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Common Threads between Islam and Mormonism
Townhall.com ^ | October 30, 2011 | Michael Youseff, The Church of The Apostles.

Posted on 10/30/2011 4:05:59 PM PDT by Kaslin

A number of years ago, I was on Larry King Live and was asked point-blank if I had a problem with the appointments of Justices Roberts and Alito (both are Roman Catholics). My answer was very clear that I did not, as long as they shared my own conviction of upholding the Constitution — not trying to rewrite it — and as long as they were committed to the Biblical values of the Founding Fathers. I was certain that both men were.

Many people today are quoting a statement reputedly made by Martin Luther, the great reformer, that he “would rather be ruled by a competent Turk (a Muslim) than an incompetent Christian.” First of all, there is no evidence whatsoever that Martin Luther ever said these words. But even if he did say them, it would have been a gross exaggeration used to make a point. He never lived under a Muslim ruler and did not know what that would be like. But I did. And I can tell you, there is no such thing as choosing between Muslim and non-Muslim leaders under Islam.

pastedGraphic.pdf In America, we have the great privilege of choosing candidates based on our core values, rather than how they identify with our theological point of view.

In looking at some of the candidates for the 2012 election, one cannot help but notice the controversies that have arisen regarding the Mormon religion. As I considered Luther’s quote and the concerns regarding electing a Mormon president, I noticed some peculiar similarities between the Mormon faith and Islam as they relate to orthodox Christianity.

It's hard to believe that two religions that are worlds apart geographically have so many things in common. Here are some examples:

1. Both believe that Christianity was corrupt and incomplete until their respective founders came on the scene. For Islam, it was Muhammad; for Mormons, it was Joseph Smith.

2. They both have their own book of “sacred scripture.” While both tip their hats to the Bible, each see God’s Word as insufficient by itself. Both Islam and Mormonism use many biblical themes, narratives and personalities. But the Qur’an draws heavily from the apocryphal books rather than the authoritative cannon of the Bible.

3. In both cases, Islam and Mormonism see their religion as complete within itself. Above all, both repudiate Biblical Christianity and identify orthodox Christianity as a false faith.

4. Both religions reject the doctrine of the Trinity. The Mormon’s concept of god includes many gods, not just one. Muslims view god as one, but as an aloof, remote god who could never become a man or relate to humanity. Allah can have mercy if he wants to, but he is also a cunning god.

5. Both religions reject the Bible as the sole and sufficient authority of faith. For Mormons, the Book of Mormon and other writings of the Latter Day Saints represent God’s final revelation. For Muslims, the Qur’an and the Sunna (traditions of Muhammad) constitute God’s final authoritative word.

6. They both reject the Biblical teaching of original sin. Muslims believe Adam did not become completely depraved after disobeying God; he merely slipped but quickly recovered. Therefore to Muslims, humanity does not need redemption. Salvation in Islam is very uncertain, even when keeping the Five Tenants of Islam; although some teach that jihad will help in that quest for salvation. Mormons believe that they are not condemned by what many call “original sin.” In other words, they are not accountable for Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden.

Here are two questions Christians must ask when considering political candidates:

First, has the candidate been consistent in his/her political and moral values, or is he/she pandering? Second, has the candidate upheld their philosophical convictions throughout their public and private life, or did they change their political convictions to suit their audience?

All believers need to be good stewards and spend time in deep prayer before exercising their right to vote. God will give us wisdom so that we will not be persuaded by the slickest and the cleverest. We can trust Him to help us choose those who have proven core values.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: belongsinreligion; islam; mormon; mormonislam; mormonism
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To: Kaslin
Common Threads between Islam and Mormonism

But do any of Muhammad's followers have to 'fess up to their Imam at the end of the year stating that they have given enough to the Mosque??


LDS scripture:   http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/119.4?lang=eng#3
 
Tithing Settlement; yearend  http://tech.lds.org/wiki/Tithing_settlement
 
And you thought dealing with the IRS was fun!  http://tech.lds.org/forum/archive/index.php/t-2367.html 

201 posted on 11/05/2011 3:56:07 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: driftdiver

for the record, my comment was directed toward elsie, not you

I am in agreement with you


202 posted on 11/05/2011 4:51:48 AM PDT by bert (K.E. N.P. +12 ..... Crucifixion is coming)
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To: Eva

I had never heard that before so I looked it up on about six different sites, and not one said the dress was pinned just the apron.


203 posted on 11/05/2011 6:16:17 AM PDT by svcw
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To: bert
for the record, my comment was directed toward elsie, not you

Why thank you!

