Would a Latter-day Saint Stay Silent With Trump, Or Recite This Creed With Everyone Else?

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President Donald Trump at former President Bush's funeral.

As you already know, former President George H. W. Bush passed away a few days ago. During his funeral service on Wednesday in the Washington National Cathedral, the congregation recited the Apostles’ Creed. Some people call it a prayer. To others, it’s simply a statement of belief.

To Episcopalians and some others, it’s as normal and common as reciting the pledge of allegiance was back in elementary school for most of us. Former presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obama were present. They recited the prayer along with most everyone else. President Trump and his wife, Melania, were amongst the few who remained silent.

The silence caused quite a controversy within the Twittersphere. Some backed up the president and many criticized his behavior (as is apparent from the title of the video above).

This article isn’t about the rightness or wrongness of what President Trump did. In the arena of important world issues, this one is far down the list. However, the scenario does prompt an interesting hypothetical question. If you, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were at that funeral service, would you recite the Apostles’ Creed or not? Here’s the exact text of the creed:

Apostles’ Creed

Early Christian artwork

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

What would you do?

Artist: Fra Angelico [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

On the one hand, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a creedal Christian entity. Some of our doctrines speak directly against the teachings of some creeds (like the Nicene Creed). That said, the Apostles’ Creed seems pretty doctrinally sound … until the “I believe in … the holy catholic Church” line. And that really seems to be the crux of the issue.

While Catholicism has wonderful truths to offer, Latter-day Saints do not believe the holy Catholic Church is Christ’s restored church. So, would it be appropriate to affirm the opposite in this scenario? In other words, is it OK for a Latter-day Saint to say they believe in another church (granted, as part of a group recitation) when they actually don’t?

Questions and factors to consider

Just to help you see the situation from a few different points of view, consider these questions as you formulate your opinion:

  • The recitation of the creed was a planned part of a funerary procession. Would it have been appropriate to recite the creed simply out of respect for the deceased and his beliefs, rather than a personal declaration of belief?
  • Would it be disrespectful if you were to stay silent, as President Trump did? Who would it be disrespectful to?
  • Would it be disrespectful if you were to recite the creed even though you disagree with part of it? Who would it be disrespectful to?
  • Is it appropriate for visitors in Latter-day Saint congregations to sing hymns or say “amen” to prayers that contain language and doctrine they disagree with? Is this any different?
  • Would your decision be different if you were the President of the United States under the scrutiny of nations versus a civilian in the back row?
  • Maybe you could recite the parts you agree with and just skip the parts you disagree with?
  • Would reciting the questionable line of this creed by considered not standing “as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places?”
  • Can you say the creed but not actually mean what you say, as is implied in the “vain repetitions” of the scriptures?
  • Is it dishonest to say “I believe in the holy catholic church” in these circumstances? Why/why not?
  • Does it really matter whether you recite it or not? Why/why not?
  • Does the impression you give other people matter in these circumstances? Why/why not?
  • Finally, what do you believe God would have you do? What would Christ himself have done?

Let us know your opinion in the comments!