Darvish Intelligence: Refuting Michelle Stone: "The Church is NOT What We Claim It Is"

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Refuting Michelle Stone: "The Church is NOT What We Claim It Is"

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my journey to embracing the restored gospel was transformative, informed by deep personal exploration and a rejection of ideologies that once defined my identity. Recently, Michelle Stone’s statement, “The Church is NOT what we claim it is,” has circulated among critics and disaffected members. Her assertion challenges the authenticity of the Church’s divine foundation and the integrity of its claims. I reject her position and offer a perspective rooted in history, theology, and my own personal journey.

The Church’s Claim to Divine Authority

The Church’s assertion of being Christ’s restored church rests on unique theological and historical foundations. Critics like Stone argue that human imperfections within leadership or controversial historical events invalidate this claim. However, the scriptural precedent for flawed yet divinely guided leaders is evident. Moses doubted his ability to lead Israel (Exodus 3:11), Peter denied Christ thrice (Luke 22:61), and Paul referred to himself as the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). These examples remind us that human weakness does not negate divine authority.

President Gordon B. Hinckley once remarked, “This is not man’s church. It is the Church of God, and He works through imperfect men to accomplish His purposes” (Hinckley, 1997). The very foundation of the Church’s claims rests on its restoration through Joseph Smith, a prophet who, like biblical predecessors, was called amid imperfections to fulfill a divine mission. The fruits of his work—such as the Book of Mormon, which has brought countless individuals to Christ—stand as a testament to this divine guidance.

Historical Context and Modern Misunderstandings

Stone and others often point to polygamy, race relations, or financial practices as evidence against the Church’s claims. Yet, these criticisms often lack historical context. Polygamy, for example, was a practice consistent with ancient biblical traditions (Genesis 16, 1 Kings 11) and was instituted under divine revelation in the 19th century for reasons we may not fully comprehend today. Similarly, changes in policies regarding priesthood and temple ordinances reflect ongoing revelation, as outlined in the Ninth Article of Faith: “We believe that God will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

Furthermore, critiques of the Church’s financial practices—often framed as greed or corporate behavior—fail to recognize its unmatched contributions to humanitarian efforts. In 2023 alone, the Church provided $1 billion in global aid (LDS Charities, 2023). This reflects Christ’s command to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

The Transformative Power of the Gospel

My own life stands as evidence of the Church’s divinely inspired mission. Raised under the banner of Islam, I witnessed firsthand the consequences of legalism, authoritarianism, and the absence of grace. As a vegan, a socialist, and a leader within CAIR and the Muslim Forum of Utah, I sought purpose in ideologies that ultimately left me unfulfilled. These experiences taught me that no secular or religious philosophy can replicate the peace, hope, and purpose found in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church gave me a spiritual anchor that Islam and socialism could not. It offered a worldview that combined eternal truths with practical solutions for life’s challenges. Its emphasis on family, self-reliance, and covenant relationships brought me closer to Christ than I ever thought possible.

Stone’s Claims and the Bigger Picture

Stone’s critique ultimately reflects a misunderstanding of what the Church “claims to be.” It does not claim perfection in its human administration; rather, it claims divine origins and authority to lead humanity toward Christ. It acknowledges the challenges of mortality and the need for ongoing revelation. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated, “Imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we” (Holland, 2013).

If one is looking for perfection, one must look to Christ, not His followers. The Church provides the framework, ordinances, and doctrines that lead to Him. Dismissing it because of its human element is akin to rejecting medicine because it is administered by fallible hands.

Conclusion

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true, despite the human imperfections of those called to administer it. My conversion, life experiences, and studies reaffirm the divine foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To those who, like Michelle Stone, doubt the Church’s claims, I extend a heartfelt invitation to reconsider, study its doctrines, and pray for guidance. The Church is exactly what it claims to be: the restored kingdom of God on Earth, led by imperfect yet divinely called individuals striving to fulfill Christ’s mission.