Microtraining 9

How to Be Bold but Not Overbearing When Discussing the Gospel

Define

Remind students that the Apostle Paul taught the gospel with great courage and conviction. He once declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). We could say that Paul was a bold teacher. Alma counseled his son Shiblon to “use boldness, but not overbearance” in gospel conversations (Alma 38:12). Let students know that there are certain things we can do so that we are appropriately bold and avoid coming across as being ashamed but also avoid the pitfalls of being overbearing. Display and read aloud the following cautions:

• We overclaim when we assert knowledge beyond what the Lord has revealed through both ancient and modern prophets. We underclaim when we present the basic truths of the gospel in ways that are unclear, tentative, or uncertain.

• We are being dogmatic when we express our opinions as if they were indisputable facts and are intolerant of ambiguity when there are not clear answers. We are timid when we fail to stand up for what we know to be true.

• If we don’t know an answer to a question, the best response is simply to say something like “I am not sure,” “I don’t know,” or “Good question; let’s learn more about that together.”

Model

Review the first two columns in the following chart with students to help them see the problems with overclaiming, underclaiming, and being dogmatic or timid. Then use the “Reframe” column to illustrate how we might make the original statement bold but not overbearing.

Statement	Problem	Reframe
Statement Church leaders have divine authority, and whatever they have said is official doctrine for the Church.	Problem The italicized portion that follows is an example of overclaiming: “Church leaders have divine authority, and whatever they have said is official doctrine for the Church.” When we overclaim, we can create unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others.	Reframe Church leaders have divine authority, and when they speak in the office of their calling under the influence of the Holy Ghost, we can learn the mind and will of the Lord (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4; 2 Peter 1:21). However, not everything said by past or current Church leaders is considered “official doctrine” for the Church. Our doctrine is not limited to some obscure or isolated statements. Rather, Church doctrine is taught often and by all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see “How can I know if something I hear is ‘official doctrine’?,” New Era, Feb. 2017, 41).
Statement The Church’s teachings on marriage seem out-of-date. Maybe someday Church leaders will catch up with society and approve of same-sex marriage.	Problem This statement underclaims by treating the doctrine of marriage as provisional and subject to changes in society.	Reframe I recognize that there have been many changes in our society in recent years related to marriage and family. I am grateful that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have provided us clear direction when they said, “Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Statement Evolution is false. The Church opposes it. Someone who believes in evolution must not believe that God is the Creator.	Problem This statement overclaims because the Lord has not yet revealed in detail how He created all things, so we don’t know if or how various aspects of the theory of evolution align with the Creation. For this reason, the Church has not taken an official position regarding the theory of evolution (see “What Does the Church Believe about Evolution?,” New Era, Oct. 2016, 41). It is also dogmatic because it dismisses a scientific question without any justification.	Reframe I have had some questions about evolution myself. From what I can tell, the Church has not taken an official position on this topic. I am not aware of any revelations about organic evolution. What I have learned from my study is that God is the Creator of the earth, and He created Adam and Eve in His own image (see Topics, “Creation,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Statement Yes, I believe the Book of Mormon is true. It has some good teachings. But everyone has their own truths. So I wouldn’t say it is more valuable than any other book you could read.	Problem This statement underclaims the importance and power of the Book of Mormon. It presents the Book of Mormon in a timid way.	Reframe Yes, I believe the Book of Mormon is true. I believe it to be the word of God. Along with the Bible, it is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It teaches eternal truths that can change your life.

Apply

Provide students the following handout, and invite them to complete the chart. You could ask students to work with a partner or in small groups.

Reframing Statements to Avoid Overclaiming, Underclaiming, Being Dogmatic, or Being Timid

Answering My Gospel Questions—Microtraining 9: How to Be Bold but Not Overbearing When Discussing the Gospel

Statement	Problem	Reframe
Anyone who has had an abortion is guilty of murder. They will never go to the celestial kingdom.
The law of chastity is kind of extreme. No one really lives it. I am pretty sure that if you really love someone, it is OK with God if you have sex.
The number of people you baptize on your mission is determined by your faith. The more faithful you are, the more baptisms you will have.
If you join the Church and live the gospel, your life will be easy and you will have few challenges.

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Reframing Statements to Avoid Overclaiming, Underclaiming, Being Dogmatic, or Being Timid

As time allows, give students the opportunity to share what they learned or to ask questions.