Posted on 06/19/2012 12:39:12 PM PDT by Colofornian
Is Mormonism Christian? This may seem like a puzzling question to ask. Mormons include the Bible among the four books they recognize as Scripture and insist that Jesus Christ is central to their faith as evidenced by their official name, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Furthermore, Mormons’ commitment to high moral standards and strong families is impressive. Doesn’t it follow that Mormonism is genuinely Christian?
The question here is not whether individual Mormons are saved (a question we cannot answer) or whether the LDS Church is “Christian” in the sense that any group that professes faith in Christ (as Mormonism does) is part of the world religion known as Christianity. Rather, we are asking whether Mormonism is an authentic form of Christianity that teaches the essential truths of the gospel. To resolve this question, we need to compare carefully the basic doctrines of Mormonism with the basic doctrines of historic, biblical Christianity. To represent the Mormon position fairly and accurately, in addition to the Mormon scriptures (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price), we have relied on several well-known Mormon doctrinal publications currently published by the LDS Church, including its official magazine Ensign.
1. Is there more than one true God?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have always believed that only one true and living God created and rules all things and that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, though personally distinct, are one God, the Lord Jehovah (Genesis 1:1-31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6-8, 24; Matthew 28:19-20; John 1:1; 10:30; 20:28; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 13:14).
By contrast, Mormonism teaches that many Gods made the world (Book of Abraham 4:1-31) and that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate Gods (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 41-42). It also teaches that the Father has a wife, our heavenly mother, and that we are “literally” the offspring of divine parents (Ensign, Jan. 1989).
2. Was God the Father once a man like us?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have always believed that God is Spirit (John 4:20-24; 1 Timothy 6:15, 16) and in His divine nature is not a man (Numbers 23:19; Hosea 11:9; Romans 1:22-23), and that He has always (eternally) existed as the all-powerful God (Psalm 90:2; 102:12, 25-27; Isaiah 40:28; 43:10; 1 Timothy 1:17).
By contrast, the LDS Church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us who progressed to become a God and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). It affirms Joseph Smith’s teaching that God is “an exalted being” who “was once a man like us,” and Lorenzo Snow’s statement, “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may be” (Gospel Principles [2009], 275, 279; Presidents of the Church Student Manual [2003], 89; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith [2011], 71).
3. Are Jesus, Satan, and all mankind spirit brothers?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have always believed that Jesus is the unique Son of God, the only human being who came down from heaven to become a man (John 3:31; 13:3; 16:28; 17:5). As God, Jesus Christ made everything, including all spiritual powers such as the angels as well as Satan, who rebelled against Him (Psalm 148:2-5; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Human beings start to exist at the beginning of their physical lives (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7; Job 38:4-7).
By contrast, the LDS Church teaches that Jesus Christ, humans, angels, and fallen spirits including Satan are all eternal beings that were never created and that are all spirit brothers and sisters. In particular, Christ and Lucifer (Satan) were two spirit brothers; Christ supported Heavenly Father’s plan while Lucifer did not (Doctrine and Covenants 93:21-33; Gospel Principles [2009], 9-10; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 355; “I Have a Question,” Ensign, June 1986).
4. Was Jesus literally the physical offspring of Mary and God the Father?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have always believed that the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ, became a man by being conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary by the supernatural creative agency of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35).
By contrast, the LDS Church teaches that Jesus Christ is “the Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh,” meaning that He was the literal “offspring” of the Father and Mary, “sired” by Heavenly Father as his only son in the flesh, so that he had two literal, physical parents—his immortal Father and his mortal mother Mary. The LDS Church denies that Jesus was “begotten” by the Holy Ghost, since it understands “begotten” literally to mean sired by a physical father (Ensign, April 1997; Ezra Taft Benson, in Ensign, Dec. 2001; Gospel Principles [2009], 53; Ensign, Dec. 2010, 8).
5. Was the fall of Adam and Eve a great blessing?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the disobedience of our first parents Adam and Eve was a great evil. Through their fall, sin entered the world, bringing all human beings under condemnation and death. Thus we are born with a sinful nature, and will be judged for the sins we commit as individuals. (Ezekiel 18:1-20; Romans 5:12-21).