204 posted on 11/05/2011 7:11:23 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: bert
I am in agreement with you

Do you know that MORMONism wants to know if you agree with the right persons or not?


#7


 

Temple Recommend Questions



1 Do you have faith in and a testimony of God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?

2 Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Christ and of His role as Savior and Redeemer?

3 Do you have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel in these the latter days?

4 Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the only person on the earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local authorities of the Church?

5 Do you live the law of chastity?

6 Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?

7 Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

8 Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and other meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

9 Are you honest in your dealings with your fellowmen?

10 Are you a full-tithe payer?

11 Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?

12 Do you have financial or other obligations to a former spouse or children? If yes, are you current in meeting those obligations?

13 If you have previously received your temple endowment:

Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple?
Do you wear the garment both night and day as instructed in the endowment and in accordance with the covenant you made in the temple?

14 Have there been any sins or misdeeds in your life that should have been resolved with priesthood authorities but have not been?

15 Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord's house and participate in temple ordinances?

205 posted on 11/05/2011 7:15:44 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: Elsie

So what?

What business is it of yours?

Nothing you say or do amounts to a hill of beans except to massage your self esteem


206 posted on 11/05/2011 7:23:01 AM PDT by bert (K.E. N.P. +12 ..... Crucifixion is coming)
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To: svcw

I grew up not that far from Lancaster, PA, but I had never really been a tourist. So , last summer when I was in PA we did the tourist thing and went on a tour of a so-called Amish farm. They showed the dresses and gave us the whole talk about the type of dress at various ages and showed us how the dresses are pinned on.

They prepare the dresses the night before, pinning the apron to the dresses and putting the pins down the back. It requires help in the morning and sisters help the younger girls.

The don’t use buttons, snaps, or zippers on girls older than 4. The men, however, can use buttons. I think that the Mennonites do use snaps or maybe even buttons that are covered. They do it for an entirely different reason.

We were shocked at some of the Amish practices and the meaningless restrictions. They use electricity in their barns they own business that require machinery and trucks, but they hire what they call, “Englishmen” to drive the trucks and run the machinery. The compay, Sauder furniture, is an Amish company.


207 posted on 11/05/2011 4:10:56 PM PDT by Eva
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To: Eva
We were shocked at some of the Amish practices and the meaningless restrictions. They use electricity in their barns they own business that require machinery and trucks, but they hire what they call, “Englishmen” to drive the trucks and run the machinery. The compay, Sauder furniture, is an Amish company.

I live in PA and work in Lancaster County in an area with a large Amish population although not in the touristy area, i.e. far off the beaten track.

The Amish are an interesting people and there are a lot of misconceptions about them. They are a very industrious and hard working people and many now hold jobs off the farm. For instance some will use electric power tools or even computers in a workplace setting or in their own barns and workshops but will not have electricity in their homes. The do not own or drive cars but will hire a driver to take them for necessary trips that are out of range of their horse and buggies. Many will go to doctors and even to hospitals (I saw many at Penn State Hershey Medical Center when a relative was hospitalized there). The Amish are not unaware of technology and contrary to what many believe, are not adverse to it in its place. They are not Luddites. But the Amish keep such things out of their homes as they believe it is a distraction and something that makes for disharmony in the family and with what they believe is important in their relationship with God. The Mennonites are similar but more widely varied. Many Mennonites use electricity and drive cars but some do not have TV’s or computers in their homes and some are not all the distinguishable from anyone else except for their rather plainer dress and the white caps the women often wear.

There is some good information about the Amish to be found here: http://amishamerica.com/amish-online-encyclopedia/

I used to live and work in the Baltimore/DC area and my daily commutes back and forth to work and elsewhere was horrible ; the traffic jams and congestion.

Now my very worst commute is getting stuck behind a slow moving motorized farm tractor or an Amish buggy. And I wouldn’t trade that for the Baltimore Beltway, I-95 or the Washington Beltway even on a good day. The other day I was about 20 minutes late for work and told my boss I got stuck behind a buggy. She just laughed. I like living here.

208 posted on 11/05/2011 4:40:11 PM PDT by MD Expat in PA
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To: bert
Nothing you say or do amounts to a hill of beans except to massage your self esteem

Nothing I do?


 



209 posted on 11/05/2011 7:04:37 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: Elsie

placemarker


210 posted on 11/05/2011 7:22:29 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (You know, 99.99999965% of the lawyers give all of them a bad name)
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To: Eva

Very interesting. Thanks


211 posted on 11/05/2011 7:53:58 PM PDT by svcw
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To: MD Expat in PA

I wouldn’t mind living there, either, the only thing that I am saying is that I no longer hold the Amish in such high regard.

