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Is Mormonism Christian? A Comparison of Mormonism and Historic Christianity
Institute for Religious Research ^ | 2012

Posted on 06/19/2012 12:39:12 PM PDT by Colofornian

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From the article: 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.

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)

1 posted on 06/19/2012 12:39:22 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian

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.


2 posted on 06/19/2012 12:49:24 PM PDT by VanDeKoik (If case you are wondering, I'm STILL supporting Newt.)
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To: Colofornian

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?


3 posted on 06/19/2012 12:50:23 PM PDT by RC2 (Buy American and support the Wounded Warrior Project whenever possible.)
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To: RC2

Haven’t you heard? CoJCoLDS is “The Other”.


4 posted on 06/19/2012 12:54:47 PM PDT by 1raider1
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To: RC2
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?

#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?

5 posted on 06/19/2012 1:01:29 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian

6 posted on 06/19/2012 1:08:06 PM PDT by frankenMonkey (This tagline for rent. Inquire within.)
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To: Colofornian

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


7 posted on 06/19/2012 1:10:04 PM PDT by bobo1
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To: RC2
The article is clear in distinguishing the doctrinal differences between Christianity and Mormonism. Reinforces that Mormons are good people, etc.

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

8 posted on 06/19/2012 1:13:17 PM PDT by SZonian (Throwing our allegiances to political party's in the long run gave away our liberty.)
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To: VanDeKoik; All
But as long as they aren’t imposing any of their beliefs on others...

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]

9 posted on 06/19/2012 1:14:38 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian

Christianity has to be the stupidest pack of lies.


10 posted on 06/19/2012 1:16:04 PM PDT by Vendome (Don't take life so seriously, you won't live thnrough it anyway)
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To: frankenMonkey
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's great!!!!!!!!!!!

11 posted on 06/19/2012 1:16:04 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian

Christianity has to be the stupidest pack of lies.


12 posted on 06/19/2012 1:16:38 PM PDT by Vendome (Don't take life so seriously, you won't live thnrough it anyway)
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To: Colofornian

always good to have a sense of humor around here!


13 posted on 06/19/2012 1:24:20 PM PDT by frankenMonkey (This tagline for rent. Inquire within.)
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To: bobo1
The problem that I have with posting in a political forum...

(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!

14 posted on 06/19/2012 1:29:03 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: bobo1

I agree with you 100%.


15 posted on 06/19/2012 1:31:09 PM PDT by timeflies
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To: Vendome

(You didn’t “loan out” your password, did ya?)


16 posted on 06/19/2012 1:31:09 PM PDT by Colofornian
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To: Colofornian

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
\


17 posted on 06/19/2012 1:31:40 PM PDT by bobo1
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To: timeflies

Thanks for your reply. I like talking to people that have common sense.

Blessings to you!

Bobo


18 posted on 06/19/2012 1:38:48 PM PDT by bobo1
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To: bobo1

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.


19 posted on 06/19/2012 1:41:06 PM PDT by Parley Baer
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To: RC2
.


Point-1 : Mormonism is "not" Christianity ....


Point-2 : Mormonism's founder ... Joseph Smith believed in the trasonous overthrow of the U.S. Constitution ... to be replaced with a Theocracy ...

otherwise known as "treason" ...


Point-3 : Mormonism's founder ... Joseph Smith called himself the "Second Mohammed" ... to DESTROY Christianity ...


Point-4 : Myth Romney ... the self-proclaimed MORMON "Celestial God-Child from Planet Kolob" ... worships the same (above) Joseph Smith ...




Ergo ... Myth Romney's spiritual ADORATION of the same (murderous and lying) Joseph Smith is ...

"fair game" ...



.
20 posted on 06/19/2012 1:44:04 PM PDT by Patton@Bastogne (Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin will DEFEAT the Obama-Romney Socialist Gay-Marriage Axis of Evil)
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