By contrast, the LDS Church teaches that Adam’s sin was “a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us” (Book of Mormon—2 Nephi 2:14-26; Book of Moses 5:10-12; Preparing for Exaltation: Teacher’s Manual [1998], 13-14; Gospel Principles [2009], 29).
6. Can we make ourselves worthy of God’s forgiveness?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in God’s presence is a free gift of God on the basis of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross (John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26; 5:6-11; 6:23; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 10:12, 19; 1 John 1:9). We cannot earn or be worthy of God’s forgiveness, but must receive this gift by acknowledging our helpless, sinful state and trusting solely in Christ (Luke 24:47; John 11:25-26; Acts 2:38; 16:31; Romans 10:9-13). Those who trust in God’s grace in Christ alone for their salvation will show their faith by their good works, but those works in no sense save them (Romans 6:1-4; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26).
By contrast, Mormonism teaches that a person must become worthy in order to obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life in the presence of God the Father through obedience to all the commands of the LDS Church, including exclusive Mormon temple rituals. Good works and ritual ordinances are requirements for this full, individual salvation, and Christ’s atonement makes up what is lacking in a Mormon’s best efforts (Book of Mormon—2 Nephi 25:23; Articles of Faith 3; Gospel Principles [2009], 62-65, 109-112, 277-78).
7. Does the atonement assure immortality for those who reject Christ?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that Christ’s atoning death on the cross provides the complete solution for humankind’s sin problem, but that those who reject God’s grace in this life will have no part in this salvation but are under God’s judgment for eternity (John 3:18, 36; Hebrews 9:27; 10:26-27; 1 John 5:11-12).
By contrast, Mormonism teaches that the atonement assures resurrection and immortality to all people, including those who reject Christ in this life. While only faithful Mormons and those who accept the Mormon gospel in the afterlife can live in God the Father’s presence, practically everyone else will be given immortality in a heavenly kingdom of lesser glory, even those who rejected Christ in this life (Doctrine & Covenants 76; 88:16-33; Gospel Principles, 61-62, 242-44, 271-73).
8. Are there scriptures more reliable than the Bible?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the Scriptures that preserve the words of the ancient prophets and apostles and of Jesus Christ himself (contained in the Bible) are the unique, final, and infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:15-16). God’s providential preservation of the text of the Bible was marvelously illustrated in the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
By contrast, the LDS Church teaches that the Bible has been corrupted, is missing many “plain and precious parts,” and does not contain the fullness of the gospel (Book of Mormon—1 Nephi 13:26-29; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 206; Gospel Principles [2009], 45-48). It also claims that the Book of Mormon is more accurate and reliable than the Bible (Articles of Faith 8; Book of Mormon Teacher Resource Manual [2004], 20).
9. Is the LDS Church the only true church?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the true church was divinely established by Jesus and could never and will never disappear from the earth (Matthew 16:18; 18:15-18; 28:18-20; John 15:16; 17:11; Ephesians 3:21; Jude 3). Christians acknowledge that there have been times of corruption and apostasy within the church, but believe there has always been a remnant that held fast to the biblical essentials.
By contrast, the LDS Church claims to be the only true church on earth and that all other churches are part of a great apostasy that prevailed throughout church history until Joseph Smith. It teaches that only Mormons are authorized to preach the gospel or to perform baptisms and other ordinances (Doctrine & Covenants 1:29-30; Articles of Faith 4-5; Joseph Smith—History 1:18-19; Gospel Principles, 67, 92).
10. Can humans become gods just like their Heavenly Father?
The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that God is an absolutely unique being, existing from eternity to eternity as God (Psalm 90:2; 102:25-27; Isaiah 40:18, 25; 43:10). Redeemed human beings, though they will become perfected creatures bearing God’s image and like Christ in moral and physical perfection, will not become gods or beings of the same transcendent, divine nature as the Father, Jesus the Son, or the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:44-48; Romans 8:14-29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17-21; Philippians 3:7-21; 2 Peter 1:3-7).
By contrast, the LDS Church teaches that faithful Mormons who fulfill all of their spiritual, moral, and ritual obligations can eventually attain the status of gods, beings of the same essential nature as God the Father ruling over their own worlds. “As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be” (Lorenzo Snow, in Presidents of the Church: Student Manual [2004], 88, 90; Gospel Fundamentals [2001], 201; Gospel Principles [2009], 275-79; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith [2011], 71).