My mother’s family was from central Pa and the earliest mention that I can find is from 1740, something, when one of the Kissels sold their farm and left the Amish community. The area is still named after the family in Lititz, Kissel Hill farm is now a shopping center, I believe.

Now I know why they left.


212 posted on 11/05/2011 9:06:13 PM PDT by Eva
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To: Eva
I wouldn’t mind living there, either, the only thing that I am saying is that I no longer hold the Amish in such high regard.

Yup; we just can't avoid being human and sinful and in need of a Savior.

213 posted on 11/06/2011 3:43:52 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: bert; Kaslin

I agree Bert, this is a ridiculous article.
Catholics added their own books added to the KJV Bible.

Catholics believe their denominations is complete within it self as well.

Should we start a new thread on this comparison too?


214 posted on 11/30/2011 7:34:55 AM PST by HollyB
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To: Stosh

Missed the big one - both were founded by individuals with a predilection for multiple wives, and both (mirabile dictu) were belief systems that sanctioned polygamy (at least, in the case of Mormonism, in its original form).


According to the Bible Abraham had two wives and Jacob had four, so it is pretty evident that either Joseph Smith or this Mohammad fellow has gotten a hold of our Bible and put some lies into it.


215 posted on 08/01/2012 1:18:32 AM PDT by ravenwolf
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To: Paperdoll

If the Mormon church takes over the government you see the same sex marriage bill widen to include multi-wives. The more kids the embryo gods have on planet earth, the more power they have when they receive their very own planet when they die.


And if they don,t, men may be forced to marry men, i much prefer the multi-wives idea myself.


216 posted on 08/01/2012 1:27:40 AM PDT by ravenwolf
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To: CaptainKrunch

Muslims and Mormons are both following the teaching of false prophets that were agents of the devil. And that’s a fact.

I don’t see anything wrong with pointing out the truth. Truth saves.

Does anyone believe that God would not want the truth to be known in order to avoid offending someone? Not on your life.


I agree with you, I believe that the two were false prophets
But as always in these threads it always gets around to the same thing, accusations that may or may not be true and can not be proven.


217 posted on 08/01/2012 1:46:46 AM PDT by ravenwolf
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To: TYVets

I signed into the News/Activism Forum, but I windup in the Religious Forum?

WTF is going on?


with the click of a button, vanish.


218 posted on 08/01/2012 1:50:48 AM PDT by ravenwolf
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To: livius

Religions founded by unsuccessful flaky males always go for polygamy, because that’s the only way they can get any.


That does not fit very good, you must have polygamists and homosexuals mixed up.


219 posted on 08/01/2012 1:59:42 AM PDT by ravenwolf
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To: ravenwolf
I signed into the News/Activism Forum, but I windup in the Religious Forum?I signed into the News/Activism Forum, but I windup in the Religious Forum?

WTF is going on?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

with the click of a button, vanish.

---------------------------

The title of the thread was:

Common Threads between Islam and Mormonism

On reply #19 I ask the identical question you ask of me today. My reply was made 10/30/2011 4:36:10 PM PDT (9 months ago), but I made no mention of "with the click of a button, vanish".

I received the following reply:

To: TYVets

Okay, about the author:

Michael Youssef, PhD is an Egyptian-born American and founding rector of The Church of The Apostles. His messages are broadcast 3800 times a week into 200 countries through Leading The Way Ministries. He holds a PhD from Emory University in Social Anthropology.

BTW. I have posted quite a few article by him and you can read all his articles here

Michael Youssef

85 posted on 10/30/2011 7:45:32 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

----------------

Reply #85 to me was made that same day 9 months ago, but it didn't answer my question and I did not ask a follow up question back then.

The title of the thread "Common Threads between Islam and Mormonism" does not sound like breaking news to me. The title sounds like a thread in the Religious Forum.

A guest on my part, perhaps a moderator moved the thread to the Religious Forum some time after it was started on 10/30/2011.

with the click of a button, vanish

I don't understand that statement made by you, but again a guess by me. A link was lost when the thread was moved or perhaps it was lost when the FR servers were down for updates or repairs sometime in the last 9 months. A moderator might have the answer as to what happened.

I normally sign on to the News/Activism Forum, but there have been times I have clicked into All Forums or into another forum by accident. Could that be the reason you windup in the Religious Forum?

The thread is still open you, I and others are still posting replies 9 months later. Where it is located today in the forums I have no idea.

I hope I have been of help to you.

220 posted on 08/01/2012 4:28:06 AM PDT by TYVets (Pure-Gas.org ..... ethanol free gasoline by state and city)
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