only mormons could receive what Christ actually meant - “true peace” through the special covenants that they take out: mormon baptism, and particularly the temple covenants. Of course only mormons have the opportunity of the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. The rest of us have flashes of the Spirit, but not His constant companionship - if they merit it.

So, are there any mormons (LDS) out there who can confirm that John 14:27 refers primarily to mormons, or is this a bishop who has some crossed wires ? Can you confirm with any quotes from LDS general authorities ?

Am I correct in saying that all seekers for Christ can receive this peace or is it just restricted to Catholics ?

God bless,

Hal.

Did we have Mormons in say 100ad.

 

[Prince_Hal]

Thank you ParkerD, that was a very helpful quote. I am Mormon by baptism and indeed a bishop by ordination. But I am now converting to the Catholic tradition. But I have so much respect for many of my Mormon brothers and sisters, brother Ashton being one of them. This is probably why I was so upset and shocked by what this bishop said regarding peace. I do not think that this is the general view of Mormon leadership. The LDS have a distinctive message to give and that should not be watered down, but such comments show the spiritual immaturity of someone who has a position where he is required to guide those who are in his ward.

Thank you again for the quote.

Hal

 

[Prince_Hal]

Bill Pick:

To the LDS the Christians in 100ad were “Mormons”, though heresy was creeping in and by 350ad-ish there would be no valid priesthood left on the earth. So the bridegroom abandons his bride and there is no peace since the special covenants are no longer able to be made as there is no mormon Priesthood or temples.

Again I believe the bishops comments were unfortunate and I’ll advised and wrong. But if anyone else has some thoughts, please…

Hal