Conclusion
Mormons share some common beliefs and values with orthodox Christians. They believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose bodily from the grave. They are pro-life. We respect Mormons as good neighbors and good citizens. However, that respect should not keep us from recognizing the serious differences between Mormonism and historic Christianity. There are fundamental and irreconcilable differences between the two. The LDS Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, forced this issue when he claimed to be a prophet of God with new revelations that impugned the trustworthiness of the Bible, contradicted the teachings of historic Christianity, and claimed
that only the LDS Church was the true church. Jesus Christ and his apostles specifically warned us about false prophets who would claim to speak in his name but who would teach “another gospel” (Matthew 7:15-23; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1). As documented here, Mormonism teaches a radically different view of God, Christ, and salvation. It denies the validity of all churches except itself and all baptisms other than its own. Based on this evidence, we are convinced that Mormonism represents just such a counterfeit gospel.
Mormons are free to believe as they choose—a freedom we have no desire to infringe—and to consider themselves to be the only true Christian church. By the same token, however, those who accept the historic Christian faith taught in the Bible have the freedom and responsibility to draw a clear line between authentic Christianity and the unbiblical religion of Mormonism.
From the article: Mormons share some common beliefs and values with orthodox Christians. They believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose bodily from the grave. They are pro-life. We respect Mormons as good neighbors and good citizens. However, that respect should not keep us from recognizing the serious differences between Mormonism and historic Christianity. There are fundamental and irreconcilable differences between the two. The LDS Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, forced this issue when he claimed to be a prophet of God with new revelations that impugned the trustworthiness of the Bible, contradicted the teachings of historic Christianity, and claimed that only the LDS Church was the true church. Jesus Christ and his apostles specifically warned us about false prophets who would claim to speak in his name but who would teach “another gospel” (Matthew 7:15-23; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1). As documented here, Mormonism teaches a radically different view of God, Christ, and salvation. It denies the validity of all churches except itself and all baptisms other than its own. Based on this evidence, we are convinced that Mormonism represents just such a counterfeit gospel. Mormons are free to believe as they choose—a freedom we have no desire to infringe—and to consider themselves to be the only true Christian church. By the same token, however, those who accept the historic Christian faith taught in the Bible have the freedom and responsibility to draw a clear line between authentic Christianity and the unbiblical religion of Mormonism.
The 10 evaluative comparisons done here -- where CURRENT Lds published teachings are included -- are on these 10 questions:
1. Is there more than one true God? (Lds say "yes")
2. Was God the Father once a man like us? (Lds say "yes")
3. Are Jesus, Satan, and all mankind spirit brothers? (Lds say "yes")
4. Was Jesus literally the physical offspring of Mary and God the Father? (Lds say "yes" -- tho some deny this and some Mormons may not believe it)
5. Was the fall of Adam and Eve a great blessing? (Surprisingly, this, too, is "official" and current Lds doctrine!)
6. Can we make ourselves worthy of God’s forgiveness? (This thought is littered thruout the writings of past Lds "prophets...and found in the Book of Mormon as well)
7. Does the atonement assure immortality for those who reject Christ? (Lds believe that resurrection is somehow always "positive" when the KJV book of John says there's a resurrection unto "damnation"...hardly a "degree of glory")
8. Are there scriptures more reliable than the Bible? (Notice that Joseph Smith said the Bible needed a rewrite from him personally -- and is the ONLY "scriptures" in their "Articles of Faith" that needs the "insofar as correctly translated" disclaimer)
9. Is the LDS Church the only true church? (Lds Doctrine & Covenants makes this claim)
10. Can humans become gods just like their Heavenly Father? (This is CURRENT Mormon teaching as well)
I dont know.
But as long as they aren’t imposing any of their beliefs on others or trying to engage in a Mormon Jihad by slicing up infidels, then I don’t really care.
It seems they are mostly about strange underwear, having really nice teeth, and making lots of money anyway.
Since we have a Mormon running for President, I guess it justifies tearing apart the Mormon church? Did we do this with any other Presidential candidate? Why now? Or is it just some people attempting to pull Romney down?
Haven’t you heard? CoJCoLDS is “The Other”.
