False Advertising?

He’s supported Answers in Genesis for years, but an article undermining his Mormon faith makes him reconsider. Have we misled him? Mark Looy, AiG–U.S., answers this charge.

Dear AiG staff:

It was over ten years ago that I came across one of your radio programs as I was traveling. I’ve since delighted in your witness for creation and creation-oriented research. . . . In the more distant past I’ve donated to your organization and donated what I could at every AiG event [I attended]. I literally cheered when the museum was announced; I’ve been looking forward to the day when I could take my family out to enjoy it.

I was dismayed to find an article [from AiG] titled “Other Religious Writings” . . . . In interest of full disclosure, together with my wife and son and daughters, I am a faithful Latter Day Saint (Mormon). . . . I will not be donating any more funds to your organization until I can rest assured that not one penny will be used to attempt to tread disrespectfully upon, or tear destructively through, the things that I hold dear.

—J.A.L., U.S.

Dear J.A.L.,

Thank you for your letter and for your very kind words regarding our radio program, Answers in Genesis seminars, and the Creation Museum. You have written as a friend, and I will reply in kind, but at the same time let you know that we will not retreat in any way from what we stated in our December 12 broadcast email.

Answers in Genesis is quite clear in our statement of faith that we believe salvation is by grace through faith alone. That is also expressed in our witnessing materials. Anything that purports to add to the words of the Bible is something that we will oppose. The Bible—and the Bible alone—is our sole source book of truth for faith and practice.

We solidly stand on Ephesians 2:8–9:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.

As someone who has studied the LDS church writings for many years, I am aware that Mormons believe that works need to be added to faith/grace for salvation.

Nevertheless, I would certainly welcome you to visit our Creation Museum should your travels ever take you to the east (we are just west of the Cincinnati Airport). In fact, I would be glad to meet you upon your visit.

Sincerely yours in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ,
Mark Looy
CCO