In my most recent newsletter message, I highlighted that doctrine is less effective if it is framed poorly.
I shared some dramatic examples to communicate my point, but most of the examples sounded like they were framed by some type of anti-Mormon.
My attempt at creating contrast may have given you the impression that only those who are antagonistic against the Church are those who frame our doctrine poorly.
This caused me to rack my brain to think of common poor framing of doctrine I often hear within the context of orthodox members.
Here is a list of 8 poorly-framed doctrines I often hear taught or shared among believing Latter-day Saints.
I’d love your help in adding to this list.
Doctrine Framed Poorly
1. Families can be together forever
2. We just need to love
3. Keeping the commandments leads to happiness
4. Service solves bad days
5. If you fall short in serving others then the sin will be over your head
6. God is disappointed in you
7. The Holy Ghost is your special friend
8. Sin vs. Serious Sin
Each one of these deserve their own newsletter for further explanation (I’ve already addressed some of these in past newsletters).
The tricky thing about framing doctrine poorly is that there is truth in each one, but that doesn’t mean the framing is accurate.
Here’s a quick explanation of each one:
Families can be together forever – We all sing this song, but it is an oversimplification of doctrine that gives people the impression that we won’t associate in eternity with those who did not maintain the covenant path.
We just need to love – I love this bumper sticker phrase, and, again, there is truth here; however, it is often communicated in a way that dismisses the existence of sin and the corrupting nature of sin.
Keeping the commandments leads to happiness – This oversimplified framing can lead to a prosperity gospel mindset. Keeping the commandments plus consistency does not equal happiness. I have seen too many people leave the gospel because it “doesn’t work.” No, that framing doesn’t work.
Service solves personal problems – I’ve already discussed this in a past newsletter. The concept of solving a personal struggle by finding someone else to serve isn’t a terrible idea, but often it becomes a way of ignoring the problem happening in your own heart by distracting yourself with someone else’s problem.
If you fall short in serving others then the sin will be over your head – This is one I remember well from my full-time missionary days. To keep us motivated, it was often stated that if we didn’t work hard enough to share the gospel with others we would “pay for it!” Somehow, we ignore the 2nd Article of Faith when this doctrine is framed so poorly.
God loves you but is often disappointed in you – I literally wrote an entire book on this awful false doctrine (coming out this spring). Why would God be disappointed in us when He gave us a Savior that saved us? He’s our biggest cheerleader in mortality—not our disappointed eternal parent.
The Holy Ghost is your special friend – This is a common poor framing I often hear at 8-year-old baptisms. Yes, it’s cute to frame the gift of the Holy Ghost as a new special friend that will tell us what is right and wrong; however, the more powerful framing is the cleansing agent of this member of the Godhead. He cleanses us of sin through the grace of Jesus Christ each week as we renew our covenants. Special friends are great; cleansing me of my sin is better.
Sin vs. Serious Sin – We often frame sin as external behaviors we sometimes participate in. This leads to us classifying some sin as “serious sin.” However, all sin separates us from God, and if we think we are doing okay by avoiding “serious sin,” it leads to less repenting. It’s not about repenting from sin as much as it is about removing the sinner from our character and crucify our old man on the cross with Jesus. (Romans 6:6)
What doctrine do you hear poorly framed among believing people?
I am not immune to poorly framing doctrine either.
Which doctrine above have I framed poorly?
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
P.S. This is an older newsletter message. Get the up-to-date message weekly by subscribing for free HERE.