#1...being a descendent of Mormon pioneers, I've been posting on Mormonism on FR since before '07...tho it's true once Romney jumped in in '07 (+ all the polygamy stories, etc.), Mormonism certainly HAS been more commonly in the news on a daily basis these past 5.5 years.
#2...Question right back atcha: Since we have a Mormon running for President, I guess it justifies non-Mormons becoming apologists for Mormonism, eh?
Ya know something, I have probably argued with more mormans about their theology than you have, cuz of my age. I have debated with them, sent them copies of the “Golden Bible” and the “19th Wife”, et. al.
The problem that I have with posting in a political forum, is that mormon’s, although they are misguided, which I know they are, and know that they are wrong, when it concerns the Bible, the BOM and the DOC and the POGP are trash. If you don’t know the acronymns I will be happy to explain it.
However, They, on a whole, are upright citizens. They believe in family values more than most that call themselves “Christians”, and are more dedicated to their cause than most of the supposed conservatives I have been around. I am glad to debate with them, discourage them from what they believe, but always in a nice way.
But if anyone thinks that i will vote for a fascist-islamist over mitt romney, or hold my nose and not vote, you must be kidding.
I will not defend mormanism, for what they believe, but most of them I have met have been upstanding citizens. Which is more than I can say for most of the idiots that are allowed to vote.
I will vote for Romney. The rest of u can just not vote and let the islamic fascist to have another four years.
Blessings, Bobo
Standing up for the rights of Mormons to believe what they want, but also serving as a warning to Christians about the differences in order to avoid being deceived about the true doctrines of Mormonism.
I only wish I had this kind of information before I became a Mormon.
//Signed//
An ex-Mormon
Who says Lds, Inc. doesn't impose its beliefs on little Mormons, big Mormons, and would-be Mormons?
Circa 1999:
”…in the Lord’s Church there is no such thing as a ‘loyal opposition.’ One is either for the kingdom of God and stands in defense of God’s prophets and apostles, or one stands opposed” (Lds “apostle” M. Russell Ballard, “Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers,” Ensign – Conference Ed., Nov. 1999 p 64)
[No disagreement tolerated. You cannot speak vs. a Mormon leader…you must, robot-like, be in 100% conformity!!! Elsewise you are deemed “disloyal”]
Circa 1984:
“No true Latter-day Saint will ever take a stand that is in opposition to what the Lord has revealed to those who direct the affairs of his earthly kingdom. No Latter-day Saint who is true and faithful in all things will ever pursue a course, or espouse a cause, or publish an article or book that weakens or destroys faith.” (Lds "apostle" Bruce R. McConkie, Conference Report, October 1984, p. 104)
Ah, such "fragile faith" -- IF EVERY single article or book content needs to go through a legalistic filter of how it's going to potentially effect the end-user -- the reader -- re: if it might be perceived as "weakening" a challenged faith!!!
Circa 1979:
"I would like to tell you something about the way the Church operates from headquarters. We often hear the Church referred to as a democracy, when in reality, instead of being a church where the body is governed by officers elected by the members, the Church is a THEOCRACY..." (First President Lds N. Eldon Tanner, "The Administration of the Church," Ensign (Conference edition) Nov. 1979 p. 42
Well, that makes ya wonder who would occasionally call ultimate shots if a Mormon was in the White House, doesn't it?
Circa 1978-1979:
“Recently, at the Churchwide fireside meeting held for the women of the Church, Young Women President Elaine Cannon made the following statement: ‘When the Prophet speaks…the debate is over (Ensign, Nov.1978, p. 108). I was impressed by that simple statement, which carries such deep spiritual meaning for all of us. Wherever I go, my message to the people is: Follow the Prophet” {First President N. Eldon Tanner, “The Debate is Over,” Ensign, August 1979 p. 2)
For the true Christian, wherever we go, we say, “Follow the Lord Jesus Christ as a disciple of Him” -- not a mere Salt-Lake City-based man [who MUST reside in the Salt Lake City area!]. Our message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how He came to earth as an ever-living God-man – the ONLY SON of God who bodes no pre-existent brother rivals, died for our personal sins, and was raised to the same glory He shared with the Father before all was (John 17:5).
