Posted on 01/21/2012 7:44:29 AM PST by Amerisrael
That's probably a better question to ask than the one posed by George Handlery over at the Brussels Journal:
"Would a Mormon President Subvert American Democracy?"
Handlery writes the following:
["What follows below is not a Romney-fan’s propaganda. Actually, my favorite used to be another aspirant. The LDS affiliation of Mitt Romney exposes us again to the temptation to make religion into a criterion for picking a candidate."
"Now then, the theological validity of Mormonism’s version of Christianity is beyond my competence and my interest. To many, the implications of a President embracing that creed are of concern."
"However, American public life and her high-level politics have created indicators that Mormons will not kidnap America and replace its system with their theocracy."]
"...Mormons will not kidnap America and replace its system with their theocracy."]
Most likely not.
But is that why many would be concerned over voting for Romney?
Aside from Romney's Mormonism many question whether he is a valid conservative.
But back to the Mormonism.
It is most likely not out of a concern that America's democracy would be subverted , but perhaps instead, indirectly helping to legitimise a cult religion that is the cruxt of concern for many.
Handlery concludes his article with this:
["...What matters to me now that a Mormon has become a candidate for the Presidency is that, the faith not only teaches values, its adherents live by them."
"Good Mormons work hard, try to measure up to constructive norms, and are reliable. That amounts to a strategy that results in worldly achievement."
"Even so, being a Mormon is a bad rationale to elect someone. However, LDS membership does not amount to a reasonable or a fair reason to deny such person one's vote...."]
"However, LDS membership does not amount to a reasonable or a fair reason to deny such person one's vote...."
Perhaps the reason why Handlery adapts that view is because of what else he wrote:
["Now then, the theological validity of Mormonism’s version of Christianity is beyond my competence and my interest."]
That's the problem Driscol puts a spotlight on:
In his blog article "Is Mormonism a cult?", Mark Driscol noted the following:
["... but in that it, Mormonism] claims Christianity while subtly subverting it in both practice and theology."
"Because it claims to be Christian, uses Christian language, but is antithetical Christianity, it must be labeled a cult theologically. "
"Of course, the trouble is that most people are not Christians, do not understand the differences between Mormon and Christian doctrine, and are therefore confused or upset to hear Mormonism labelled a cult, as it simply sounds cruel."
"What makes matters even worse is when presumably orthodox Christian leaders add to the confusion by essentially declaring Mormonism as a new form of Christianity."
"While it is understandable that the average non-Christian, and many Christians, don’t understand the ways in which Mormonism uses Christian terms while importing them into non-Christian meaning, it’s incumbent for Christian leaders to act like shepherds and warn the sheep about the wolves."
["... but in that it, Mormonism] claims Christianity while subtly subverting it in both practice and theology."]
Most Christians that are informed and studied about Mormonism, probably don't think Mormons are out to subvert American democracy. But rather Christianity.
To that end, would the election of a Mormon to be President help to legitimise the Mormon cult?
I am not defending Mormonism against Christians. I am merely pointing out that someone else who is Mormon has no effect on my life. I don't care if they are.
This Mormonism cult thing is not a joke, or to be taken lightly, this is the most serious business of our existence.
And, here I thought radical Islam was the "most serious".
Maybe you can tell us about the Christian conservatives you know who refused to vote Republican because of the nominee being Catholic, after the 2012 election.
Mormons’ theology is based on New Testament Christianity, not Fourth Century Creeds. For example, the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) views on Baptism, Lay Ministry, the Trinity, Theosis, Grace vs. Works, the Divinity of Jesus Christ comport more closely with Early Christianity than any other denomination. And Mormons’ teenagers have been judged to “top the charts” in Christian Characteristics by a UNC-Chapel Hill study. Read about it here:
http://MormonsAreChristian.blogspot.com
According to a 2012 Pew Forum poll of members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) 98 percent said they believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 97 percent say their church is a Christian religion. Mormons have a better understanding of Christianity than any other denomination, according to a 2010 Pew Forum poll:
http://www.pewforum.org/Other-Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-Survey.aspx
11 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (including several presidents) were non-Trinitarian Christians. Those bigoted folks in South Carolina who now insist on their narrow Trinitarian and salvation-only- by-grace definition of Christianity for candidates for public office are doing our Republic an injustice.
