Steps to Teaching Anti-Mormons
Step 1: The Holy Ghost Converts
Remember, the Holy Ghost is the One who spiritually converts. This is usually accomplished reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it. Using the book's system is only a last resort. This book and system appeals to someone who wants basic logic and their common sense addressed.
Step 2: How Others Teach
Anti-Mormons use incorrectly quoted, deliberately misquoted, and even wrong information.
They learned well from Mohammed Ali..."float like a butterfly and sting like a bee." They never stay on one topic (the float), they give you a bit of information on a topic that supposedly contradicts the teaching of Joseph Smith (the sting) and when you try to answer, they change topics (back to the float).
They can easily get mad and not talk to you again for a long time.
They really don't understand the Bible to begin with. Saved Christians only have a small grasp on the teachings in the Bible and they only know the first step of Christ's gospel...that is what is called "receiving a change in life," being "born again," being "saved," or as we say "receiving a testimony."
Step 3: Be Patient
Be very patient, loving, and do not take anything personally. This is a long process.
Step 4: Use the King James Version
Agree to use the King James version of the Bible. This version was translated in the 1600's before the reformation began. It is neutral. All the current translated versions are somewhat slanted to the teachings of the particular faith that is sponsoring the new translation.
Step 5: Agree to Take One Subject at a Time
This means that you will not float around from topic to topic never completing a full topic. Even if they do not agree...do not give up. Keep it on one topic as much as you can.
Step 6: Start with the Basics First
Start at the most basic topics, then work into the more complicated ones. With most topics, in order to understand one part, one must understand two or three basic topics first (milk before meat).
Step 7: Writing It Down
It is best to do most of this process through emailing or letters. This will require them to commit in writing to a particular belief or interpretation! NOTE: They have a tendency to change beliefs.
Step 8: Let Them Teach You First
Always be interested in what they believe. Most don't have specific beliefs on the many different teachings. By encouraging them to teach you will get them to study the scriptures, read the anti-Mormon literature and talk to their leaders. It will get them informed to the misquoted, incorrectly quoted, and even wrong information. Once they present it to you, hopefully in written format, then you can respond from a position of knowing where they are coming from and what they understand. You can meet their needs.
You will see a remarkable change in their beliefs on the different topics. Getting them to admit "the change in their beliefs is due to the teachings of Joseph Smith" is the challenge! Make sure you keep all their teachings as you go along. The hope is to someday have a good laugh with them when going over everything that they thought they knew!
Step 9: Use This Book As a Guide
Use the book Beware the Serpent. It discusses many of the "saved Christian" supportive passages and presents Joseph Smith's teachings in a logical order. The electronic download is available for those who would like to copy and paste the topics and passages instead of looking them all up and typing them into your letters.
Step 10: Agree to Disagree
Before you get started agree to listen and study what they present to you. Have them agree to listen and study what you present to them. Once this is accomplished move to the next topic. They will most likely never agree with your interpretation of the topic as you will almost never agree to their interpretation of the topic. But if you can agree to disagree you can then move on. As you move through the different topics the hope is that they see over time how solid the teachings of Joseph Smith are. This eventually will fulfill their desires to have this information service their logic and common sense judgment.
Step 11: Choose the Topic
Move through the different topics in the Beware the Serpent as the spirit dictates.