Circa 1963:
"'The holy Priesthood is a system of laws and government that is pure and holy;...' (JD7:202) - 'a perfect law of THEOCRACY.' (Joseph Smith's Teachings, p. 322)" (As cited by William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Conference Reports October 1963, p. 28)
Circa 1960, citing an earlier Lds time as well:
"President Heber J. Grant once said, 'Always keep your eye on the President of the church, and if he ever tells you to do anything, even if it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it…” (quoted by First President Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, October 1960, p. 78).
Circa 1945: "He [Lucifer] wins a great victory when he can get members of the Church to speak against the leaders and do 'their own thinking.' He specializes in suggesting that our leaders are in error while he plays the blinding rays of apostasy in the eyes of those whom he beguiles. What cunning! And to think that some of our members are deceived by this trickery...WHEN OUR LEADERS SPEAK, THE THINKING HAS BEEN DONE. (Spoken @ a convention of Lds teachers: Ward Teachers Message, Improvement Era, June 1945 p. 354)
Circa 1900: "We sustain President Lorenzo Snow as the mouthpiece of God. Therefore, when he has anything to say to us as the mind and will of the Lord, it is just as binding upon us as if God spake personally to us” (Abraham O. Woodruff, Conference Reports, April 1899 p. 7)
[Ah, forced feeding like little children]
Christianity has to be the stupidest pack of lies.
That's great!!!!!!!!!!!
Christianity has to be the stupidest pack of lies.
always good to have a sense of humor around here!
(Please note: This was posted in the Religion Forum)
They, on a whole...believe in family values more than most that call themselves “Christians”, and are more dedicated to their cause than most of the supposed conservatives I have been around
You know it's quite funny...A LOT of posters hint that we -- in posting about the individual Mitt Romney -- should largely ignore the corporate Mormonism he is a part of.
But then posters like you come along -- and highlight the corporate Mormons -- asking me (in essence) to ignore the individual Mitt Romney.
What do I mean exactly?
Well, Mitt Romney was making pro-abortion kinds of statements 12 months into his first POTUS campaign and over three years after a so-called "pro-life 'conversion'." Sorry...Bobo...but abortion and touting it isn't exactly a "family value." Right?
And -- if people want me to evaluate Mitt Romney based upon who Mitt Romney is -- then why do they suddenly switch eval filters and start conveying that we should evaluate Mitt Romney upon the pro-life/pro-family beliefs of other Mormons ... who don't represent Mitt Romney's views of the womb?
Me? I think we can weigh how a subculture has influenced a POTUS candidate...I just think it's kinda "funny" that I get hit from both angles...don't eval corporate Mormonism...just individual Mitt...and then you come along and do the opposite...don't eval individual Mitt...just corporate Mormonism!
(Because...I have really YET to see ONE SOLID PRO-FAMILY PROMO of Mitt Romney based upon his political track record, which was horrid "pro-family" wise in MA from 1994-2006!)
Funny, isn't it? Here ya think there might be a few "pro-family" types on a forum like FR...and how that might actually appeal to them -- IF it was true of Romney (which it isn't)...and hence...about the ONLY arguments you get for voting for Romney is fear-mongering about Obama...
The "ABOs" are REALLY the "FMA" -- the Fear-Mongers of America!
I agree with you 100%.
(You didn’t “loan out” your password, did ya?)
Argue as much as you want. I am opposed also. I was appreciate being in a country that I can do so.
Will not do it in a country controlled by islamic fascists like obama.
If you want a private debate about the virtues of mormanism, I will probably be on your side and probably know more than you.
You have to divide the political from the religious. mormans are allowed an identity in the US. I do not believe that islam does.
Get tired of people that cannot distinguish between the two.
Blessings, Bobo
And I do believe in “Blessings” Greg
\
Thanks for your reply. I like talking to people that have common sense.
Blessings to you!
Bobo
Argue as much as you want. I am opposed also. I was appreciate being in a country that I can do so.
Will not do it in a country controlled by islamic fascists like obama.
If you want a private debate about the virtues of mormanism, I will probably be on your side and probably know more than you.
“You have to divide the political from the religious. mormans are allowed an identity in the US. I do not believe that islam does.
Get tired of people that cannot distinguish between the two.
Blessings, Bobo
And I do believe in “Blessings” Greg”
Well said Greg. Excellent post.
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