By Eric Johnson 

We are often asked, “Why are you (at MRM) so judgmental?” Often cited is Matthew 7:1 and Jesus’s instruction “Judge not lest ye be judged.” First of all, please don’t take our position as being antagonistic or hateful toward any individual. We care very much about the LDS people. Indeed, if we “hated” Mormons and yet held to the teaching of hell, then the worst thing we could ever do is say nothing. Like the person who furiously knocks on someone’s door in an attempt to let the occupants know that there are flames shooting out the upstairs windows, so do we feel compelled to tell others when we see problems other religious systems.

Second, the Bible teaches that risks ought to be taken when sharing the truth. Jesus was straightforward when he criticized the Jewish leaders, likening them to “whitewashed tombs” who were “sons of their father the Devil.” And as described throughout the Book of Acts, Paul regularly went to the Jewish synagogues and explained to the congregations how the Jewish people did not understand the gospel because they refused to embrace the Jewish Messiah. His stand caused him to get beaten and stoned on a number of occasions. Just because our message might be met with opposition doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t say anything. If someone is going to become offended because we are willing to state the truth in, we believe, a loving way, this is the chance we must be willing to take.

Finally, the argument commits suicide (in a hypocritical way) because it does not follow its own advice. After all, why should those who raise the issue of judgment be allowed to judge others whom they believe are wrong?  Why is the critic’s judgment (saying people shouldn’t judge) considered more valid than those they are judging? Consistency demands that we eliminate the ad hominem attacks (i.e. people who judge are wrong) and instead go after the issues themselves with which they disagree.