Mormons’ theology is based on New Testament Christianity, not Fourth Century Creeds. For example, the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) views on Baptism, Lay Ministry, the Trinity, Theosis, Grace vs. Works, the Divinity of Jesus Christ comport more closely with Early Christianity than any other denomination. And Mormons’ teenagers have been judged to “top the charts” in Christian Characteristics by a UNC-Chapel Hill study. Read about it here:
http://MormonsAreChristian.blogspot.com
According to a 2012 Pew Forum poll of members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) 98 percent said they believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 97 percent say their church is a Christian religion. Mormons have a better understanding of Christianity than any other denomination, according to a 2010 Pew Forum poll:
http://www.pewforum.org/Other-Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-Survey.aspx
11 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (including several presidents) were non-Trinitarian Christians. Those bigoted folks in South Carolina who now insist on their narrow Trinitarian and salvation-only- by-grace definition of Christianity for candidates for public office are doing our Republic an injustice.
All of the Christian Churches acknowledge that Mormonism is not a Christian religion.
You still pimping that 4 year old blog of yours as an authoritative source?
The creeds of the 4th century are based upon the teachings of the first century bot boy. I find it humorously idiotic that you would try to say that mormon views on “Baptism, Lay Ministry, the Trinity, Theosis, Grace vs. Works, the Divinity of Jesus Christ comport more closely with Early Christianity than any other denomination. “ You clearly don’t know what you are claiming.
mormonism puts lipstick on a pig and calls it Christianity. Sad but true.
The Christian denominations in America are Trinitarian and far outnumber mormonism 7 million active members. The reality is the ones with a narrow view are the active mormons like yourself.
Besides, you've just lumped most of the people here on FR as narrow minded bigots. Perhaps you should choose not to be here eh bot 'ol boy. The ozone is getting rather strong around you.
bigoted bot zot
You agreed with this. “Mormonism is no more or less of a cult than any other religion.”, in post 7, and then you expressed that you want Christians to lay off of Mormonism, that is about the best defense of Mormonism that you could make, if you had the power to shut us up.
The “most serious” is the loss of their souls when a Christian is sucked away from Christianity.
Just like the Romans of old.
And this is Christian?
Anyone? Does that sound Christian, having more than one god?
The beauty of being a Christian.
No test, no check list, no proving your worth, just follow him, love him, defend him.
That we sin is a given. Because he loves we are forgiven.
I sit smack dab in the middle of Mississippi and have been at functions where Southern Baptist, Catholics and others have stood hand in hand praying and preaching the Word of God. I have even sat in the pew of the largest Baptist Church in the state, as a Methodist, and heard a Catholic priest give the word to a room full of Baptist and others.
So reality is a tick different.
Very odd that...
>>...Mormonism is not a “flavor” of Christianity...<<
You bet!
Too bad you’re banned already. Not much use in answering your idiotic reply.
Have fun out there in Mittbot land.
“Anyone can look at the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith . . . Brigham Young and others[.] I have always felt that they meant that sometime the question of whether we are going to proceed on the basis of the Constitution would arise and at this point government leaders who were Mormons would be involved in answering that question.”
He didn't say it precisely, but he was speaking to an audience that was quite familiar with the words of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young regarding the Constitution and the role of LDS leaders.
I try to keep that in mind. I know there have been Mormons converted to Christianity since joining F.R. and that's reason to rejoice.
James 5:
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
It happens every single time a Christian politican opens his mouth about being a Christian. Why should non Christian cultist Romney be immune? Mormons are attacking Christians all the time, all over the world.
I am really sorry for you. You claim to be a Christian and yet have no assurance of Salvation.
You see I am secure in my Salvation, Jesus is not a liar.
Of course I will sin, probably every single day.
The difference after Salvation is my sin is painful so immediately I ask forgiveness of the Lord God Almighty.
I am a flawed human that is Saved, if I were perfect I wold not have needed the Cross.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.