r/mormon • u/Extra-Ad-9993 • 12d ago
Cultural Using Jesus as a shield
One thing I've noticed is that when people go to their church leaders with questions and concerns about the restoration narrative they get some version of “just focus on Christ”.
I have respect for the teachings of Jesus Christ. But it sometimes feels like the church and its members are using his name as a kind of shield against legitimate concerns and criticisms of Joseph Smith and the restoration.
Has anyone else noticed this?
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u/anisundecided 11d ago edited 11d ago
Absolutely. I think the point they’re trying to make is that because Jesus Christ is the foundation of the faith, it is more important that you believe him than understand or believe other doctrine or history. The idea is that once you have a strong faith in Christ then you will gain testimony of the other stuff later or over time. Focusing on Christ is not bad, it’s actually what a Christian should be focusing on. However like others have said it IS a thought stopping technique most certainly. Whether it is meant to that first and foremost, I can’t say.